New Painting!

This is a 22 x 22" oil on canvas. I'm unsure if it's done yet. What do you think? I may work more on it, later....I just started a new large (48 x 48") canvas and I'm getting in to it! Don't have a name for this one yet either.

New Grief painting.....Life Goes On......

Life Goes On

I think I may be finished with this painting now. This is the last (for now) grief painting. It's time to move on and get back to my regular paintings. I have a large one that I blogged about what seems like long, long ago. I was supposed to finish it the day my dad passed away, but it didn't happen for obvious reasons. My next goal is to finish that painting. Until then, here is a new painting, this one is 20 x 20", watermixable oils on canvas. I could probably do more, but I feel ready to move on!

Life is slowly getting back to normal. Summer is almost here. My youngest son finishes up the spring semester this week. Another trip down to Las Cruces to help my brother and his wife move into their new house! It has been HOT the last couple of days, topping 90 degrees!!! I can only imagine, it will be even hotter down south of here!

Also, coming up soon is the Grand Opening for our new studio spaces! Chroma Studios! I've started another blog just for Chroma news. I plan to interview our studio artists there as well as writing other interesting art related stories. We are having a grand opening reception/art show on the first Friday of June, June 6th 5:30-8:30 pm. If you are in the area, come down and see our great new space! We plan to have some fun summer art and music classes coming up soon as well. We will have more information about classes and upcoming shows at the opening.

Another planned event I'm excited about is our monthly Salon group. Our first topic of discussion will be "Censorship vs. Artist Responsibility". For anyone that doesn't know, a salon is a group of creative people getting together to discuss certain predetermined topics in a safe, friendly environment. We have had salons in the past, but it has been years!

New aceo paintings in my shop

I've been trying to work out a slight painting funk by painting a bunch of little ACEOs (artist cards editions and originals), plus I did a little 6 inch square painting. You can find them in my etsy shop.

New Paintings and Studio Photos

Reconstruction, 20 x 24 inches, watermixable oils on canvas

Two new paintings finished this week. The first one is called Reconstruction and I started it last year, just put the finishing touches on it Saturday. The second one is called Organized and it is one of my small daily journal paintings from yesterday.

Also see below, photos of my new smaller painting studio. Still at the Factory on 5th in Albuquerque, it's in a different building. At first I had a little trouble getting used to the smaller space, but now it just feels cozy! The new space is only around 8 x 12 feet. My office and framing workshop are now back at the house in one of the spare bedrooms vacated by my sons in November.

Organized, 8 inch square daily journal painting, Watermixable oils

Painting Frenzy

I've been busy painting everyday, finally getting into a rhythm, feels great!!! I have finished a couple of larger canvases as well as a daily journal painting and a new needlepoint design. Life, in general, is great these days, even with the colder weather!

Also, finally got around to updating my blog with a new header, a subscription sign up box and links to the other artists with studios here at the Factory on 5th(on the right hand sidebar). I also updated my blogroll list, wow, it's about time!

I now have my larger paintings up for sale on: http://www.absolutearts.com/portfolios/m/manlewis/

Deconstruction, 24 x 20" watermixable oils on canvas

Meditation, 20 x 20" Watermixable Oils on canvas

As usual, the smaller daily journal painting is up at Etsy.

Star Spiral, 8 x 8" watermixable oils on canvas board

Albuquerque Sun needlepoint design

Secret revealed

So, if you read this blog with any regularity you remember me mentioning a connection I made while set up at the State Fair in September. The deal is happening now, so I think it's safe to announce without jinxing it! My art/designs are being licensed for a fine art handpainted needlepoint company that sells wholesale to shops. I'm so excited, it's great to finally be able to share the news! Below is a photo of my second design. The first design was already sent off for production and I forgot to take a pic of it. How it works is I will paint the original design on needlepoint canvas and then the original is sent off to a painting service that makes the copies that are sold. If you've ever seen a needlepoint canvas, you know that the weave of the canvas is open to allow for the threads to be sewn in. NOT easy to paint on! However, it is fun! My designs will be premiered at a trade show in January, so keep your fingers crossed for me that they do well!


Also below is my latest daily journal painting that I am about to list in my Etsy shop.

Misunderstood, 8 x 8" watermixable oils on canvas board

Another table and record

Positive Energy, acrylic on recycled vinyl LP record

Purple flower handpainted table

Finished this table yesterday and painted another record this morning. Another busy day, no time to write more, but I hope you enjoy the new pics!

Recycled LP Records

Centered, acrylics on recycled LP vinyl record

This idea is not a new one, but a great one! I have to share a little history about myself here so you can understand my connection to vinyl.

My dad is a record collector, has been since, I don't know, the 1950s? Anyway, he has over 25,000 records! 33s, 45s and 78s! I grew up hanging out with him in his "record room", which at one point was nothing more than a big closet. I have fond memories of him introducing me to all kinds of music during the 70s and 80s. He has the top 100 Billboard hits from the 40s thru the early 90s!

I almost feel a little guilty defacing these records after having my dad pound into my head the "correct" way to handle them! However, I've told him my plans and I think he approves. Thanks to my dad for the doubles he had to spare! Hope you like them, dad!

Music has always been a huge thing in my life. I can't remember a time when I didn't listen to music every minute of the day. My brother is a musician. I even married a musician!

So, when I first started seeing recycled vinyl everywhere, I thought what a great idea for my paintings! I have wanted to paint in a round format and the records are perfect for this. They also have a built in hanger with the hole in the middle! This is available in my Etsy shop.

Today's Daily Journal Painting

A Dream

It has been over a week since I've painted a daily journal painting. Spring break and other things have prevented it, but it sure feels great to get back to painting! I have actually been painting all week, however it has been furniture painting, so it doesn't count. . . . . . . . really? Maybe a little! Actually, I'm using some of my designs on the furniture, so I it's more functional art than painted furniture. I will post photos once I finish.
I am in a red and yellow mood this week, feeling really happy and content with everything. I had some odd dreams last night, don't usually remember my dreams, these woke me up and I had a hard time going back to sleep. So, I've been thinking about dreams all day, hence the name of this painting. :) Available in my Etsy shop as always!

Top O the Mountain!

At the top of south crest looking at north crest

Finally the spring is here! Hubby and I enjoyed a great hike to the top of the Sandia mountains on Sunday. This is only the second time we've made it to the top! (Actually, we made it to the top of the south crest, north crest is still a ways further!) It was four hours to the top and 2 1/2 hours back down. The weather was perfect, except for a little sprinkle of rain in the last half hour. I took a video of the 360 degree view from the top, but I haven't been able to figure out how to transfer the video to youtube yet. Help, anyone?? Until I get it figured out, I'm posting a still photo from the top looking north. There is still a good 3 feet of snow at the top in spots!

Unfolding (click to buy)

Also, today I finished this daily journal painting. It was inspired by a blossom on one of my hubby's cactus. Very cool flower! Once again, an 8 x 8" H2O oils on recycled handmade canvas board.

In Bloom

In Bloom (click to buy)

Presenting today's daily journal painting, In Bloom! Spring is here at last! Another 8 x 8" recycled canvas board painted in H2O oils. I liked this color combo so much yesterday, I decided to paint another.

Today's Daily Journal Painting - Daylight Savings

Daylight Savings (click to buy)

Today's painting is another H2O oil on recycled canvas board. Available in my etsy shop. 8 x 8" square. I am really happy with how this one turned out. I decided to try a different color combo and I painted more layers.

Progress on the Guitar and aceos

Stay Positive

Green

Spring is Coming

Another busy morning in the studio! More small aceo paintings, plus I have done some work on the guitar I'm recyling. I'm not real happy with the guitar yet, but it is still at the beginning stages. All the aceos are available in my Etsy shop.

Another busy day

Overshadowed (click to buy)

Royal Sun (click to buy)

Eclipse (click to buy)

Night Sky (click to buy)

Thank goodness I'm finally coming out of the funk, now if we could just come out of winter!

Anyway, today I painted one 8 inch square H2O oil on recycled canvas board and three ACEOs. They are all available in my Etsy shop.

Back in the groove!

Everything Will Be OK (click to buy)

Calm Down (click to buy)

Sunflower ACEO SOLD

Today's daily paintings, yes, I accomplished a few things today! Finally starting to feel like I'm getting back into the groove. The top two paintings are H2O oils on my handmade recycled canvas boards, 8 inches square. The bottom painting is an H2O oils ACEO (2 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches) on acid free matboard. They are available in my Etsy shop.

I'm getting started on a totally new project today, recycling an old guitar as a painting surface. It will be nothing but decorative as the guitar is unplayable. My husband saved it from the trash for me. I sanded it down over the weekend and applied a coat of gesso today. I hope to start painting it tomorrow. I will post some progress photos once I get going. Not sure yet if it will be available for sale, depends on whether my hubby likes it or not! I do have another recycled guitar to paint after this one though.

It's starting to warm up here finally! Although we are supposed to be getting hit with another cold front this weekend. Spring needs to hurry up and get here already!!!

Painting again

"Pure Emotion" Click HERE to Buy

"Spokes of the Sun" Click HERE to Buy

Today is the first day I've painted since our furnace died. So, I dove right in and painted two daily size paintings. These are both 8 x 8 inches, H2O Oils on recycled, handmade canvas board. I made the boards using scrap matboard, raw canvas and gesso. I also made custom backing paper for them! I started out with 12 boards for now. That gives me a couple weeks without having to make more, unless I paint two a day! I also have a 10 inch square canvas prepared and ready to paint! Time is getting short for my show in March, so I'm trying to finish as many as possible.


Today I'm going to a meeting at my community center about a proposed mural on a wall that overlooks the neighborhood park and the city of Albuquerque. The neighborhood association asked me to be on the committee and help with the process. I'm excited but at the same time a little unsure as there will be a lot of city politics involved I'm sure. I would like to involve the high school art students and any other neighborhood kids that are interested. I think it will happen as this is supposed to be a community project because of the funding being used. We shall see!

Busy at work

I don't have a photo to post today. I came to the realization the other day that I am WAY behind on my to do list for January! I'm still painting everyday, in fact, I'm working on a large canvas right now. I have a show in March to get ready for and I'm thinking about waiting to reveal the new paintings until then. At least the larger ones.

As far as work goes, I am working on a catalog for 2007 of all my new work. I'm still contemplating whether or not to axe my older work to make my catalog more cohesive. So, heads up, my landscape prints and paintings may not be available for sale after January is over. The Beck prints will for sure be gone from my shop in February. If you were thinking of purchasing any, best do it before January is over.

Another heads up, my prices will be going up in February. I have no choice in this matter, my supplies have gone up and after doing my books for 2006 I have discovered that I'm not making any profit! The price hike won't be huge, but if you are one that likes to save money, get 'em now before the price goes up!

2007 is the year that I go back to selling wholesale to shops. While I love selling directly to the public, I need to get my work out in the public eye more. So, if you know of a shop that would be a good fit for my art, or you have a shop that would be a good fit, please contact me.

So, because of all the work I have to do, I will not be blogging as often. My 2007 catalog of prints will be listed in my Etsy shop in February and I will blog more about that then.

Unfinished portrait

Today I'm working on a portrait that I started at least a year ago. To be completely honest, I don't remember when I started it. It was meant to be a gift for my mother in law and since today is her birthday, I decided to try finishing it up so I can give it to her.....FINALLY!! This is a portrait of one of my nieces. I have already given my mother in law portraits of my other niece and my two nephews. Now, of course, I have a new niece who just turned one, so I'm a little behind! Anyway, I guess it's better late than never! This started as a watercolor, but I decided to finish it with my new favorite...H2O oils.

In other news, I have to take my youngest son to the Dr. for an ultrasound today. He has a lump in his left breast that is most likely a cist, but the Dr. wants to be sure. So....keep some positive thoughts going for him please!

Happy Friday!

Good news, I sent a couple of emails this morning and now the copycat blog has been suspended! Hopefully it will be shut down for good. There were two more copied posts on the blog this morning.

Other than that, I've been busy in the studio. Below are yesterday and today's daily journal paintings (8 x 8 inch H2O oils on canvas board) and a progress photo of the current large painting (20 inch square H2O oils on canvas) I'm working on. I'm not sure but I think I'm done with it now. I have to live with it a little longer to be sure. I did decide on a name, it's called "A Million Pieces". I called it this because it was begun when I was going through the problems with my middle son and I felt like my heart had been broken into a million pieces.

One of my goals this year is to name every painting I do. I am so tired of the confusion caused by having numbered series names instead of individual names. I decided its just lazy to not name them. Even if it is more difficult to name abstract paintings, they need names!

"Cheery" Click Here to Buy

"Serene" Click Here to Buy

"A Million Pieces"

Strange Day!

Today is turning out to be a strange day. It started this morning at 4 a.m. when I got up to go the bathroom. I walked past the dining room window and glanced outside as I walked by. It looked like there was snow on the car, so I went back to the window to get a better look. Just as I looked out the window there was a guy walking into our driveway! He was eyeing my son's bike which is on the bike rack at the front of the driveway. As he walked in between the cars to go get the bike I pounded on the window, he looked up at me and motioned for me to come outside!! I just yelled "Get the F*CK out of here before I call the police!" Then he turned around and walked away. By this time my husband had come out from the bedroom to see what was going on, I had to talk him into not going outside to chase the guy down! My husband brought the bike into the living room and we went back to bed.

The fact that he almost stole my son's bike is not the part that freaks me out, we've had bikes stolen before. What freaks me out is the timing of my going to the bathroom and the pull to look out the window right at the moment he was walking up the driveway!! It was such a strange thing!

So now for the other strange thing that happened today. I checked my email and as usual there was a google alert for "spiral abstract". I clicked on the link because it actually said something about a flower spiral abstract painting and I was curious to see that there was another artist painting flower spiral abstracts! The strange thing is that it took me to a blog with two posts on it and both were posts that I wrote on my blog!! But....it wasn't my blog it was some other persons blog! The only difference is this blog doesn't have my images, it just has my wording. Check it out! My blog entry.......and the imposter blog entry. What do you think? How weird is that? Problem is, there is no way that I can see to contact this person to ask WTF!!???

I'm not sure what to do, if anything, about that. What would you do?

In between strange happenings, I spent the morning in the studio, playing some more. I completed one daily journal painting, did a couple of screen prints, finished carving my block and made a print of the block. So, the photos below are in that order. I printed overlapping designs on a tshirt, to cover up the mess up print I did the other day, and printed the design on a tote bag.

Click Here to Buy

Click Here to Buy