After a labor that lasted much too long, I have brought forth my latest child:

Abstract Black & White #3
w/One Warp Field
36″ x 50″ (approx. design size)

Appearing for the first time in a more cutting edge aspect ratio, this abstract expressionist acrylic painting was rendered on loose canvas with a design size of 36×50, a widescreen design. The actual canvas size is about 48×60 so depending on whether one chooses stretcher bars or mounting on plywood, you can get quite a bit of size variation out of this design.

The painting is mostly black & white with perhaps hints of dark sepia. There are approximately ten layers painted over two weeks to give added depth and lots of interesting things to look at. This particular work utilizes a single warp field, meaning that the canvas had a single distortion applied to its shape during the painting process. It is somewhat difficult to get an accurate photo of a painting this size, but you can get an idea of finer points in the detail image below…

Detail (approx 15%)

At this point I have several options for mounting the canvas. I was originally set on using a plywood backing but I may change my mind.

Offers are welcome.

Because you expect it…because you asked; here are my predictions for 2008 and beyond:

Energy prices are a concern and will have additional unanticipated impact on the economy. Prices will continue a roller coaster ride but will not go as high as some predict despite additional conflict that we are going to start in the middle east.

Unemployment will rise, as will inflation. This will stir fears of recession among some, and the administration may actually admit to problems…but only to push their pet solution. The proposed solution will be the same as always; tax cuts. It won’t work and the wrong people will get blamed. As usual. …And since working-class families have been living with a declining economy for almost a decade, things won’t seem all that different for them.

More economic news: Some things we’ve gotten used to buying cheap will suddenly and unexpectedly become quite expensive, catching many off guard. This is not really related to energy prices. Many will have to adjust their lifestyles toward fewer consumer goods. The chickens are coming home to roost and each change causes another spiral.

There will be a surprise announcement regarding Iraq in the summer or fall of 2008. This will change the minds of many.

Unreasoned fear will continue to dominate American politics, despite a “new hope.” Manipulation of public perception has completely replaced all core values among the power elites, and we’re all going to pay for this lack of true vision.

A new high-tech “non-lethal” weapon will be use for the first time in 2008 - perhaps on American citizens. This will cause a few will finally to believe that their government is out of control, but the majority will continue their narcissism-induced coma.

More natural disasters will cause the usual band of shameless manipulators to claim that it is the end of the world and “God’s Judgment.” As in the past, they will continue to be wrong.

A major corporation will file for bankruptcy, causing brief stock market panic. This will be dramatic but short term. However, volatility will increase in general, and there will be some declines.

There will be increased terrorism activity or many alerts of alleged terrorist activities in the latter months of 2008.

Another tainted food episode will cause a few people to wonder if the whole “small government/industry should regulate itself” mantra was such a good idea after all, but nothing will actually be done about it.

A young media personality will die unexpectedly. This will receive more attention than America’s declining status in the world.

Working only in black and white, this abstract expressionist painting experiments with the achievement of layers and depth through various techniques. The style may be reminiscent of Jackson Pollock, but the manifested patterns are a bit more simplistic while the layers give greater depth.

This abstract expressionist painting is 30″ by 40″, acrylic on stretched canvas. It’s an experimental piece for me, so I’ve simply titled it B&W #2.

This painting uses texture and shades of gray to create a moving space. Keeping it as free form as possible all layers but the last were done wet into wet. There is substantial three dimensional texture to the white space, giving the painting different appearances in different lighting. I like its dynamic flow and movement, and it seems to have the beginnings of the object-oriented, perceptual puzzle neural programming effect that I am trying to achieve.

As this is an experimental work, I don’t intend to send it off to my gallery. If anyone is interested in acquiring it, however, drop me a note.

You can click the letters INTP for a more complete description. Unusually on the cusp (by 51% to 49%) between the above type and:

Depending on what day of the week it is, I hit one or the other - but it’s a close call. So as usual, nothing quite fits for me. This is as close as you’ll ever get. What more can I say?

After the 100 mile per hour PLUS winds, after the 20 inches of rain… after the week without electricity or water… is THIS a Ray of Hope?

Photograph by Pagani

A rainbow shines over a flooded field as seagulls rest in the distant foreground.