Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Kanevsky, NYC, & Friends

I met with my favorite artist, Alex Kanevsky, in Philadelphia last week. Upon entering the studio at St. Patrick Hall, I was immediately confronted with two large canvasses - a hunting hounds scene, and one of the bathtub images. There was really nothing to say, as the work speaks for itself....and clobbers you with its imaginative and mindbending virtuosity. How often I have been disappointed seeing an artist's work in the flesh, but I have always sensed this is not the case with Alex, and I was right. The texture, brushwork, scale, the color harmony....all of it beyond reproach. And he is an extraordinarily nice guy! He grew up not far from my wife, in Rostov, and it was fun trading stories. I look forward to visiting Alex again, and also to meeting his wife, Hollis Heichemer, a fantastic painter. Thank you so much for your time, Alex, and I stand - even moreso now - in awe of your artistry.


In New York I met an internet friend, Javier Oña, from Cádiz, Spain. Javier bought my painting from the Hispacuarela exhibition that was recently there, and when I heard he was visiting the States, just had to go meet him. Javier is a retired doctor and watercolorist. I rendezvoused with him and his beautiful family at the Whitney museum to see the Hoppers, and we spent much of two days checking out the NYC art scene.

We saw recent work by Joseph Raffael (below) at the Nancy Hoffman Gallery. Also on display were some wonderful pieces by Hung Liu.

My good friend Debra Halprin, a fab watercolor portraitist from D.C. joined us. That was a blast, and she speaks great Spanish!

We went to the J. Cacciola Gallery to check out the Kanevskys they have on hand. Then on to the Franklin Bowles Gallery to see Gottfried Salzmann's work, and also several pieces by another of my current favorites, Zoya Frolova (below).

I spent the next day with Debra and her daughter at Ellis Island, a fascinating place. The ferry ride was a great chance to get some shots of the lower Manhattan skyline.

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Tokyo Express

Tokyo Express 104cm x 104cm

Here's another inspired by an Asian theme. Can anyone tell if it's watercolor or acrylic watercolor? It is Da Vinci paint, I'll say that much!

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Zanesville - NWS Traveling Exhibition

The National Watercolor Society traveling exhibition is presently at the Zanesville Art Center in Ohio. We visited today and were very impressed by the museum, and pleased to meet with the Director, Susan Talbot-Stanaway - a true watercolor fan!

It was nice to see the sushi painting again, and other paintings by Guan Weixing, Cheng Khee Chee, Carole Pickle, Donna Zagotta, Frank Webb, Frank Francese, and many others.

Thursday, July 10, 2008

"Private Eyes" Shirt On Fire!


The Tommy Bolin shirt I designed (based on the Private Eyes album) is a big hit with Tommy fans everywhere, and it's now available in tank-tops (black or white). Gotta admit, it's just too cool for school! I also have a couple of other designs in the works, and they should be available soon. Check out the shirt and other Tommy merchandise on TommyBolin.biz.

Saturday, July 5, 2008

PVW 35th Anniversary Show - Strathmore Mansion

I've been invited to judge the 35th annual exhibition of the Potomac Valley Watercolorists, which will be held at Strathmore Mansion January 6 - February 21. More information to come about the reception and award ceremony.