Sketching to music, Gandalf Murphy and the The Slambovian Circus of Dreams

Theatrical lighting and good live music often move me to let go and attempt to capture the musician's movement and energy. I really enjoyed Saturday night sketching madly and listening to Gandalf Murphy & the Grand Slambovian Band at the Kate theather in Old Saybrook CT. I totally lost myself drawing in rhythm to their wonderful music. I highly recomend hearing and seeing this band, especially live. Listen to the band's music at either of the following sites.

http://www.slambovia.com/

http://official-slambovia.blogspot.com/2009/11/new-audio-players-from-grooveshark.html

Blue Dog

15" x 13" Monotype Print

Sometimes I like to let go and just paint quickly on the printing plate. I use a variety of materials for my plates - usually acrylic or copper - with Akua brand water based intaglio inks. Akua's intaglio inks are nontoxic and thicker than regular inks; I enjoy using them to create monotype prints. On the other hand, the material I use for the plate usually doesn't matter to the process for me.

This Great Dane symbolizes spring energy to me on two levels.  There is the obvious visual energy of the dog's pose and movement; but also the speed at which I created the print.

Marina Door/New London

8" x 8"

Doors are very interesting to me; they seem to reappear as focal points in my paintings. Closed they offer interesting possibilities and questions as to what is behind them and where do they lead to? Also, the closed door becomes a canvas for light and cast shadows to create interesting patterns.