Since the holidays will be here shortly, I thought it would be nice to remind you that if you would like me to paint an original portrait as a gift for your loved ones, now is the time to commission it in order to have it finished by Christmas.
Read MoreThe "artistic approach" explains my profound motivations and what I am working towards. In addition, it demonstrates the originality of my work, i.e. that distinguishes me from other artists.
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Money. It creates a power dynamic in relationships. And it's not necessarily a balance of power. In fact, it is sometimes a flat out misdirected use of power. And it stinks.
Recently, I was reacquainted with a gentleman ranking high in the financial realm who purchased one of my bridge paintings. A repeat customer, he had commissioned me several years ago to create a large scale oil of one of my bridges. I was happy to see him again at one of my art receptions, as he seemed to be considering adding more of my pieces to his collection. I watched him as he stood admiring one of my recent works for a long span of time. He was willing to buy it. But there was a snag.
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"Do a large piece of smokestacks, Chris," said David Passalacqua, one of my favorite teachers during my senior year at Parson's School of Design. What? I thought. I just looked at him feeling a bit awkward. I didn't really like the feeling, and I wasn't sure why he said that. I looked at my work in progress. I had a decent, albeit slightly boring, illustration going. I wasn't ready to give up on my illustration. I looked at David. He was an excellent teacher – so extroverted. David's friendly eyes had an uncanny ability to bore a hole into your soul just by looking at you with the surety he had for the mastery of his craft and literally yank the guts of your creative instincts to the fore. That is what happened to me when I looked at him. He simply kicked my ass – as he was known to do with students – using a mischievous smile and an electric energy spilling from his deep knowledge of illustrative art. He made it his mission to challenge students to higher levels. "OK," I said to him calmly while my energy surged through my body. Something central changed that day for me. My journey as a painter became a passionate adventure -- a mission to capture the unimaginable.
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The above quote is one of many I received from artists and art lovers on Facebook after posing a question to ponder the nature of what art is. I received a few really wonderful and thoughtful comments. And I hope to learn more and deepen the conversation. So keep those comments coming! Defining art is infinite it seems. It is a form of self-expression that is so uniquely defined by the artist or individual alone. Art is a mirror to the inner workings of our soul and creative heart. Art is magical. And through that magic, art connects and deepens our appreciation for ourselves, each other, and our world.
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