I actually know nothing about your paintings and am unsure how I’ve stumbled across your Substack, but this piece of writing was so refreshing: an artist grappling with a new subject, not claiming to have all the answers. Lately the entire internet feels as though it’s trying to “teach” me something (I.e. sell me something by telling me what I lack), so this piece was fresh air. Thanks for that. Love your writing.
I have been a fan of your paintings for some time. I find it fascinating how life-like they are while retaining a subtle painted feel. The balance of these two has made my hair stand (in a good way). Much like when you hear a song for the first time, and you can feel that feeling of your arm hair popping up. This is all very cool stuff.
Hello Aaron, I’m new here. I sense a bit of imposter syndrome in your commentary. Ignore the inner critic. Creatives evolve constantly, and as a trained Mother Fuckin’ Artist (MFA), I give myself time to explore other mediums. I would say that professional training challenged me and eventually gave me the ability to find my voice in every medium I work with. I’m currently on a quest to learn all about ceramics, creating glazes, stains, and being a mad scientist by mixing powders to make colors for the kiln. This is a whole new medium to me; I know nothing about it, and I am embracing the learning curve. When I’m at the wheel, I think about ancient civilizations and ceramic fragments found by archeologists deep within the earth. If someone unearths one of my creations in the spring of 2222, I will be most pleased. Anyway, my point is that exploration is where it's at. You will return to your figures with fresh eyes. It's time for a walkabout! Your still life is indeed a wonder.
This is really the best thing about art - there are no rules, and there are always new things to explore and learn about. It doesn't matter when. You are a very gifted artist. It really doesn't matter what the subject is. With as much experience as you have in doing what you do, you understand the values of light and dark, nuance and shadow. This is really all it takes to interpret anything from your reference point - still life or portrait.
Mm. The painting for Davey? I thought she looked like me. He posted it to his Insta stories and it tripped me out got me hooked into this whole storyline. You're a lovely artist, the landscape tree branches highlights and everything are just 🤌 same for the booby vase dead flowers. That one, did you intend for the imagery to feel like it does. It's womanhood in this world, where no matter how perfect the breast and how many and how full your chest is to give the world leaves you unwatered neglected and the roses from the heart center dry up, but they're still colorful bc she still wants to love life 🥀🫀🌹
I had to come back and double dip since it's had more time to process cuz you know Davey posted the day before also...and Hunter..lollolol. I feel like I'm 12 again on dial-up internet trying to figure out the symbolism in Mark Ryden paintings. The blocks remind me of that. The XVX is obviously Davey's wrist tattoo. I can't read the whole pencil but it is a pencil makeup brush combo like? Does the last word say volo? The background is obviously the Silver Bleeds pink. I dunno the Bee and M.D. bugging me now hahah. Nice. Thanks for sharing I meant to say before. Just running in life busy and this art got me tripping a bit also. LOL
I actually know nothing about your paintings and am unsure how I’ve stumbled across your Substack, but this piece of writing was so refreshing: an artist grappling with a new subject, not claiming to have all the answers. Lately the entire internet feels as though it’s trying to “teach” me something (I.e. sell me something by telling me what I lack), so this piece was fresh air. Thanks for that. Love your writing.
Thanks so much Bryan! that means a ton.
The lighting and shadow of those branches engulf me!
thank you esie! am I going to see you in pdx tomorrow?
Yes I'll be there! I'd love to say hi!
I have been a fan of your paintings for some time. I find it fascinating how life-like they are while retaining a subtle painted feel. The balance of these two has made my hair stand (in a good way). Much like when you hear a song for the first time, and you can feel that feeling of your arm hair popping up. This is all very cool stuff.
thank you! I really appreciate it.
Hello Aaron, I’m new here. I sense a bit of imposter syndrome in your commentary. Ignore the inner critic. Creatives evolve constantly, and as a trained Mother Fuckin’ Artist (MFA), I give myself time to explore other mediums. I would say that professional training challenged me and eventually gave me the ability to find my voice in every medium I work with. I’m currently on a quest to learn all about ceramics, creating glazes, stains, and being a mad scientist by mixing powders to make colors for the kiln. This is a whole new medium to me; I know nothing about it, and I am embracing the learning curve. When I’m at the wheel, I think about ancient civilizations and ceramic fragments found by archeologists deep within the earth. If someone unearths one of my creations in the spring of 2222, I will be most pleased. Anyway, my point is that exploration is where it's at. You will return to your figures with fresh eyes. It's time for a walkabout! Your still life is indeed a wonder.
I love all of this. thank you! always wanted to try my hand in clay -- hopefully soon!
This is really the best thing about art - there are no rules, and there are always new things to explore and learn about. It doesn't matter when. You are a very gifted artist. It really doesn't matter what the subject is. With as much experience as you have in doing what you do, you understand the values of light and dark, nuance and shadow. This is really all it takes to interpret anything from your reference point - still life or portrait.
,,,^..^,,,_)
Mm. The painting for Davey? I thought she looked like me. He posted it to his Insta stories and it tripped me out got me hooked into this whole storyline. You're a lovely artist, the landscape tree branches highlights and everything are just 🤌 same for the booby vase dead flowers. That one, did you intend for the imagery to feel like it does. It's womanhood in this world, where no matter how perfect the breast and how many and how full your chest is to give the world leaves you unwatered neglected and the roses from the heart center dry up, but they're still colorful bc she still wants to love life 🥀🫀🌹
I had to come back and double dip since it's had more time to process cuz you know Davey posted the day before also...and Hunter..lollolol. I feel like I'm 12 again on dial-up internet trying to figure out the symbolism in Mark Ryden paintings. The blocks remind me of that. The XVX is obviously Davey's wrist tattoo. I can't read the whole pencil but it is a pencil makeup brush combo like? Does the last word say volo? The background is obviously the Silver Bleeds pink. I dunno the Bee and M.D. bugging me now hahah. Nice. Thanks for sharing I meant to say before. Just running in life busy and this art got me tripping a bit also. LOL
Wait and the spikes...are usually silver so since they're gold I'd say "Stay Golden Ponyboy!"