ANTIQUES AND ART - see the connection!

Happy Friday all!!
Here are some pictures I took whilst out antiquing this last weekend.
Although, I am not sure you can call it antiquing when you do not purchase anything.
When people are just out for something to do at an art show I call them "lookie-loo's"
So, basically that is what I was.
Here are some photos from that day!
And to make it more about my art - I have included some of my own work  that is influenced by the stuff I found at the stores!!! Check it out!!

We were out at Queen West and almost Roncesvalles, there are a bevy of stores out there that you should check out! Here are 2 I like a lot!

This place is a treasure trove of cool yuppie stuff, that I cannot afford.....but love to look at!

Like a giant (fake) hero sandwich
Although I have troubles looking a a sandwich the same way after "Bridesmaids"..
YEEESH!

I love this sign. It was enormous...and sold.
You know I how I love signs...

CHECK OUT THESE WORKS THAT I DID BASED ON SIGNAGE:

"Decompose" - SOLD

"Decay" - SOLD

Another great sign!

OK...back to stuff at the store:

Obviously I would love this one....I did a whole series of Pinball machines

Totally inspiring for me!

HERE ARE ANOTHER COUPLE OF MY WORKS THAT ARE INFLUENCED BY THESE:

"The Gambler" is available!! It is 22" x 12" (and is meant to mimic the games above!!)

"Shot for the Moon", 30" x 15".  ALSO AVAILABLE!

Next door at:

I love these old car doors....not sure what you do with them.....
See how I am influenced by old cars:

"Live for Danger", AVAILABLE - CLICK HERE

"Mustang Sally", ALSO AVAILABLE - CLICK HERE

Back to the store finds:

A perfect addition to my creepy clown band.

OMG.....I WOULD MARRY THIS CLOCK.
(no, it did not ask)

GREAT old posted for the Circus......I am heavily influenced by this kind of stuff too!

SOLD.....but check out similar works HERE

Also SOLD.......and from the same series as.....THIS

OK.....the last thing from the store...was SPECTACULAR...look at this:

Again.....you know why I love it!! It is great inspiration for my own version of 'backglass':

"Beauty Queen" is still available (and yes, she lights up too!!)

So there you go!
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!!!

SIGN LANGUAGE PART 2: THE RETURN OF NEON

How do I love you, neon?
Hello friends.
Well, as I work on new drawings, I have very little to show you.
:-(
Sad, I know....BUT to keep you interested.....all 2 of you......I am gonna post some of my FAVOURITE pictures of Neon signs. Some are lit, some not so much. But I love them all the same!
I always take pictures of neon. On vacation, or even at home.
I am not sure what I will do with them, I had painted a few of them already check out my entry
SIGN LANGUAGE PART 1 to see them!
So who knows, these might just be paintings at some time.
What do you think? Should I try painting more of these signs?
And remember, I LOVE LOVE LOVE to hear from you!
OK.....so here they are, enjoy:

SOOOOOO GOOOD!!!!!

Cleveland downtown at night. Deceptively safe and attractive.

SPOOOKY!

I love a good showgirl. So very Vegas!

Quickie chapel/motel.

I love the Holiday Motel sign!

This sign lit up one Mickey at a time. LOVE IT!

Wax museum in Hollywood.

I like it when neon goes out too....This should say "The Supply Sergeant"

In Little Italy in Cleveland.

Games in neon. I tried it - and was SUPER STRONG.......

Neon and shoes - together again - for the first time.

GREEEEEEEN!

Old Town Bull.....need I say more?

This one was fabulous when it was lit. But it is still pretty good in daylight!

I like this sign. Very 50's.

A very deco looking sign.

A light up robin....c'mon.....how cute is that??

The Pagoda in Hamilton, ON.

What do you think of the "Sign of the Times" blog entries??
Interesting?
Interesting enough to post more???
What do you think?

I LOVE THE NIGHTLIFE...

I've got to boogy......
Sorry about that "Pricilla" moment.
As y'all know, I have a whole series of paintings devoted to city life.
Here is my art-speaky artist statement:

Both globally and locally, our world is changing around us. My Urban Landscape paintings are about the challenges of urban living. I address both environmental and urban issues. I believe it is important that we recognize the implications of our actions on the planet.  I am also beginning to understand the importance of capturing the changing landscapes – so that my paintings serve as a sort of visual catalogue of the past. 

     My work appropriates old quotes and re-invents the context to draw attention to these current issues. I mimic advertising iconography from pre-1950 to establish a ‘vintage’ visual look in my paintings. The unapologetically happy style enables my work to remain accessible, and helps diminish the political sting. I hope that my work entertains but also challenges people to re-assess their opinions about our values, our traditions and how we treat our environment. 

Or another way of saying it is....Blah-bity blah-bity blah blah blah.

My Urban Series has a lot of night scenes. 

I think that the night is the perfect time to capture the energy and excitement of the city.

I go out once a month to get reference around Toronto.

Also, every vacation I take, I make sure I spend one night getting reference photos.

To date, have well over 1000 photos of nightlife, in different cities.

Here are a few photos that as of yet are not paintings.....but WILL be someday.....

Toronto.....I like the bus speeding in this one!

Toronto again. Any excuse for colour in a night scene!

Spooky, huh?

Las Vegas....at sunset...LET'S GO!!!

Obviously Hollywood!

I will need to photoshop this one up a bit....but I like it.

Love the movement in a night scene!!

This is blurry....but my version won't be.

Oh Cleveland, how dangerous lovely by night.

Cleveland: city of muggings bridges

I LOVE this one!!

I will need to colour correct this in photoshop!

Blurry, but great reference!

Times Square

Hollywood touristy