Artful excuses

This is coming about a month later than I intended (but now with more art!) I had every intention of sending out an update in early April. Two notable things prevented this: 1) the sudden purchase, inspections, cleanup stipulations and required repairs of my dad’s property in late March (with escrow hopefully closing before Friday); and 2) me getting Covid in early April, after three years of successfully avoiding it. Although it came and went, the effects linger on, and I still don’t feel I’m at 100%.

Before I realized that’s what I had, I misread a submission deadline for an OSIRIS-REx themed publication, and started the piece above. I then realized I’d already missed the deadline due to Covid-brain (which is definitely a thing), and it turned into a “for the fun of it” project. (Side note: I enjoy making space not-black, it’s becoming a thing.)

Other things I’ve completed in March-April include:

This piece began mannny months ago, and I finally finished it, after restarting it 2-3 times and shifting textures and techniques. (Verrrry sick of it by the time I was done, just starting to like it again lol.)

The exciting (if brief) integrated launch test of SpaceX Starship and Super Heavy booster on April 20 has been particularly inspiring, and I’m in the middle of four (was five) Starship pieces at present. Started and finished #5 last Thursday, maybe I’ll work on them in reverse order?

This painting was inspired by an exceptional photo by Trevor Mahlmann, which dropped as I was literally starting Starship painting #4. (Apparently I have Starship-induced ADHD.) Check out a video of this piece, showing the pearlescent paints used on the exhaust. I am offering a limited run of prints on much nicer paper; although my standard prints are printed on archival stock, this Hahnemühle cotton rag is a whole other level.

I hope to update you all again soon, with more art and a longer post. Until then, enjoy the spring weather (or fall, if you’re on that half of the globe), and keep looking up!