Key West and Sarasota 10-09

Halloween has come and gone but the stories have been permanently set.  I showcased several collections from the new "Fantasy" releases, my painting collaborations on "Metal", my "Window" series and "Koa" series.  Here are the highlights of the week that led to the Parade and the few days in Sarasota.

This collector had been looking for several years for a piece for her Myrtle Beach place.  Its nice to know that there is a perfect piece for a place in mind and just my luck it happened to be one of my surfboards.  We pose with her close friends who all approve.

I met Russell and Laura on the Princess Cruise to the Med.  I had them pose for a "Lovers" series I knew I was going to do for this show.  Fast forward 6 weeks later he and I happened to be in Key West the same time.  I had him pose with the painting I created from that photo shoot.  The gallery got to see the model and the painting at the same time.

This gentleman couldn't take his eyes off of the "Dirty or Neat" fantasy painting.  I knew I had a hit when I added the martini glass to the Fantasy Lady series. He justly added this painting to his collection.  He also got a collectors shirt with the same image I made for the event.

This gentleman and his wife also found this painting to be just as alluring.  They too added this painting to their collection...

Here is an example of his and hers painting.  She fell in love with the dock and he fancies the martini girl....hmmmm.....I guess she gets hers while he is next, ladies first ;)

Bruce and Jenny made a big splash by buying the latest collaboration between Steve Barton and I.  "Living On The Edge"  is a volcano scene with a hut right on the edge of the lava.  Their collection is ever growing just like the lava fields... Thanks guys!

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Here is a better look at "Living on the Edge".  I was a bit hesitant about the hut at first but when he finished it with the Tiki on the left and palm tree on the right it really came out to be a strong piece.  In fact the original couple who were "Thinking" about it missed out when they came back to find it sold.  We sold them a print as well as 4 others in prepub!

Here is a picture of the next collaboration in line.  Lightning was something I used to paint but gave it a rest. Now it strikes again.  Its only fitting as we had lightning storms during my stay there.  Keep an eye out for the finished piece.

Bob and Donna visited my studio almost everyday.  They had already bought several piece and were done but found it in their heart to get these two simple sunsets.  Just to show you that love finds room in the home.  Sorry about the blurry picture but my camera man was still drunk from the night before :(

Missy and Ron have several Fantasy pieces from me and they really liked this gem of a painting called Cowgirl Fantasy.  This painting is a collaboration between Chris W and myself.  He does the painting on Aluminum and I do the enamel and gold leafing on top.  A great combination that caught the imagination of everyone who walked into the gallery. 

This lady came from the cruise that was docked that day and bought one of my favorites, Dockside Peace.  I love seeing the joy on her face.

Rachel and her friend came to show off their latest Wyland painting.  Too  bad this 50,000.00 Wyland will wash off the next day.  I guess you should enjoy your art while it lasts... Rachel has Modeled for me before and was good to catch up with her.

These folks watched the sunset on at Mallory square and had a picture in their camera they wanted me to paint.  In fact there were several pictures to choose from and this one won.  I really enjoyed painting from life as it gives me new direction as well as giving them a personal connection to their art.

These folks couldn't decide so they got both....What's wrong with that?

\These folks bought the first of the simple series with the Orange and Blue skies.   I am grateful when I discover a new composition that is as simple as this that can bring joy to people!

These folks bought the Dock series as well.  I am so proud of the docks as they bring people closer to my work with the light.

Dawn and her friend represented me with their awesome shirts I made.  Front to back they had a great time parading the designs.

Christina represents the people who never could imagine owning a piece of art.  She did though and we called this painting "Christina's Flame".

This Koa painting found the hearts of these collectors.  We called it "Anniversary Sunset"  as it was a present to themselves.

This collector bought "Dockside Hope" and got a Chinese Brushstroke to accompany her painting. 

Of course Fantasy Fest brings out the figurative artist in me.. I had the lovely Megan pose with a Martini Glass for future paintings as well as the "Fire Sketch" series I do to catch the power and sensuality of the female figure.  As my friends say being an artist can be tough sometimes.

David and his Fiancé "J"  made the show special for me.  We hung out every night and for the finale I was honored to have her pose as a firewoman.  We had a great time as I painted her during the VIP party at Duval street.  What a fabulous way to crown the event.  Wyland pointed out that he paints canvases and mine were living works of art.  I did the impossible and made Wyland jealous...

David, Steve and I ate breakfast at Blue Heaven before we all went separate ways.  I felt like I was in a Barton painting.  We survived and I took the slow ride to Sarasota...

Meanwhile in Sarasota the George and Lisa Hoos and family came with their commission.  They wanted to show me the painting as well as pose with their art.  It was her birthday and he surprised her with another painting.  What a guy!

These folks bought "Dockside Peace" and brought it to the show for personalization and a picture.

This gentleman bought a collaboration and a Dockside painting.  A true collector who has more than one painting. I really need a new camera that doesn't blur like my phone....

These folks bought a Koa painting with the surfboard and Sunset theme.  The Koa paintings continue to be a really popular theme.

Mandy swore she wouldn't buy anything this time....  I consider it a compliment when she already owns close to a dozen pieces to add to her collection.  I really like her painting of a boat at night with lights on called "Waterbed"...

Sarah couldn't stop smiling as she bought her two paintings.   She will now have a moonrise and sunset/sunrise to look at everyday.

Alex's Dream came about as she helped me paint her piece.  She got an instant lesson as she and her fellow students from John Ringling came to watch me paint.  How many collectors get a chance to learn, help and collect their own painting? Hmmmmm, sounds like a  plan...

Once again Dockside Peace gets another set of collectors....

Guy and Debra celebrate my really long show series....  Whew!  The life on the road can take its toll but I am glad that I love what I do.   Thanks to all the collectors and friends who helped make the show a memorable one!  See you at the next show!