Well, I’d love to just lay back and bask in the glory that is the ‘Icons: #3 through,’ show, but that would be wrong and short lived!  As of yesterday, I have sold over half of that show and I am so happy to have connected with so many people.

However, in the time since the opening, I have been working on a new idea for the ‘Icons’ series.  So far the final paintings for the ‘Icons’ series have exceeded my expectations and early visions; these are no exception.  By breaking out of the flat painted surface, the squares are just that much more in focus to the viewer.  The size relationships are expounded on and feeling of depth over a surface which is so much harder and impenetrable than canvas is much more interesting.  I especially like the subtle play of shadows over the hard surface and the way that they can change throughout the day.  It is a pleasure to paint abstract expressionist paintings that the squares float above.  Likewise, a pleasure to work out the best movement of the squares across that ‘color-scape.’  I begin the paintings with only the vaguest notion of what will happen, based only on my color palette.  I finish the paintings after much deliberation and moving and placing and re-placing of the squares.  It is very different than when I paint on canvas; and very liberating in a way.  Also, strange - as I have to work over the painting on the ground, as I have yet to figure out how to make my wood tiles actually float in the air!

'Icons #103,' 26" x 12", acrylic and metallic leaf on wood tiles over wood panel, 2009. Collection of Austins Coffee, Winter Park, FL.

'Icons #104,' 30" x 24", acrylic and metallic leaf on wood tiles over wood panel, 2009.

Detail view: 'Icons #104'

Detail view: 'Icons #104'