MARK OBERNDORF FINE ART

New Skyway Diner - Kearny, NJ

2012-01-20T12:25:00.003-05:00

Completed painting...

oil on panel

6" x 6"

This diner is probably best known as the location in the TV show "The Sopranos", where Christopher gets shot by some kid who is eventually found and taken to this snack bar and ultimately finished off.

Window of Westwood Gallery, Westwood, NJ

Minetta Tavern - NYC, NY

2012-01-12T16:15:00.003-05:00

Completed painting...

oil on panel

6" x 6"

I heard that Van Halen just played Cafe Wha? Wish I could have been there for that.

Skyway Diner - Kearny, NJ / Minetta Tavern - NYC, NY

2012-01-01T14:08:00.002-05:00

First stage of underpainting completed on the first 2 new paintings of 2012...

Salem Diner - Salem, MA

2011-12-26T16:10:00.003-05:00

Completed painting...

oil on panel

5" x 7"

That will be the last one for '11.......Onwards to 2012.

Happy New Year to all!!!

Freedman's Bakery - Belmar, NJ

2011-12-20T14:47:00.002-05:00

Completed painting......

oil on panel

7" x 5"

My friend Cesar putting the finishing touches on his latest masterpiece.

Happy Holidays to all!!!

7 Train - NYC, NY

2011-12-12T16:00:00.002-05:00

Completed painting...

11" x 18"

oil on linen

7 Train - NYC, NY

2011-11-28T18:52:00.003-05:00

2nd stage of underpainting complete...

I just realized that as of last month, I have been posting to this blog for 7 years.

Ray's Pizza - NYC, NY

2011-11-13T13:42:00.003-05:00

Completed painting...

oil on panel

5" x 7"

This pizza place closed up shop for good a few weeks ago. About a week after that, the original Ray's on Spring Street also closed up shop forever. Both places being victims of landlord greed. I'm really getting sick and tired of these small establishments getting forced out because of skyrocketing rents. I'm glad I can, at the very least, document them through the paintings.

On a happier note, I was able to ride the bike on Halloween during the Village parade again this year. It is the most incredible experience to be able to ride up and down 6th Ave. with tens of thousands of maniacs screaming at me from behind the barricades.

This picture is of my friend James, whom I thought had one of the best costumes of the evening. You should have gone all the way with it James and cut your ear off!!! Maybe next year, eh?

7 Train - NYC, NY

2011-10-23T09:20:00.003-04:00

First stage of underpainting complete.

This painting as well as a few others will be sent to Elliott Fouts Gallery in Sacramento, CA. for a show opening in March, 2012.

I have 28 of the little panels sketched in ready to go, with 56 more on deck after that.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church - Glen Rock, NJ

2011-10-17T13:56:00.002-04:00

Completed painting....

oil on panel

7" x 5"

I received a shipment from author Angus Gillespie last week of his book with my painting on the cover.

Anyone who has been in my studio knows how fond I am of books, especially if they are free and even more especially if they have my painting on the jacket. Thank you Angus!

Live Bait - NYC, NY

2011-10-10T10:09:00.003-04:00

Completed painting...

oil on panel

6" x 6"

I took a bicycle ride in the city Saturday afternoon into the evening, and stopped by this place on 23rd St. to check it out before I finished this painting. I was minding my own business outside, looking at the facade, when some very odd fellow invited me in after I told him I was an artist and was doing a painting of this place. He proceeded to buy me beers and bbq ribs, making the rest of the bike ride through the streets of the city very interesting indeed!

Passaic County Courthouse Reflection - Paterson, NJ

2011-09-28T15:57:00.001-04:00

Completed painting...

oil on panel

7" x 5"

Callahan's 2 - Fort Lee, NJ

2011-09-21T17:29:00.002-04:00

Completed painting...

oil on panel

5" x 7"

Carnival Lights - Paramus, NJ

2011-09-13T15:31:00.002-04:00

Completed painting.

oil on panel

5" x 7"

Carnival Lights - Paramus, NJ

2011-09-09T09:29:00.004-04:00

First stage of underpainting complete.

I was able to get down to Chelsea last night for Adam Normandin's opening at George Billis Gallery. Fantastic show which I very highly recommend seeing. I got a chance to spend some time talking to Adam and 2 other painters whom I respect and greatly admire: Denis Peterson and Neil MacCormick.

Church Door - Ridgewood, NJ

2011-08-29T12:36:00.002-04:00

Completed painting.

oil on panel

5" x 7"

Empire State Building with Water Tanks-Chelsea, NYC, NY

2011-08-09T13:01:00.003-04:00

Completed painting...

oil on linen

22" x 22"

I want to take a NY minute right now to say a little something about this painting. I think this is pretty close to what I am after regarding composition in a painting.

Paintings are "read" by the viewer the same way one would read a letter; from left to right. With this arrangement, the eye enters the painting from the left side, stepping down over the 3 water tanks, curving back up through the lower right corner, proceeding up the Empire State Building and back down over the sloping cirrus clouds, back to the water tanks, keeping the viewers' eye inside the picture plane in a circular pattern. Except for a few minor omissions on my part of unnecessary objects in this painting, this is pretty much how this scene appears at 12th Ave. and 24th St. in Chelsea.

Empire State Building with Water Tanks-Chelsea, NYC, NY

2011-07-29T13:13:00.003-04:00

Into the final stages...

I forgot how much more time and effort goes into the larger paintings.
Hopefully will complete this in the next couple of weeks, in between trips to the beach.

Trapeze - Paramus, NJ

2011-07-18T15:32:00.002-04:00

Completed painting...

oil on panel

6" x 6"

Trapeze - Paramus, NJ

2011-07-09T13:03:00.001-04:00

First stage of underpainting complete...

Hot Dog Stick - Santa Monica, CA.

2011-07-02T17:44:00.002-04:00

Completed painting...

oil on panel

5" x 7"

The Littlest Bar - Boston, MA.

2011-06-23T11:49:00.003-04:00

Completed painting...

oil on panel

5" x 7"

I was able to get over to the Met this past weekend to see a tremendous little show called "Rooms With a View". The paintings are all of interiors with windows looking out on the landscape or cityscape, mostly done between 1820- 1830. I highly recommend seeing this show which closes on July 4, 2011.

Carvel #2 - Lodi, NJ

2011-06-16T15:05:00.002-04:00

Completed painting...

oil on panel

7" x 5"

Carvel #2 - Lodi, NJ

2011-06-13T08:17:00.003-04:00

First stage of underpainting complete...

I will only post pictures of these little paintings when they are completed in the future, but today I wanted to send out a post to say that my painting of the Lincoln Tunnel is the cover image of a book that is soon to be released by Rutgers University professor Angus Gillespie.

You can check it out on Amazon.com.

Deep Fried Twinkies - Paramus, NJ

2011-06-09T14:49:00.001-04:00

Completed painting...

oil on panel

5" x 7"

Joyce's Lemonade - Paramus, NJ

2011-06-03T10:26:00.002-04:00

Completed painting...

oil on panel

5" x 7"

Rock & Roll - Paramus, NJ

2011-05-27T12:48:00.003-04:00

Completed painting...

oil on panel

5" x 7"

The Last Stop - Paterson, NJ

2011-05-21T17:19:00.003-04:00

Completed painting...

oil on panel

5" x 7"

I guess this is a fitting subject, seeing as though it will be my last since the world is ending in 40 minutes...

The Last Stop - Paterson, NJ

2011-05-19T12:03:00.002-04:00

First stage of underpainting complete...

Second pass completed on Empire State Building...

A Taste Of Westwood - Westwood, NJ

2011-05-14T15:49:00.005-04:00

*Westwood-*The Third Annual Taste of Westwood will be held Sunday, June 5th from 6- 9 PM at the Westwood Public Library, 49 Park Avenue in Westwood. The goal of the event is to highlight the flavors of Westwood, from the fine Restaurants, merchants and professionals, to the boutiques, arts and crafts that are unique to Westwood. Wine tastings, live music, a silent auction and tricky tray along with door prizes and surprise entertainment make this event not to be missed. The Library itself is transformed into the perfect venue to meet neighbors and old friends as well as meet new members of our community. The real stars of the event are the restaurants, serving signature dishes from the areas best chefs as well as desserts and pastries and coffee. New this year, is Defiant Brewery from Pearl River offering samples of the best craft beer in New Jersey. A & P Best Cellars will be offering wine pairings with the dishes served and a wide variety of wines for tasting. An added bonus is learning from the experts and making new discoveries. Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Library, a 501 3c non profit, whose volunteers work tirelessly to keep the Library an open and invaluable resource for the area. A portion of the proceeds benefit The Westwood Chamber of Commerce, which organized the event and works to promote Westwood as a great place to work, eat, shop, live and play. Tickets are $50 in advance and $60 at the door and may be purchased online at http://westwood.bccls.org or at the library by calling 201 664 0583.

Empire State Building with Water Tanks-Chelsea, NYC, NY

2011-05-04T11:25:00.002-04:00

First stage of underpainting complete...

Leonard's Bakery - Honolulu, HI

2011-04-28T21:38:00.002-04:00

Completed painting...

oil on linen

32" x 20"

Artkraft Strauss - NYC, NY

2011-04-25T10:45:00.003-04:00

Completed paintings.

oil on linen

Left 8" x 28"
Center 12" x 37"
Right 8" x 28"

Artkraft Strauss - NYC, NY (#2)

2011-04-13T10:20:00.003-04:00

First stage of underpainting complete.

This is the last of the 3 paintings of this now non-extant building, which will complete the triptych that I had initially envisioned.

I am thrilled beyond words that these paintings will ultimately find a home in the most perfect place that I could have ever imagined. When a work of Art strikes an emotional connection with a collector like these have, it's the most incredible feeling a painter could ever have. This transcends mere pictorial expression and documentation.

ArtExpo 2011 - NYC, NY

2011-03-27T11:54:00.003-04:00

I have 2 originals and multiple prints being shown at ArtExpo in NYC this weekend. Had a great time there yesterday, signing prints and talking to a bunch of people. Thanks Marc for making this happen!!! I was able to go to this show with Cesar Santander, a very good friend who let me see his newest masterpiece in his Manhattan studio firsthand. An absolutely breathtaking painting that Cesar actually allowed my to touch, which was quite a thrill. (Anyone who has seen the movie "Pollock", knows what I'm saying). That painting was giving off some serious energy!!! Thanks Cesar!!! BTW, besides my paintings and prints, the most stunning piece of Art at the Expo was Jane Seymour.......Her paintings were pretty good too...

2 more things of note.....If you would like to respond to these posts, you have to forward the message back to my email address obern@optonline.net, you can no longer just hit "reply", I won't get the message that way anymore. Also, I have been corresponding with one of my all-time heroes quite a bit lately... John Baeder, A tremendous painter and legend in the world of Photorealism. Thanks John for being such an inspiration!!!

Westwood Gallery Opening - Westwood, NJ

2011-03-21T13:04:00.004-04:00

Thanks to everyone who came out for my opening yesterday. Had a great time and I appreciate the distances some people drove just to be there.

Mike, thanks so much for making this a successful show with your hard work and dedication to my work. I appreciate all you have done!

The show will be hanging until at least April 20th.

Was able to ride in the city on Saturday, and saw a great show at Fischbach Gallery. One person show of recent work by Glen Hansen. Was also able to get over to Arcadia Gallery to see another great show by Daniel Sprick. While I was there I met David Jon Kassan, who is another tremendous painter and had a nice time talking to him, even though he is a Philadelphia Flyer fan. I won't hold that against you Jon!!!

Artkraft Strauss - NYC, NY (#3)

2011-03-15T11:08:00.002-04:00

Completed painting...

oil on linen

8" x 28"

Congrats to Mark and his Bergen Edge Bantam teammates on their league championship! I'm so happy for him to finally experience this for the first time in years of playing hockey after watching his younger brother win time and time again!!!

It has been a pretty good few weeks around here!!!

Westwood Gallery Opening - Westwood, NJ

2011-03-13T08:17:00.003-04:00

There is a small blurb about my upcoming show at Westwood gallery in the New York Times, Metropolitan Section today for anyone in the Northern NJ area who would like to see it.

The Pascack Valley local newspaper also printed a small press release this past week.

Hope everyone can make it down to the gallery next Sunday between 1 and 5 PM...

Sherwin Williams Paints - Titusville, FL.

2011-03-07T15:28:00.004-05:00

Completed painting...

oil on linen

30" x 18"

The Artkraft Strauss building is now completely gone. Not one brick remains.

Westwood Gallery front window display. I am so thrilled about this! Thanks so much, Mike!!!

Last group show at Kerygma Gallery. :(

Congrats to Jamie and his teammates for winning State championship!

Westwood Gallery Opening

2011-03-01T08:58:00.002-05:00

Westwood- Westwood Gallery is pleased to present original paintings, and newly released prints, by Mark Oberndorf in an exhibit opening Sunday, March 20th with a reception for the artist from 1 – 5 PM. The gallery is free and open to the public and the exhibit will continue through April 20th. Westwood Gallery is located at 10 Westwood Avenue and is open 10-6 Tuesday thru Saturday. For more information call 201 666 1800 or online at westwoodartgallery.com

Mark Oberndorf captures the disappearing American landscape that dates from the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s, the golden era of

Diners, Drive-ins and urban signage. While exact in their observation of light and reflection, from the glowing neon to the reflective chrome, his work is not photorealist. Rather, they are in the genre tradition of street scenes, first mastered by painters like Vermeer, whose own use of camera obscura pre dates photorealism by 300 years. The paintings document the effects of time and weather, but even through the rust and burnt out neon, his subjects still recall the optimism and spirit of Post war America. As a cultural icon, you really haven’t reached landmark status until painted by Oberndorf, and he has all the legends of New York and New Jersey, from White Manna to Katz’s, Hiram’s to Rutt’s Hut and Bendix Diner. In many cases, Mark’s paintings are all that remains of these icons of brick and mortar, as developers and local sign ordinances have taken their toll in the “mall-ification” of America.

Artkraft Strauss - NYC, NY

2011-02-26T09:20:00.003-05:00

First stage of underpainting complete...

It is with a heavy heart that I have to announce that Kerygma Gallery which has been representing me for the past 9 years will be closing up shop in May of this year. The gallery has been open for 22 years and the owners Ron and Vi have been like a part of my family, and have been incredibly kind and generous to me throughout the years. I wish you guys all the best in your retirement and want to say how grateful I am to you both for everything you have done for me. Love ya!!!

I am now being represented by Westwood Gallery in Westwood, NJ and look forward to a long and prosperous relationship. I will be having a one person show in the Spring, and will post more when the info becomes available. We are planning on printing Giclee's of some of my work, something that I have been wanting to do for many years now. I am very excited about this new stage of my career and can't wait to see what unfolds.

"Choose a work you love and you won't have to work another day"
Confucius

Leonard's Bakery - Honolulu, HI

2011-02-24T17:51:00.003-05:00

First stage of underpainting complete...

This is another view of Leonard's Bakery in Honolulu. I'm waiting for the Sherwin-Williams painting to dry, so I figured I would bang this one in while I wait. If I can pull this one off, it will turn out to be a monster.

Artkraft Strauss - NYC, NY

2011-02-21T08:47:00.001-05:00

I did a painting of the Artkraft Strauss building a few months back, and now noticed while riding my bicycle in the city this past Saturday that the building is being demolished. The part of the facade which I painted is now totally gone. I am in the process of doing 2 more views of the facade to complete the triptych. This canvas is a view of the far right side, with the center piece soon to come. It amazes me to see how fast some of my subjects get torn down. At least the paintings will survive...

Sherwin Williams Paints - Titusville, FL.

2011-02-14T14:22:00.002-05:00

First stage of underpainting complete...

Sherwin Williams Paints - Titusville, FL.

2011-02-10T16:59:00.001-05:00

Having problems with blogger again. Sorry for the multiple posts, but I have to test this out before I switch to another blog hosting site.

Chelsea Water Tower - NYC, NY

2011-02-10T14:28:00.002-05:00

Completed painting...

oil on linen

24" x 16"

Red Fox Diner - Elmsford, NY

2011-02-02T12:45:00.002-05:00

Completed painting...

oil on linen

18" x 15"

The Hired Help

2011-01-27T10:50:00.003-05:00

The joy of having kids never ends.......next up for them, I have some canvas that needs to be stretched and primed...

Chelsea Water Tower - NYC, NY

2011-01-20T13:04:00.003-05:00

First stage of underpainting complete.

2nd stage complete on the Red Fox Diner.

The Artkraft Srauss building is being renovated, so I plan on doing 2 more views of it at the 8" x 28" scale to complete the triptych.

Lastly, I have to let my artist pals know about a very short lived deal going on now on ebay. I have been buying $35 tubes of series 4 Winsor Newton cadmium colors from a very nice fellow out of Oregon for $6.50 each. He has been nice enough to throw in extra tubes for free for me, but I don't know how long this deal will last. He is running out of stock quickly and he tells me that he will be offering more in the near future, but at a little higher price. So, act fast!!! The paint is perfectly fine quality (brand new), and I am stocking up now while I can!!! EBAY

The Inn - Bergenfield, NJ

2011-01-11T16:24:00.003-05:00

Completed painting.

oil on linen

12" x 18"

Needed a break from the horizontal format. I'm thinking of doing a few vertical signs before I get back to the 8 by 28 scale again............

Piemonte Ravioli - NYC, NY

2011-01-07T13:14:00.003-05:00

Completed painting

oil on linen

8" x 28"

Completed painting

oil on linen

9" x 14"

This was a commissioned painting for a very good friend whose wife gave it to him as a Christmas gift. It is a view of Pete's Grandfather in front of his restaurant located in County Cavan, Ireland. The building has been knocked down due to eminent domain. Hopefully, this document of the restaurant will get passed down through many generations of Cassidy's........

Piemonte Ravioli - NYC, NY

2010-12-10T13:35:00.003-05:00

First stage of underpainting complete...

This past Summer and Fall I have had the good fortune to be able to take some epic bicycle rides in and around NYC. I usually start around Christopher Street in Manhattan, and ride up the West Side Bikepath to the GW Bridge to see the little red lighthouse, then back downtown to lower Manhattan. This painting is the product of one of those rides. It is located in Little Italy, and has been there since 1920. I have gone over the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge and Williamsburg Bridge on the bike, finding subject matter along the way. I even rode around the whole island of Manhattan one beautiful day this past July. One of the last rides that I was able to take before the weather turned too cold was on Halloween. I did my usual ride all the way uptown to see the graffiti mural and GWB, then back downtown to check out the Halloween parade route. I will never forget the experience of riding up and down 6th Avenue while tens of thousands of crazy people were screaming at me from behind the barricades. The police let me ride for at least an hour before they bounced me out of there. That was something that I will never forget for the rest of my life, and hope to do it again every year.

I have a few projects that I am working on now, so I won't be able to post to the blog for a few weeks. Merry Christmas to everyone and a healthy, happy and safe New Year!!!

Test

2010-12-08T14:51:00.003-05:00

Some schmuck has hacked into my google group. I have taken care of it and apologize for this. Why can't these losers ever spell correctly? Any hot Russians out there?

Kohr's - Seaside Heights, NJ

2010-12-07T11:17:00.002-05:00

Completed painting

oil on linen

8" x 28"

Park Luncheonette - Williamsburg, Brooklyn - NY

2010-11-28T14:09:00.002-05:00

Completed painting

oil on linen

8" x 28"

Kohr's - Seaside Heights, NJ

2010-11-20T14:04:00.002-05:00

First stage of underpainting complete.

Mark

2010-11-11T15:34:00.003-05:00

THIS will be the last post for weeks...

Due to some technical glitches at google and blogger, you can no longer just hit "reply" to my emails from the blog. If you want to reply to my emails, you will have to cut and paste my email address or forward the message to my email, which is obern@optonline.net.

I'm going to the Ranger game tonight, and if this doesn't get fixed by google soon, I will be jumping off the GW bridge!!!

Barber Shop - Cobble Hill, Brooklyn - NY

2010-11-11T14:29:00.002-05:00

Last post for a couple of weeks, I promise!!!

If anyone on my mailing list can please let me know that you got this one, and that it did not end up in the spam folder, I would be very appreciative!!!

Park Luncheonette - Williamsburg, Brooklyn - NY

2010-11-11T14:03:00.003-05:00

I apologize for the multiple emails, but I have been having MAJOR problems with the blog linking to my mailing list. I have been working on a fix for this for over a week, and think I have corrected the problem.

The Hawthorne Theatre painting is completed.
oil on linen
8" x 28"

The Luncheonette painting is in the second stage of underpainting.

I found this place while riding my bicycle around Williamsburg. It turns out that this location was used in the opening scene of "The Departed", an Oscar winning masterpiece by Martin Scorcese. The scene is when Jack Nicholson first meets Matt Damon's character as a child. Later in the movie, a scene where Leo DiCaprio's character kicks the crap out of 2 guys was also shot here.

I just finished underpainting another one today, the subject being an old barber shop located in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn. I'll post an image of it as it nears completion.

Hawthorne Theatre - Hawthorne, NJ

2010-10-25T11:33:00.003-04:00

First stage of underpainting complete.

This place has been at this location since 1928. It has gone through a few renovations over time, and I'm not sure exactly when this sign was installed. This place is located about a mile or 2 from my house. I'm guessing it has never been the subject of a painting before, nor will it ever be.

Corner Deli - NYC, NY

2010-10-21T14:53:00.001-04:00

Completed painting...

oil on linen

8" x 28"

Noodle Bar - NYC, NY

2010-10-15T09:53:00.003-04:00

Completed painting

oil on linen

8" x 28"

Harlem Soccer - NYC, NY

2010-10-10T09:06:00.004-04:00

I'm still underpainting a few new pieces and have nothing to show yet on them, but I wanted to post a few pics of this Harlem Soccer mural that is being painted at 140th Street and the West Side bike path. I have been watching the progress of this wall for the past few weeks, and am amazed at how nice it is turning out. I have to thank these very talented artists for letting me hang out with them while they work on this great piece. It's fascinating to me to see the process of graffiti art, which I found out is pretty similar to the approach that I take with my own stuff. They work from background to foreground and layer each color on top of one another. How they get such control with these big spray cans is simply awesome. Thanks Dennis and DOMS..........They will be working on this mural for a couple of weeks to come, so I'll be visiting there to take more shots of the completed wall to post on the blog.

Artkraft Strauss - NYC, NY

2010-10-05T17:38:00.003-04:00

Completed painting...

oil on linen

8" x 28"

I had a nice visit with Adam Normandin when I was in LA, one of my absolute favorite painters working today. It was fascinating to see his studio and one of his masterpieces in the underpainting stage. Thanks Adam for being so kind and generous with your time!

I had to take a picture of this license plate outside of a hockey rink in Orange County. Too cool.........

Noodle Bar - NYC, NY

2010-09-24T15:36:00.002-04:00

Sorry 'bout that!!!

Noodle Bar and Corner Deli - NYC, NY

2010-09-24T15:20:00.002-04:00

The Corner Deli was established in 1932, and that's pretty much all the info that I can find about the place. It is now a very good Mexican restaurant, located at Kenmare and Cleveland Streets in Lower Manhattan. I'm very glad that they had the good sense to leave the old sign up.

The Noodle Bar is a relatively new establishment, but I just love the sign.
It happens to be located right next door to Trattoria Spaghetto on Carmine Street in Manhattan. I did this painting of TS in 1996, and now 14 years later I am doing a painting of the place next door. Totally coincidental that these places are directly next door to one another. I guess over the course of so many years and paintings, it was bound to happen sooner or later.

I am going to Los Angeles next week for a few days and will be visiting one of my all time favorite painters, Adam Normandin. Very excited to finally meet Adam and see his studio. I think he is one of the very best artists working today. He does incredible paintings of freight trains that are just top flight!

Adam Normandin.com

Artkraft Strauss - NYC, NY

2010-09-20T16:08:00.002-04:00

First stage of underpainting complete...

This building has been at 12th Avenue between 57th and 56th Streets in Manhattan since 1897. This company is best known for their spectacular electric and neon sign displays found most notably in Times Square. They also are responsible for the very first New Year's Eve ball that drops at midnight every year. This painting doesn't look like much at this point, but will be very painterly when completed. Lots of brickwork and grimy old broken windows, two things I can't get enough of.

On the Artkraft Strauss website there are over 3000 images of their signage, which I find fascinating. It's like a history lesson in neon.

Artkraft Strauss website

DeRobertis Pastry Shoppe - NYC, NY

2010-09-17T15:48:00.002-04:00

Completed painting......

oil on linen

8" x 28"

DeRobertis' Pastry Shoppe - NYC, NY

2010-09-09T12:16:00.004-04:00

First stage of underpainting complete...

First established in 1904, this great bakery has been owned and operated by 4 generations of the same family.

It is located on 1st Avenue between 10th and 11th Streets in Manhattan.

I have 8 more of these sign paintings ready to go and will have the 7 that are completed and as many as I can finish by November in the annual holiday show at Kerygma Gallery. I will post the dates when they are released.

Superdive - NYC, NY

2010-08-29T10:30:00.002-04:00

Completed painting...

oil on linen

8" x 28"

Superdive - NYC, NY

2010-08-15T11:45:00.003-04:00

First stage of underpainting complete...

Great dive bar located on Avenue A in NYC. Was riding by on my bike yesterday, and noticed that the place is closed and the storefront is for rent. Too many complaints about the noise from the neighbors, I guess.

Leonard's - Honolulu, HI

2010-08-10T17:42:00.002-04:00

Completed painting...

oil on linen

8" x 28"

Leonard's - Honolulu, HI

2010-08-02T09:43:00.003-04:00

First stage of underpainting complete...

This one is very similar to the Harris Diner painting I did last year. I want to knock in a reddish/orange sky in this one to be a complementary backdrop to the blue neon. It was the exact opposite color composition in the Harris painting, orange neon against a blue sky. When I saw this sign in Hawaii, I almost fell over...it fits in with the parameters of these recent sign paintings perfectly. Of course I had to have a few donuts from this great bakery while I was there..........you know, research and all...

Clover Deli - NYC, NY

2010-07-30T09:57:00.002-04:00

Completed painting

oil on linen

8" x 28"

Clover Deli - NYC, NY

2010-07-16T17:11:00.002-04:00

First stage of underpainting complete...

Clover Deli,- NYC, NY

2010-07-10T09:44:00.003-04:00

First day of work on this one yesterday...I stretched and sketched in 4 more of these 8 x 28 inch paintings and am very excited about them. I currently have 10 paintings in various stages of underpainting going on now. Guess vacation is truly over!

I had to post a few more Hawaiian images. What a beautiful place Hawaii is! I love the lava flow overtaking the road. Don't mess with Mother Nature! I was surfing on the North Shore at the Banzai Pipeline one day last week, and got smashed in the face by a nasty wave, cutting my lip open and spitting blood into the water. I felt like a real warrior out there! Scary as hell!

I think it's pretty ironic that I travel 6000 miles into all that natural beauty, and come home with images of signs!

I am including a link to the article in Poets and Artists magazine that will go directly to my pages. Might be easier for anyone who is interested to navigate that way.

Poets and Artists

Hawaii 2010 and Poets and Artists Article

2010-07-08T16:45:00.004-04:00

Just returned from vacation in Hawaii. Can't seem to get back to painting just yet. My head is still there it seems. Maybe tomorrow.

I am in the August issue of Poets and Artists magazine. The article starts on page 52. Just click on the white arrow to the right to turn the pages. Also available in print form at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc...

Poets and Artists

I want to also mention that my painting of the Lincoln Tunnel will be published as the cover of an upcoming book written by Angus Gillespie of Rutgers University. Will be available soon at Amazon, BN, Borders etc...

R & L Restaurant - NYC, NY

2010-06-27T09:43:00.002-04:00

Completed painting...

oil on linen

8" x 28"

R & L Restaurant - NYC, NY

2010-06-17T17:45:00.003-04:00

First stage of underpainting complete...

Another 8" x 28" sign painting. I think I'll be doing a few more of these in the coming months.

Red Fox Diner - Elmsford, New York

2010-06-11T13:58:00.002-04:00

First stage of underpainting complete...

Tavern The Inn - Bergenfield, New Jersey

2010-06-04T18:00:00.001-04:00

First stage of underpainting complete...

Fleming Smith Building - TriBeCa, NYC, NY

2010-06-02T11:52:00.003-04:00

First stage of underpainting complete...

Fleming Smith Building - TriBeCa, NYC, NY

2010-05-19T12:22:00.003-04:00

First day of work on this new painting.

This is the Fleming Smith Building in TriBeCa in NYC., located at 451 Washington Street at the corner of Watts Street.

The facade is a combination of Romanesque and Flemish Revival architecture designed by Stephen Decatur Hatch in 1891.

In 1898 it was a shoe factory and warehouse for wine. This was the first building in TriBeCa to be converted for residential use. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as an NYC landmark.

I am going to try something new with the process of creating this painting. I will be posting images of this painting as it progresses to my "In Progress" blog. I have never documented the daily progress of a painting before, so I thought that I would give it a shot with this one. If I can pull this one off, it should be pretty striking when finished.

Katz's Deli - NYC-NY

2010-05-18T13:54:00.002-04:00

Completed painting...

oil on linen

8" x 28"

Russ & Daughters - NYC, NY

2010-05-10T21:25:00.002-04:00

Completed painting...

oil on linen

8" x 28"

Yonah Shimmel-NYC, NY

2010-05-02T17:17:00.003-04:00

Completed painting...

oil on linen

8" x 28"

First stage of underpainting complete on Katz's Deli.

I am going to be featured in an upcoming issue of Poets and Artists magazine. I am really excited about this, seeing as though only the top painters and poets have been featured in this publication to date.

My show at Kerygma Gallery is hanging until May 15th, so if you are in the area and have a spare minute, please drop in...

Kerygma Gallery Solo Show Opening

2010-04-19T09:01:00.003-04:00

Had a wonderful time yesterday at the gallery opening...Sold 4 paintings before the show opened and 4 more yesterday with 2 more to hopefully be sold soon...

Thanks to everyone who came out and to all who purchased paintings!!!

I was having so much fun schmoozing with everyone, I didn't get a chance to take any photos, so here are a few from earlier in the week...

Back to work to get a few more pieces done for the upcoming Summer Show...

Kerygma Gallery

Russ & Daughters - NYC, NY

2010-04-10T10:59:00.003-04:00

First stage of underpainting complete...

Solo show opens this Tuesday, April 13. Reception is next Sunday, April 18, 2PM to 4 PM. Show runs through May 15.

Hope to see you there!

kerygmagallery.com

Yonah Shimmel-NYC,NY

2010-04-05T13:39:00.003-04:00

First stage of underpainting complete on Yonah Shimmel...

Rough sketch-in for Katz's and Russ & Daughters. All 3 are the exact same dimensions and are cropped in a similar way. Can't wait!

Me and my beautiful nephew Jeremy!!! What a face!!!

Lobster Pot - Provincetown, MA.

2010-04-01T20:54:00.003-04:00

2nd stage of underpainting complete...

Might be able to finish this one in time for my show. I also have 8 new ones stretched and sketched in, ready to go. 3 of these new paintings are all located within 2 blocks of one another on E. Houston St. in NYC. Yonah Shimmel Knish Bakery, Russ and Daughters Appetizers and Katz's Deli.
Happy Passover and Easter!

www.kerygmagallery.com

White Manna-Hackensack, NJ

2010-03-18T16:02:00.002-04:00

Completed painting...

oil on linen

14" x 14"

Ridgewood Cupola - Ridgewood, New Jersey

2010-03-13T13:15:00.003-05:00

Completed painting...

oil on linen

12" x 8"

One-person show dates:

Opens April 13 through May 15, 2010
Opening reception: April 18, 2-4 PM

http://kerygmagallery.com/

Chelsea Water Towers - NYC, NY

2010-03-04T17:07:00.003-05:00

Completed painting...

oil on linen

18" x 12"

Ridgewood Cupola - Ridgewood, New Jersey

2010-02-25T22:00:00.003-05:00

First stage of underpainting complete...

Snowed in today, so I was able to paint for close to 15 hours. This was a blank white canvas at 7:00 this morning. Time for a cocktail, I think...

Chelsea Water Towers - NYC, NY

2010-02-23T17:12:00.001-05:00

First stage of underpainting complete...

Radburn Weathervane-Fair Lawn, New Jersey

2010-02-13T09:19:00.002-05:00

Completed painting

oil on linen

28" x 16"

Radburn Weathervane-Fair Lawn, New jersey

2010-02-10T10:31:00.002-05:00

I'm snowed in today, so it looks like a 12+ hour marathon painting day!

I received the dates for my one-person show at Kerygma Gallery. Please save the date. Hope to see everyone there! Spring is just around the corner, right???

Kerygma Gallery Show

West Village Bodega - NYC, NY

2010-02-04T17:15:00.002-05:00

Completed painting...

oil on linen

8" x 11"

White Manna-Hackensack, NJ

2010-01-30T10:47:00.002-05:00

First stage of underpainting complete.

White Manna-Hackensack, NJ

2010-01-27T23:09:00.003-05:00

First stage of underpainting and some studio shots...

I am having a one person show in April at Kerygma Gallery in Ridgewood, NJ. I should have a few more finished by then.