New work : The Adolescence of the Greenman , graphite , watercolor and gouache highlights , 15 by 19”
This is a redrawing of a GreenKnight from 2015 which I felt warranted revisiting .
The Adolescence of the Greenman , 2024, graphite , watercolor and gouache highlights , 15 by 19”
Various new details :
the Greenman’s faun heralds his initial venturing out into the wider world
detail, faun
his sylvan mentor looking on nervously
The wider world broad and distant , inspired ( as so many of my landscapes are ) by a Victorian cork piece that hangs across from my drawing table . I am frequently transported to lands of fancy by this piece of charming folkart .
The symbolic weaving on the horse’s robe predict the Gawain and GreenKnight narrative , the green knight’s beheading, the Queen’s seductive power , the abandoned chapel.
As I mentioned above this is a revisiting of an earlier work also inspired by the Gawain/Green Knight narrative, this one from 2015.
The Green Knight 2015 watercolor on paper 11 by 1 inches
Ultimately this will be a highly finished oil painting on panel , but for now , a finished drawing .
🐞☘️🍄🟫🦔🐛🌳🌱🪵🪺🍄
The Adolescence of the Greenman , 2024, graphite , watercolor and gouache highlights , 15 by 19”
Detail: The Temptation of Christ in the Desert of Lovelessness, 2024
New work : “The Temptation of Christ in the Desert of Lovelessness”, graphite , colored pencil , gouache on toned paper , 18 by 24 inches .
The Temptation of Christ in the Desert of Lovelessness 2024 graphite and gouache on toned paper 18 by 24 inches
In this drawing I’m depicting the forty days Christ spent fasting in the desert . Satan, attempting to break Christ offers the world and her delights ( far background detail ) and confronting the fasting Christ taunts him with a rock , daring him to “tell these stones to turn into loaves “ (Mt 4:3). Christ being the bread and wine of salvation easily turns his back upon such nonsense ( the Eucharist and vine), vanquishing the Tempter . The desert in this drawing is of desolation and death awaiting the promised redemption .
Worldly emptiness, Vanities exposed, the gloss of despair; Christ rejecting such nonsense .Detail , Satan with his rejected temptation.
The Preaching of Saint John the Baptist
2023
Graphite and watercolor on illustration board
15 by 20 inches
The detail shot captures what I love best in other works , especially Northern works , complicated narrative landscapes, in this case the decay of the Empire and its ultimate collapse once Christendom is established.
DetailDetail
Inspired in part by a recent editorial piece by the NYT’s Ross Douthat, who in defending Traditionalist Catholicsm he cited our present cultural situation this way: “our decadent culture, our depressing post-Dionysian world”. I confess I frequently agree with him. To read the article in full:
I am thinking of this drawing translated into a panel painting, in oil, but I want to refine the Baptist, I like him in the drawing but less so in oil.
The Preaching of Saint John the Baptist 2023 Graphite and watercolor on illustration board 15 by 20 inches
My intention was to have this drawing finished for last Sunday, the Easter Sunday I celebrate but alas I wasn’t able to finish in time.
My drawing board last week, Easter Sunday
Instead, now completed, it will commemorate Orthodox Easter, a celebration I favor anyway for its solemnity (and general absence of bunnies). My intention with this drawing was to integrate my Christian faith with the old gods, the Greenmen and earth spirits that I revere in near equal measure. Greenmen of course our hard to resist , I doodle them aimlessly, I have them painted on my walls and on my ceilings,
Artist’s home decoration
and I turn to them time and again (and they seem in to turn to me) . Just the other morning, from one of my numerous monarchial email updates, I received an “invitation” to Charles III upcoming coronation. Its design is charming, traditional yet bright and optimistic, a cheerful herald to this new Carolean Age ( may it be splendid and hopeful). The design not only delighted me but inspired with its Greenman theme.
To add further inspiration, walking home from church during Holy Week I noticed for the first time these foliate faced fellows peering down at me. Greenmen it would be then, the perfect symbol of the Earth rejoicing .
detail Greenman(He has Risen) & All the Earth Rejoices 2023 Graphite and colored pencil , gouache on illustration board 15 by 30 inches
I was further inspired by the earth’s awakening here in Chicago. It is still barren for the most part, but tender shoots are appearing ; the daffodils have been in bloom for some time and the tulips are gathering their courage. It is that period of opposites, fresh blossoms popping from the bones of autumn, of vivid chartreuse and dull earth- dull, cracked and crazed earth, broken by the vitality just beneath the surface.
If Man is by nature a maker of patterns, he learns that art by Nature herself, I hoped to capture that in this detail.
detail
And that is that. Happy Easter to my Orthodox sister and her family , to my Orthodox friends and in general, happy spring and all that new beginnings offer.
(He has Risen) & All the Earth Rejoices 2023 Graphite and colored pencil , gouache on illustration board 15 by 30 inches
Six Weeks in Nowhereville 2023 Graphite, gouache, ink on toned illustration board 15 by 19 inches
New work on paper , just off the drawing board. Inspired in part by our bumpy ride from LA to Chicago, the final move of all our worldly goods in a bladder destroying rented truck. From our high perch (which is cool, the big rig-ness of it all) David, Viola and yours truly drove through some majestic landscapes. However the bleak desert landscape between LA and Las Vegas has proven the most inspiring .
Forget the imperial mountainscapes frosted in white, the red stone canyons, the luminous sunsets (and rises) , what seeped into my brain (and pencil) were ice cream cone shaped stands, forlorn and abandoned in the sands, galleons left adrift amongst the chaparral , and the countless “Jackrabbit” shacks/homesteads, built with such enthusiasm and abandoned with such a heavy heart. Neon glitz and sham popped up like unwholesome mushrooms we approached Los Vegas. From my bumpy perch I made short handed doodle-notes which trigger memory and move my pencil along.
Doodle note from our cross country move from LA to Chicago, Summer 2022Detail: Six Weeks in NowherevilleDetail :Six Weeks in Nowhereville
The following, an album from that four day trip, late July, early August 2023, I think the quick snapshots convey the nihilistic neon of this fascinating wasteland:
I wasn’t able to capture these peculiar and abandoned ice cream shops, but a google search revealed their history.
From bumpy rental truck to comfy home studio.
Jiminy MuerteSix Weeks in Nowhereville 2023 Graphite, gouache, ink on toned illustration board 15 by 19 inches
The following images are of available art that I have discounted for my upcoming studio sale; generally about half of the regular studio price-some even more deeply discounted due to storage and shipping concerns.
My moving sale will be Saturday July 16th, I would love to see folks in person. If you cannot make it certainly reach out to me (cell 310-498-0817) and we can make arrangements . Payment plans considered, my aim is finding new collectors and good homes for my work. Reach out should you have any questions. Sorry to say , pick up only, I am not available to offer shipping right now.
With that in mind, thanks for considering my work.
The Temptation of Saint Anthony of the Desert 2013 oil on canvas 36 by 48 inches
This is my first of many Temptations, Anthony is a self portrait. Originally listed at $3500.00 now available at $2150.00 (unless my husband asks me to keep it ).
The Apotheosis of Sophia 2014 Oil on panel 24 by 18
Originally listed at $2100.00, now $1250.00 SOLD
The Presentation at the Temple 2014 oil on canvas 40 by 30 inches
Originally listed at $1600.00, now $450.00
The Resurrection of the Father (watercolor) 2013 watercolor on paper, framed, under glass 18 by 24 inches, unframed dimensions
One of the earliest Popol Vuh works, originally listed at $2400.00, now $800.00, handsomely matted and framed.
Icarus 2013 Watercolor on paper 18 by 24 inches, unframed dimensions
Icarus is handsomely matted and framed, was $1800.00, now $400.00/SOLD
Resurrection of the Father (oil) 2013 oil on canvas 40 by 50 inches
Large, striking canvas of the Hero Twins,originally $3200.00, now sharply reduced for swift sale $500.00
Castration of Uranus 2015 Watercolor and graphite on paper 11 by 14, unframed dimensions; matted and framed
Definitely NSF , also nicely matted and framed (I keep framers busy), was $1800.00, now $500.00/SOLD
Patroclus Fallen 2013 or so Pencil on paper 23 by 29 matted and framed
Again, handsome presentation suitable to a Homeric hero, matted and framed, was $1100.00, now $350.00/SOLD
The Anointing 2015 acrylic on paper 20 by 28 inches
My Hero Twins are also nicely matted and framed and attractively priced, originally $1600.00, now available for collecting $750.00/SOLD
Herakles & Telephos 2015 watercolor and graphite on paper 12 by 9 inches, the unframed dimensions
I really like the framing and matting on this work, a playful pink matting adds just the right over the top touch for a mighty macho fellow. Was $1600.00, now $800.00
Jumping Tlaloc 2015 or so acrylic painted cardboard, brads, twine. The size of a small man
Of a series of oversized jumping paper dolls, pull his string, he does a little jig. He is a little shop worn (he is cardboard, his right hand slightly wrinkled). He was $500.00, now $150.00
Lavinia 2015 acrylic on canvas 20 by 16 inches
Lavinia and Second Apparition below were part of a series depicting favorite scenes from Shakespeare’s dramas (Titus Andronicus and Macbeth).
Lavinia was $800.00, now $400.00
The Second Apparition (of Macbeth) 2015 acrylic on canvas 20 by 16 inches
This scene from Macbeth priced as above, was $800.00, now $400.00
Coatlicue 2013 oil on canvas 36 by 24 inches
One of my early Mesoamerican themed paintings, Coatlicue the mother of the war god Huitzilopotchtli, frequently compared to the Virgin Mary of the Aztec pantheon. Originally inspired by a dream, initially listed at $1600.00, now $450.00 SOLD
The Great War God Huitzilopochtli 2015 oil on canvas 12 by 8 inches
Speaking of the Great War God Huitzilopochtli. this small but mighty painting is a fitting companion to the fiery Madonna and Child above. Was $900.00, now listed at $450.00 SOLD
Strange Fruit (Popol vuh series) 2013 or so oil on canvas 30 by 20 inches
Early work exploring the mysteries of the Popol Vuh, was $1600.00, now $400.00/SOLD
The First Popol Vuh 2013 mixed media 24 by 36 inches
The very first of what would be many Popol Vuh works, of Hero Twins, Death Gods, Xibalba the Maya Underworld, martyred Maize Gods, this a theatrical mixed media spectacle . Never before listed let alone shown, lets say $400.00
Philoctotes date unknown oil study on cardboard 24 by 18 inches
I have quite a few studies and daubs such as Philoctotesabove, most priced at $75.00 or so. I also have quite a few drawings and studies for browsing and most likely gifting.
I hope to see you there, again, the date is Saturday, July 16th, 2022, between 11 am and 3 pm at my studio, 6404 Wilshire Blvd., suite 1030 (not far west from LACMA). The building is locked most of Saturday so give me a ring at 310-498-0817 and I can let you in. I can let you in for parking as well.
There comes a point that an artist just needs room, and storing works gets rather expensive, with that in mind I felt it time to actively try to offer my work to potential collectors. The link below will allow you to browse oil paintings, watercolor paintings, acrylic paintings, drawings, soft sculpted Stuffed Paintings-I will post more as I go through my files.
If you have any questions or requests for works not shown please don’t hesitate to contact me directly at neobaroque@mac.com, I’d be happy to chat with you.
LG
Link can be found on side bar under Available Work and here:
I’m very pleased that two of my favorite and decidedly not “family friendly” paintings have been included in this exciting group show curated by the talented Gwen Freeman.
Show details follow:
“Family Friendly” is a loaded phrase for those who do not conform to the hetero-normative model–the paradigm often described as “normal,” “just regular,” or “traditional.”
This phrase, “family friendly” can be interpreted by the LGBTQ community as code for “not including me.”
But, of course, gay, lesbian, transgender, non-gendered, gender-fluid, cross-dressing and queer people are very much a part of families all around the world.
This exhibit seeks to explore that fact, and to celebrate a broader more inclusive definition of family.
PARTICIPATING ARTISTS:
Joanne Chase Matillo * Natalie Egnatchik * Michael Frey * Leonard Greco * Kerry Thorne
CURATOR:
Gwen Freeman
LOCATION:
The AAC Blue Wall Alcove @ Ave. 50 Studio
131 N. Avenue 50, Los Angeles, CA 90042
EXHIBITION DATES:
February 10 – March 3, 2018
OPENING RECEPTION:
Saturday, February 10, 2018, 7 -10pm
Herakles & Telephos 2015 watecolor on paper 12 by 9 inchesThe Castration of Uranus 2015 watercolor on paper 11 by 14 inches
Detail from “My Insignificance is Magnificent”, 2016, watercolor on paper
At this stage of my life, off center of a century, I am grappling with ways in which to express my “being-ness”. Unable to avoid the “who am I” question any longer, I find myself, as a visual artists reaching beyond my usual studio practice of oil painting into diverse disciplines including figures in the round. The figures are essentially dolls, and are fashioned by fully embracing the pre-conceived sissy element of this art.
It is in this extension of my practice that I am exploring, at this late stage, my identity as a queer and terrified man; the specter of the pansy boy I was, being given new voice in my latest ongoing project “Fairyland”. It is in this new series of projects , where paint, needle and thread give expression and validation to a long suppressed self loathing.
The very name “Fairyland”, a word once delivered with bloody blows, transcends beyond with a message of empathy, compassion. pride, and I hope, humor. Reclaiming the fairy has been empowering. The art I attempt to create is intended to express the spirit of furtive repression breaking free.
Detail from “The Doomed Amphinomos”, 2012, colored pencil on paper
It has been a rough week for my ego, starting on Monday with the withering appraisal of some gym bunnies . I was washing up after my work out and I could just feel their chilly disdain for this goofy, ill-dressed, scrawny, not very fit fellow. I felt ridiculously ashamed and wanted to rush out; but instead , this phrase popped into my head, “my insignificance is magnificent”. So I went back to my dainty, silly bicep curls, finished my work out and then proceeded to the studio to work on this little painting. In between painting, school and life, I felt buffeted by life’s indifference: I received several rejections for juried entries that I had hoped to be included in, frankly a benign snarky comment at school that stung nonetheless and the usual brutal election year antagonism on FB …that and just recognizing my own limitations artistically which is humbling. But instead of sinking into my usual depressive funk I instead went to work on this painting. Perhaps it isn’t particularly good but the mantra “my insignificance is magnificent ” was helpful.
🍄🟫🦔🐛🌳🌱🪵🪺🍄
Boondocks Babylon 