Painting in Progress: Goose Island

Goose Island, acrylic on canvas (work in progress), 2010

This is the second painting in progress in the Chicago aerial landscapes series. It's a view of Goose Island, River North, and the lakefront north of Navy Pier.

Here's what it looks like together with the Montrose Harbor one I have going too.

Chicago aerial landscapes in progress, 3.28.10

New Painting: Montrose Point

montrose point, acrylic on canvas - work in progress, 2010

This is a start to a new aerial landscapes series based on Chicago - specifically Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. This particular painting is a view of the Belmont and Montrose Harbors area on the north side. It's a great spot along the lake - beach, harbor, dog park, soccer fields, golf course, tennis courts, bike trails, bird sanctuary, and nature preserve. It's probably my favorite area along the lake with some of the best views of the skyline that you'll get.

New Paintings: Aerial Landscapes - Studio Installation

Aerial Landscapes - Studio Installation, acrylic on canvas, 2010

These aerial landscapes are my first completed paintings of the new year. I ended 2009/started off 2010 working on cityscapes with people, but deciding a few weeks ago to switch to abstracts of aerial landscapes. I've been kicking around this idea for a while - combing my environmental concerns with my interests in maps and travel.

This series explores the colors and shapes of urban and rural landscapes from above. These paintings are based on photographs I took from an airplane of the Lake St. Clair and St. Clair River along the Canadian/Michigan border while while flying from New York. I also like the idea of painting an impression of a place I've never physically been - just flew over. They were painted mostly lying flat on a table so that I worked above the canvas as I painted them.

While these images relate to a universal travel experience (looking out an airplane window), they also draw attention to water in our environment - something that is abundant but is becoming a much more valuable and scarce commodity around the world. Living near Lake Michigan and in the Great Lakes region highlights water's ubiquity and it's impact on our day-to-day lives - whether we live in the city or rural area. It's also something that we often take for granted.

Click here to view the aerial landscapes paintings

Cornelia Arts Building Open House - This Friday

Cornelia Arts Building Open House

WHEN: Friday, March 12th from 6-10pm
WHERE: 1800 W. Cornelia, Chicago, IL 60657

Stop by my studio #201 and say hello.

Featuring more than 30 local artists (and FOTA members) working in a range of media, the regular Open House at the Cornelia Arts Building is a family-friendly event that highlights the contribution of local artists to Chicago’s cultural scene.

Open House events offer an inside-look at working artists studios, and an opportunity to view up-and-coming talent as well as work by established arts professionals. Artwork on display includes paintings and drawings, sculpture, photography, print making, ceramics, mixed media, and jewelry. This is a FREE event.

http://corneliaartsbuilding.com

New Paintings: Aerial Landscapes

The first aerial landscapes series is finished. About two weeks and 30-40 hours of painting time. The photo doesn't really show all of the layers and colors. Come check out the details up close at the Cornelia Arts Building Open House Friday night.