March 8th

Couldn't focus on my Space Blanket piece so I worked on the Miniature Tigers painting until everything was too wet to go on. Then I began this self-portrait as a clown done on another scrap piece of cardboard.

Had trouble photographing the entire portrait as the lighting on the wet paint was causing glare. Here is a close up for now.

February 24th

I drank way too much coffee and was unable to keep a steady hand on the painting I was working on. So I decided to start a painting on a piece of cardboard I had laying around. As I was listening to Miniature Tigers at the time, it became influenced by their songs.

I have more ideas on this piece, I'll keep posting updates on its progress.

December 7th

Here is the in progress shot of Harlee from a couple weeks back. Still occasionally working on the face trying to get the resemblance down. Then I need to fix the blonde highlights.

Will try to be better about this and post more updated in progress photos.

October 13th

I know, I've been horrible with keeping up to date.

Here are some photographs of the works in progress I have going.

Two of my College buddies, Nikki Reese and William Miller

I went a little crazy with the colors but I was using Nikki's favorite colors as for the palette.

Portrait of a friend, Harlee Kramer for her Birthday

Almost there, just need to get the face done; its pretty difficult since the reference photo shows her face with very little color variation. Gonna have to pull some colors out of nowhere.

I am working on my Space Blanket Series still, however the in progress shots are not very telling. Guess I will just have to wait to post that one.

April 24th

John Settino
March 9, 1986 - April 17, 2010

This is a portrait of my friend, John, who passed away last Saturday from Cystic Fibrosis. Before he passed he asked for a portrait to be done of him. I hadn't had the opportunity to start his before his passing, so on Wednesday I spent a good part of the evening well into the early hours of Thursday painting this. I put the finishing touches on it today just before I went to his memorial service. It may have still been wet, but I wanted to make sure to get this to his loved ones.

This is the first painting I've ever given anyone outside my family. I am so happy to have shared this with his family and friends. Rest in peace John.

November 16th

Here is the collaborative painting I am doing with Peter Sibrin. So far we've had two sessions. Now that most the canvas is covered we're gonna start suggesting figures out of our automatic painting. I think last night after staring at it for twenty minutes I saw a woman, an owl (or perhaps a fox) and some crazy cartoon face.

Its really interesting working with another artist. Pete works primarily from his subconscious, where as I almost always work from sketches and observation. This definitely took me out of my comfort zone at first. At least Pete was a great guide. Also this is Pete's first painting in oil! He's definitely converted from acrylics, but hasn't adjusted to the odors yet from the paint thinners, mediums and oils.

I noticed differences in our routines. I believe Pete paints more frequently than I do but when I paint, I paint for a longer amount of time. Probably stems from having to pump out paintings for class on a regular basis while dealing with my procrastination.

It definitely helps to have someone to motivate you. He motivates me to paint almost daily and I usually attempt to keep him painting until very late at night... actually, very early in the morning.

November 15th

Almost finished with Liam's portrait. Just have to do a background and a few finishing touches. Definitely need to get a good photograph of this when it is complete. One that gives a better representation of the colors.