Alla Prima 12 x 9 Oil on canvas

This little Alla Prima painting is not all I've been up to but it is the only painting I have bothered taking photos of. It's very difficult to get a really good photo of a painting. This one is just passable.

I don't usually work in alla prima, but I was inspired to just do a quick painting by some of the other work I had been checking out lately.

Just got back from a trip to Northern California a few weeks ago when I painted a small painting on the beach. I'll post that soon.

Been writing a lot. I am reminded of what a frustrating venture that is. It seems nobody really cares what you write. Why? Because they have to READ it and there is so much CRAP out there that after a while they just stop reading.

That's what happened to me when I was in a writers group. It seems the worst writers take up all the time of the more experienced writers and also it seems no really can give an honest crit because of hurt feelings and just not having anything constructive to say in general. Anyway, I can't blame people for not wanting to read because I'm the same way…so anyway, trying to get a screenplay read by anyone that can actually do something about producing it is next to zero!

It’s tough out there, people! But I have tons of ideas and stories I am developing in spite of the fact that I haven't an agent. Being hopeful and being full of shit are two different things, I've found. I know I am a good writer, as I have been published and been told so by folks in the business when they didn't have anything at stake by saying so. I enjoy writing immensely. It feeds my desire to create. Creativity is the closest to God a mortal can get. It is a gift from God, no doubt to be able to create, and only man can do this. We are all spiritual beings...enough ranting, back to work!

Peace,

Chuck

Peonies in Silver Cup 8 1/2 x 11 oil on linen

Finished this last night. Flowers are hard to paint. Bought this cup at Hobby Lobby of all places. Did this one for my sister. Flying to Atlanta tomorrow to visit her. Bringing this painting as a gift. Supposed to be hot and muggy as opposed to hot and dry in Phoenix. I hate flying into Eastern time zone! My body does not adjust well to that 3 hour change, but it will be nice to see her and my nephew.

Cherries and The Screenplay

A picture of the "cherries" painting I've been working on. This is still in progess, as I have some more work to do all 'round, but thought I'd post it anyway. Also been spending time adapting my novel, "Dark Genius," into a screenplay. It is a story about an artist who starts receiving letters from his dead brother. A mystery set on an island in Maine.

Enjoy. I'll post the finished painting soon.

Dan Thompson

I just got word from Dan Thompson that he will be teaching the figure at Scottsdale Artist School May 16 - 20, 2011. I had taken a 10 day workshop from Dan back in 2007 and had asked him to come to SAS. I am very happy that he is. Dan is a great guy, a great teacher and artist, too!
Besides being an accomplished artist he Co-founded the Grand Central Academy of Art and Co-found The Janus Collaborative. He teaches at Janus, as well. Looking forward to seeing him again!

http://www.januscollaborative.org/faculty/thompson.html

Art for Art's Sake

Just wanted to say that this blog is about art. So no more political stuff. I'll rant elsewhere. I recently applied for readmission to ASU. They have some drawing classes I want to take. It is very hard to find the kind of instruction I want, so I figure I have to do it on my own. At least at ASU they have resources and Life Drawing classes that I want. I might even finish my BFA. Here's a few pics from a while ago.

Pink lady and Onions

Still struggling with lighting issues in the studio. Not having natural light is very difficult for me. Here is a still life and the pink lady again. I reworked some of the background and shirt for this. Don't know if anything will ever really feel completely finished...

New Paintings

Here are a couple new still lifes. I am at the end of my rope with this camera. I will be going to the camera shop to get a proper news lense for it. These are oil on canvas. Just a few of a bunch of new things...I hope you all enjoy them as much as I did making them.