April 19, 2023

Welcome to my messy studio area. I am not one of those artists who Post picture-perfect photos of their clean studios. In the first place I don't have a real studio. I don't paint for a living, and, after I die, my granddaughters would have no use of one. After I finish all 40 paintings for Maryhill School of Theology I shall redo this room completely and you won't ever imagine that this was how it used to look like.

I've applied the 38th and last glaze on this painting, and it's finally done. 

Portrait of Joel Cruz as The Magician (from the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck)
Oil on cradled canvas
5' x 3'
March 13 - April 19, 2023 

This is the Prologue Painting for my next exhibit. A Prologue Painting typically contains the method of composition, measurements, and brushwork in all of the paintings comprising the bulk of the exhibit, and serves somewhat like the overture to a full musical. In my case the featured elements are my use of midlines, the division of each painting into two sections, and the application of the Greek Golden Rectangle in each section. 

As you can see, I also chose to reveal some of the secrets of this Tarot card. They become evident only when you are physically standing in front of the painting.

I am currently discussing exhibit possibilities with the gallery owner. We'll announce when and where it will be, and all of you are cordially invited. I need to wait for this painting to dry before varnishing, and then have four other paintings framed. I have only one painting framed each month, however.

Yes, it took me a year and a half to complete all of 15 pieces of varied sizes, and that seems to be the pace I'll be following through the end of my life.

I did not take photos of the 14 other pieces composing the body of the exhibit. I will do so only after the exhibit opens.