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........

MIXED MESSAGES: Hate Mail, Poppycock and Reboot

Good Monday Morning!

Ok, so I have been busy at work creating my little shadow boxes.

For those of you who don't follow my work, these little gems from my "Mixed Message" Series are:

Assemblages that combine imagery from my catalogue of my 450+ completed paintings and brand new hand painted work. The segments 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. Most pieces incorporate 2-4 different images and I add some found objects to fill out the box. Each piece is one of a kind, completely affordable, and SUPER CUTE!

Here are 3 more I have just finished!

"Hate Mail" (or H8 Male), 6" x 9", $100.00

This piece is made up of my recycled imagery. The running man is from "Rocket Ride" (sold), the guy snapping his undies is from OLD OLD SOLD work - "Snap to it". I did my usual paint and inking on top of them......and added some vintage letters/paperwork - put in some colour washes.......and put in 2 children's blocks and a little red toy man!

"Poppycock", 6" x 9", $100.00 

The poppies are hand painted (and new) imagery. The rest is my recycled imagery with paint/ink and coloured washes. There are also some scrabble letters and some painted mouldings........and a plastic toy rooster too!!!

"Reboot", 6" x 9", $100.00

The robot is from  "Killer Robot" (sold), and the boot is brand new imagery painted directly on the wood. Again - I did my usual paint and inking on top of them......and added some foam glitter letters. I also put in a bunch of parts from computers! I think it turned out well!

What do ya think?

Love them?

H8 them?

I love to know!!!

WHAT'S UP ROB?

Hey loyal readers.....I was gonna post AGAIN about my NYC trip.......but then realized that you might just need a break this week from that!!! So.....I am gonna show you a couple projects I am working on.
PROJECT 1:
A commission for a client "Gravy Train (Too)". This is the second piece that I have done with this name. When the first one was bought, my client asked if she could have a second one.....so I went to work.
I don't EVER do the same thing twice.....as I want each piece to be important and unique, so  I created this piece with different imagery and a different layout. Here it is:

So, the imagery in this painting is from my painting "Going Somewhere" (which is sold) and "Plan Ahead" (which is also sold). I then added some wooden trim, children's magnets for the word 'gravy', a toy train and track, and an actual antique "Canadian National Railway" soap!
Then I added some colour washes and some ink work on top. I think it turned out SWELL!!

PROJECT 2:

Revitalizing an old master? So, as a favour for a family member, I did a little restoration project. I was given an old oil painting that had cracked and gotten damaged over the years. A lot of the paint had actually peeled off and it was terrible looking.....so I matched all the paints and filled all the white spaces and retuned it to its original "splendour':

It was a boatload of work - probably because it was a 'freebie'........I had to fight the urge to do this:

PROJECT 3-10:
As my deadline for The Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition is looming, I thought I had better get to work on some new stuff. So I have stared creating more from my "Mixed Message" Series. Here is a computer rendered drawing for one:

Reboot

AND HERE IS A BRAND NEW PIECE:

"Top Dog", 6" x 9", Mixed media. 

This piece is made up of some new imagery and some old. The Tops are new....painted on the wood.....the dogs running are from "Hard" (which is sold) and the Tin Toy Dog is from my "A-Z Series" (and is also sold) I added paint and ink-work ontop.....and some coloured washes......

I also added a little plastic doggie in the corner just for fun!

So....there you go. Busy as ever. If you have a great idea for one of my 'Mixed Message' pieces....
I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR IT!!!!!
Have a great weekend all!!!

SPRING LOADED........

Starting on the 4th, you will be able to see the group show I am a part of at MJG Gallery.
Here is the POST all about it.....and 2 of the 3 new pieces that I will be showing!
Deets again:

April 4th-30th.......with a wine reception on the 12th, from 7-11.
I will be there a bit later on the 12th......but I will be there!!!
MJG is located in the heart of Cabbagetown, (555 Parliament St - Just south of Wellesley)
Here is another new piece that I will be showing:

This is another of my "Mixed Message" pieces.
The barn scene is from an old commission. I then painted on top of it to make it more appealing.....

The other side I repainted based on imagery I borrowed from one of m A-Z paintings. 

There are 2 heat transfer drinks on springs that are from old A-Z Paintings.

I also attached kids wooden blocks that spell out 'loaded'. 

I had to repaint them to blend with the rest of the composition.

I then added paint washes on top to make it look complete.

Also for this show at MJG I will be showing this piece:

It is called "Melt Down" and I have only shown it once (at my "Arcade" Exhibition )

This piece is almost entirely made of reclaimed materials including:

Grommets

Bike Reflectors

Chair bumpers

Scrap wood & Caulking

Christmas blink-y lights

Melt Down, 43.5" x 22.5", Acrylic on Mixed media.

Here is the painting in ACTION:

So...that's it!!!

I sure hope to see you out on the 12th.....but if not, make sure you swing my the gallery and check it out sometime over the month!!!!

Later Gaters!

SPRING HAS SPRUNG

Hideeho All!
So, I know what you are thinking......ROB.......we haven't seen any new work from you for WEEKS!
Well, it doesn't mean that I haven't been doing anything.
HOW DARE YOU! Catching up on Ellen is VERy taxing!
;-)
So, I am part of a group show that is celebrating spring.
It is at MJG Gallery. Located in the heart of Cabbagetown, (555 Parliament St - Just south of Wellesley)

It's a fairly new gallery...and is owed by Mark Gleberzon.
It is a really nice space and Mark is great!
Here is his gallery facebook page.....and his site!

I don't have all the deets yet.....but it is a Spring theme. With lots of different artists!
Here is one of my BRAND NEW submissions:

"Hope Springs Eternal". 11" x 14", Acrylic and Ink on Mixed media.

So, let me break this one down for you.
I stained the wood on the left and painted on the word "Hope".
The middle has a series of springs.
The final part is a heat transfer of an older (sold) painting.
I then added ink and paint on top to make it look complete.

Here is the SECOND one I did for the show:

"No Spring Chicken", 11" x 14", Acrylic and Ink on Mixed media. 

So, on this one.....

I painted a green background and applied two letters "N and O" (then I painted on top of them to colour correct them) The middle has a huge spring with 2 pieces of stock holding it.

I painted a chicken one the wood on the right.

I attached a couple of chickens (one black wooden - hand painted piece) and a rubber one (top right)

The final part is a heat transfer of a tin toy chicken from another old painting (sold) "Cock-Up"

I then added ink and paint washes on top to make it look complete.

So whadda ya think????

I will post all the details and an invite by the end of the week!!

Have a great one!!!

CRITIQUE....

Ok, the truth is, I do not usually take criticism well.

GASP!!!

Which is why I seldom ask people's opinions!
Problem solved.
If by some rare chance I am given unsolicited constructive criticism, I can try to entertain the notion.
If only briefly.
So, recently it was mentioned that this blog has become less about my art, and more about me.
Well, you are right. And here is why it is less about the art:
1.) I AM FABULOUS (ok, not much of a reason.....but still)
2.) I havent been producing new art in a few weeks.

INSERT BIG GASP HERE

   I know, I know, a bit disappointing but did I mention that I have created 58 pieces of art this year
   already? HUH? DID I? So get off my back already!! ;-)

3.) I thought it was getting a bit boring. Not my art........it is NEVER boring.....
     I just mean -  me - talking about the art - "Here's my art...blah blah blah...."

But, perhaps this person has a point, so without further adieu, here are a few works that are available, that I don't think should be!!!!

"Big Top", 9" x 12" 

"Scarlet Women",  24" x 20"

"Vodka", 14" x 18"

"Queens", 14" x 18"

"Monkey Business", 6" x 9"

"Seeing Stars", 6" x 9"

See how accommodating I am?
You're welcome.
What do you loyal readers think?
More art? Less me?
More art...same amount of me??
More food.....less art??

SOMETHING ARTY!

Hello friends!
This is my only Non NYC post of the week.
CAN YOU BELIEVE IT??
Today, I want to share some art photos of some new art!
If you missed me at the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition I want to share a couple more of my shadow boxes! I like these because they are at a very affordable price point, and yet they are really successful (artistically) which is kinda important to me!!


These shadow boxes are all from my "Mixed Message" Series. For those of you who do not know my work, they take imagery from my catalogue of completed paintings of which there are over 500!!!!!!!!! 
I then print them on heat transfers, and reassemble the pieces to create the boxes.
I then add ink and paint to punch up the colours, and add some found objects to fill out the box!

Here are 5 that area available as of right now, but remember, they sell like little hotcakes, so get one whilst you can!! ;-)

"Ladybug" is 12" x 9", 

features imagery from "Ready, Set, Go" (available at one of my galleries) and "Refined Lady" (sold)

It has some original painting and some little glass ladybugs.

Cute, huh?

"Where's the Beef" is 6" x 9",
and features imagery from 2 sold pieces. "Organic Me" and "Balance" 

It has some original painting of some beef cuts. It has the scrabble tiles and a toy cow too!

"Manhandle" is 12" x 9", 

features imagery from an OLD piece from my Fairytale Series, "Courteous" (available) and the rest is some original artwork for this piece. It has scrabble tiles and a handle applied as well!

I was SURE that this one was gonna sell first!

Maybe it should belong to you??

"Pop a Wheelie" is 6" x 9",
and features imagery from 2 AVAILABLE pieces. "Party Time" and "Traffic Jam" 

They are both in galleries. Let me know if you want to know where to go to see either piece!!

This piece has some lettering attached and a toy tire! I like it a lot!

 

"Call Girl" is 9" x 12". 

This piece features imagery from 3 pieces.

The Zanibar is from "See the Sights" (and is long since sold) and the rest is 

The toy phone is from "Entertained" (also sold)

Finally, the ponytail girl is from "Chatty Lady" (an all time favourite of mine - still available)

There is a bunch of paint and line work on this one, and some scrabble tiles to finish it off!

You need "Call Girl" today!!!

There you go!
Remember, you can make an appointment to see this work at the studio, by appointment!
Have a great weekend y'all!!

IF YOU MISSED.....

me at the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition I want to share a couple more of my shadow boxes.
These are all from my "Mixed Message" Series. These little shadow boxes take imagery from my catalogue of completed paintings of which there are over 500!!!!!!!!! I then print them on heat transfers, and reassemble the pieces to create  9" x 6" shadow boxes! I then add ink and paint to punch up the colours, and add some found objects to fill out the box!
They are super fun and a great value!!!
Here are 4 that area available as of right now (**remember, these little treasures tend to go fast)

"Fly by Night" is 9 x 12" 
and is built from "Splat" (which is also available) and "Indulge" (which is not available)
I also have some wood, wire and wooden blocks attached.

"Seeing Stars" is 6" x 9", and is made from 2 sold pieces from my Tin Toy Series.
it has some stars and some metal and wood and a wooden sparkly letter too!!
FUN HUH?

"Drama Queen" is 9 x 12,
and features imagery from "Beauty Queen" (available) and "Go Big" (available at one of my galleries)
It has scrabble letters and some wood. (It is a picture of Queen St W in the landscape area)
Who doesn't love hot pink???

"Waste of Space", 6 x 9.
Images taken from 2 sold Tin Toy Pieces and the corset is from a piece I did collaboratively with 'Double Standard"
it has wood and scrabble pieces and a little space invader too!

GET THESE WHILE YOU CAN GUYS!!!!!

LOOMING DEADLINES.......

Nothing is more inspiring than a looming deadline.
OK, maybe "inspiring" is NOT the word I am searching for....
I think maybe I mean stressful. ;-)
Oh well, I tend to work better under pressure!
All of this crazy-making deadline business is for the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition (read about it here)
So, to keep this post quick, lemmie show you what I have been up to!
Each of these is part of my "Mixed message" Series.
I am excited to do some new and affordable little assemblages!
As a reminder for you, my little shadow boxes take imagery from my catalogue of completed
paintings of which there are over 500!!!!!!!!! I then print them on heat transfers, and reassemble the pieces to create  9" x 6" shadow boxes! I then add ink and paint to punch up the colours, and add some found objects to fill out the box!
They are super fun and a great value!!!

"Fair and Square" (6" x 9")

This piece was built using imagery from my painting "Snowflake" (which shows Dundas Square)

and the 'fair' is part of a drawing for an upcoming painting!
COME OUT AND SEE THE STILL AVAILABLE "Snowflake" THIS WEEKEND!!

On this piece I also added scrabble tiles and a wooden square.

Get it?!!

 "Gravy Train" (9" x 12")

Created using imagery from my paintings "Going Somewhere" (the City Hall scene)

and the conductor/train are from "Train of Thought".

(Both of which are sold.)
This one is dedicated to our mayor! Maybe he will buy it this weekend!!!

On this piece I also added kids letters, some wood, some train tracks, and a toy train.

I love this one!

 "Hot to Trot" (6" x 9")

I have taken the imagery from my painting "Party Time" and is a personal favourite!

(This piece is still available at my gallery in London, ON.)

I added scrabble letters, wood, a kids number magnet, and a toy horsey!

 "Shift Gears" (6" x 9")

Created using imagery from my painting "Make a Move".

The car is from "Cobra 3".

(Both of which, miraculously, are still available at my galleries!)

I added scrabble tiles and some gears to this one!

So, there ya go.....remember, seeing the online versions is NOTHING like seeing them in person!!

Try to come out on Friday-Sunday to say 'hi'!!!

FORGETFUL FRANCIS.....

OOPS.
I totally forgot you guys yesterday. Do you feel spurned?
Sorry friends.
As you know, I am busy getting my booth ready for the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition,
and my brain is only capable of handling a certain amount of information at one time.....
so....somethings fall by the wayside (like blogging and house cleaning!)
I am so busy, I am gonna get right to it!
3 brand spanking new pieces from my "Mixed Message" Series:

"Honest to Goodness", 6" x 9", Mixed media,
The imagery from this piece is take from a sold piece called "Skin Deep"
and has the usual paint and ink embellishments.
It also has some scrabble tiles, and a kids building block!
FUN, HUH?
And super affordable!

"Beeline", 6" x 9", Mixed media,

The imagery from this piece is from 2 sold pieces "Bee Proud" and "Fun for All" 

Blah blah blah embellishments.....blah blah.....and a piece of metal on the bottom.

I feel like it needs one more thing...but we will see if I find the perfect thing or not.

"Hell on Wheels", 6" x 9", Mixed media,

This one has a lot of painted imagery that was new for this piece. 

The car is from a recently completed painting called "Speed Demon":

and has the usual paint and ink embellishments.

Again with the scrabble tiles, some wood and a couple toy car wheels.

There you go!
See you tomorrow for #WW (Wonnerful Wednesday!!!)
Cheers!

MISSISSAUGA NEWS!

Hey friends!
So, I wanted  to share a couple of things today.
One. This article from the Mississauga Newspaper.
I was pleased for the most part!
Take a look see:

BUT there are a bunch of inaccuracies in the article.

First. 39? I am sure I would not have told him 39.

I think he meant 29.

TWENTY NINE!!

DAMN IT!

Ok, and I have been doing this for more than 5 years!

Also, I have had many more than 15 shows. 

In fact closer to 55 art shows.

Yes, FIFTY FIVE.

Ok...Rob, stop nitpicking. Any press is good press.

In other news, I have been working on new works for the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition.
So far I have a bunch done.
I am doing new "Mixed Message" shadow boxes -  all small stuff for the show ($100 - $250 pieces).
I KNOW!!! CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP!!!
Here is the latest - it is called "Luck be a Lady".

This 9" x 12" has imagery 'recycled' from the following pieces:

Queens, 18" x 14" - still available

Bee Proud,  20" x 16" - sold

Mustang Sally, 60" x 30"- still available

Like all the rest of the pieces in the series, it has painted and ink elements.
It also has applied wood and scrabble tiles.
What do you think?
Would you hang it on your walls?
I would love your opinion!!