These are images from this evening at Colton-Farb Gallery here in Houston. The public had the chance to vote on the image they thought would be best for the cover. There will be the winner, followed by a second, third, and fourth place. The winner, obviously will get the cover, while the other three places will get press inside the magazine. I was #9.

This year's cover contest theme was: "Our City". I struggled with trying to come up with an idea for this for a week or so and came up empty handed. Houston, to me is a very large city that has no real consistent 'image'. I can't think of any singular or even small group of things that say "Houston". Then, as I was starting to put up all my materials, after the original deadline had passed, an idea popped into my head- something having to do with mosquitos. We just had a tremendous number of floodwater mosquitos hatch two weeks after a day-long downpour. Then, I found out that the deadline was extended. This is the idea I came up with: a mosquito full of blood on a wall that is being shaded by bougainvillea. I decided to present an image that all Houstonians could relate to regardless of ethnic, racial, or class backgrounds. We all experience the beauty the city has to offer such as nearly year around flowers, and we all must deal with the pesky mosquito. So, I guess my explanation would be: Houston: The good, the bad, and everything in between.

I've been busy lately planning new strategies on how to exploit social networking as a means to get my art seen by a wider audience. Stay tuned- exciting things are coming. For now, I've uploaded some more delicious eye candy for your enjoyment.

Here are some images of my studio during the open studio party Friday, October 1, 2011- Saturday, October 2, 2011

I sold 3 pieces and had a nice amount of foot traffic.

His ambitious spirit
Guards his heart
Until love strikes

24"x12"
Acrylic on Panel

This is one of my favorite new pieces. The painting is based on one of the images from my photography session with my friend Jonathan. Not only is this the first painting in a new series I'm calling "Soldiers of Love", but it is also the painting I chose to enter into the annual Hunting Prize competition. The competition will have only one winner that will claim the $50,000 prize.

The black sheep Blue Jay
Stays behind
To experience Autumn

24"x24"
Acrylic on Panel

An exercise in Japanese Woodcut-style design

The last catch of the day
Proves difficult
Under an umbrella of thunder

72"x11"
Acrylic on Panel

This is the piece I will submit to the Art on the Avenue fundraiser on November 12, 2011

All the shelter in the world
Can not prevent
Adulthood

36"x24"
Acrylic on Panel

Sweeter than Dominican rum
While packing emotions
as potent

24"x12"
Acrylic on Panel

I ran across this link today. I love, in particular, how the images look like impressionistic paintings. The world has changes so much in 10 years. I wonder where we'll be in the next 20.
http://gizmodo.com/5843117/scientists-reconstruct-video-clips-from-brain-activity

For some reason, this would not imbed. I will investigate. Check out the link- it's worth it.