I've always worked within series to a degree, but much more purposefully as of late. Since the beginning of the Pandemic Paintings it seems like one-offs, something I used to do regularly, are a bit less frequent. From Natural Remedy and the multiple miniseries within that collection to the (planned) portrait series, to Rest itself, it seems like my ideas lately have come in pairs, if not trios or even dozens. Much like my paintings, I don't usually set out with the plan to make a series of any particular scale, but after the first painting is finished, there's a drive to do more; a feeling that lacks finality; the compulsion that there's more left in the well of said concept.

The Rest series started as one of the Pandemic Paintings but it left an impression all its own that kept me coming back to this painting in particular. While all the pandemic paintings were exploring ideas of isolation, meditation, and a sense-of or loss-of self, Rest seemed more confident in its wonder and tranquility. 

Where other paintings from the series always had a tension between figures, the viewer and/or landscape, Rest was more focused on the idea of oneself being enveloped in those surroundings, unconcerned or unaware of the other figures in the scene.

In Rest, the figures are calm, but I'm unsure if that serenity is from comfort or acceptance; thoughtfulness or thoughtlessness; awareness or ignorance. 

Sometimes we block out the things around us and work at finding peace. Sometimes we release our attempt at control and find peace amongst the chaos. Sometimes you're just sinking into the couch without a thought either way, but it doesn't really matter.

The Rest series is about these moments. Moments where you find peace within yourself and your surroundings, sometimes in spite of yourself and your surroundings, and sometimes with the help of both.

The Rest series is currently on view at the private gallery in the University Club Tower. Each painting is available for purchase through the gallery until the end of the show.

Contact me today for details and options.

As usual, I didn't start this painting with anything too specific in mind. Obviously flowers and nature have been on the brain due to the upcoming "Natural Remedy" show, but other than that the only "goal" for this one was to be a bit more painterly with it. 

Less drawing, less stillness; more energy and life. 

I think that was well accomplished, but unexpected current events playing out nearly at the same time as I finished the painting infused it with something a bit deeper; the battle for life. 

About two weeks ago an unprecedented attack occurred. Countless lives were lost in unimaginably horrific ways which has led to even more violence that continues, if not increasing daily. 

We all have our own trials and tribulations but largely, in the United States at least, our lives are not at constant risk. Yes there are issues, some more serious than others, but most Americans don't have to fight to survive on a daily basis. We've created a fairly stable environment where life's choices are more about what to fill our time with rather than what we'll do to survive. This painting, especially after learning about the events unfolding around the world, represents the battles of life; aggression, self-preservation, cooperation, and yes, death. It's a reminder that the beauty of life often requires some kind of sacrifice, whether personal, communal or forced upon another. This is not meant as a defense of any violence in any way shape or form, but an acknowledgement of the reality of living in a conflicted world which some of us can all too easily ignore.