Shhh...Second Saturday at the Level Up Lounge

I'm all ready for the big show Saturday, June 12 at Level Up on 25th and J, just above Thai Basil restaurant here in Sacramento. The show will be there all month. I have 25 paintings on the walls and I'm very happy with the way everything looks. This painting is the title track of this show, called "Shhhhh". It's an oil portrait from a party I attended in the Philippines. I will be showing 9 portraits in this show. Come check it out and say hello. I'll be there from 6-11 pm.

New Painting Direction

Hello again,

I have been taking a new direction in my painting and hope to have the first pieces in the series completed by the time I hang the show at the Level Up Lounge (25th and I in Sac) in preparation for the July Second Saturday art walk. I was recently interviewed by Sacramento magazine and when asked about the most difficult aspect of what I do I was honestly a bit stumped. The final answer revolved around having a voice and conveying what you want to say. A writer may have full command of the language, but still struggle with the type of story to tell.

I've been struggling to understand all of the stress associated with these bizarre economic and social times. Things seemed to have mellowed a bit compared to early 2009 but it's clear that people will be struggling for quite some time. Given the all these emotions I've begun a series of paintings that draws a parallel between various socio-economic situations and death defying circus acts. As I began studying all the different acts in a circus I was shocked at how many parallels there are between things like being a parent and juggling hats, paying bills and keeping all of those plates spinning on their sticks. The list goes on. The first painting is called, "The Single Mother."

Level Up Lounge Turns ONE!!!

The Level Up Lounge is having their big one year anniversary bash this evening. It's a black and white dress affair. Naomi, Dean, Sophia and I went in there a few hours ago and the place looked great. Suleka was looking very elegant. I was happy that my family finally got a chance to meet her.

Although it has only been there one year, the accompanying restaurant, Thai Basil, has been there for a long time and regularly wins awards for its amazing food. There are a few in the Sacramento area. I'm sure the Level Up Lounge will be there for many years to come.

Here is their website: http://leveluplounge.com/

Check out the funky decor. I can't wait to put up my paintings in there.