Ol Red

I finished this small dinghy painting last night that I'm calling' "Ol Red". He looks like he's been around the block a few times and his sides have been banging against the dock for a few dozen seasons. He could tell you tales, sing shanties and match you shot for shot at the Sea Snatch Inn whiskey bar by the docks. He's a hard worker. He's the goods.
but I digress...(The author would like to take a moment to recover from his own babbling tomfoolery). Thank you.
I experimented with a thicker under painting with this piece, using under painting white and Burnt Umber Alkyd (both are quick drying and allow for a thicker and more stable surface and an opportunity to establish texture early on). I also used Galkyd light medium (also quick drying) which allowed for many layers of glazing in a short period of time. I did this piece relatively quick (for me) and will continue to explore this process.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to the Sea snatch Inn for a whiskey.

Marlon Palladino (8 Year old artist)

My friend Tommy has an 8 year old son named Marlon who has been doing some extraordinary paintings with his mom Arika and has recently shared them with me and WCCO channel 8 in Minnesota. I think he's on his way to not only making some great art work but also becoming a superstar, no kidding. This is a recent letter from Tom and a link to Marlons web sight and WCCO feature:

"I have been holding out on spreading the word about the paintings that Marlon
and Arika have been doing this year, so I am sending out the good word
to you now. Marlon has been doing paintings with Arika for a long time,
but in the last year they have gotten more serious about their work.
They have done over 100 paintings, most of which were on display at an
art show in June that attracted about 200 people (mostly friends and
family) and at which they sold almost 60 paintings!

They have a website at

MarlonsHands.com

that I welcome you to check
out. Please send Arika and Marlon a message from the site when you
visit. Marlon loves the feedback. Forward the link to whomever you
like.

WCCO Marlon Palladino feature

Cape Cod Art Association

I was juried into the Cape Cod Art Association as an "Artist Member" today..a nice birthday gift to myself, (I'm 39 today).


I drove down to Barnstabe, Mass on the Cape (About a three hour drive with Friday traffic) in my 1999 Toyota Corolla with the broken air conditioner..did I mention it was like 378 degrees today. No, seriously, it was about a hundred, no kidding. Barnstable is where the Art association is and I had to pick up my paintings from the jurors. One of them whispered to me.."I'm not supposed to say anything, but you got in..they'll send you a letter in a week..congratulations". I was thrilled but I also was suffering from heat exhaustion and had to cut my Cape Cod trip short and drive home. Still not kidding.