T.A.P. HANGOVER MONDAY

Good Morning!
Well, it's over.....The The Artist Project is now done!
 was 4 glorious days of art schlocking and hocking!
HERE WAS MY BOOTH:

A huge art fair with 250ish artists.....

If you are wondering whether I won the competition....(read this post about my LONG losing history) the answer is NOPE! Don't worry, I am fine with it! :-)
Here is some of the other work:

I'm not gonna lie to you, it was challenging weekend for me.
Honestly, my person headspace is still kinda cloudy due to London-gate which makes being "on" for the weekend a LOT of work! BUT the thing is, you are there to SELL your work (and yourself) and if you can't do that, then you will have spent a lot of $$ just to sit around an art show all weekend. So I put on my best face, and worked the crowd for 4 days. YAY ME! ;-)
Unfortunately, Mother Nature was not on our side this weekend, so the attendance felt a bit weak.
It is the chance you ALWAYS take with a show!
But the pressure of this show is a bit different. You see, it costs me about $4000 to do the show, and so to make back a profit can be a tall order!
I am fortunate, it has been a good show for many years, and although I did make enough to cover the booth costs.....it's just not enough.
The thing is, if I don't make enough $$ to also cover all the supplies and hours of painting that go into the show, then it just isn't worth it for me.
THAT is the reality of being a full-time artist!
To me,  the "experience" and the "exposure" mean very little if it is not profitable - or if it doesn't have some leads. It may sound anti-art but.....

I make art - because I love it --- I sell art because it is my PROFESSION.

I am SUPER grateful for my clients that made it out this weekend......your consistent enjoyment of my work make me SO DARN HAPPY!!!!!
I am also grateful that I had such wonderful neighbours! Especially:

http://www.erincrowley.ca

http://tempeststudios.net

http://randyengelberg.com

GREAT people that made the days go a LOT faster!
Go and check out their art!!!!

SO.....after 8 years, I have decided that I am going to take a year off from TAP and see what else I can get cooking. I have some ideas.....you'll have to wait and see!

I am also working on a plan right now for the next few months of shows, and I hope to share my schedule of shows with you SOON!

I'll have another post for you on Friday! Have a great week....and thanks for taking the time read this today!

FRIDAY - LET'S DRINK!!!

HOWDY!
If you are a regular reader........you will know that I am in the thick of:
The Artist Project
(you can read more about that big show HERE!)
But here are the deets one last time:

The Artist Project, Better Living Centre, Exhibition Place, Toronto

Tonight (20th) from 11am to 8pm
Saturday (21st) from 11am to 8pm
Sunday (22nd) from 11am to 6pm

See me in BOOTH #502

Also.....I wanna share the last NEW NEW painting I will be showing:

"Drink Like a Fish", 12" x 12", Acrylic on Wood

I LOVE THIS ONE!

Come out and see it in person!

There's nothing like the real thing!!!!!

Have a great weekend -- I hope to see you!

TORONTO STREETCARS - "KING OF THE ROAD"!

Good Wednesday!
But NOT a "Wonderful Wednesday".
Sorry!
If you are a regular reader you will have noticed a lack of #WonderfulWednesday posts since I have been back. The truth is, it is super time consuming creating a post about 5 things that are interesting enough to me to promote and blog about (those posts take me about 4 hours to craft)!
I am still playing catch-up from being away for 3 months.
So you will have to wait for another 2 weeks for #WW to return! :-(
So to apologize......I give you this piece:

"King of the Road", 40" x 30", Acrylic on canvas

BLAM!
So this piece is just me playing with theme of repetition.
For you streetcar nerds.....you'll notice it is mostly the Canadian Light Rail Vehicle (CLRV) -- The one us non-streetcar-nerds probably know the best - and see the most often! There is also a Presidents' Conference Committee Car (the retro one) that is my fave! But there is also a Bombardier Transportation Flexity Outlook (the brand new vehicles rolling out over the next few years).
I had troubles deciding what quote to use. Eventually I decided on "KING OF THE ROAD".
Although, I was almost gonna use "HATERS GONNA HATE".....

So this piece will be exhibited for the very first time starting TOMORROW at The Artist Project:

READ MORE ABOUT The Artist Project....read more about that big show HERE!
Also this "King of the Road" will be available (in 2 weeks) as a giclèe.
It will be available as a 16" x 20" print and a 8" x 10" print.
It will also eventually be available as a postcard.
STAY TUNED FOR THAT ANNOUNCEMENT!

A "COCK AND BULL STORY" FOR THE ARTIST PROJECT

Howdy!
Happy Friday! YOU MADE IT!
Today I am gonna share ANOTHER new painting that I am entering into The Artist Project's competition. Each year, TAP has a contest based on a theme. Artists are encouraged to enter a piece to be judged for a cash award!
So, each year for the past 8 years, I have entered a piece created SPECIFICALLY for this yearly T.A.P. artist competition. I know what you are thinking......have you ever won a first, second, third or people's choice award?
No. (Insert "aaaaaw" here!)
I know, I know, a crime. I should probably be sore by now....that's 28 chances....no wins.
My win? I have sold most of the works that I created!
Oh.......and hey.....it's just an honour to be included.
And even if that isn't 100% honest, it HAS always been fun to create something different.
Here are all SEVEN of my losing entries....

"Speed" -- 2008 ORANGE competition - SOLD!

"Chocolate" -- 2009 CHOCOLATE competition - SOLD!

"Beauty Queen" --2010 QUEEN competition - AVAILABLE!

"Lemonaide" -- 2011 LEMON competition - SOLD!

"Energy" --2012 ENERGY competition - SOLD!

"Face Value" -- 2013 FACES competition - AVAILABLE!

"Toronto Harbour" -- 2014 SET SAIL competition - SOLD!

OKAY, admittedly, as I look back on all the entries, some are stronger than others...and there are 2 still available for sale!
BUT THIS YEAR......the competition theme is "TYPE".
Now, any of my work would fit this theme....I have text in almost all of my paintings...but I did a new piece to enter.....here it is......

"Cock and Bull Story", 24" x 24", Acrylic on Canvas.

**A "cock and bull story" is a hard to believe or made-up story.

Well? Whadda ya think?

Will I continue my unbroken record? 

Why don't YOU come out to The Artist Project next week and VOTE FOR ME!?

;-)

HERE IS A POST ALL ABOUT T.A.P.!

I hope to see you there!

Have a great weekend y'all!

NEW WORK.......AGAIN......

Good day friends!
I meant to have this posted yesterday, but things got in the way......SO BACK OFF!
;-)
But these two new pieces are TOTALLY worth waiting for!
The first one is a bit of a f**k up......
Sometimes, when I am trying to do too much at once......something like this happens:

Yes....I see the irony of NOT being able to spell!
I did consider leaving it spelled wrong, because it is NOT rocket science to spell......HONESTLY.....
I even showed this piece in an exhibition in December at Julia Veenstra Gallery in Hamilton!
(Even Julia didn't notice it was wrong until she was taking the exhibition down! GEEEZ JULIA! ;-)

But....in the end, I decided to repaint it?

I think it may have gotten tiring having HUNDREDS of people telling me that I spelled science WRONG........it would get old FAST......and I don't wanna yell at a stranger.......so......

"REALLY Not Rocket Science", 12" x 12", Acrylic on Wood.

Fun right? This little gem will go pretty fast, so make sure to come by and snap it up at The Artist Project....read more about that big show HERE!

Okay.....I also have this WONDERFUL little piece ready to go:

"Pie in the Sky", 12" x 12", Acrylic on Wood

It is also super fun, riiiiiight??

You CANNOT see this piece on my website yet (or any of the NEW NEW work) -- I want you to come out and see it LIVE LIVE LIVE! It will be on my site once TAP is open:

www.robcroxford.com

AND if you love either of these pieces, and don't want to take a chance that another collector will snatch it away from you, just email me and I can give you more deets!!

OKAY...that's it.....happy Tuesdaying!

AREN'T YOU DONE YET......T.A.P. IS ONLY 2 WEEKS AWAY!??!?

Hi! It's me AGAIN! I know....twice in one week.......
Ah-MAH-zing!
Today I want to show you 2 more pieces that are ready for The Artist Project....and I also wanted to share all the deets about T.A.P......and then there is this small explanation.....

So, I am working at a feverish pace, which unfortunately is not the pace I WISH I could paint at.
The "trouble" with my work is that it is concept driven. Each piece is COMPLETELY different from its brothers and sisters. I know, for the most part - the amount of work that goes into each piece remains unseen to the viewers who think my work is "cute" (which, YES is still a compliment). The thoughtful nature of my paintings is often looked past because they are fun. It is that same FUN that also makes my art seen as "less serious" by a bunch of my peers and by the traditional art collector. And to be honest, I don't really give a tiny rat's ass about that! However, I wish I could explain to these people how each piece requires hours and hours of planning!

Unfortunately, I am just not interested in painting a scenic vista of mountains, the stillness of a river through the forest, or the energetic paint patterns of an abstract piece. These are all equally beautiful, and I admire my peers who are passionate about these things, but it is just not my style! I also do not have any "shortcuts" to fast production......there are no stencils or spray paint or photographic transfers that could help facilitate a faster execution of a number of pieces at once! Truthfully, I have been looking for years to find an easier way to do a LOT of pieces for QUICK......so that I could price things lower......alas.....I can't seem to find it! Thankfully now I have a whole line of easily affordable merch!

So, I "plod along".....thinking and reflecting and planning and designing and REdesigning -- THEN painting! The result is work that I am very proud of, and that makes me happy......like these CUTE new pieces that are freshly done........

"Whole New Ballgame", Acrylic on Wood, 12" x 12".

You know how I am a big sports nut? OH YES! I love the sports.

(Okay.....maybe not......but I DO love a good idiom!)

"Research" Acrylic on metal and wood, 20" x 16".

This guy has been sitting on my easel for MONTHS.....finally finished, come see this super fun new piece - it looks SOOOOO much better in person......
COME OUT and see it at The Artist Project 2015:

"From seasoned collectors and first-time art buyers, to gallery dealers and interior designers, visitors can explore and discover works of art from over 250 top contemporary artists from Canada and abroad. This is a unique opportunity to meet and buy art directly from artists at Toronto’s most celebrated contemporary art fair."

My booth is #502:

Also....there is this video.....

Artist Project 2015 from Artist Project on Vimeo.

(or go here to see the video)

Okay....so that is it for today! Thanks for reading.....and remember I LOVE your comments and imput!!!!! Have a great weekend y'all!!!

I'M BAAAAACK!!!

(INSERT FANFARE HERE!!)

So.....after 3 months of being away in London, I am officially back home! 

YAY! 

It’s been a long & very sad few months. The sudden loss of my Dad, having my Mom go to a long-term care home, and now the selling of my childhood home really knocked me on my ass! Truthfully, I really had no concept of what grief and sadness was before it beat me over the head! I know, it sounds really naïve – or maybe just selfish, but it’s true. I guess I have been lucky to have not felt this kind of LOSS sooner!

Now that I’m back in Toronto, I assumed I would immediately pick up everything where I left off……you know, as the same upbeat, sarcastic, colourful, bow-tie wearing clown I was when I left! But honestly, right now it’s a challenge to be that guy. I figured I would just fake it until I felt better, and nobody would even notice. But the funny thing is, the last thing we want the world to see is almost the first thing to show.

DRAT!

That is why I share all this with you dear friends and followers! This post is both therapy for me, and hopefully illuminating for you. I am gonna use ”the power of gratitude to heal and enhance my life”. (Sounds like I found the title for my new book - in paperback - coming soon!) And I want you to do the same!!!

So, here I am……diving back in – faking a great attitude, and working on finding good things in each day. Step one is trying to be grateful for the things I have, and trying NOT to dwell on all the things that I have lost (because, in the words of Maya Angelou “loss sucks ass”)! I know they say that “grief is the price we pay for love”….but that doesn’t make it feel any less crap-tastic.

So, in the spirit of up-beated-ness, (um, yes, that is a word) here is what I am most grateful for (perhaps your own grateful list?):

1.)        My long-suffering hubby (who deserves an award for his patience and kindness)…..my dear friends, my nieces/nephews and in-laws, and my amazing sister (who I admire greatly, and who has made the last 3 months a lot less terrible! Her strength and humour has helped keep me together in the toughest times!)

2.)        My home. My life in Toronto. Everything I have built for myself in 20 (ish) years as an adult. I am grateful for my bed, my new bathtub, and my backyard. (The “old Triple B” – Bed, bath and Beyond.)

3.)        The memories of my parents. KNOWING that they live on in me…that I have my Dad’s wicked sense of humour, and my Mom’s remarkable type-A behavior. Once the sadness of being an orphan clears away, I know I will cherish all the fun times we shared as a family.

4.)        My talent. I’m an artist. I always have been, and I am grateful for that talent. Even in the darkest days, I still have ideas and inspirations that I hope will grow to fruition.

FINALLY…..there’s  this…….

5.)        My career. I still LOVE my work! I am proud of the business I have built over the last 10 years. Honestly, this year is already off to a REMARKABLE start! 

            I have six – yes, I said SIX commissions lined up. 

            There is The Artist Project this month:

And in addition to the shows I have planned, there are a couple of secret NEW projects that I am excited about. (Stay tuned for more about that!) 

I also have a great alliance with The Spacing Store in Toronto:

They have been a miracle in the last few months! I’m grateful for them selling my prints and merch like CRAZY! Click on the link to see the store!

So there you go. A deeply personal, and honest post about my journey back to happiness - through gratitude! (Hey…maybe that is a better book title??) I want you to count YOUR blessings today…..it feels pretty good!

And…..as proof of my hard work this week…….I leave you with an up-beat and brand new piece…..

"A Stitch in Time Saves Nine", 12" x 12", Acrylic on Board.

Cute right? Stay tuned for more EXCITING new pieces soon! The Artist Project is only a few weeks away! (YIKES!)

And oh ya......the last thing I am grateful for.......YOU GUYS! 

Thanks for reading.....you're the best!!

WW156: WHERE COOL CAME FROM, SHE PLAYS HOCKEY and DANIEL ST-AMANT

Hey folks…….you know how this post works….each Wednesday I post an image of FIVE things that I LOVE…….

1.) I LOVE a good success story. As I wait patiently for mine (hee hee) I can't help but be THRILLED for Dave LeBlanc! You may know him from his columns at The Globe and Mail…..but his new project…..I REALLY FREAKING LOVE!!! "Where Cool Came From" is a super great web series that explores the nature of the "cool things" we know and love! Well….maybe not ALL of us….but if you like my work…..you're gonna LOVE:

Seriously…..it is so enjoyable!!!!! Don't believe me???? Check out this:

Where Cool Came From Video Preview from Where Cool Came From on Vimeo.

(or try this link)
Way to go Dave!!!!! I LOVE this web series!!!
You can give "Where Cool Came From" some love on Facebook too!

2.) THANKS CINDY FOR SENDING ME THIS ONE (She gets her knickers in a knot if I forget to thank her!) This is fantastic!!!! Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox and singer Miche Braden bring you the most FANTASTIC remake of classic Guns N’ Roses!

http://www.openculture.com/2014/02/guns-n-roses-sweet-child-o-mine-retooled-as-1920s-new-orleans-jazz.html

3.) She Plays Hockey. Ok…I know what you are thinking……Normally I am NOT a sports person….let alone the hockey……BUT….in the spirit of Woman's empowerment……..I give you THIS:

She Plays Hockey is a website dedicated to providing products to girls and women who play hockey. The female game is growing every year and we have decided to say it loud and clear, whether you are a daughter, mother, sister or grandmother who plays or you’re a doctor, teacher, banker or stay-at-home mom – SHE PLAYS HOCKEY! And remember, you are never too old or inexperienced to start playing the game of hockey
SHE SHOOTS SHE SCORES!!!!! (Am I saying that right??)

4.) I really enjoyed this work at TAP this year! Daniel St-Amant's work at first glance is very attractive wildlife studies…..truthfully that is not normally the kind of work that really gets to me….BUT there are so many great things happening in these paintings!!!

I don't wanna ruin this for you…..but you should GO TO HIS WEBSITE and see how he creates these works. It is super cool……..yes…they are painted very well - but I love the flip of the middle finger to big oil…………(the phone number for an offending company is on each piece!!!!)

Here's his artist statement:

In an era of mass consumption, poverty, pollution and war, it's difficult to avoid being alarmed by the abundance of negativity and hopelessness that surrounds us.
My work explores some of these issues, specifically our destruction and exploitation of the natural environment. As our population grows, so does our consumption as a species with increasing pressure to meet quotas and profits. Humans are driving deeper and deeper into the wilderness. My latest paintings discuss this pressure we are putting on the natural environment and the adaptation that the animal kingdom is forced to undergo.
Using modern surfaces such as major road ways to emphasize our global footprint, I have managed to capture the density within our city life. Laying my canvas on the road I capture physical traces of climate affecting technologies “tire tracks” to which I use as a landscape for my animal compositions.

GREAT JOB DAN!!!!!!!!
You can also follow him on the Twitter…and on the Facebook!

5.) This is for my crazy cat ladies……you're welcome Cindy….see all these cats…….then hit the link and see 19 more……...

http://www.boredpanda.com/funny-wet-cats/

LOS ANGELES

Hey guys!
Well…….we are getting closer and closer to the big deadline!!!
Next week at this time……The Artist Project will be open.
(If you have no idea what that is, see THIS POST!)
That means things are coming to an end in my production of work for the big show this year!
As you may have figured out, I am trying to make work that is not COMPLETELY Toronto specific.
Up to now, I have focussed locally…..but THIS is my year for expanding my empire!
First step….paint things out of Toronto!
Like this one…….

You can read all about this one of NYC in THIS POST!! 
….and this is my latest painting……and a bit of the process for it:

Normally with a painting  - one starts with the background - but I was worried that I would  have troubles with the people…..so I started with them!

Then I started laying in all the other elements - and colour correcting the things that needed it.
Then…BAM…I was done…..
Ok…maybe it wasn't that easy……but……here is the final product:

"All That Glitters", 36" x 48", acrylic on canvas

This one I really love!!!
It is HUUUUGE…and has a real presence to it!
I also like the wording on it!
What do you think?
Wait till you see it in person at TAP this year!
--It will knock your socks off!
Any comments???

SET SAIL for The Artist Project!!!

Hello All!
Well….I promised that I would have some new work to show you today……and here it is…..

"Set Sail", 24", Acrylic on canvas

I painted this SPECIAL for an upcoming competition…….

"Set sail" is the new competition at The Artist Project.

Each year there is a competition to see which artist has the best interpretation of the theme.

SEVEN YEARS I have entered this……and all SEVEN have lost.

COULD THIS BE MY YEAR???

BTW…..if you come to the show - you can vote for the above piece……..that way I could win the people's choice - if nothing else!!!!! ;-)

Ok….so more about T.A.P.

Here is how TAP explains themselves….….

"From seasoned collectors and first-time art buyers, to gallery dealers and interior designers, visitors can explore and discover works of art from over 250 top contemporary artists from Canada and abroad. This is a unique opportunity to meet and buy art directly from artists at Toronto’s most celebrated contemporary art fair."

So there's that….and if you need further proof that it is really the art happening of the year……

The Artist Project 2013 from The Artist Project on Vimeo.

You can come by and see this MEGA-event on these dates:

Thursday February 20: 7PM – 11PM Opening Night Party (19+ Event)
Friday February 21: 12PM – 8PM
Saturday February 22: 11AM – 8PM
Sunday February 23: 11AM – 6PM

For discounted tickets…go here….

It is happening again this year at the Better Living Centre…

You can find my fine booth at  #830:

Yes…that's right……in my SEVENTH year doing this indoor exhibition, I have finally been deported to the very end of the show floor.  To be honest, I am a little sad to be SO CLOSE to the end.

There is an effect that tends to happen at this show. I call "Art Show Zombie-ism"……….ASZ happens as the brain gets over-saturated with visual information. So……picture this…..people are SUPER invested at the very beginning of the show - they examine with awe and affection - ALL the art………but then by the 600's their eyes glaze over and the arms lift up (not unlike sleepwalkers or Frankenstein) and they just try to "get the rest of the show DONE"…..so they can get a drink.
Much like sleepwalkers - it is dangerous to wake these people.

…so….to AVOID that burned-out Zombie-like effect…..here is what I propose…...
START at the 700's!!!!!

Here's the thing……..after seeing a great movie…..you NEVER say to others
"…..OMG…..the beginning is the best….you won't believe it!"
YOU SAY….. "HOLY CRAP THAT ENDING WAS AMAZEBALLS!"
This show……....is like a great film with a kick ass ending!!
Booth #830 is that kiss of true love…..it's Keyser Soze, it's the Statue of Liberty sticking out of the sandy beach, it's the "Luke….I am your Father"!!!!!
Get it? (Wow...that was nerdy)
;-)

ANYWAYS…….it is a great way to spend a day (or night).
Come out and see 200 of the best artists around! I hope you can make it out to this FABULOUS SHOW!!!!!
I will post more photos of the new work soon!!!!!
Stay tuned friends!!

NEW YORK - NEW YORK

Happy Friday friends!
Well….I am FINALLY ready to show you one of the new pieces that I am working on for The Artist Project. Don;t know what T.A.P. is? Read THIS post!
For the rest of you…..here it is…..as I painted it……..and then the final…..

Here it is as I am working it up!!! (you betcha - that's my drawing taped to it to guide me!)

It's a big boy!

Yup, 3 foot by 4 foot.

It I was thinking it was an old postcard……..

I tried to paint this a little looser and painterly than my other works!

The final painting (BELOW) has more of an outdoor billboard kinda of look…..but I am REALLY happy about the look.

It was a scary one - as I am not a purple and orange kinda guy! 

Those are just NOT my signature colours…but it was great to try something new!!!!

"Apart of it…", 36" x 48", Acrylic on Canvas

I know what you are thinking……"Hey Rob, are you gonna make some prints of this bad boy??"

The answer? Yes!! 

I haven't decided if I will do them like my other paper prints or even more exclusive canvas giclees??

What do you think????????

I would love your opinion!

Have a  great weekend, y'all!