polodidit

If People Had Tails (some do)

2012-01-19T16:42:00.002-05:00

This is the first of a new series of illustrations for an upcoming show at Gallery 9 in the Spring. It's in the same genre as the Sketchbook Project posted in the sidebar to the right. That project was a lot of fun for me but a little challenging because I had to stick to the theme "Make Mine a Double". Since this new series is themeless I think it might be more fun because I can go where ever.

New Year's Resolutions and Muertos

2012-01-14T18:24:00.001-05:00

At the weekly Thursday night meeting with my "Neponset Valley Artist" friends at Beckett's Pub in Walpole Mass, Kim Weineck, founder of the group, passed out painting resolutions/projects. I chose this one: Make a painting stressing a warm/cool relationship, painting can be any size, subject selection is up to you, keep values to a tight range. I think this is pretty cool because I do like and am intrigued with the warm/cool aspect of color. Thinking of simultaneous contrast ( something I learned in school and you could google it), can a cool color be warm? So what's with the Muerto? "Roberto" has been (my favorite Muerto) starring at me all weekend so when I go to post I accidentally hit him with my head and he's starring at me still!

Caravaggesque Apples and Pears

2012-01-12T21:04:00.001-05:00

The morning after New Year's Eve I was at my friends Danielle and PJ's house waking up for breakfast and noticed this apple and pear setup on their table. The dramatic Caravaggesque lighting reminded me of an apple series I've done with the same extreme light. There may be some earlier postings with pics of the paintings. I had to take a picture if not for reference but for prosperity. Hints of a commission in this.

Cape Wild Things

2012-01-09T21:59:00.000-05:00

Arts Education Initiative

This last Saturday evening at the Cotuit Center for the Arts on Cape Cod was not only fun and engaging but also a "I feel like I'm participating in something significant" time. The Arts Foundation of Cape Cod's themed exhibit, "Wild Things", is presenting extremely talented artist working in a variety of media. Unique is that the exhibit is created with children in mind–the pieces are hung at a child's eye level. During the duration of the show kid's will participate in creative activities and meet the exhibiting artists. Pictured here is one of my favorite artists, Ann Gorbett, who is showing in the event.
http://www.artsfoundation.org/
http://www.cotuitcenterforthearts.org/

New Museum

2011-12-29T20:22:00.001-05:00

New Museum is a stellar museum to check out on Bowery street in NYNY. The contemporary art and the building's architecture is a feast for eyes + the many varied ongoing events.
http://www.newmuseum.org/

WoRk of ArT

2011-12-14T22:35:00.000-05:00

Been following the reality show "Work of Art" on Bravo. Just saw the latest show and there are three artist left. It's interesting and inspirational to see how the artists meet the challenges. The different mediums and materials they use to create their concepts are always fascinating. This kind of stuff helps you think outside of your box.

http://www.bravotv.com/work-of-art

Prints and Web of Art

2011-12-10T19:06:00.001-05:00

All the paintings of my recent series, currently at Gallery 9, are available as prints (click prints above). Please check out Gallery 9's link and see the talent. Kim Weineck, the gallery director, is also the founder of NVA (Neponset Valley Artists), of which I'm a member. This group meets every Thursday and paints +, in addition to painting field trips. These artists are also members of the FAA (Foxboro Art Association). Some of these artists. including myself, exhibit their work at The Artist's Studio and Gallery at Patriot Place. And then there's my wife, Ann Gorbett, who is also involved in this web.

Crazy Colors and New Polo Print

2011-12-05T22:17:00.001-05:00

I've been playing around with the color options for the blog design. I have a new print available, click on Prints above.

Good Show

2011-12-05T21:36:00.001-05:00

Friday's show at Gallery 9 was a lot of fun! I had great response to my paintings and I look forward to making more. I'd like to thank everyone who was there with their support.

Free Painting

2011-12-01T19:59:00.001-05:00

I posted the paintings which will be hanging at the show tomorrow http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=28988300da5420f4a7ca8ef5d&id=586723d8c4 (click on Paintings, above). If you can guess which title belongs to which, I'll give/paint you a painting for free.

Here are the titles: Mill River Moving, Good Morning Turner Pond, Summer Still, Through it All, Glass Fragile, Off Path Window, Turner Pond Blues, Illuminated, Lit, Gandalf. If one of these are available after the December hanging it could be yours. Don't worry, IKIAAT (I Know I Ain't All That).

If you were at the show I'll know you cheated.

Deadlines are Good!

2011-11-30T22:11:00.001-05:00

I met my goal of 10 paintings for the Ann Gorbett and Polo Barrera show opening this Friday ( see previous posts). I'll soon be posting all the paintings on the Paintings page.

More Painting

2011-11-17T20:39:00.001-05:00

I just finished this one and was excited to post it 'cause I'm very happy with how it came out. I painted this from a pic I took from a local pond. This is an addition to my latest Nature Series.

New painting

2011-11-13T21:49:00.004-05:00

I spent the weekend at the Artist Studio and Gallery at Patriot's Place and produced this new painting in oils for my upcoming show at Gallery 9. I am one of the anchor artists so my work is always on display. Every weekend there are three guest/featured artists. This weekend we had two photographers and a painter: Nancy Antico, Alisa Luciano, and Joanne Willoughby. It was a lot of fun and productive at the same time.

Painting in Progress

2011-11-06T19:00:00.000-05:00

This is the second painting for the December show at Gallery 9 in it's progression. It's a little different for me to start with an underpainting or ground, being a bit traditional or academic.

Subject: Nature

2011-10-04T15:25:00.000-04:00

This is my latest painting which may be the general direction (technique as much as the natural subject matter) I'm taking for the next two months towards the show at Gallery 9 in December in Norwood, MA. 14" x 18", oils

Six Pack

2011-09-26T22:38:00.000-04:00

This is one of six paintings I'm showing at Gallery 9 in Norwood MA. Ann Gorbett and I will be showing there in December.

Brant Point Lighthouse

2011-08-07T11:06:00.000-04:00

Fellow artists, Kim Morin Weineck and Tony Donovan of the Neponset Valley Artists neponsetvalleyartists.blogspot.com, set out very early in the morning to capture images of the famous Brant Point Lighthouse on Nantucket. I painted this 14" x 11" acrylic on canvas, being inspired by the dramatic colors and the straight-forwardness of the composition. This was perfect for me because I've been trying to push my colors and looking to paint with a more modernist approach. The painting is now hanging at the Artist's Studio and Gallery at Patriot Place. artgalleryatpatriotplace.blogspot.com

Nantucket

2011-07-25T19:29:00.000-04:00

I spent three days in Nantucket with my friends the Neponset Valley Artists, by invitation from member Haydi Hurley. Her artist friend, Susan Ottison, let us on her property to paint one day. See her website here http://www.ack.net/Baskets053107.html

This acrylic painting (14"x11") is looking over a marsh towards Monomoy Bay.

Hydrangea Lane

2011-07-17T22:37:00.000-04:00

We had a nice week on the cape in New Seabury and stayed at a great house with a long row of Hydrangeas in the front. I did this small painting and gave it to Danielle, one of our partners in crime, as a souvenir. The high noon Summer sun and bright colors were an inspirational moment. Ann also did some very nice paintings of the flowers: anngorbett.blogspot.com

Painting at the Gallery

2011-07-05T12:19:00.000-04:00

Working at the Art's Studio and Gallery at Patriot Place this last weekend was fun and productive. These are 6"x6" acrylics on canvas.

Weekend at Pat Place Gallery

2011-05-23T15:14:00.000-04:00

It was a fun weekend at Artist's Studio and Gallery at Patriot Place. The visiting artists Dianne Scotti, George Mitchell Jr., and Eli Cedrone were nice company. It was also productive and here's one of two paintings I did, while minding the store, of Bird Park in Walpole Ma.

New Apple Series at Patriot Place Gallery

2011-05-18T10:57:00.002-04:00

This is the start of a new apple series in a 5"x 5" canvas format with a 1 3/8" profile edge painted in acrylic all around (edge painted too). They're free-standing like a real apple. These and other paintings are at the new Artist's Studio and Gallery at Patriot Place I'm involved with as a permanent artist. This weekend I'll be minding the store with my spouse, Ann Gorbett. Here is the blog: http://artgalleryatpatriotplace.blogspot.com/

Desserts

2011-05-07T20:11:00.000-04:00

The show at Gallery 9 was fun and I Sarah bought my painting "Lemon Cake". The theme "just desserts" and the size limitation of 6"x8" turned out to be a success.

The Eagle Has Landed

2011-04-29T18:15:00.001-04:00

I guess I've been busy, it's been a while since I posted. I'm on the train on my way to the new gallery "The art studio and gallery at patriots place" ( I think that's right). My wife and I are two of 6 permanent artists there. Guest artists will exhibit on the weekends. Tonight is a soft opening and there is excitement in the air. later

Sketchbook project and the Man on the Moon

2010-09-24T22:38:00.003-04:00

As you may know, we recently had a Super Harvest Moon (full moon at the same time as the first day of Autumn). Unfortunately, it was too cloudy to see the full impact. Anyway, I felt a little detached from the Man on the Moon, not being able to see him up there behind the clouds. Poor guy, must be lonely way up there all by himself. I thought, with my sketchbook theme in mind being make mine a double, wouldn't it be nice if he had some companionship. I'm talking 'bout The Lady on the Moon!
So here you go.

Sketchbook and Santos

2010-09-22T20:47:00.001-04:00

This is a combo blog! I'm back from San Antonio and had a great time seeing family. I ventured into the garage at my home and found old paintings from many years ago and found it to be inspirational. I think I was better back when!

Anyway, here's the title page for my sketchbook project though the story is unwritten and probably won't be. Also, here is a quick painting I did the other night of a wooden statue of a "Santos" I bought in San Antonio a while back (I was trolling for subject matter).

Sketchbook Project, College and MFA

2010-09-05T20:15:00.000-04:00

I just recently received my sketchbook for the Sketchbook Project! Here's the link www.arthousecoop.com/projects/sketchbookproject
You're sent a nice sketchbook and you have till January to fill it using a chosen theme. Mine is "Make mine a double". Then the sketchbooks tour various cities and finally end up at The Brooklyn Art Library permanently barcoded. Ann Gorbett (wife) and daughter Marissa (daughter) are also participating.

I moved Marissa and Ariana into college this weekend. Ariana is at Northeastern and a stones throw from the MFA. Nice!!

New Painting

2010-08-22T18:15:00.000-04:00

I've been painting in oils lately and it makes me want to paint landscapes. So I started this one in the backyard. Grackles were migrating through the yard so I thought it would be nice to include some in the painting. You can see the trees in the background.

Dog sitting in NYC

2010-06-29T11:03:00.000-04:00

Ann and I spent a long weekend dog sitting our friend Snooze (a.k.a. Licker). Here's a picture of the little guy. Between our doodies we had time to enjoy the sights and sounds and smells of the city. An inspirational highpoint was the Guggenheim. It's currently having a fascinating exhibition of contemporary photography, video, and performance. The permanent collection is equally nice with the Picassos and impressionists' works.

Here's a link http://www.guggenheim.org/new-york/exhibitions

Plein air

2010-06-14T17:28:00.000-04:00

I attended a plein air workshop conducted by Kim Weineck at Gallery 9 in Norwood and it was a lot of fun. It was also another fine learning opportunity and Kim did an excellent job. There were familiar faces there including my wife, Ann Gorbett, the famous palette knife painter. I felt like a real painter out there in the elements and all that. I painted in oils this time and this is the result which I'm happy with (I couldn't find any apples in my search for subject matter). I'd still like to finish it up a little in the studio but thought I'd get it posted while it's still fairly fresh.

Polo and Ann's opening

2010-06-05T11:44:00.000-04:00

Our opening last night at Gallery 9 /Custom Art Framing was a fun success. Lots of friends, family (my sister saw me in the live video stream set-up). and art oficionados. This is one of twelve paintings, titled "Sonny and Cher", from the apple series displayed. I'd like to thank Julie and Kim for putting the show together.The show is through the month of June.

Still more apples

2010-01-19T09:47:00.004-05:00

This is the newest painting in my current series of produce (apples). I’m commited to doing them all the same size, 8’ x 10’. The more I have the more interesting it will be when all are hung. You might think it would get boring after a while but each one is a new challenge. In some ways it’s kind of like one big painting. My wife, Ann Gorbett, and I are having a show at Gallery 9 gallery9online.com in Norwood in June. See her great paintings at anngorbett.blogspot.com

8” x10” acrylic
$125
polodidit@gmail.com

More apples

2010-01-07T11:23:00.011-05:00

Yes it’s been a while but I have been busy with the produce painting series. An old posting below of pears was the beginning, as I stated then. I have sold a few and am excited to post the latest one here and to exhibit and sell many more. 8”x10” acrylic, $125

polodidit@gmail.com

Outcast

2009-08-02T18:32:00.004-04:00

Here's a new still life which is part of what is becoming a series.

Outcast
Acrylic on 9 x 12 canvas

clams

2009-07-25T08:30:00.000-04:00

I approached this still life a little differently, almost like an illustration. I sketched it roughly a few times anxious to jump into the painting. The next morning I'm sitting down with a cup of coffee and there's that morning light hitting the clams through a window. It looked so nice I photographed it twice. I felt the subject matter was bigger than me so I referenced the photo and the clams and planned it out. On this base, I approached the painting in a somewhat expressionistic manner. I feel good about this representational thing on a flat background.
click on image to enlarge

eat your vegetables

2009-07-12T10:45:00.000-04:00

I started a new still life and here's a photo of it in progress (thanks for taking the photos, Ann). It's not quite done but to finish soon, especially since I came very close to throwing the tomatoes in a salad last night.

Can't take the sailor out of the boy!

2009-07-11T09:25:00.000-04:00

Yes! The Tall Ships are calling me.
Can't take the sailor out of the boy or the boy out of the man or something like that.
Check out "illustration corner" in that sidebar area.
"I"m Popeye the Sailor Man, I'm Popeye the Sailor Man"

Artists at Barnes and Noble at Walpole Mall

2009-07-10T09:58:00.000-04:00

Ann and I are showing paintings at the Barnes and Noble at Walpole Mall this month. We're excited to show our work and we think we did a good job of hanging. Stop by for a "tall one" at Starbucks and take a look.

Untamed Strokes reception

2009-04-28T18:25:00.000-04:00

The reception on the 19th was a lot of fun, quite a few people came by through the course of the afternoon. It was nice to talk to folks and friends about the art. An after-party was a nice way to relax after a project completion. I've been getting a little press and here's a link to the Sharon Advocate: http://www.wickedlocal.com/sharon/fun/entertainment/arts/x1092981657/Moose-Hill-exhibit-puts-a-new-light-on-outdoors-scenes

Untamed Strokes of Nature

2009-04-03T22:54:00.000-04:00

After submitting work to a Call for Artist to exhibit at the Mass Audobon Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary in Sharon Mass I was extremely happy when accepted. So, from April16 to May 26 paintings will be exhibited. The theme is “Untamed Strokes in Nature”. I have to thank Jan Nareski Goba, the Exhibit Curator, for brainstorming the title and coordinating the show.