I just completed these 5′X10′ custom painted aspen tree backdrops for a upcoming wedding here in Denver. Both pieces were painted on un-stretched canvas and were so huge I had to paint them side-ways as the walls in my studio were not high enough. My neck hurts from looking sideways for so long.
Mar 272011
I got back late last night from Washington D.C. where I was doing a chalk art demonstration, in Union Station, for Diabetes awareness. It was an amazing experience….I’m so sore I can barely move!!! I can’t believe they got the time lapse video done so fast!!! I finished up mid afternoon, flew back to Denver and got home about midnight. When I woke up at about 7am…the video was already on youtube.
The Project: Complete a 20′X20′ Live Chalk art mural in Washington D.C.’s Union Station in about 10 hours. The 3D chalk mural was to depict and promote awareness for the 10 diabetes hot spots around the country and the cost in Billions by year 2025.
I started the basic sketch in the Hotel banquette Room” Georgetown Two” in the Marriott Hotel. This was a little tough as it was over carpet. It was decided that we would do the mural on this great (new to me) Decoral paper product. It is flame retardant and very useful for indoor projects. I thought it held the chalk very well, and with it being black it really added to the look of a real street painting.
A special thanks to Novo Nordisk and BioSector 2 for the opportunity. I also want to thank Richard Harrington, of RHED Pixel, who was part of the time lapse video team and especially for leaving the part out of the video where I stepped in my box of pastels.
The mural depicts the cost of diabetes to 10 “Diabetes Hot Spots” around the United States by 2025 if current trends continue. The map is sponsored by Novo Nordisk, which released the results of a study by the Institute for Alternative Futures that provides a forecast of the project cost of diabetes for each of the 50 states.
Additional links to the project:
AltFutures.org
An Artist Puts Diabetes On The Map
This is a recent oil painting I completed for a very special project. I want to thank Bill Klaas for allowing me to work with him and help bring his vision to life…. The Ground Zero Candle Vigil
A Candle
A candle is not a simple thing; it is deep in meaning.
Shadows dance as flames flicker; warmth radiates… aromas revealed.
The light of the candle is not a blinding beacon; it is a soft glow with great intensity.
Roaring fires consume… racing winds destroy;
A quiet hush is heard when a candle lights up a room.
Keep a candle lit in your heart, and heal the souls
that mingle with yours as you share your gift of life.
The meaning of this candle is… Remember life’s possibilities.
For a candle’s flickering flame illuminates the darkest of nights…
For any lost soul to see.
First New York, Then the World
September 11, 2011
The Ground Zero Candle Vigil is a program that will raise money for charities through the sale of a fine art poster that is inspiration for people to participate in a national candle vigil on the 10 year anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, 9-11.
The idea for the candle vigil came to Bill Klaas on a plane ride on his return from visiting his son in New York city. The poem was written about ten years earlier, however it wasn’t until his recent visit that Bill put the poem and painting idea together.
His aim is to raise money for charities, and to do his part to bring a seemingly divided world, at odds with each other, together in a national vigil. Ideally this will put enough positive energy into the world to make a difference in the lives of everyone.
Bill has put together an affiliate program to accelerate the amount of donations for local charities and the National 911 memorial through an affiliate network to sell 911 posters on websites across the country and around the world.
Please check out Bill’s website to learn more about his vision and help support this awesome project – http://www.ground-zero-candle-vigil.com/
Mar 072011
I recently went through the process of having a few of my original watercolor and paintings transformed into giclee prints. Technology has made this an amazing process. Having your artwork scanned is the first step. The original is what it is….even if its a very small piece…no problem….when the scan is complete you could put it on a billboard. After the scan you go through the proof process where you check the colors etc.. to ensure your happy with the output. Everything can be adjusted through the scan/print editing software. For my professional prints I always us the Giclée (pronounced “zhee-clay”) archival ink. The other piece you must decide on is the substrate (paper) or you may decide to have it printed on canvas. There are many different options and your printer will be able to make recommendations, explain pros and cons of each.
I use Studio 52 in Arvada and thought I would give them a plug as they always take care of me. They take the time to explain my options based on what type of medium the original was made, the best paper, printer options, ink types, canvas stretching…all the complicated stuff. Below are a few of my recent ‘limited edition’ prints that I had scanned and printed at Studio 52. The prints I had made are 16X20 but I can make a custom size of most of my prints if you would like something custom. Please contact me to discuss details and I will see what I can do.
So the initial concept behind the Art of Winter for the Larimer Arts Association was this:
- Gather local artists to create custom art on a old/recycled pair of skis or snowboard.
- Each piece would be displayed via outdoor gallery on Larimer in Downtown Denver
- Each piece would be sold via silent auction to raise money for the organization
Anyway, after trying to figure out how to properly secure and protect the art it was determined that it would be better to hang a picture of the art and keep the actual skis and snowboards secured until the auction was complete.Great project and I hope they do it again next year!!
I had to get down there and get a good picture before the show was over. Here is a picture of me, my custom snowboard art and my name hanging on Larimer St. in Downtown Denver…..pretty cool!!
