This month I have finished the second episode of Level Up and the start of a 5 part masterclass on developing the figure for any art form. The video is posted below. I am experimenting with bringing the classroom to video with a student per episode asking important questions on topics they are currently studying. If all goes well, I hope to bring in more students and eventually, if they let me, record everyone together in the video. Currently I am transcribing the questions so as not to put too much pressure on them to be recorded for each episode.

A Kickstarter You Must Back – Starts September 3rd

More importantly thank my video below, I have an announcement to make. If you follow her, then you know that Vanessa has a new art book coming out, and it is absolutely incredible. Do not miss out getting your copy before they are all purchased. I think that her work is some of the most important art of our generation, and when you see it altogether in one place, I think you will agree with me. She is a pioneer in painting how we humans think and feel, and in my opinion, how we see these thoughts and feelings internally, pictorial philosophy and wisdom at the highest level.

I wish the entire complex journey in finding just one of her paintings could be recorded so you can all experience how she arrives at the final image. It is truly a unique process, emotional and physical. It begins directly on the final canvas, shifting and changing through dozens of amazing iterations along the way that would satisfy many a painter, but are mere steps in the process of eliminating, transforming, nurturing, and raising them into existence. There is intense struggle to transform them, finding the courage to build up breathtaking never before seen abstractions and letting go of the usual or the “expected” to some, finding them again, letting them go, letting it all go, discovering something more, then an equilibrium, and many times unearthing something unexpected in between. I have to say that having been there to see many of her paintings go through the entire process is incredible, from the athletic, physical spontaneous mark making to the delicate and sensitive care she puts into the final strokes with tools most would fear to even try to use. They go through a metamorphosis of sculpted and beautifully recognizable yet unfamiliar forms, ethereal streams of emotions, complex characters proud and strong, fresh air and deep space, power and grace, finally arriving at a captivating, meaningful and awe inspiring finish. In my mind, they are priceless gems of wisdom in pigment that museums will be proud to hang for future generations to experience.

The Kickstarter starts on September 3rd. You need to own a copy of this book, it might just be the most important art book you will have in your collection.