Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I take this opportunity to wish you all the best for the Holiday Season and a Happy New Year 2014.

A big thank you to everyone who stopped by to view my art in 2013.

Commission work in the making...

This week, I decided to advance a commission work which I had started in my Eastern Townships' studio...

I think I've got it nailed... after a few balancing acts with colors and textures!

Mayan rebirth II final ... Two is a trend?

I finished this one with some restraint...

...trying to retain a certain level of freshness. The next one in this series will be a painting commission addressing cultural aspects in India...

Mayan rebirth II - step II...Working out the details...

There was less time to paint over the last week, however, I did manage to push this painting further...

Working with details is a little tedious for me, but a final pass should do it.

A mixed bag of tricks!

Early this week, I got caught by surprise at my live model drawing class. The objective of the day was the making of a clay sculpture. Needless to say, I had to roll with the punch...

Beginner's luck may have driven this one!

I also initiated my second Maya painting with a mixed bag of tricks...

... and like Yogi Berra used to say: it's not over until it's over!

Dooding while working mentally on the next project!

I'd like to produce an offshoot of the previous painting. While, it's was simmering in my mind, I worked on this one...

... as a means to get closer to the "old photograph" look...but not too seriously! The decayed look, goes in line with deconstruction!

Rebirth... An experiment that could lead to a new series!

I finished my last painting in a hurry...

...anxious to see the results after a few touch-ups and the application of a couple of coats of varnish. Deconstruction of faces has been a key artistic objective of mine over the last few years. In this case, I've elected to retain only the nose, the mouth, the ear and the forehead. In future paintings, I'd like the underlying face to become more obvious...

Note: I called this painting "rebirth" as an homage to Mayan culture...

This past week in the Eastern Townships studio...

This past week, for some reason, I felt compelled to explore the idea of amalgamating a stone mask with a genuine face. Geometrical elements superimposed over pure figuration could lead to something interesting, I figured...

With this one, stone eyes won over real eyes... a judgement call on my part. I believe this approach has merit when it comes to developing a contemporary art approach with a punch, totally in line with what I like in terms of subject matter.

Idling, waiting for inspiration!

Last week I took advantage of some scrap piece of canvas to explore the human figure...

I used a palette somewhat similar to that of Kanevsky, an artist I admire immensely (see in my list of favourite artists). I want to leverage drawings from my live model classes in my future work without parting from my usual style with the human faces. This is just an exploration of what could be...

Coming to your emotional rescue - Lee Miller... Fiddling around with Man Ray's idiosyncracies!

I'm experiencing a rut artistically, so I've gone back to working on loose pieces of raw canvas to keep the flow going...

It appears that Man Ray, surrealist photographer, made a habit of slashing his photographs of Lee Miller (his muse and lover) at some point in time before and after their rupture. I mimicked solarisation to repair the cuts, a process Miller rediscovered herself and popularized along with Man Ray in their hay days...

Miller remained independent and went on developing her own career as a photographer.

Eastern Townships studio...

I spent the greater part of last week painting in the larger Eastern Townships studio...

There was enough time to enjoy the incredible fall colors in-between painting sessions!

My saga with Chinese paper collages continues!

Strengthened by the experience that I've gained so far, I see a path to greater artistic freedom and limitless possibilities!

Coming to your emotional rescue - Candy Darling... A shot at Warhol's muse!

This is my third painting of this series...

... exploiting a "tear and repair" approach to convey a certain level of emotional distress on the part of the subject. In each case, I want the style of the the repair to remind the viewer of  the artist most directly linked to the subject, in this case Warhol.

Climbing Mount Washington... Liked the palette!

Over the past weekend, I climbed Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast of the USA (the most prominent East of the Mississippi), teaming up with my step son. Above the tree line, Nature's palette was a real revelation...

... gotta do something with that!

Emotional rescue II final... Trying to add multiple layers of meaning!

I finished this painting while trying to remain true to my new "emotional rescue" theme...

Adding many layers of "meaning" has become a more serious objective of mine. My use of rice paper was more strategic with this one, a new trend I intend to keep, not to lose completely what I've learned working on raw canvas.

Emotional rescue II - step I... another run at Claudel!

I have a backlog of ideas to implement for this series, so I'm starting with this one...

... a portrait of Claudel, whom could have used some emotional rescue... at some point in time during her tragic life!

Note: I did a portrait of Claudel with metallic paint a few years ago...

Emotional rescue I final... Trying to reach a balance in textural effects!

After a short break in the Sandbanks area a week ago...

... I decided to open the doors for a new series...

... dealing with emotional rescues in a graphic fashion. I will call this one:"Come to my emotional rescue". Evidently, this start with a "boo" is likely to lead to much softer subjects!

Note: This one is an attempt to regain the textural look I had before while using raw canvas as opposed to Chinese paper...

Charleston blues - letting accidents lead the way!

I finished this painting in a hurry...

... deciding to go with the flow rather than control the outcome. Although I haven't changed the way I paint, the torn up Chinese paper surface is totally responsible for the new look...

Note to self: "When it comes to painting surfaces,  toggling back an forth between torn raw canvas pasted on primed canvas and torn Chinese paper pasted on primed or raw canvas... all of a sudden... becomes an irresistable two-pronged avenue for me!"

Vintage woman I - step I... Getting started on a new series!

Yesterday, I did a first pass on a new canvas using the techniques that I've developed through my last four experiments...

My intent is to do a short  series on "vintage" women  as a means to take a break from more engaging subject matters...

Note to self: "Despite my wish last year to do away with goals or explanations regarding my art, it seems that I can't live without them!"

Russian heat wave - Getting the knack of it with Chinese paper...

This is my last experiment with Chinese paper pasted on canvas before proceeding with a new series using this technique...

I take the opportunity with these types of experiment to indulge in "off the wall" subject matters. In this case, I couldn't resist tackling these Russian activists from Ukraine. However, my intent with this new technique is to get back to the deconstruction of images, a pursuit I started a few years ago...

Note: I particularly like the "torn to shreds" look that is perfectly integrated with the paint (one with the paint)...

Lip my stocking! Another experimental run with Chinese paper...

I completed my last painting today...

...anxious to experiment with Chinese paper once again. This new technique will require spontaneous brush strokes... and lately, I must admit that I've been rubbing paint with a total disregard for brush strokes! At any rate, I like to keep myself in danger!

Note: this line comes a Bill Murray movie entitled "Lost in translation"... I couldn't resist!

Still in the pursuit of an optimal technique for Chinese paper!

Starting the beginning of this week, I intensified my exploration of new techniques with Chinese paper on raw canvas...

I seem to be zeroing on an alla prima technique (at least for the first few passes) using Chinese paper on raw cotton. This is my third attempt, the second one having resulted in a half failure (I started with a horse and ended up with a Camel)!

Back to some form of painting!

After a month of heavy duty work around the house, I decided that it was time to get back to painting. I dug up my last incomplete experiment and used it as a platform to learn a little more about acrylics on Chinese paper pasted on cotton canvas...

Although I had attempted something of the sort 6 years ago, the technique seems to make more sense now in view of my recent collages (canvas over canvas). I like the fresco style textures on the fly...

Note: Although this is merely an experimental work, the title:  "A star is born" seems totally appropriate ;-)

Group exhibition in my hometown...

In response to the "Music, dance and cinema" theme of this group exhibition, I submitted this painting dating back a few years...

It's always interesting to re-look at one's previous works with a new objectivity stemming from the passage of time...

Hard day's work!

I spent the greater part of last few week working outdoors (landscaping) after the installation of a SPA...

Looks like we're starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel!

Note to self: "What am I gonna do next in terms of my art? This question remains unanswered for now!"

Renovations are making a dent on my painting time!

I've had very little time to paint lately, due to a major house renovation project. Nonetheless, I found the time to take a piece of loose raw cotton (no gesso) and paste Chinese paper on it to see the impact of this new surface on paint application and textural effects...

This technique, which is an offshoot of my previous collage approach, definitely has potential. In actuality, I was investigating the possibility of an additional painting for my US flag series. Looks like my recent live model drawing classes may very well have an influence on my future art! Based on my recent exploratory work though, deconstruction of the image (by whatever means) will remain a prime consideration.

Note to self: "After 5-6 years of exploratory work, I feel the need to bring a little more focus into my art. Combining the best elements of my best recent works could contribute to this."

Taking stock after the "US flag" series...

After five paintings completed for this series...

... I'm debating whether I should add another painting, or proceed with a new series! Perhaps there is an opportunity to drag some of my "live model" work into a new series...

Gardening spree!

Playing catch up with the Zen garden...

... before the "jungle" reclaims the land! Time to recharge the batteries before the next series!

Bushmaster II final... A moment of hesitancy!

I finally finished the painting I had started late April...

I had a couple of scenarios in mind, and decided to go with this one where the title says it all! I think it's time to switch gear and line up a new series...

Note to self: "I've enjoyed this collage approach, which got me closer to street art. The "torn to shreds" surface had a major impact on my painting approach, and perhaps, this experience will influence the way I see deconstruction in my future works."

Update: I decided to go for "Deer hunter" as a title... an interesting positioning for an assault weapon!

American dream final - A collage à la Tom Wesselmann!

I finished this painting before going on vacation...

It will be interesting to experiment with this one using a shadow box framing and a plexiglass...

Samana delivered as usual...

This is our third time in this part of the Dominican Republic...

... and it is surely becoming our "happy place"!

Gone to Samana for 9 days!

Bushmaster II will have to wait...

Hasta la vista!

Group exhibition in my hometown - Responding to the "David and Goliath" theme!

I decided to participate again in a group exhibition in the town where I was born...

... hopefully, this selection will not scare too many people away!

Bushmaster II - A few layers of paint...

Back to my home studio, I decided to apply a few layers of paint to my second Bushmaster painting...

My next step is to go for highlights and unity throughout (notwithstanding chopping one finger from the right hand!)...

Yesterday, I joined a class on live model drawing ...

... in the hope of improving my eye/hand coordination and my sketching ability.

A week in the countryside studio... Still plugging away with the flag series!

In a week's work in this larger studio, I managed to complete one painting and initiate another one...

I couldn't resist tackling the Bushmaster once again!

"Patriot games" final - Slowly adding to the collection!

I finished the previous painting in a hurry...

I'm slowly building up this "flag" collection, stimulated by what's going on South of the border these days!

I will be experimenting with "shadow box" framing for these works...

Patriot games - step I... Back to "smart ass" painting!

Today I laid the foundation for a third US flag painting...

I'm looking for "attention grabbing" images that speak to different societal aspects in America, all at once...

Canada geese commission - I managed to pull this one off after a few weeks!

Yesterday, I put the finishing touches to this commissioned work...

In the process, I have gained a new level of respect for artists working with thick paint on large surfaces. My usual style favours fluid paint and speed of execution...

Partaking in another group exhibition...

This week, I prepped 5 paintings for the upcoming group exhibition in a gallery in Cowansville, Québec...

The title of the exhibition is "couleurs", so I'm sure these will fit the bill. I'm not overly concerned about selling these days, as a few of these are a little "off the beaten path"!

Bushmaster final - Another "tear me apart" painting!

I put the finishing touches on my Bushmaster painting today...

Definitely rough on the edges, definitely controversial! I will call it "calendar girl"...

Flock of geese - step I... Another commission work!

Last week, I did a first pass at another flock of Canada geese (I've done three so far)...

I'm going for a "partially abstracted" flock of birds. I still need to figure out the bunch on the right side!

Note: I've been plagued by a major sciatic nerve problem over the last few weeks... thank God I usually paint by one hour spurts!

Woman from Congo final... My speediest delivery so far!

For some reason, this portrait commission has been a walk in the park...

Achieving likeness can be difficult at times, so I guess I got lucky with this one!

A few weeks ago,  I managed to add a couple of layers to my bushmaster painting...

I was working in my dad's machine shop, honoring his working place (he was a superlative hobbyist) and still hoping he would get better after two pneumonia episodes in a row. Unfortunately, he passed away early February. I will finish this work with him in mind...

Woman from Congo... tackling another commission!

A few weeks ago, a woman from Congo asked me to do her portrait. A few quick layers gave me an approximation of her facial features...

Although this portrait is meant to be a traditional one, I intend to leave a few remnants of expressionism (my preferred style) from this first pass...

Note: It's been a while since I've painted on gessoed canvas. Based on my recent patterns, it doesn't seem the support matters any more!

In parallel to this, I'm having a number of my works from the past three years exhibited in a small gallery in Cowansville, the town where I was born.

 These works and those of other local artists were selected based on the general theme "passion". Other such exhibitions are planned for in the spring. I intend to tackle the Quebec market next year with truly personal works. In the interim, these multi-artist exhibitions are meant to be a preambule to that! A big thank you to Kevin Brault for this opportunity!