Saturday, July 30, 2011

Chase bank, painting en plein air, and the LAPD



Originally posted 7/30/11
I started another burning bank painting today, this time the Chase branch in Van Nuys. I got lots of thumbs up and likes from passersby but after an hour and a half the cops showed up. They said someone called thought I might be a terrorist. It was a peaceful encounter and I think the cops felt a little silly writing me up; its a long way from painting a visual metaphor of the banks to actual terrorism. They ran my ID through their computer, we chatted a bit and they let me go. I can't wait to start another one now! Aahahah! Who would have thought plein air painting could become an episode of COPS? The piece needs a little more work but I'm going to let it get good and dry and do more in the meantime. Oil on canvas, 22 by 28

Sunday, July 24, 2011

chase



Originally published 7/24/11

I was inspired to paint some plein air yesterday, and to add another burning building to my series, so I set up in front of Chase bank in Burbank and had at it. I got 90% of it done on location and the put the finishing touches on the fire at the Hive gallery during the closing show. I photographer there filmed a time lapse of the flames ... I'm curious to see how that looks! Oil on canvas, 20 by 24