" Hommage to Thiebaud", 36x45"

Why this? Why not?... I liked the lighting and textures involved. I lose myself in the observation, the interpretation, it becomes therapeudic. The technique is time consuming and lends itself to this. I actually completed this quicker than I thought I would have. Just three weeks from beginning to end, probably about 72 hrs altogether. I'm satisfied.

"Girl From Kenoma", 45x36"

Kenoma(Gk) - the lower world of phenomena, emptiness or void.

Breathing, 1998-2010

"Buoyancy", 45x45"

September 7th marked twelve years my wife, Tamara, and I have been married. Now, I'm not writing this to brag, or offer any kind of secret, or pretend to possess the wisdom of a happy marriage. I'll leave those complexities to the professionals. (Whoever they may be.)

And I'm the last person to take relationship advice from. I'm stubborn and hardheaded. Not to mention an artist, which by nature makes me kind of selfish and demanding with my own time. "Tamara, I have appreciated your patience and understanding dear."

I simply want to thank God for your companionship, your love, and to tell you how much I have cherished loving you. You have been, at times, the breath that has kept me from sinking when I was too tired.

Yeah, I'm a Romantic...."Whatcha gonna do about it?"

An observation recently shared with me, "Daniel, your work has become too romantic." ......Well, hmmm? Let's see....

Ok, after carefully considering this remark and reviewing myself I have decided, "Yes. I have become more of a romantic." I am also probably halfway through my lifetime ......and after all the bumps, bruises and asskickings life has dished out, I had to decide at some point to "either learn to look on the brightside or be miserable" and risk becoming a cynic. There is a difference between life toughening you up and allowing it to put a chip on your shoulder.

And folks...."Cynics suck the life out of everything."

Their observations, although often true, leave no room for compromise. They have forgotten what the roses smell like, because they are too upset about the bullshit underneath. For them it is not enough to point out cold truths or enlighten us to life's politics. They can't just mention things and let it stand for consideration. I believe they get off on making themselves, as well as those around them, miserable..... and woe be to the one who tries to explains to them that, "There is a difference between sharing a viewpoint and clubbing the crowd bloody with your soapbox."

Besides, who really wants to end up a miserable old person dumped in an old folks home. I would rather listen to kids playing than to hiss and chase them out of my yard. I would rather my family enjoy me being around, than have to draw straws to see who will tolerate me during the holidays..... AND..... I would rather paint "what I want to" and "because I love to", rather than "what or how" others think I should.

"Yo Daddy Don't Like Me", 36x45"

When I was a kid I dated this girl for a couple years. "Amy Marcle".......It was serious. She was much more to me than just a date, a pretty girl, or locker room bragging rights. I even had to deck a couple of guys who "inquired" about the nature of our intimacy. Being that I had lost my virginity with her, what we shared was more than just, "a fuck". It was special and I loved her. Hmm......I really thought we would get married after high school and be together to this day.

And wouldn't you know it....her dad hated me.

During this time I had long hair, an earring and was fond of sleeveless tshirts. This was the eighties.....Sweetwater, Tx......long hair and earrings were not acceptable. Not to mention the crowd I ran with. Felons in training......everyone. But I could not convince him I had the best intentions. That underneath the rough exterior was an altarboy. (Go ahead, laugh...I really was a good kid) He even chased me off once with a hose. I came walking up the sidewalk and he was watering the yard. I said, "Hi Johnny", and I was answered with a cold burst in the face and him yelling, " Get the hell outta here!" (Although, I envisioned the village carrying torches and screaming, "Kill the monster"!)

Time has a way of providing perspective. I'm 41 now and I live a long way across town from 16. A lot of what I thought would happen between myself and Amy... I now realize was just a boy's romantic notions. I am aware I hung out with punks and looked liked one. And..... I'm a daddy.....of three beautiful daughters.....whom I love dearly......and only want the best for. Whom I am not above killing for, or at least maiming, to see their hearts aren't broken. I am also a judgmental daddy of my daughters suitors, callers, notepassers, kiss blowers, etc. If a kid with long hair, earring/s, and a sleeveless AC/DC tshirt came knocking...my radar would set off national emergency warnings in my head.......and I would light a torch.

"Hound" 48x72"

Hound- 1. a type of dog that assists hunters by tracking or chasing the animal being hunted. 2. a person who pursues like a hound; especially : one who avidly seeks or collects something.

Battle of the Apes

"Dem Mungkhas Ah Mofo", 72x72"

I had my yearly physical and the results have forced me to ellict a few changes from myself. Namely my cholesterol was a 266, so there goes steak regularly and I decided to quit smoking once and for all. It has been about 3 weeks now and there are "blood, brains and monkeyshit everywhere".

"Hovercraft" 48x72"

The first piece to come out of my new studio space. Keyword being "space", room to breathe and move. I can't see going back to anything smaller in dimensions. The field aspect accomodates what I'm attempting to do perfectly

Ends and Beginnings

New Studio Space

Here are the last three pieces before I begin a new series. We just purchased a new home and the above workshop will become a long anticipated studio. I have been wanting to do some larger pieces, (footage) but space issues have been putting them on hold. Not anymore!


I plan to stick with the same collage technique and, other than larger, I have been wanting to include some silkscreening along with the painted imagery. I have not been able to do any print work since grad school, so this is something I am really excited about.

"The Curator"

"Nocturnal Marathon"

"Insatiable Me"

A review of the Fresh Faces 2x2 show by J R Compton in the Dallas Arts Revue.

http://www.dallasartsrevue.com/art-crit/Here_Lately/ArtHereLately.html

"Carpe' Diem Fido" 18x24

Who has not experienced the dark humor that life exacts upon us in the name of some poor fellow named "Murphy". Either Murphy was an unlucky individual who trodded through life with misfortune and tragedy of Shakesperian proportions, or he really pissed off some spell conjuring gypsy!

Depending on your outlook and present mood, crossing paths with him and the mayhem that follows can be a learning experience or tirade of cursing. So here is a short list of "pros & cons" to put "Murphy's Law " in perspective.

CONS: Murphy's law is......

1. A cake with dynamite candles.

2. An Acme jack in the box that plays Jedi mind tricks.

3. The definitive "I never promised you a rosegarden".

4. A stalled engine....at a red light. ( I have personally experienced this.)

5. When the shit hits the fan and you do not realize it until it is plastered on your back.

6. You wake up feeling like Wile E. Coyote.

7. The 800lb gorilla that wears a cloak of invisibility.

8. A painful case of gas.....in church.

9. That oil change turned into a $1200.00 overhaul.

10. That $1200.00 overhaul causes your rent check to bounce.

PROS: Murphy's law is......

1. A lesson in tolerance.

2. Proof the world is not perfect.

3. God has a sense of humor.

4. A test of patience and self control.

5. Proves just how little you are in control, so relax.

6. The cause for silver linings.

7. A series of inevitable, mathematical probabilities.

8. Keeps your sense of humor well honed.

9. Life's way of keeping us from becoming too complacent.

10. The spit and polish of character.

"Supernova, A Tragedy of Cosmic Cadillacs", 24x36

A familiar story of young people with extraordinary talents who pursue their dreams. Smart, good looking, brash, hopeful and daring they rise above the surface of mediocrity and launch into the sratosphere of adoration. Each wrung taking them farther out of reach and out of touch. Until their dreams and lives of success slip into excess and they are devoured.Ending up the acrid aftertaste from a belch of self indulgence.

An article in "Texoma Living" recognizing my daughter Sarah Birdsong as one of the five artists to watch. I am very proud of her!

Sarah Birdsong

"The Orchard Keeper" 24x36", mixed media

A piece that was influenced while teaching the Italian Renaissance in Art Survey II. It is my own contemplation of systems which appear to have a divine nature, such as phi, and artistic communication as a means of prayer or worship. I often find religion, art and science share similiar qualities and can be quite synonymus.