HotalingArt

Not that it mattered...

2010-01-16T10:45:00.001-05:00

...but I've been negligent with keeping up on my blog. Did anyone notice? Regardless...

So it's a new year, a new decade. Whoopee doo! But I'll confess, I have some resolutions. When it comes to my art, I intend (and need to stop procrastinating) to put together a cd to provide to different businesses around town. Businesses like restaurants and coffee shops. Places with a revolving display of work. I need to get a cd together to provide to the Albany Center Gallery. They're looking for submissions for the 2011 season.

I have a small list of personal things I'd like to create. A painting of Shasta, to start! And some commission work as well that has been discussed.

January is half over. I'm running out of excuses.

Artist's Statement

2009-12-04T16:50:00.002-05:00

Like the handwritten script found only in a letter or the incomparable taste of a homemade dinner, the snapshot as an object is quickly becoming a rare find. Albums full of photos are turning into albums of compact discs and online slideshows. Digital photography has taken over. With this monopolization comes skepticism. When is a photograph art? Ad Reinhardt attempted to create the “last” painting fifty years ago. What photograph will be considered the “last”? With the advent of digital photography, everyone is an “artist” these days. Like a series of Campbell Soup cans, photography as a form of art is becoming a dangerously watered down genre. The photograph is losing its charm.

This body of work is a humble homage to the original snapshot. The role of the snapshot as storyteller, both through the image portrayed and the history of the snapshot as a cherished object passed down from generation to generation, is honored with these small and modest paintings.

Turning over a New Leaf

2009-12-03T21:05:00.000-05:00

The work is up.

I dropped the paintings off at the New Leaf Gallery in Saratoga Springs on Monday. Director (and my friend) Jeromy completed the hanging and posted my statement on the gallery website. Take a moment of your time and please check it out here.

Saratoga Springs celebrates First Saturday every month, bringing the local arts community together to appreciate the local talent. You can stop by the New Leaf this Saturday to be one of the first to check this most current work. If this Saturday doesn't work out too well for you, than I seriously encourage a visit to the gallery next Saturday during the artist's reception. Not only will you be so priveledged to see some okay paintings, but you'll have the great honor to watch me act a fool amongst my babies. In either case, be sure to bring some cash and that christmas list. If none of my paintings tickle your fantasy, the gallery contains some pretty unique and amazing things that would make a great gift. Especially for those friends on your list that are always so difficult to figure out.

The artist's receptiontion is December 12th from 5 until 8. The work will remain up for the remainder of the month. I will post images of my paintings to my website later this month.

December First Friday

2009-11-28T07:01:00.000-05:00

As part of December's 1st Friday here in Albany, two of my earlier Polaroid paintings have been selected as part of the Upstate Artist's Guild's Small Works show. The only requirement for this show is that the finished work needs to be... well, small. I believe no larger than 12 x 12". My paintings are wee. A mere 4 x 5". The opening is Friday, December 4th from 6-9. What's incredibly cool about this particular show is that if the work is purchased, the buyer is allowed to take it that evening instead of waiting for a month. This is to encourage christmas shoppers to expand their lists beyond the mall and Ikea.

Below are images of the two paintings. Their presentation is neat, since I've selected miniature easels to prop them on instead of the traditional wall hanging. I think it sets them apart from other paintings and helps elevate their importance that is easily lost due to their size.

Snowballs

2009-11-25T16:40:00.000-05:00

In my previous post I mentioned an upcoming benefit where three of my figure drawings will be available as part of another silent auction. My friend Rob is once again throwing the annual Snowball. This event is a variety and drag show all wrapped in one sequenced scarf. It's raising funds to donate to the Albany Damien Center to help families and individuals affected and infected with HIV and AIDS. The show alone is reason to check it out. If you don't piss yourself from laughing at the performances (in a good and incredibly tactless way) you'll be pretty close to it. And of course, the silent auction.

Below are two of the drawings available. They're conte on paper, framed, and cheap!

So about those Galas...

2009-11-24T09:55:00.002-05:00

This is certainly a crazy season. While we have the usual buzz with the upcoming holidays approaching, it's also time for charity events. As previously mentioned, I contributed one painting each to the Albany Historic Foundation's BUILT benefit and the Albany Center Gallery's Too Marvelous For Words benefit (including three drawings to an upcoming benefit to raise money for the Damien Center here in Albany).

Now before I go further, it's important to state how honored and happy I am to be a part of both benefits. Not only are they great chances to get out in the public and help spread my name as an artist as well as to meet people and further social connections, but it's an opportunity to really contribute to the betterment of local arts and culture.

The events were amazing. The venues were awe-inspiring and perfectly suited for the occasions. Live bands and copious amounts of wine helped keep the parties alive throughout the night. Perhaps my favorite aspect to both events was the encouraged participation to dress up in costume. I even went as far as to purchase a double-breasted suit and matching fedora for the 20s and 30s theme at Too Marvelous For Words. The coordinators for both events didn't neglect a detail nor leave a stone unturned to make sure everything was perfect.

But now comes my beef. I'm not naive to how things work. The more affluent folk show up at these events as part of a greater effort to be seen by their peers as one of Albany's great benefactors to the arts. I applaud them for this. Without this type of support, I fear Albany would become colorless, drab, and downright boring. In a city with this much history, this much mix of dutch and art deco architecture, and neighboring communities already heavily involved in the many genre's of arts (Saratoga, Troy, Hudson Valley, Tanglewood, etc) a prominent art scene is imperative to the wellness of our community. But at this years slew of events, it seems like the generosity ended at the door. The silent auctions barely had an impact on the evening. I'm guessing a quarter to a third of the contributed art didn't even sell! Those pieces that did receive bids were lucky to have more than two, if that! Perhaps the saddest of all was the fact that those items in the silent auction that did have actual bidding wars were alcoholic products. A half a case of wine or a few hours of an open bar for you and seven friends seemed to take the spot light away from the real defining elements of these organizations.

What about the art? I must say, with Albany's benefactors, I'm a bit disappointed.

Tools...

2009-11-07T13:09:00.002-05:00

This post is far overdue. Like the feel of a holding a pencil or the weight of a good pen when writing a letter (is that still done these days?), an artist grows a connection and bond with his or her tools. In this post you will find pictures of my "new" art tool. Thank you to my dear friends, and especially my best friend and companion, Dan, for surprising me with this early birthday present: my easel.

It was found at an antique show. There was actually a younger mate to this easel. But something about the datedness of this one drew me in immediately. With easels these days, brand new from the arts & crafts stores (where scrap-booking seems to have taken the lead), I feel it's easy to become lost in all the bells and whistles they offer. Countless nooks to store paint, brushes, and medium and an infinite way to position your canvas or support with knobs here and there just end up confusing me and getting me lost and away from actually painting. This easel is simple. It forces me to work with less. And if there's any rule I've learned in my years as a formal student, is that less is often more. A better painting will result when there are rules and restrictions to follow. Would it really be that different with your selected tools?

Take Anne Blair Brown, for example. Her marvelous and amazing landscapes are painted with a larger brush to avoid getting caught up in the details. This is an intriguing idea and something I intend on experimenting with. I know well how easy it is to get caught up in the details.

Yet, above all else, the most irreplaceable part of this easel is it's character. It is old, but cared for. Evidence of previous use makes me wonder what paintings this easel has helped create. Or was it normally stashed in the back of closet, brought out for whimsical Sundays. This easel has a story. And similar to the content of my recent paintings, I may never know it.

I am also planning on taking this blog one step further. I hope to start writing more extensively on some of the local artists and exhibitions. Perhaps as a critique or review, or perhaps as a stream of conscience where my thoughts and feelings in reaction to a show get be regurgitated (sorry for the visual). I've been sharpening my skills with writing about art and hope to get this started in the very near future.

November is all about Gala's! ! !

2009-10-22T12:52:00.000-04:00

I'm not entirely sure, or even confident that this blog is actually being read or followed. So when I say "some of you," it's all with the highest hopes that this blog may get even an inkling of attention from someone somewhere. With that, some of you may have heard that the November exhibition with the Midtown Tap & Tea Room was canceled. I was greatly disappointed about this change of events but remain hopeful that the subject can be re-approached at some point in the future.

This change of plan does have a positive twist, however. Thanks to some very kind people I've been selected to contribute one painting each to the Albany Historic Society's BUILT Gala & Benefit taking place November 7th as well as the Albany Center Gallery's Too Marvelous for Words Gala & Benefit.

Taken directly from their website, the Historic Albany Foundation is a private, not-for-profit membership organization working to promote the preservation and appreciation of the built environment in and around the city of Albany. The BUILT gala is a unique event that not only raises funds to support their mission, but also celebrates the city's architectural aesthetics and cultural history through local artists' perspectives. It is truly an honor to be included in this event and to contribute my small part in such a noble cause.

The Albany Center Gallery, also located in downtown Albany, is not only a premier exhibition space with an array of impressive artists of all mediums, but also a leader in local education for art appreciation. Too Marvelous for Words is a gala and benefit intended to support that one of many facets of the organization. I am equally honored and excited to contribute to this event as well.

Voila!

2009-10-09T22:09:00.001-04:00

And here they are, the one and only sneak preview of the first ten paintings of the Snapshots: The Paintings series. I still have about 3 1/2 weeks before installation. I am hoping to get three still-life paintings done by then, each a little larger than these paintings presented before. Enjoy! And your constructive criticism is welcomed.

Tomorrow, I choose frames.

The opening for this body of work is still actually to be decided. It will definitely be in the beginning of November. But the show announcements below may have inaccurate information, which will be posted as soon that decision is finalized.

Final Business Card - I hate calling it a business though.

2009-10-07T07:24:00.000-04:00

Here is the final business card design:

A new font

2009-10-05T19:56:00.002-04:00

I changed the font to something less modern. Thanks to my friend for her help. I'm a bit ashamed to admit that this design stuff is a bit new to me. Help is incredibly welcomed.

Show Announcement

2009-10-05T07:22:00.000-04:00

Here is the announcement design I came up with for November's show. It may change, I'm considering the design to be in the editing stage for now. But so far, I really like it.

I wanted to present something that might conjure up those feelings one gets when rummaging through old photographs. My breakfast booth proved to be a fitting setting since it's all done in that 50's diner theme.

First Friday

2009-10-03T14:56:00.009-04:00

Last night was Albany's First Friday. A good portion of the city's galleries and businesses spend this evening of every month celebrating local artists and musicians. It was great to get out and be a part of it again. I've neglecting the last few First Fridays due to my part in the northeastern habit of cramming anything and everything we can into our weekends of the short summer season.

I have my favorite galleries to visit, all of which proved awarding this month. My favorite goes to Robert Gullie at the Upstate Artists Guild. I'm not sure how you'd classify his art, as they incorporate photography, painting, collage, and printmaking. It's a playful approach to some interesting and at times disturbing imagery. Robert is a part of the Remsen Street Studio in Cohoes, NY. Later this month they will be opening their studio to guests. I hope to make it. Check out their blog here.

Here are some examples of Robert's work similar to what was exhibited last night.

Next month during First Friday, my good friend Katie Dollard will be opening her exhibit at the Romaine Brooks Gallery. Her photography, often done on untraditional stock and surfaces, proves what a phenomenal eye she has as an artist and observer. I'm excited for her show and eager to see what she's been creating. I am disappointed that I may not be able to attend her opening because of my own exhibit at the Midtown Tea and Tap Room.

Some examples of Katie's previous work:

My paintings are moving right along. I took half a week off trying to gain a fresh eye before jumping back into them. I think it's been beneficial, as they're approaching completion now. Still undecided about whether the imagery of the photographs is done or not, I am hoping to start working on details of the photos as physical objects (reflections, cracks and folds, shadows being cast from their warped condition). Now that October is here, I seriously have to start working on the other aspects of life as an artist. I will be designing some show announcements and recompiling my mailing list. If you'd like to be included in that mailing list, email your contact information. Framing is also something to consider, which frightens me since I'm poor as hell. I hope I can get a deal for wanting at least ten pieces framed.

Now they're starting to look like paintings. I mean photos. I mean paintings.

2009-09-29T18:27:00.002-04:00

As mentioned, all I need is a little time to start feeling comfortable with a painting. Although, with that comes an added fear that my next stroke is going to be the real downer. It's a touchy subject. When is something too much? While I might view these paintings and just know they're not done, even with any particular application or color, one can go too far and really ruin any chance a particular painting may have ever had. But fear not, thus far! I'm pleased with how these guys are coming along.

As mentioned in my earlier blog, I've applied two colors (It sounds an awful lot like a silkscreen, doesn't it? I think this is due to working on six paintings all at the same time. It's helping me get them done a bit faster, as well as assisting with a sense of theme... or something like that). They're starting to look like they're approaching where I want them. It's hard to see from the posted pic, but the illusion of their three dimensionality is really starting to pop.

The idea was to finish them by October 1st. That's not going to happen. (Insert gasp of surprise here) But perhaps by the end of this upcoming weekend. We shall see.

Business as usual

2009-09-28T07:58:00.004-04:00

Been working hard. Well, sort of. I only worked on three paintings on Sunday. My goal is to get something done to all six of them on this day of rest. What can I say? I'm easily distracted. Especially when a new project comes into the house, like a freshwater tropical aquarium. The remaining three will be worked on tonight after work. I introduced a medium light neutral brown and was going to leave it at that, but felt like I really needed to also include the brightest white (which still has a tinge of sepia). At the moment, I'm only really concerned with the imagery of the photograph. When I'm satisfied with that element, I plan to really spend some attention on the physicality of the photographs. Exaggerate the warped and dirty edges, paint in some gleam from the lights on the glossy finish of the photos.

Come December, a friend is hosting a holiday benefit for family's and children affected by HIV and AIDS. The event is called the Snowball. As part of the occasion, a silent auction will take place. I'm donating two figure drawings. To be better represented in the program, I designed a business card, as seen above. I truly can be indecisive. This must be the 7th design I've come up with. I'm still not completely satisfied, but this latest will suffice.

Seen below is one of the figure drawings I've decided to donate to the Snowball. I'm not sure what the second one will be, or if I'll draw a new one just for the event. I was hoping to provide a drawing of one male and one female, but haven't found any male figures that I would like to give. Another project on the to-do list.

They're on their way.

2009-09-25T21:04:00.001-04:00

So here they are, all finished with the second application of paint. As mentioned, I'm not too keen of them. But it's still so early that a lot can be changed. I am hoping to have the next layer applied by the end of the weekend. I plan to go lighter with the next application and really have these paintings take on that painting feel. There's still a lot of canvas exposed so far.

Sunday I am hoping to check out the New Leaf Gallery. I'm slightly ashamed to admit I missed the premier opening. It being a holiday weekend and my plans set in stone for months prior to committing to show the paintings at all, I prefer to think it's excusable.

A New Leaf

2009-09-23T17:51:00.004-04:00

I started round 2 on three of the paintings. I'm not very thrilled, but I never am in the beginning. The brown I chose is tending to flatten things out. Nothing that can't be remedied, though. I'm hoping to get the next three done tonight. I'll have a picture up after I finish those.

I think I mentioned I have two paintings from The Polaroid is dead series hanging at the New Leaf Art Gallery & Boutique in Saratoga. You can find me on the In the Gallery link. They'll be there for the remainder of the month. This being the gallery's premier show, it's really an honor that I have a small part in it. Be sure to visit the website. It's worth checking out. And they're accepting PayPal! Also, a couple of nice write-ups about the gallery can be read here and here!

Step one...

2009-09-21T11:50:00.007-04:00

It took me the better half of Sunday and I ignored my partner's birthday during that hefty half, but I got down the first layer of paint for those six small works. As you can see from the picture below, it's a simple dark neutral that's meant to help me jump from thinking about these pieces as drawings to thinking about them as paintings. I use a very loose paint, similar to the consistency of watercolor because I intend to add the different layers of paint like glazes. I don't want this base color to act too strongly.

By the week's end I am hoping to have the second layer of paint down on all six. Three tonight and three on Wednesday night. The next layer will be a medium valued color, another neutral brown with a tinge of yellow coming through. I won't touch the backgrounds with this next layer because I want the background to be a bright white, helping emphasize the age of the photographs with their yellow and sepia tints. As a point of reference, I'm also including copies of the original photographs from which I'm working. Having used a scanner, you miss out on their three-dimensional qualities which I'm attempting to include in the paintings. But hopefully through those six paintings, you'll get the point.

As for those four other paintings sitting on the sideline. Well, they're still there. I about to paint the white border with the tabbed bottom. But I just want another couple of days to think about if they're done yet or not. I think my due date to paint the edges, finished or not, will be by this weekend.

The small paintings

2009-09-19T13:16:00.009-04:00

I have in the works 10 small canvases, 4 x 5" each. The first four are similar to my The Polaroid is dead series, whereas they're painted to look like Polaroids. Their size and format mimic those of an original Polaroid photograph. But instead of painting them from actual Polaroids, as I did for the first series, I am getting my imagery from old family photographs. My grandparents' grandparents kind of photographs.

Here are those first four, approaching completion:

The next six are actually about to get started. With these guys, the idea is to depict the photographs true to life as objects. Bent corners and imperfections included. Here's the bunch sitting patiently for their first round of painting:

I am hoping to have these babies near completion, if not actually done by the end of the month. Ambitious goal, I know. But I have a couple ideas that I'd really like to be able to hang in the upcoming shows.

The beginning...

2009-09-17T12:47:00.015-04:00

I'm not entirely sure the title of this post is as accurate as I'd like it to be. Obviously, this is my introductory post, so in the blogging sense this is the beginning. But I've been creating art for as long as I can remember. Even the body of work I'm currently involved in was initiated a few years ago. But to preserve my sanity, not over analyze things (which I can easily do), and honor this blog as a new element of my efforts as an artist, we'll keep the title as is.

I've often said the most difficult parts about being a painter is knowing where to begin and when to end on any particular piece of art. Perhaps this is because, as an art student, I had an entire academic body at my disposal. When left on my own, much of the conversation I was used to simply stopped. This challenge is probably the largest contributor to the difficulty I find in initiating and following through with ideas for paintings. I intend on this blog to help organize, share, and hopefully get some feedback on the thoughts I have regarding my career as an artist.

To set the stage, so to speak, a visit to my website isn't a bad place to start. There you'll see some drawings and paintings, as well as more conceptual attempts at creating art. You'll get some sense of my history as well. Looking to the future, I am currently preparing myself for three shows for three consecutive months (each show is a month long). The examples of my work in this post were chosen to illustrate how the direction of my oeuvre has come about. I've been working with photographs as objects. Like a handwritten letter, there's something magical about holding onto an actual photograph. Especially an old black and white one; a simple object that can quickly send the viewer to another time and place. With bent corners and well-worn creases and cracks, the photograph has the ultimate role as storyteller. My recent paintings are paying homage to such an honor and responsibility.

Going through old family photo albums and collecting found photos, I'm compiling a collection of snapshot photography that I feel represents a story worth being told. Worth being remembered. My paintings include those imperfections found on the photograph. Consider them battle scars or badges of honor, these creases and warped edges give attention to the easily overlooked elements of their individual story and the fragility of their physical existence and the ethereal memory.

To follow will be my reflections on creating those as well as other paintings and artwork, preparing exhibitions, marketing myself as an artist, and my experiences with other artists and their work. I hope this blog idea turns out to be more of a conversation with other artists, art lovers, and people merely with an opinion rather than a documentary or diary. I also hope this blog might inspire people just starting out with a new chapter in their life, whether it be with art, writing, cooking, or what have you.