In response to the pandemic.
In response to the pandemic, most art galleries and art organization juried events have been curtailed. In response to this there has been a movement to hold their juried events and exhibitions online. This is a world-wide response and has opened up opportunities for most artists to exhibit their work to a much larger audience. I have taken advantage of this and is active with entries in different countries and locales.
Grey Cube Gallery is delighted to inform me that my artwork has been selected for inclusion into the 2020 Faces online art show. The artwork was awarded Third Place. Thank you.
Please visit the link bellow:
Anna. Oil on canvas, 60” x 48” $3000
In response to the pandemic, most art galleries and art organization juried events have been curtailed. In response to this there has been a movement to hold their juried events and exhibitions online. This is a world-wide response and has opened up opportunities for most artists to exhibit their work to a much larger audience. I have taken advantage of this and is active with entries in different countries and locales.
Grey Cube Gallery is delighted to inform me that my artwork has been selected for inclusion into the 2020 Faces online art show. The artwork was awarded Third Place. Thank you.
Please visit the link bellow:
➤ https://greycubegallery.com/current-show/index.html
August 2020, Grey Cube Gallery Cityscape show I was given Honorable mention of two of my bridge paintings.
➤ https://greycubegallery.com/shows/2020/august20.html
Photographs fade, files get lost. Immortalize a memory with a painting.
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.
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.
Don Dupay. Oil on canvas, 36” x 48”
About Christopher B Mooney
I was born and raised in New York State, surrounded by an artistic family and a richly influential environment. During her first trimester of pregnancy with me, my mother contracted measles. As a result, I was born without hearing. I neither heard nor spoke until I was about four years old, though today I wear corrective devices and speak well. When one is deprived of one sense from an early age, the other senses compensate by growing stronger. In my case, it was my eyes. They taught me everything I knew about the world I had been born into. My sight continues to be my dominant sense, the only truly reliable way I have to perceive my world and the heightened sense that informs my work. I work very hard for my paintings to convey to the viewer the strength and the beauty that I see…Read more.
Book A Consultation
If you’d like to go over more details of our services and discuss the commission ideas and your ideas, simply fill out an online inquiry form with essential details in my website contact page and explain your needs.
The Artistic Approach.
The "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.
The "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.
About Christopher B Mooney
I was born and raised in New York State, surrounded by an artistic family and a richly influential environment. During her first trimester of pregnancy with me, my mother contracted measles. As a result, I was born without hearing. I neither heard nor spoke until I was about four years old, though today I wear corrective devices and speak well. When one is deprived of one sense from an early age, the other senses compensate by growing stronger. In my case, it was my eyes. They taught me everything I knew about the world I had been born into. My sight continues to be my dominant sense, the only truly reliable way I have to perceive my world and the heightened sense that informs my work. I work very hard for my paintings to convey to the viewer the strength and the beauty that I see…Read more.
Book A Consultation
If you’d like to go over more details of our services and discuss the commission ideas and your ideas, simply fill out an online inquiry form with essential details in my website contact page and explain your needs.
Decisions
Navigating money dynamics in a relationship
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.
Navigating money dynamics in a relationship.
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.
He had to ask his wife first.
I looked at my message from him revealing this rather annoying detail. My eyes read, "I have to ask my wife," but my mind saw, "Mommy, mommy, can I have this painting?"
What? I mean, WTF? Here is a highly paid executive with a budget that exceeds all forms of controlled practicality hesitating with a bit of a quiver on whether or not to purchase a painting that cost-wise for his financial means is on par with purchasing a small melon at a grocery store.
But – and, I mean no disrespect by this, as I do understand each couple has to create and honor their own playbooks, and I do realize the value of honoring budgets – but when is it crossing the line with personal choice boundaries inside a relationship to just not be able to freely purchase something on a whim and without any guilt or shame that the other spouse or partner will disapprove? This is especially true, in my opinion, if one spouse earns a significant income and/or both people earn solid incomes. Where is the line here?
It is a classic dance of power and control with money serving as the catalyst. Money is a tool that has been created for trade – it is a tool and an illusion – it creates further separation, a false sense of power, and widens the power gap between those who have more of this "tool" and those who have less.
This gentleman is a grown man with the dough to spend. But he can't. He is in his own unique arrangement and power dance dynamic with his wife – be it agreed or merely an unintentional consequence of years of relationship dos and do nots with his significant other.
Bring back the freedom to choose.
People get to choose. Couples should get to choose. I know another man who enjoys Western art, and his wife likes artists like Michael Parkes and Steve Hanks. I love the work of these artists too. Their works are exceptional. Michael Parkes is an American born artist living in Spain who is best known for his fantasy art and renderings of magic realism. Steve Hanks is one of the best watercolorists of our day. The details, color, and realism of Steve Hanks' work is unheard of in this difficult and highly skilled medium. Imagine a softly worn patterned quilt, the play of light on the thin veil of surf on sand, or the delicate expression of a child. Steve Hanks captures these patterns of life better than anyone. Why couldn't this couple be free to choose either or both painting styles and purchase them on a whim to grace their home? Why must each purchase of a spontaneous nature be weighed, discussed, argued over, and most likely rejected in order to find peace in a losing discussion with power and control as the underpinning foundation. How much resentment is born from this dance? How much creativity is stifled?
Mutuality with couples allows freedom.
I know another couple that I met years ago. This pair is so dear to me. I have tremendous respect for them. They are supportive, live with open hearts, and are so kind and compassionate toward each other and everyone around them. He had commissioned me to create of portrait of his wife for Christmas. A year later, she commissioned me to create a portrait of him for his birthday. How romantic is that? They weren't squabbling over the cost. They weren’t weighing up the pros and cons of spending spontaneously. They felt the desire and the passion to act on a whim – on art purely for the sake of creating joy for each other --without letting money or lack of money dictate the way. What a win for both of them. What a passionate and loving way to create even more connection with each other. In this case, money was a non-issue. It was about the freedom to choose and act on that choice without power dynamics, and the result was more love, mutuality, and respect – things that underpin the foundation of some of the most successful of relationships.
And the survey says…
After some research reviewing a few online resources on this issue, I learned a few interesting bits about artful subjects and/or genres that couples either find it easier to agree on purchasing or find more difficult. Some of the surveys concluded that landscapes are a more neutral ground for couples to find agreement with when it comes to a major art purchase. Abstracts also are more easily agreed upon. Impressionistic paintings, nudes, and wildlife can create some decision friction. Have you experienced any art friction decisions with anyone you know? Please share in the comments below. I would love to learn more opinions on this matter.
I've noticed a pattern in interior design home magazines showcasing office, various styles, and trends inside homes. It seems in every type of home, including modern, contemporary, old fashioned, or mid-century modern styles that landscapes appear to win the day when it comes to easily agreed upon art for display. Landscapes seem to compliment and add contrasting impact on walls and furniture.
While landscapes are indeed beautiful and wonderful, what would happen if we just went for it and spiced up our walls with that lusty, crazy piece of art that one might want to purchase but doesn't because it could be met with some "friction" at home.
About Christopher B Mooney
I was born and raised in New York State, surrounded by an artistic family and a richly influential environment. During her first trimester of pregnancy with me, my mother contracted measles. As a result, I was born without hearing. I neither heard nor spoke until I was about four years old, though today I wear corrective devices and speak well. When one is deprived of one sense from an early age, the other senses compensate by growing stronger. In my case, it was my eyes. They taught me everything I knew about the world I had been born into. My sight continues to be my dominant sense, the only truly reliable way I have to perceive my world and the heightened sense that informs my work. I work very hard for my paintings to convey to the viewer the strength and the beauty that I see…Read more.
Book A Consultation
If you’d like to go over more details of our services and discuss the commission ideas and your ideas, simply fill out an online inquiry form with essential details in my website contact page and explain your needs.
Artistic Competitions
Judging quality paintings
"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.
Judging quality paintings
"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.
While striving to create the unimaginable with realistic and abstract art, I still had to face the reality of competitive judgment and juried shows. I wanted to be a part of these things, of course, but it does conjure feelings of vulnerability, and well, a subtle fear of the unknown. I knew I had to be courageous to put my soul on canvas – to present my art – to discover if my work could inspire and move other people in some way. I want people to see something more than just what is before them and to feel what I do – a beauty and a great spaciousness that holds the mysterious connection living within us, and among each other, within our landscapes, and inside our communities.
Facing the judgment beast
I've been fortunate during my career to be on both sides of the judging coin. I've been a show curator, a panelist for a local event, and I've also been a Regional Artist Culture Council (RACC) for project grants. There are so many competitions. And you can expect to get rejected at least 90 percent of the time. Don't let it stop you from entering competitions though. Think of competitions as a fabulous opportunity to network and immerse yourself in the art world. Welcome rejections. You will develop a competitive strength and a dedication to total authenticity. You will stand behind your art with confidence and stay steadfast on your artistic path. You will take artistic risks and follow your intuition. You will find yourself excited and free to create. Just follow your heart and believe in your art. The audience will come. It happens.
Noteworthy elements judges seek
Edward Jonas, the vice chair, for the Portrait Society of America once told me that the standards for judging works of art will include originality, theme, uniqueness in the concept and design, technical proficiency within the potential of the chosen medium, aesthetic sophistication, and fundamental skill development. Always remember: Your artwork has an impact in general or as part of a whole. This means regardless of the competition you enter, your work needs to stand on its own as a complete and outstanding work of art.
On top of the above realities, judging is also ideally approached without subjective or stylistic prejudice under the mantle of holding an honest and fair assessment of artistic works. This, of course, begs the following "judgy" questions:
What is the artist's message? Is there an inherent meaning? Is the work unique?
How successfully does he/she communicate the essence of the message?
Does the artwork follow a high-level aesthetic appeal?
How successful is the art within its chosen stylistic direction?
What skill level is demonstrated and executed throughout the work itself?
Consider the presentation and framing. Is there movement and flow in the work?
Does the art communicate well on a visual level and/or on an expressionistic level?
Stepping out
If you are just starting out on your artistic journey and want to compete at shows. I suggest entering all your local shows. This is a great way to get your feet wet and learn the ropes, including what to expect. A few of the following things are good launching pads:
Read the application carefully. Follow all the instructions and guidelines.
Research the show.
Talk with other artists about theme and subjects, as some shows are open to all genres.
Just try and get a feel if you are a right fit for the show.
Prestigious & elite shows
Ah, the trickery of the rich . . . well, sometimes. I do like fine things – even excellent wine at a show with no intention to actually sell your art. It's always good to build rapport with people. Consider all possibilities when looking at competitive options or places to build rapport, network, and show your art. Regional and non-regional shows are good options. I was once part of a show in Florida. Yes, I avoided the crocs. And it was definitely an adventure. I learned, however, that striving for recognition in my own community feels the best to me.
Community connection through your art
Sometimes buyers will travel from out-of-state and purchase your art right off the wall. This is a great feeling! And when you get a chance to talk to travelers who purchase your art, you feel like you have traveled without actually going anywhere. Staying within your community and building a following is exciting and enhances your feeling of community connection. This is key, I feel, because your art brings something valuable to others in your own home town or city.
So get out there and rock your art! Just begin – Dream – and fly!
About Christopher B Mooney
I was born and raised in New York State, surrounded by an artistic family and a richly influential environment. During her first trimester of pregnancy with me, my mother contracted measles. As a result, I was born without hearing. I neither heard nor spoke until I was about four years old, though today I wear corrective devices and speak well. When one is deprived of one sense from an early age, the other senses compensate by growing stronger. In my case, it was my eyes. They taught me everything I knew about the world I had been born into. My sight continues to be my dominant sense, the only truly reliable way I have to perceive my world and the heightened sense that informs my work. I work very hard for my paintings to convey to the viewer the strength and the beauty that I see…Read more.
Book A Consultation
If you’d like to go over more details of our services and discuss the commission ideas and your ideas, simply fill out an online inquiry form with essential details in my website contact page and explain your needs.
Hello 21st Century Art Enthusiast
Hello art lovers!
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.
“Artists are people who make art. Art is not a genre or a specific talent. . . Art is the unique work of a human being, work that touches another. . . Art is who we are and what we do. . .”
Hello art lovers!
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.
Time shapes art
Historically, through the ages, art in its many forms has been the embodiment of the great spiritual core, around which any society or culture is built. What remains of the art of the past continues to reveal clues to us about its storylines and events. Similarly, the art of our time will shape how future generations come to know, judge, and value each other. Our world today is so incredibly unstable, violent, and uncertain. This aspect of our reality breeds a pervasive fearfulness and a deep need to be comforted in some way – to seek comfort while also desiring to comfort others.
Artful risks
While certain rules and elements do exist in order to execute one's artful creations. We don't want to become trapped by these rules. It is important to think outside the box and stretch your comfort zone. It's important to understand the medium you want to create in, as this builds confidence. And yes, design, composition, form, shape, perspective, color, shadows, soft and hard edges, among other things, play a powerful role in the shaping of artistic paintings. But do take creative risks. Follow the rules in your chosen medium by not completely following the rules! For example, while fighting the abstract and primitive art trends in schools and in the art world, I read books and art magazines to keep abreast of the latest happenings, but then I make sure to spend time alone in my studio striving for a technical facility that is somewhat frowned upon in the classrooms. I do this deliberately. And this is one way that I take artful risks. And I do this on a regular basis in order to engage in the wonderful freedom that comes from allowing full creative expression not solely confined by rules of the craft itself. As an artist today, I try going about my work in a completely different manner that is authentic and true to my inner core. The feeling is one of joy and a certain inner spiritual connection to the work itself.
Bending the rules
“Shake things up,” said gallery owner Steve Diamante of Arcadia Gallery in New York. “It seems to me that so much of contemporary representational painting is looking the same. . .some kind of rehash of academic work that has already been done. . .and done by better artists.”
Diamante goes on to say in his writing, "I have tremendous respect for classical realists, but I think that phrase is overused and connotes a certain type of imagery. Contemporary realism means someone who is doing representational work, but the imagery is evocative of what is going on today. Contemporary imagery doesn’t just have to be romantic or beautiful. And it doesn’t have to be about war or occupying Wall Street. It’s about taking the skills you learned and making them your own and having them speak to what is going on today. "Dear readers, what do you think? Does Diamante make a good point? I think people are inspired to create any number of things along their personal journeys – some real – some imagined. Some people arrive at creative points in superbly dramatic ways while others, lost in thoughts and feelings, are able to pull from the depths of their being in such a way that the results are often transformative. This natural creative process can work to "shake things up" organically. I am destined to create using the old masters' technique and materials for a far-ranging language by adding red and blue lights to create a contemporary ambience. I also expand my subject matter into a known "genre" painting to show people doing simple things that people do together. This creates connection. For example, laughing, singing, pausing for a cup of coffee, enjoying erotic and sensual moments, and snuggling or cuddling. These moments of connection capture an inner desire and longing we all have. This universal truth adds to collective awareness of our need for connection, and could, if allowed, promote healing. I feel Art or "the Arts," in many of its forms, such as sculpture, painting (in any medium), theater, literature, poetry, and dance, to name a few, move to inspire others. These creative vehicles enhance our quality of life, enrich our experiences, are transformative, insightful, and encourage personal and even collective growth. The uniqueness of anyone's work or expression lies in the fact that execution of it is firmly based on theories and techniques (those rules again!) which can be traced back to the Renaissance, where the subject matter is pertinent to the present day. Those pesky rules for mixing colors, for example, are just as valid today as they were 500 years ago, but today different artists play with the mixtures – they shake things up – in a way that yields a brighter palette for a contemporary subject matter. Dear readers, how do you shake things up as an artist? How do you follow the rules without following the rules? Please share in the comments below.
Remove fear and uncork your inner artist
Have you got what it takes to be an artist? The following are my top ten things a creator needs to succeed. Please add your tips and suggestions in the comments below. I would love to hear them!
Failure. You have got to work through the bad in order to get to the good. Failure is an integral part of being an artist.
Website. Sorry, I know you don't want to hear this, but it's true. Having a website is a sign of professionalism in the art business.
Self Confidence. Confidence isn't something you are born with or something that someone else gives to you. It is a skill that you learn – through doing the hard work.
Time and space to develop ideas. Art is more than just pretty pictures. The best art explores ideas and then gives those ideas time to develop and grow. Respect that and give yourself permission to take this time for your work.
Community. Join a community of artists. Other artists are not competition; they are colleagues and friends.
Resilience. You are going to hear 'no' more than 'yes,' so you will need resilience to keep going.
Keep learning. You must develop an understanding of your chosen medium and subject matter. Never stop developing your skills in your chosen craft.
Marketing. This is a reality of having to promote your work. This is your business, remember?
The business of art. As a working artist, you are a self-employed small business owner. This means you have a responsibility as an entrepreneur to understand your professional business practices.
Do the work. You don't get to be an artist if you don't create finished work.
About Christopher B Mooney
I was born and raised in New York State, surrounded by an artistic family and a richly influential environment. During her first trimester of pregnancy with me, my mother contracted measles. As a result, I was born without hearing. I neither heard nor spoke until I was about four years old, though today I wear corrective devices and speak well. When one is deprived of one sense from an early age, the other senses compensate by growing stronger. In my case, it was my eyes. They taught me everything I knew about the world I had been born into. My sight continues to be my dominant sense, the only truly reliable way I have to perceive my world and the heightened sense that informs my work. I work very hard for my paintings to convey to the viewer the strength and the beauty that I see…Read more.
Book A Consultation
If you’d like to go over more details of our art services and discuss the commission ideas and your ideas, simply fill out an online inquiry form with essential details in my website contact page and explain your needs.
Mooney Blogs
Welcome to my blog! I want to inspire you about the intricacies of the art world, its forms, and people. And I want to share the fascinating -- and somewhat mysterious -- aspects of my journey as an artist.
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