New Year, New Work

"Expulsion of The Great Ape", mixed media, 45x36"

I wish kicking old habits were done so with the finesse and grace of Bruce Lee sailing bodies around a room. Truth is brother.... t'aint so. You try exiling them to the most remote places you can find or conjure....."No cable, no kids, no pets".They're always on your heels, no matter how hard or fast you run. Reminding you of what you wish you could forget.

"Ponce De Leon", mixed media, 45x36"

I was asked by a non artist friend why I paint. "Well it's not for money or praise.", I told him. Truth is, it makes me happy, content and the older I get, the fewer things I find in this world that do so. Also, I'm fascinated with the process of taking an idea and making it exist.... "Making something from nothing." Creating a myth.

" 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.