Category: oil painting

Labor’s Reward

I recently finished a decorative project for a certain blond mega pop star who everyone pretty much knows; as glamorous as all that may be, I really did not want the project. I do however hold her designer in high esteem and count him a a friend ; PLUS money is nice.  Money is really nice for buying oneself gifts. I have been itching for a press and I now have one.

Some fellows, when they have a mid life crisis buy a flashy car ; I buy a printing press, but is absolutely testosterone driven.

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 Press source

The work station is pretty fantastic gift as well, a birthday gift from the spouse man, welded steel, capable of supporting 3000 lbs, overkill, as the press is under 200 pounds, but again, testosterone driven on very  impressive wheels.

Source Uline : source

This press actually intimidated me a bit, and my chum the talented artist Deborah Lambert graciously walked me through the process; incredibly simple and it works like a dream, the following is an afternoon’s leisurely output.

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The relief print I worked on this afternoon was inspired by Flaubert’s The Temptation of St. Anthony, in one scene the poor beleaguered anchorite is tormented by Lust and Death,  representing the eternal circle of life.

I really love that idea, without Lust , Death cannot be fed, they need one another.

So hence , Lust und Tod.

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 Lust und Tod

2014

relief print on mulberry paper

9 by 12 inches

I have not been posting because I have been working on a large painting, once again dealing with life, death and salvation, apparently I never tire of the theme. As much as I love printmaking, painting gives me the greatest joy. I have existential angst at times as my prints are well received and my paintings, well, not so much. I may in fact not be terribly good, my landlady told me frankly I shouldn’t bother with paintings, focus on printmaking. I know she means well, though it did indeed sting; but the fact is I love painting. So good or bad, well received or not, I continue my practice. the following is a detail.

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be well, Lg

The Hero Twins Emerge Again

Yesterday in between a job and printmaking class I sketched in a new painting. My friend, the influential artist  Judithe Hernandez (http://www.judithehernandez.com) suggested I paint my recent Primavera on a larger scale, perhaps in grissaile.

As I respect her immensely, I’m doing just that.

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The original painting is far smaller, the new painting will be altered a bit and will be diptych .

The original Primavera follows:
Greco_Primavera-watercolor copy

I must finish another (paying!) project first, but while the passion burns I was  eager to put pencil to canvas.

LG

Slaying Humbaba in a limited palette

I just finished a small oil painting, once again returning to a favorite pair of heroes, Gilgamesh and the wild man Enkidu.

And once again returning to their slaying of the hapless Humbaba, poor Humbaba.

IMG_5107Slaying Humbaba (in a limited palette)

2014

oil on canvas

16 by 20 inches

I initially worked with this theme after having read the Mitchell translation of Gilgamesh (some of the sexiest passages around, quite steamy). Initially I worked out a composition based upon a Syrian relief panel from the 10th cent, translating the basalt panel  into an  intaglio plate.

img_3462this being the inspiration,

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I’ve enjoyed the progression of this composition, working and reworking trinities. But now I must get back to  my OTHER Hero Twin and string my marionettes of them  as I want to make a little film. Wish me luck.

Until next time,

be well,

Lg

Sophia, the Apotheosis of…

I have been reading several books concerning gnosticism, schisms and the early church fathers. Most are academic but piece of fiction has been a great pleasure,Flaubert’s monumental The Temptation of St. Anthony. The edition I have has a very handy glossary which has made this mad jumble of opinion/characters/branches somewhat manageable.

That said I do not suggest that I understand fully all the various manifestation of gnosis. But one manifestation of the Supreme One, the aeon Sophia (wisdom) is of particular interest. My understanding is that she is the mother of Zoe (life) who brought light to Adam who apparently lacked a spiritual spark. I’ve attempted to depict that seminal moment in my painting Gnosis…and the Old Gods Were Pleased.  Link to that painting: HERE

This painting is an icon of the blessed Sophia, mother of wisdom and truth.

I like the idea of focusing upon being an icon painter to the Old Gods.

IMG_4854Sophia, the Apotheosis of…

2014

oil on panel

18 by 24 inches

My interest in gnosticism was sparked by a BBC-In Our Time podcast; I had skimmed over some Elaine Pagels books off and on, but this short podcast brought clarity to a perplexing and fascinating subject. I’m addicted to the In Our Time series,  it has become a constant studio companion. If interested you should listen to the following link HERE.

A bit of good news fell in my direction this week, on my way to yoga I popped into a gallery with some wonderful paintings, work that I really related to on a visceral level. Chatting with the proprietor of the gallery was very pleasant and informative, I exchanged cards which I feared presumptuous. But happily he emailed me the next day to schedule a studio visit. That was quite exhilarating and the wonderful news is that  he would like to include me in some upcoming shows he has planned.

The Old Gods must be pleased with my icons to bestow such good tidings.

Namaste,

Lg

eye in hand

 

 

Nincompoopery

I’ve just finished a silly little painting and from the looks of it I have been listening to Kurt Weill to often.

I started this painting several years ago, then I  moved, it was stashed  away unfinished only to be rediscovered a few weeks ago. I decided to give it a second chance. Initially I was inspired to dash off a quick painting to depict the frank annoyance I had felt at an opening I had attended. If there  ever  was an Emperor-hasn’t- any-clothes moment , that opening was it. Sycophants galore gushing over ridiculousness- a  filthy mattress suspended from the ceiling strewn with red lights. Subtle as a train wreck but not as engaging. This painting was my response to such nincompoopery and as nincompoopery is alive and well still fun to paint .

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Nincompoopery

2014

oil on canvas board 20 by 24 inches

Namaste

 

A Day’s Work

Nicolas Poussin once said, when comparing himself  unfavorably to the hyper  manic Carravagio, that he felt his day had been productive if he painted one face. I often feel  that way as well. If today’s accomplishment is any indication, I emulate my beloved Poussin.

Below is a detail of an oil painting I am now working on. 

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unfinished detail of a larger composition

As I paint, the pugs rest, Viola standing guard atop a UPS delivery. If being a painter is tough, being a painter’s dog is tougher.

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Getting ready for date night with the spouse, Thai  for dinner then “Noah” which releases today.

Have a great weekend, be well,

Lg

Postscript: for my friend Richard, an update on “Noah”. Well worth seeing, big mythic spectacle. We saw it at the Sunset Blvd. Arclight where they often have actual costumes, sets, props etc. on display in the lobby. The following is the costume of Noah’s nemesis Tubal-Cain. Thought you mike like the jewelry designs. 

tubal cain

tubal -cain-detail

and Noah’s costume

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Presentation at the Temple

Moments ago I finished a painting I had hoped to have finished by  Feb. 2nd, the Feast Day of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple. In my ongoing desire to be the pagan icon painter I present my own Presentation-a few weeks off.

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Presentation at the Temple

2014

oil on canvas

30 by 40 inches

My presentation includes the Meso-Aztec  Holy Trinity : Coatlicue-She of the Skirt of Serpents, her son, the war-sun god Huitzilopochtli and a mendicant rain god Tlolac ( pretentiously and ridiculously appointed by yours truly,Pope O’Nonesense, as Protector of LA).

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Tlaloc detail, Patron of Los Angeles-it is supposed to rain today, praise be to Tlaloc.

It is always delightful to finish a painting-I want a nap now but work awaits.

Until next time,

be well, Lg

No Nudity in the City of Encinitas

I had submitted my painting Gnosis…and the Old Gods Were Pleased to a juried show celebrating women.

Last evening I received the nicest rejection notice.

Although the jurors “loved the piece” it was to excluded because “after a review by the city, they felt the nudity in the piece would not be appropriate for the venue”.

The fellow assigned to this unpleasant task could not have been more diplomatic or supportive, but I am a bit stunned. Really?

Nudity isn’t “appropriate”?

In 2014?

In southern California? This isn’t Selma.

I’m incredulous. I offered to paste on fig leaves, only half joking.

Anyway, my solution is to draw more junk.

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detail of the the painting which follows.

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Gnosis …and the Old Gods Were Pleased

oil on canvas

2014

Disappointing, but oh well, that is what yoga is for.

Namaste (bitches),

Lg

The Old Gods

In between other paintings and relief prints (once again  I am trying my hand at that elusive medium), in between such endeavors, I’m working out a large painting.

I’ve posted on this painting before at this link, but I am now at the stage of fussing with details and working out negative shapes and placement. Funny how I rely upon the skills I honed as a decorative mural painting. What seemed so perfect on a scaled drawing is just a wee bit off when faced with the actual , rather large canvas-56 by 40 inches.

Briefly the painting deals with the old gods reclaiming their positions, toppling the false envious demiurge Yaldabaoth (Yahwah). I’ve been working out the details of each and it has been a great deal of fun.

As posted previously:

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Preparatory  sketch of Tlaloc, She of the Serpent Skirt and  the Feathered Serpent

Placement is critical and I have been poring over Poussin’s excellent examples for inspiration but in the end heeding my own intuition.

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further drawings follow:

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The Maize God

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The Hero Twins-one version

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another version for another project-I really like these fellows

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My sanctimonious Abrahamic god  the embodiment of the apostolic church, soon to be toppled ; do I have  just a wee bit of vitriol for the god of Leviticus or what?

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for no apparent reason, a Meso-Herakles.

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Placement so far, I have a few more figures to add so placement is a crucial, I feel a bit like Cecil B.DeMille.

But onward.

Until next time, be well,

Lg