"JJ with Sunflowers"

Oil on museum quality ampersand gessobord panel 8" x 10"

What, you were expecting a motorcycle piece? That would have been the logical choice but as you know, I am not a logical guy. I like to keep you guessing and JJ was lobbying for some face time. He was channeling his inner Van Gogh and I thought it only fitting to oblige him. The cerulean blue ribbon dissecting flora from fauna amused me.

"JJ upside-down on a hooked rug"

Oil on museum quality, archival ampersand gessobord™ panel - 6” x 6”

I had an e-mail from a friend the other day who complained that I had been remiss in my blog duties, that I have not fleshed out the posted paintings with my usual amusing stories and bon mots.  I'll grant you les mots justes have not been readily at my fingertips.  Perhaps it is laziness on my part or is it that I have spent my creative energy on creating the painting and have nothing left for the blog?  I usually tell myself that I will do the write up in the morning when I am fresh. Sometimes this happens but more often than not it doesn't.  Gene Fowler said "Writing is easy: you just stare at a blank sheet of paper until drops of blood appear on your forehead." 

Henceforth I will try and give the paintings a little background.

JJ brought me a little present tonight; a live mouse he found in the basement.  He was plainly pleased with himself, since he isn't allowed outside and has hitherto only had various faux mice to play with.  His delight turned to frustration when his treasure made a break for it and wound up behind my bookcase.  JJ is in there still, biding his time.  

"JJ with Flowers"

Oil on museum quality, archival ampersand gessobord™ panel - 6” x 8”

This is my first attempt at getting back on the bike.  I felt a little shaky but I pushed through.  I wasn't going for a masterpiece, just something to build my confidence. Since JJ is my constant companion in the studio, I had but to look back to check my model.  This is not a great reproduction of this painting.  The flowers have more intensity in real life. It's a start.

"JJ on the sofa"

Oil on museum quality, archival ampersand gessobord™ panel - 6” x 8”

With Cats, some say, one rule is true:
 Don't speak till you are spoken to.
 Myself, I do not hold with that -
 I say, you should ad-dress a Cat.
 But always keep in mind that he
 Resents familiarity.
 I bow, and taking off my hat,
 Ad-dress him in this form: O CAT!
 But if he is the Cat next door,
 Whom I have often met before
 (He comes to see me in my flat)
 I greet him with an OOPSA CAT!
 I've heard them call him James Buz-James -
 But we've not got so far as names.
 Before a Cat will condescend
 To treat you as a trusted friend,
 Some little token of esteem
 Is needed, like a dish of cream;
 And you might now and then supply
 Some caviare, or Strassburg Pie,
 Some potted grouse, or salmon paste -
 He's sure to have his personal taste.
 (I know a Cat, who makes a habit
 Of eating nothing else but rabbit,
 And when he's finished, licks his paws
 So's not to waste the onion sauce.)
 A Cat's entitled to expect
 These evidences of respect.
 And so in time you reach your aim,
 And finally call him by his NAME. 

                                                       T.S.Eliot 

That name would be JJ.