Just the Art- Reach2

by David Finley

Art about the Afterlife

I've decided to put a new segment on my blog called, Just the Art. The decision to do this came about for a few reasons, but mostly, to give the art a chance to be featured outside of the article it accompanies. It also give me a chance to talk about process which will hopefully help some of you aspiring creatives out there. Please enjoy!

 I talked about this piece a little bit yesterday in my article about connecting with others through emotion. In yesterday's article I wrote:

"I wanted to explore my own feelings, questions, and thoughts about death and the afterlife. A beloved pet of mine died a few months ago and a deep part of me just wants to know he's okay.


 I've poured through near death experience stories, read theological debates, read the counter arguments of atheists, and combed the Bible. There are no definitive answers.


 So, I decided to "paint these questions out" on a piece of wood. On the surface, this is a piece about a woman and a cat enjoying the celestial radiance of the moon in all its splendor. Underneath, it is my plea for emotional resolution and a manifestation of my hope.


 This painting is about a lot of things. It is about my desire to have friends and family who will share the journey on the other side; to join those who have gone ahead before me. It is about the unknown. It is about who God is." 

 This piece marks an exploration of new technique and presentation, where I work on wood using pastel, paint, watercolor, and ink for staining. Because the wood itself has such a beautiful grain and warmth, I don't want to eliminate it completely.

 The pastels I use are Rembrandt brand pastels and they are incredible for their strength of pigment and blending ability. In addition, you can add water to them and spread them like paint. Pastel layers are then built up and washed, then combined with watercolor and acrylic to get a stronger hue. The piece is finished with black ink.

 A slender board will be attached to the back of the wood panel to separate it from the wall for gallery display.

 Thanks for reading, Scofflaws. I hope this gives some of your out there ideas for your own pieces.

-Dave, Grand Poobah of All Scofflaws

My Children's Book Project- A Tip of the Hat to Mary Blair

Words and Image by David Finley, additional image by Mary Blair

Page 1 of ABC, Witch! illustrated by me, David Finley

 I'll bet you didn't know the letter "B" had a mustache. Recently, my friend Jonathan and I started working on a Children's book tentatively titled, "ABC, Witch!" It's a fun project I've approached with very basic shapes and textures to appeal to the sensibilities of younger children, who are the targeted audience.

 Admittedly, it's also the closest in style I've ever worked to the art of Mary Blair, my favorite artist. So, I would be a real buttnose if I didn't take the opportunity to pay tribute to her for what she taught me and inspired me to create.

 If you are an artist interested in children's books or animation at all, you've no doubt heard of her. For the rest of you, here is a peek:

3 Caballeros art by Mary Blair

You can look at her work for days without growing tired of it. It's deceptively complex while appearing quite simple. Her work is timeless, continuing with each passing generation to inspire hoards of emerging illustrators and animation professionals.

 So, I say thank you to Mary Blair. I would not know half of what I know about creating illustrations if I had never studied her amazing and charming illustrations.

 To see more of her work you can visit this online gallery.

Thanks so much for reading!

-David

Why You Won't Ask For What You Really Want

by David Finley

 Being an artist in this lean economy is pretty hard work. It's increasingly difficult to find buyers who have the expendable income to pay for art. The work you do has to be truly remarkable, standing out from a sea of your peers.

 Yet it seems there are artists out there who are selling a good deal of their material. What is their secret? Are they just more prolific, or is it *gasp* they are just more talented than you?

 Here's a spoiler: It's not about talent. Often it comes down to confidence. How many galleries do you approach? How many publishers? Are you establishing good relationships out there? People who like you are far more likely to buy from you. People who trust you are even more likely to do so.

 What you really want is for people to buy your work so you can continue doing what you love for a living. So what's stopping you from asking for it?

Your Lack of Confidence is Stopping You

 It's likely you undervalue yourself and your work. Because you lack confidence, you hold back as you try to make new friends and meet potential clients. Remember that gallery open house where you and your friend Sue sat in the corner sipping wine, looking like scared mice at the cat convention? Did you talk with any of the artists whose work was on display? Did you mention to the gallery owner how much their collection appeals to you and what you're trying to accomplish with your own work?

 As long as you undervalue your work, it will never get the attention or chance to be seen it deserves.

 So, make new friends in the art community with confidence. (Nice to meet you!) Let people know about your online store. (hint: click the shop link at the top of my page) Ask for that appointment to speak with a gallery representative. Ask people to "Like" your Facebook page. Trust me when I say there is art out there that's not even half as good as your work that has been sold because of confidence.

 Go out there and ask for what you really want.

-Dave

The Fun of Being an Arty Farty Know-It-All

by David Finley

 Snobbery is delightful.

 Injecting your knowledge where it isn't wanted is even better, but what tops it all, is lording your artistic and creative superiority over the common person.

Finding a Place

 That's why you became an artist in the first place. Admit it. You noticed pretty early on you were a bit different from the other kids at school. Being creative and, what was it your uncle called it? Oh yeah, "quirky". Being quirky can be a lonely road to travel. Sometimes you got other kids to like you more by drawing things for them. Even though you knew it was cheap to use your art in exchange for false friendship, it was better than rejection.

 Now it's all changed and you can show those uncultured hillbillies just how much better than them you have become.

How to be an Arty-Farty Know-it-all

 In art school you found your purpose learning about artists like Giacometti, Cezanne', and Chagall. Now, you discuss the impact of Fauvism over coffee with your artist friends as if you are discussing the weather. and banter about how the nuclear bomb birthed the art of Rothko and Pollock. It feels good to be a member of the elite, set apart from the common man. You spew out a few more artists names.

Admittedly, you threw out a few obscure names in addition to the famous ones just so you might have the opportunity to don your crown of intellectual superiority. Happily, the crown fits beautifully. A contented sigh escapes your lips.

 You're practically a hero.

 From time to time, a friend who isn't an artist mentions he might like to see your work, you make sure to let him know you would be happy to show him your work in person so you can explain it to him. After all, it is quite complicated, and yes, you did attend art school so it might be outside of his realm of taste. You then complain how your work needs to be in more urban areas where the audience is cultured enough to appreciate it more even though you are aware your friend lives nowhere near a big city.


Dealing with the Common Man (A.K.A. your Customer)

 For a brief moment you consider the possibility of doing work the local audience might relate to and connect with a bit more, but luckily, you remember that pandering to the masses is what those lousy 'commercial' artists do. You are a fine artist, part of an elite group of creative purists that make expressive works that truly matter.

 But what could come from high art society breaking down walls to welcome the common person in on the discussion?

 Educating the average person more on art, which, if you're being completely truthful, isn't really that complicated or difficult to grasp, also occurs to you. Art is more about interaction than complex technical formulas. It provokes emotional reactions.

If the average person understood contemporary art in a way they could relate to and understand, they not only could join in the discussion, but they would probably be more eager to buy your work and the work of other artists, as well. Then you wouldn't be laboring in relative poverty as you waited for a rich collector or museum curator to finally notice you. More people buying art because of a dawn of new understanding could create a society that is more art friendly as a whole. They might even start funding more art programs in schools again if an increased number of people became interested. By giving up an elitist superiority complex, a whole realm of possibilities open up.

 But, that idea is just stupid.

 You once again come to terms with your own misunderstood genius. Sure, your brilliance makes it easy to grasp the high mind of the art world. You went to Art School. The common person is not capable of truly experiencing art. And while we are at it, who would teach these people anyway? You? Heck, no!

 You need that time to make your next masterpiece.

-Dave

Reaching Out

by David Finley

 Do your dreams ever cause you to feel out of place?

Maybe you feel what you do is unconventional, almost like you could look to the night sky toward the planet you truly belong to. You feel misunderstood, which feels a whole lot like rejection.

 Over time, it grows tiresome having to explain your artistic process and who you are, especially when your work is so personal, to a world that, frankly, isn't educated enough about art to appreciate what you are trying to do. There is a great deal of hurt, when even family looks at your form of personal expression, and rejects it as "not their taste".

 It can make your heart sick.

 Sometimes, working toward your passion is a lonely uphill climb. The path is peppered with those who criticize, deter, or warn, you to climb no further. Yet, climb you must. It is important not to give up.

 We must fight for our dreams, as artists and creative individuals, and continue regardless of the detractors. Additionally, it is important to educate non-artists about art, so they too can appreciate and enjoy it. The high art world has done the average artist no favor by being so snobby and elitist. If we want more art funding, more educational art programs in schools, and even more people buying art, we must bring an understanding and love of art to the average person.

 A society where more people appreciate, love, and talk about good art is an exciting society.

 So, keep working toward your dream and believe in your artistic expression. Be patient and understanding: art is alienating to the average person, however you can change that. Look for opportunities to teach others about, not just your art, but the art of others.

 How will you reach out to bring art to others? Will you host a get together at a local museum to talk about art and answer any questions, teach a free art class, or invite your family to a gallery open house?

 Feeling like an alien on your own planet is lonely and discouraging, but if there is anything I learned from watching hours of Star Trek, making meaningful contact with other life begins with reaching out.

Thanks for reading!

-Dave

 
 



 

Blackbird- A Paul McCartney/ Beatles Tribute

by David Finley

How do you convey the emotion of 'hope' as an artist?

Hope is a strong and powerful emotion, much more complex than just happiness or relief. It inspires and connects. Hope is beautiful.

 So, as I began my second piece in my Beatles series, this time dedicated to Paul, I faced the challenge of trying to create visually, the message of hope McCartney so eloquently captured with his music and lyrics. It was a much different challenge then capturing the raw emotion of 'Don't Let Me Down' in my Lennon piece before.

 'Blackbird' is a simple song of sweet vocals backed only by an acoustic guitar, and a light tapping for percussion. Through the song, Paul McCartney lightly builds tension by progressing upward with his chords, then gently releases that tension by coasting back down again. It's almost like listening to a fairy tale where you know in the end, all will live happily ever after.

 The challenge of producing such strong feelings visually proved very difficult, with my first attempt not quite portraying the emotion as effectively as I would have liked.

version 1- okay, but not quite what I was shooting for.

 I think I captured sweet and simple, but didn't quite convey the warmth of hope. There needed to be a bit more warmth visually, and a higher degree of tension for the purposes of contrast. So, I warmed the color scheme, created areas of dense, angular tension, and used open negative space for the bird and McCartney's face to show freedom.

 So that's how I approached showing, "hope" from a visual standpoint. In the end, I'm much happier with the new results. With that said, I leave you today with a Youtube video of Paul McCartney working on 'Blackbird' in the studio.



Thanks for reading!

-Dave, Grand Poobah of all Scofflaws

The Art and Beauty of the Cigar

by David Finley

 Don't tell my Mom, but I love cigars.

There is an art and beauty to them, their craft, and form. But, best of all is the ritual.        

The Cigar Smoker- by David Finley

The Art of the Ritual

Picture it: A nice temperate evening in spring.

 A refreshing breeze stirs the air. The sun bathes everything in sight in it's orange radiance as it sets over the trees. A jazz medley of birdsong is replaced by the tiny violins of cricket chirps.

 You and a group of your closest friends sit on the porch huddled around a table as the fireflies and stars begin to twinkle like Christmas lights.

 You peruse the inventory of cigars displayed on the table examining them for size, length, color and label before finally electing your prize. Raising it to your nose in victory, the aromas of earth, spice, leather, and a hint of wood drift toward your senses like snowflakes.

 It is the joy of the selection process. It's the anticipation of what the cigar will be, and the moment where potential is poised on a cliff above realization.

 A simple slice, punch, or snip opens the cigar tip. Followed by the scratch and crackle of a match as it releases flame and wisps of brimstone. The cylinder of tightly wrapped tobacco is slowly dipped and rotated in the small flame pooling on the match edge. You put the cigar to your mouth drawing air through dried leaf until it ignites, sending the first hints of smoke to bathe your tongue. A few more draws ensures a good even burn as smoke swirls through your mouth before escaping in a contented sigh.

 As you and your friends take your first few draws of smoke, a quiet settles over everyone. The gentle whispers of deep thought, philosophy, and life begin to form in a swirl of discussion, where men are bonded by flame and smoke. And, time becomes frozen like glass.

My First Cigar: the Ashton

 

 My first cigar was a churchill made by Ashton. It was a light, well made, tawny cigar that produced a mild, mellow and flavorful smoke. Churchill, in this case, refers to the length and size of the cigar.

 It was the summer before I married my wife. Several of my friends had begun to collect cigars, and the notion of it had seduced me. I've never been a smoker, but cigars have always had a manly and sophisticated appeal to me in a way that cigarettes never have. Plus, I was ready for a new experience. So, I took the leap (with my wife's blessing) and fell in love with these smokey treats.

 As I sat with two of my friends, drawing delicious smoke into my mouth through my first cigar, the appeal of them began to wash over me. Cigars, especially the longer ones, take a long time to smoke. You have to stop what you're doing for at least an hour to smoke a churchill like the one pictured above. It makes you slow down from the rigors and stresses of your life to enjoy the moment at hand.

 I also enjoy that you are only supposed to take cigar smoke into your mouth, and not into your lungs. It's more about flavor, which adds to the atmosphere of appreciation that cigars carry with them.

 As far as that Ashton is concerned, it is still one of my favorites, but there is one brand that slightly edges it out of the top spot on my list:

Rocky Patel

 No matter how many different varieties of Rocky Patels have come my way, all of them have been excellent.

 A good and well crafted cigar will produce a long ash when smoked, (which you don't want to flick off until absolutely necessary) and as you can see from the picture above, Rocky Patel cigars don't disappoint. They also age their cigars and distribute vintage varieties.

 I promise that neither Rocky Patel or Ashton are sending me endorsements for saying any of this. I just like them a lot. You can, visit their websites and see more of their catalog at the following links:

Rocky Patel

Ashton Cigars

Winston Churchill

 A great deal of the lore and romance of cigars can be attributed to guys like Winston Churchill. Just look at the guy. He personifies great leadership, manly determination, and great big mountains of awesome. I mean, as Prime Minister he took on Hitler and did not falter. Let that sink in for a second.

 He is the cigar smoker personified. He's so synonymous with cigars that they named brands and lengths of cigars after him.

 Here's a witty quote of his about his own ritual involving cigars, which I don't subscribe to myself. My own cigar experiences tend to be spread out between much longer spans of time, but I enjoy his words just the same.

"My rule of life prescribed as an absolutely sacred rite smoking cigars and also the drinking of alcohol before, after and if need be during all meals and in the intervals between them." 

-Winston Churchill

An object of Beauty

 Hopefully you can now see how a simple cigar can be a work of art and beauty. I close my article with a link to an info graphic that explains how to select, and smoke a cigar. Just click the picture below to take you there.

Thanks for reading, my fellow Scofflaws.

-Dave, Grand Poobah of the Haven

Illustration Friday- Shades: The Rainy City at Night

Words and Image by David Finley

 How would you express a feeling of grief combined with a hope for something better?

 Would you write poetry or a song, or like me, are you the type of person who can only get your deepest feelings sorted out on the canvas or drawing table?

The Rainy City at Night- by David Finley

This abstract painting is being posted here for the first time. A few years ago I lost a friend to death and illness. He was a friend that I had grown close with in a very short time. It was not unexpected because he was very ill when I met him, and as a result, my pain associated with his passing was very complicated. Words were insufficient to sort out my own feelings. While I was sad, I was grateful that his suffering had ended. So, I painted.

 It is a piece about grief, but it also is about hope, faith, and life. For me, it was a prayer because I felt so adrift and alone when I painted it.

Illustration Friday

 I've posted this piece for this week's illustration Friday's topic because our feelings take on so many different shades. It's not always black and white. Art gives us a means to express ourselves in deep ways. Art helps bring understanding to our pain. Whether through the various tones of music, dance, narrative, or visual art, it is the voice that cries out when we need to express ourselves in a deeper way. It helps us share what we feel with others, and lets others connect, knowing they aren't alone in their own feelings.

  So, how would you express yourself? Would you paint a picture, write music, light a fire, or choreograph a dance? What is the story that you could only tell through art?

-Dave

An Artist and his Dog

Words and Illustration by David Finley

 Are you a dog person or a cat person?

 After years of being just a "cat" person, I am now the proud parent of a dog. Her name is Mable, and she's probably the best case scenario dog for a cat person like myself. She doesn't bark, she's house-trained, and she is well behaved.

 Of course, my cat hates her.

New Territory

To be honest having a dog is weird for me. As I said, I favor cats. Dogs tend to be high maintenance, and need a good deal more attention. I like the independent nature of cats, and how they also seem innocently evil in a way.

Skelly- by David Finley

My cat Skelly, who died a few months ago, personified my ideal animal companion. He was the perfect blend of attentiveness without being needy or aloof. He was a cat with dog-like qualities, and he is still by far my favorite pet of all time. Skelly was a muse of mine. He has been featured in more of my art, from fine-art to illustration, than anyone, human or animal. I still miss waking up to his purrs as he would sit on my chest staring at my face, patiently waiting for me to rouse.

 So, when he died, I knew I wasn't emotionally ready to get another cat to replace him. Still, we didn't want our other cat, Bea to be alone so my wife seized on the opportunity to suggest a dog, which I had keenly avoided before by saying we had enough pets already. And, that leads me to where I am now.

Life With a Dog

 Although I resisted it, living with a dog has its advantages. Despite her animosity toward Mable, Bea has perked up quite a bit since a dog came into our house. It's been healthy for me, too. While I don't like waking up at six or seven in the morning to take her outside, I think my favorite thing so far is taking Mable on afternoon walks. She just enjoys them so much and I can't help but feel her good mood infects me as well.

 I've met more of my neighbors in the last week than I have in the two months since we have lived here. And, I don't know if it is due to the exercise or the fresh air, but I've been feeling more energized and creative.

That's good for my art.

Today's Featured Illustration: Dog Versus Cat

 As you can see from today's featured illustration, and yesterday's illustration, I've been on a bit of a Japanese print experiment kick. I'm not quite where I want the experiment to go with the images I've made this way so far, but it's fun learning. I like the idea of eventually using a Japanese print- based style that depicts life in modern America. I think that strange blend helps make a commentary of sorts. Today's piece is a bit more cartoony than I originally intended, but it gets close to that old print feel in places.

 What do you guys think? Has anyone else out there opened up their home to a dog after being a cat person for years? I'd love to hear your comments, stories, and feedback.

Thanks for reading!