barbarino

gouache/pen

A lake at Piedmont Park, Atlanta, GA

Underdrawing for “Bliss” (3’ x 3’, wood panel, Charcoal/Acrylic)

Part of a painting series, “Cravings and Aversions” (3’ x 3’, wood panel, oil/acrylic)

Part of a painting series called “Cravings and Aversions” (3’ x 3’); wood panel; oil/acrylic

too many goals!

I’m finding that by not varying my routine, I’m not allowing myself the opportunity to meet new friends from different social circles. Over the last year, I’ve mostly stuck with the groups I’m familiar with…Meetup painting, Meetup jazz/blues, and the usual art classes (ie: Chastain). So I’d like to change up my routine a little more often. A few ideas:

1. Volunteer with WonderRoot
2. Pursue gardening w/the Oakhurst Community Garden
3. Get a dog and join a dog owner’s group
4. Rediscovered Atlanta Neighborhoods Alliance
5. Take Back Your Time – Atlanta
6. People for the American Way, Georgia
7. Start an Improvisation group
8. Fun Hikes Atlanta

1.
http://www.wonderroot.org/

2.
http://oakhurstgarden.org/

3.
http://www.cavalierrescueusa.org/
http://www.ckcsc.org/

4.
http://www.rediscoveredatlanta.org/

5.
http://www.timeday.org/

6.
http://www.pfaw.org/pfaw/general/default.aspx?oid=41

7.
http://www.myspace.com/safehousebrighton

8.
http://www.funhikes.com/

This concept appeals to me because it provides an opportunity to progress more quickly, by focusing on completing one small painting in one sitting.

Painting in quantity also allows you to work out very specific challenges on a small scale, and in my opinion, will help me to find my artistic voice more quickly. I like the idea, it’s just a matter of sticking with it for awhile. I’ll start by committing to 30 days, and re-evaluate if I can get to the 30-day point.

Creating a blog for this purpose will help keep me on point.

Daily Painters Art Gallery
http://www.dailypainters.com/

Daily Painters Movement
http://www.dailypaintersguild.com/dailypainterslist.html

Daily Painting Practice
http://dailypaintingpractice.blogspot.com/

Carol Marine
http://carolmarine.blogspot.com/

Michael Naples
http://michaelnaples.blogspot.com/

J. Mahorney – 120 Paintings
http://jmahorney.blogspot.com/

Finding my voice as an artist is a greater priority at the moment. The galleries will come when I’m ready…

Went to Vancouver, Canada in June 2008 for a seven-day vacation. I had an Air Canada ticket, and it was much cheaper than visiting Europe, which is crazy expensive for Americans at the moment. For 2009, currently planning a trip to Peru to see Macchu Pichu with my dad.

This didn’t happen in 2007, although I did exhibit as part of my first Open Studios, which attracted a crowd of 400+.

On my way to work this morning, I couldn’t help but ask myself this question that never seems to go away.

The whole idea of a daily commute to an office where I get to sit in a desk all day just doesn’t sit well with me. And yet, after doing this since 1995 (for the most part), I’m still doing it. I wish I had an easy answer. Whatever the case, I’m not willing to accept the status quo.

I’ve worked for corporations, for a nonprofit, taught guitar lessons, went back to school, did temp work, tried to start a business…I just want to live in a world where decisions aren’t made based on monetary concerns.

Last night I went to this Atlanta Jazz Festival event, and brought my sketchbook and gouache paint. As I was sketching, this woman comes up to me and told me that her son was the sax player in the band. She said she would pay me if I did a sketchbook painting of him. So I did, and I made $30! Just like that.

In late June, I’ll be going to Vancouver, BC for the first time. I can’t wait…the international jazz festival is happening the week I’ll be there. So I’m looking forward to experiencing a new city.

This goal was a little too aggressive I think. I need to be more practical…

I’ve heard rave reviews about Cheryl Baird and Ben Smith, from several artists. Eula Ginsburg is another teacher I need to check out.

I think August is a good month to shoot for…I’m going to plan for that. Europe is crazy expensive now, so I’m not so sure about that idea….I’ll look into other countries and see what offers decent exchange rates.

I’d like to do an artist workshop somewhere abroad. I think that would be very cool. I’ll research some more.

I’ve organized a group of 11 artists at the building that houses my art studio…we set a date for June 7th for our next open studios, which I’m psyched about. My co-organizer Chris, is helping me put this thing together, and I’m optimistic it will be a success.

I just purchased four 3’ x 3’ wood panels that I should receive the first week in April. As soon as I receive the panels I’m going to start working on my “Cravings and Aversions” series, which will be quite challenging in so many ways.

I’ve purchased a book focused solely on understanding facial expression, which is fantastic. It gets deep into the subject, and shows detailed drawings of the muscles that cause our faces to display feelings of anger, sorrow, elation, confusion, etc. The old masters studied this stuff for good reason…it helps a work of art connect with the viewer.

I was reading that the sculptor Bernini actually burned himself so that he could carefully study what happens when your body experiences pain. How’s that for dedication??

I love Christine’s work…she has a fantastic color sense, and I like how spontaneous her brush strokes are. I have a special appreciation for “sketchy” artwork in general. To me, it has more character than many paintings in the realist tradition that are more refined. While I can certainly appreciate the skill that’s needed to paint photo realist work, I am more inspired by art that captures the essence of a subject, or a moment in time never to be repeated again. Christine was recently featured in American Artist magazine. See the links below to view her art:

http://www.somervillemanning.com/artists/CLafuente.asp

http://www.myamericanartist.com/2008/02/christine-lafue.html

I did some plein air painting at the Atlanta History Gardens last weekend, which I really enjoyed. It was a beautiful day outside, and it was fun watching the roosters and sheep do their thing. It made me realize how far removed from nature I’ve been, and how relaxing it is to escape the city life once in awhile.