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!

TODAY'S THE DAY! Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition 2014!!

Happy Friday!
Well….as you are reading this…..I am either setting up my booth….or selling my art at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto! I have been working at my studio NONSTOP for over a month on this show!
Here are the details again:

The Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition - Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen Street West

Friday, July 4: 10:30 am- 7:30 pm
Saturday, July 5: 10:30 am- 7:30 pm
Sunday, July 6: 10:30 am- 6:30 pm

BOOTH #A36 (see map below)

Map:

Ok…wanna see a couple new images of finished paintings???
HERE are 2 of the 30 BRAND NEW Mixed media pieces I have created for this show!!!

"Flip Flops", 20" x 16", Acrylic on and mixed media on board

This  piece is based on a photo from the beach here in Toronto……and I really liked the quote!!!
The quote hasn't got a source - sorry!
But how true is it???
You can't tell, but the flip flops and the clothes pins are mixed media - painted on wood and applied to the top! I think they are SUPER CUTE!!!!!!!
If you are a more cityscape person….then there is this one….

"Short Way Home", 24" x 24", Acrylic and mixed Media on Board

This one is compiled from photos I took on the GO Train.
I really like it. It is a big boy…..but really looks great!
The train on the bottom is painted on wood and applied….
There is also some moulding and a chunk of metal that is pop-riveted on!
The quote is Alexander MacLaren
I like this piece - and hopefully it is SOLD just as you are reading this!

I will show you one last piece.
I have over 15 new pieces (and a few older) that are 6" x 6" and ONLY $50 (+HST)
CRAZY????
Yes! Crazy Rob's paint warehouse is proud to be selling AFFORDABLE art that is easy to accept into you home and your HEART!!!

Ok…..so there are a few new pieces that you can come and see!!!!
The show runs rain of shine……so…..you know the drill!
Come by - say hello!

MORE RIVERDALE FARM……..AND A NEW PAINTING FOR T.O.A.E.!!!

Howdy!!!
So….last night was the big fundraiser at The Riverdale Farm -- Riverdale Farm Aid!
If you don't know about the farm - READ THIS POST….it will tell you everything you should know!
Done? Ok…..so now you know I did the poster for this event…..here it is in Cabbagetown…….

So…then after I did THIS poster…..I did a version of it that could be sold at the event.

This painting looked like this:

"Riverdale Farm", 36" x 24", Acrylic on canvas

Nice huh?!

Sorry…..you can't buy the original…….that is sold! (huzzah)

BUT……you can buy a VERY LIMITED EDITION print…..

There are only 10 of them…..here they are getting ready for framing:

They were framed up by Akasha Gallery.

Not only is Akasha a GREAT framer - but they have an excellent space that shows exhibitions of photo based art. You MUST MUST MUST go and check them out at:

511 Church Street, Suite #200 (upstairs)

Kelly and Sonja are lovely….and they will take good care of you!!

(and the art they show is really BEEEEAUTIFUL work!!!)

At the fundraiser last night,  I only took a couple of photos…..

This was one I liked a lot…..

(that is smoke from the pea meal on a bun booth….mmmmmm…….)
Ok……in other Riverdale Farm news, I just finished this piece……

"Look to the Past",  36" x 12", Acrylic and mixed media on Canvas

I LOVE THIS PIECE…..
It is Riverdale Farm on top…..and a retro tractor on the bottom.
The tractor is painted on wood and attached to the canvas (as it the black painted moulding)

THIS piece will be shown at the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition….
(MORE INFO ON TOAE HERE)
What do you think???

Ok….have a great weekend y'all!!!!

"OH THE PLACES YOU'LL GO!"

Happy Monday Y'all!!!
Ok….so as you may know I am ramping up for my BIG show…..which means that the production level is WAAAAY up.
If you don't know anything about my next show….(for shame ;-)
HERE IS A LINK all about the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition which opens in 2 weeks!!!!!
EEEK!
Ok……here is the latest painting:

"The Places You'll Go", Acrylic and mixed media on canvas, 16" x 16"

Ok…..so this painting is based on some photos I took from the window of my Dad's old truck, back in 2008. I have always enjoyed the look of hydro wires for some reason - I sorta think they look like sewn-up scars on the landscape…..
The bottom 3rd of this piece has some wood attached and a metal bird looking on.
The quote itself is from Dr Seuss….and I enjoy it.
The camper and car are just cool……although I am not much of a camper, I DIG the aesthetic of those retro trailers!
What do you think?
LOVE it???
Come out on July 4-6 to see it in person. I GUARANTEE this one will not last the weekend!
Have a great week!

TORONTO OUTDOOR ART EXHIBITION 2014

Hey Howdy folks!
I wanted to share more info about my next big show.
Now……first let me tell you all about The Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition:

The 53rd T.O.A.E. is at Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen Street West

It runs.....rain or shine…..(but hopefully mostly SHINE)….

Friday, July 4: 10:30 am- 7:30 pm
Saturday, July 5: 10:30 am- 7:30 pm
Sunday, July 6: 10:30 am- 6:30 pm

About 350ish artists are chosen from about 1300 eager artist applicants! As one of the largest of its kind in Canada, the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition offers a fresh-air and free alternative to conventional art shows and galleries. Side by side, established artists, undiscovered talents and innovative students sell their work directly to the public and make lasting connections with art dealers and collectors.

A catalogue featuring the art will be available on the TOAE website VERY SOON!.

I am grateful to be a part of the leaner - more easily navigated version of this show! 

This will be my 9th showing at TOAE since 2004.
Which is pretty good (insert pat on back here ;-)

I have a completely different location this year.....(click the map below to en-biggen it!)
BOOTH A36:

I am right up at the North end of the square - close to City Hall!
I am excited to be at this location -- I have never been up there before!
To get ready for the show, I have A LOT of brand new work….90% of all the work is mixed media.
EXCITING!
Here is another new piece that I am excited to show…..with an old story…..so let me take you back……...you may recognize this piece….THIS it used to look like this in 2007….

At the time I was happy…..but by 2009 it STILL hadn't sold.
:-(
Now….I am fortunate that most of my work travels to new homes pretty fast…but NOT this one…..
So I thought I would rework it again…..adding a piece of metal…so it looked like this:

This time, I was THRILLED with the metal additions!
I showed it for a few more years……and then…..this week………
I totally re-jigged it…..so NOW it looks like this:

"Greener Grass", Acrylic and mixed media on wood, 10" x 30".

BLAMO!
I think it is way way way better! I think there is a lot of 'movement' in the painting…..
And it has cows!!!
COME ON!
Also there is a bunch of wood applied to it…
I WILL EAT ME HAT of this fine piece does not sell!
Could it be to you?????
I hope so!
See it (and me) in July!!!!

GET LOST THERE -- NEW WORK!!!

Hey guys…..I know you have been waiting for BRAND NEW work from me…..and here it is!
I am in FULL PRODUCTION mode for the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition.
(details about the show and my location on FRIDAY)
So this new work is all "mixed media"…..which simply means they have a number of materials on them….for me it is all painted in acrylics, and then bits and bobs added….with some ink too!
Ok….ok….enough of the stalling….here is the first of the new stuff:

"Get Lost There", 24" x 24" Mixed Media and Acrylic on Board

 So the landscape is from a few of my photos from up north of the city……I like "Nature" (another piece from this year) have tried to keep it very loose and "impressionist-y".
Now….because I cannot "just do a simple landscape" the bottom third of the painting is more fun.
I really like the quote a lot. Perhaps because I haven't had a vacation since 2012….. ;-0
I love the cute polka-dats - although "cute" is the kiss of death in the art world!
The car and camper have a nice vintage feel and are based on 1950's vehicles.
They are also painted on separate board and attached later!
Here is a side view….

As you can see, I handled the sides differently on this…..normally I (just like the Rolling Stones) just paint it black…….but I felt that because there are so many 3-D elements on this, the imagery needed to wrap the canvas!
I really am happy with this one!
Look for it at the TOAE!
Have a great week y'all!

NEW COMMISSION - LONG POINT, ONTARIO

Hey y'all!
I have been a busy guy this last few months with commissions.
BUT THIS ONE is really great.....ok.....maybe I always say that......but I am really pleased with the latest commish.
So, I have clients that bought a couple of smaller works back in 2005.....they were pleased with the works, but finally wanted to commit to a great BIG statement piece for their new home.
Recently they moved out to Calgary, but they wanted a reminder of their former cottage in Long Point, Ontario....let me save you the trouble of Googling......

Long Point is a sand spit and medium-sized hamlet on the north shore of Lake Erie, part of Norfolk County in Ontario. It is about 40 kilometres long and is about a kilometre across at its widest point. Lake Erie lies to the south of Long Point, and the waters to the north side comprise Long Point Bay. The bay is subdivided into the Inner Bay and Outer Bay by a line that runs between Turkey Point to the north and Pottahawk Point to the south. Some of the towns along the bay's north shore include Port Rowan, Turkey Point and Port Dover. Long Point is north and across the lake from Erie, Pennsylvania.

So........first step for me is to ask the clients for the key things that they would like featured in the commission. The custom work is about making something that the client will LOOOOVE, so it is important to start on the same page.

Thankfully, these clients really 'get' what my art is about.....so it was a very painless process!!
1. the humour was KEY!
2. they liked the idea of fishing being involved somehow
3. colour is important  (especially oranges and purples)
4. They gave me a few quotes that they LOVE and I chose the one I thought might work best:

"Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, it's a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope.” -- DR SUESS

We knew there would be a quote - that there would be some vintage elements, and then a cool "poster". They sent me a bunch of links to Long Point things including links about all the shipwrecks.....

It seems that there is something called "The Long Point Triangle" (like the Bermuda Triangle - except on Lake Erie!) and the whole idea intrigued me - for the poster area....

To read more about it CLICK HERE!

At first, I thought that this would be a general layout:

It was ok....until I found the following reference that CHANGED IT ALL!

I really liked this one!!! So I took a number of different reference shots from the internet and Google Maps and made THIS rendering with place markers for the soon to be designed bits and bobs:

It was a hit. Next I went to finding some inspiration for the poster.....and found this:

LOVED IT.....so I went back to work to create all the other elements for the piece.

Here is the final rendering that got the go ahead:

It has fish......the cool triangle poster.....that featured the local lighthouse, and then the quote!

(I made a fisherman with a telescope to reference the quote!!)

THEN I got to work....here are the progress shots along the way:

I love this part of the process - it looks cool and ghostly!

I added a bunch of purples and oranges into the boat garages.

It began to shape up pretty fast!!!

Soon it was time to block in the 'poster' part

I then blocked in the fish artwork and the paper that the quote was to be painted onto. 

I then added some aging, and the folds and final touches to the poster

THIS WAS THE FINAL PAINTING (sorry to yell - but I am really happy with it):

The clients were also happy! It is gonna go above the couch in the living room.

So...what is our 'take away' here??

Well.....the moral of this story is clear! A commission is the BEST way to get an exact fit for your life.

As long as you commission the right artist for the job!

If you enjoy my work, and haven't found the 'right' piece for you....this is a GREAT solution!!!

It's your classic WIN - WIN!

So think about it.....and then email me!!!

In the meantime, this painting is packed up and ready to take its big trip to Calgary!!

HUZZAH!!

NEWS! THE ARTIST PROJECT AND MORE!

Wow. What a borrrrrrrring  blog post title!!
Gimme a break....it's Friday!
So.....I wanted to share another new piece of art that I just finished for this years 'The Artist Project'.
If you don't have any idea what that is......TAP is:
It is my big indoor art show for the year.....

Hours

Thursday:  7PM – 10PM (Opening Night, 19+ Event)

Friday:  12PM – 8PM
Saturday:  11AM – 8PM
Sunday:  11AM – 6PM

Venue Location

Booth #631 http://www.theartistprojecttoronto.com/

Better Living Centre
195 Princes’ Boulevard, Exhibition Place
Toronto, ON

Cost

Here is a link to get half price on the opening night, $12 instead of $25, there will be drinks, food, music and well, art. The discount for the opening night is good today only.

http://www.teambuy.ca/en/toronto/28144970

Here is a link for $7 tickets instead of $15, not for the opening night. You can buy tickets anytime using this promotion code.

Enter TAPEX13 into the “Promotion Code” field

https://www.microspec.com/tix123/eTic.cfm?code=TAP2013&disc=TAPEX13#.URqE0KU80po

Read more about The Artist Project in THIS POST!
Ok......so here is the latest painting....

"Judgement", 24" x 18", Acrlyic on mixed media.

So....the landscape is of The Evergreen Brickworks here in Toronto.
To read more about The Brickworks check out my blog post about it!!!
The bottom is painted on wood and (although you cant tell in this photo) it is bowed out.
These 3 buildings (Castle Loma, The old City Hall and Massey Hall) are all ones that have been built using bricks from Don Valley Brickworks.
The Quote is from Dr. Wayne Dyer......who is super smart! (And very much alive - unlike most of the authors of the quotes I use.)
And the band at the top is based on an Art Nouveau flowers/leaf pattern.
Ok.....so come out and see it next week at TAP!!

ALSO......I am mentioned in a Q&A on the Spacing Toronto Blog today!!!!

READ IT HERE!
I have a few more things I was gonna share today...but I think that is enough.....I will mention the rest on MONDAY! Have a great weekend y'all!

REFRESHING NEW WORK!

Howdy!
Happy almost Canada Day/Pride weekend.
I am celebrating by working hard on new work.
:-)
No, no.....no need to be sad for me....I LOVE painting!
So, as many of you know (if you are avid readers of this blog) I am prepping for a big show:

And due to crazy demand, I am back to working on new pieces in my Landscape Series. 

I hadn't done one in almost 2 years, and thought I wouldn't really enjoying going back.....BUT...

I am really enjoying the challenge of Landscape painting!

Here is my latest:

"Refreshing", 24" x 18", Acrylic on Board, 2012

So, this one is made up of 5 different photos I took last year - in The Beach here in T.O. 

I didn't like any of the photos...but when I put a bunch together - I got this composition. 

I am pleased with how soothing this whole painting feels to me!

I the quote is: "When the well's dry, we know the worth of water." (Benjamin Franklin)

I think Benny Frank's (ya...that is how he and I roll) quote is brilliant!

What do you think?

NEW PAINTING: RIVERDALE FARM

Boring title. I know. Truthfully I am a little under the weather today....so there will probably be very little cleverness in this post! But neither snow nor rain nor gloom of night nor illness of the throat stays this blogger from the swift completion of his try-weekly posting!
Oh....wait....maybe I am thinking of the post man......well whatever.....
Here is my latest completed painting that I will be exhibiting at my "Town and Country" Exhibition in a few weeks!!
First here is the painting mid way through the process:

Here is the final painting:

"Untie", 12" x 36", Acrylic on Canvas

Now let me break it down:
1.) The landscape is Riverdale Farm. Let me tell you a bit about it....Riverdale Farm is a 3-hectare (7.4-acre) municipally operated farm in the heart of Cabbagetown, Toronto. Between 1888 and 1974, this was the site of the Riverdale Zoo. In 1974 the zoo relocated to a much larger facility in Scarborough and eventually became the Toronto Zoo. In 1978, Riverdale Farm opened on the west bank of the Don River adjacent to Riverdale Park. The main barn was first constructed in 1858 in Markham and moved to the present site and rebuilt in 1977.
The farm is open to the public all year-round. It specializes in pioneer breeds of farm animals that are hard to find on commercial farms. It is an example of a typical Ontario farm from between 1880 and 1920. 'sAnimals at the farm include poultry, waterfowl, goats, sheep, pigs, cows, donkeys, and horses.
Riverdale farm's funding (like many important Toronto attractions) came very close to being cut by the current mayor of Toronto this year! But thankfully was saved at the last moment.
So I figured it was a great thing to feature in a painting!


2.) The bottom of the painting has some gossipy animals that I featured in another painting I did see them on the tiny matchbook cover of Farmers Feed Cities (sold): 

3.) the quote at the top (on the trompe l'oeil ripped lined paper) says "Don't cut what you can untie." I thought that it seemed fitting given what the Riverdale Farm has been through this year!

Ok....so that is the newest!
What do you think?
Do you like my return to my Landscape Series?
Remember that a photo does not do it justice! Come out and see it in person:
July 17^th - Aug  5^th, 

Opening reception: Thurs July 19^th, 7-9pm. 

Hangman Gallery, 756 Queen Street East 

NEW WORKS: Moonstruck!!!

HELLO!
Well, it's a new week. And truthfully I am SUPER ANXIOUS. This is the week I will find out whether or not I have been juried into the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition. I am extra nervous because some artist friends of mine started posting on Facebook their acceptances on FRIDAY of last week!!!! (Usually they mail out the TOAE acceptances first.)
But I am trying to keep positive and NOT check my mailbox every 10 minutes all day long.....all week long......But besides fretting about the TOAE......I HAVE been a busy bee.
I wanted to share with you a few more of the little shadow boxes that I just finished.
These are all part of my "Mixed Message" Series. For those of you who are not regular followers of my blog, or my work....here is a quick refresher....

"These assemblages combine imagery from my catalogue (of 450+ completed paintings) and brand new hand painted work. The existing items from my catalogue are printed on heat transfers, varnished and painted/inked on. I then take all the imagery and reassemble it to create the shadow boxes and I add some found objects to fill out the box. Each piece is one of a kind, completely affordable!!"

"Moonstruck", 6" x 9", Mixed media, $100.

The left side is a segment of "Shoot for the Moon" (sold) - I did my usual paint and inking on top. The other side is painted stars imagery (a bit wonder woman-y). There is a piece of red painted moulding and I added a large tile 's' and a vintage toy truck puzzle piece. I think this one is kinda clever! (If I do say so myself)

"Plain and Simple", 6" x 9", Mixed media, $100.

The plane in this one is from a sold Arcade Series piece (which I slighted repainted) and the background of clouds is new. The middle section has a vintage envelope (it doesn't photograph well - but it has a old plane on it too) and also has some vintage metal "Meccano" pieces on it. The final elements are some chip board letters that spell out '& simple". I have put some more paint and coloured washes all over it - to make it more cohesive looking!


AND FINALLY:

"Funny Farm", 6" x 9", Mixed media, $100.

The painting in the background of this one is from a commission I did. READ ABOUT IT HERE. I did a bit of repainting...and then painted "HA HA HA HA" all across it. I added some painted mouldings, and I painted a small wooden barn to add on top. I also added a toy tractor and some kids letters that spell out "funny".


There you go!
Thats some of what I have been up to!
Whadda ya think?
Like the new work?
Keep your fingers crossed for me - I am going to go check the mail right now........

FARMERS FEED CITIES

Well here is the day you have been waiting patiently for. Ok, maybe not all of you...
Perhaps just a handful of you......anyways......
After almost 3 months of not painting, and weeks of procrastination, I give to you my newest work!
It is called "Farmers Feed Cities". The name and posted within the painting are inspired by the 'Farmers Feed Cities' campaign. Check out their website HERE


Farmers Feed Cities is committed to increasing the understanding of the value that farmers contribute to Ontario’s economic physical and social health. Farmers Feed Cities is committed to ensuring a sustainable future for farmers in Ontario.

As you may know, I am only a generation away from the farm myself, and so these issues are near and dear to my heart. Here is how the painting happened:

Yes, this canvas was donated to me!
Thanks Cindy!

Step one...base coats and stencilling!

Later I block in some of the colour washes.

Ok, you got me.
There was a LOT that happened since the last photo! 

Blocking the other elements in.

The details go in.
My reference is stuck up to help!

So, as you can see, this piece is pretty involved. Each piece of imagery had to be conceived and designed. The matchbook cover - which I think is worthy of note (for it's details)

COME ON!!
How adorable.....and the "O" that dots the i in Diner.

Here is the final piece.

(as always you can click on it to enlarge it)

"Farmers Feed Cities", 36" x 24", Acrylic on canvas. 

I am entering it into The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair Art Show 2011.

Hopefully I get juried in, and you can come and see it there!