Baby on the Brain

My Favorite Sort of Meatball,  work in progress by MG Stout

 I am having a terrible day.  My thoughts are scattered and my pastels are NOT doing what I want them to do.  I was working on a painting of Jason Werth and I just want to throw up!  I need to finish all the shots from the Phillies/Nats game but, I just had to stop painting.

All I can think about is time and how there isn't enough of it.  

The Last Day of Summer Vacation

Stop at DuPont Circle, Acrylic, Pastel & Charcoal on the Washington Post by MG Stout

It is the last day of summer vacation for my daughter.  So I am putting the breaks on my studio time.  We are going to do whatever she wants.  FUN is on today's agenda.   She an amazing person and we have such a blast together.  I think she said something about shopping for decor for her locker... so I guess we will be spending a bit of time at the mall.  I do hope we get to play outside.  It is soooo beautiful!   

Plein Air Day

Butt on Base, Acrylic, Pastel, Charcoal on the Washington Post by MG Stout

I need a new camera.  I've known it for a long time.  I've said this before but I really do.  Today I completed two paintings. I photographed both works and I am very UNHAPPY with the images, but this is an art blog.... how can I not post what I accomplished in my studio? I apologize for the poor quality of the image, but hey at least you have an image to look at. It was a great day to paint outside and so after I taught my morning workshop, did some paperwork (which never seems to end) I grabbed my gear and set up on the quad.  Ahhhh, grass between my toes, pastel all over my fingers and the sunshine on my face.  Life is good.

Safe Or Out?

Up In The Air, acrylic, pastel & charcoal on the Washington Post by MG Stout

I was very happy to be working on paintings from my last D.C. adventure.  The Phillies were in town and my family and I high tailed it to the ballpark to root for the Phils.  Our beloved team was coming off a loss from the day before so we had to cheer extra loud.  I tell you the stadium was packed with Phanatics! I am happy to say that we took the game in extra innings.  It was a super Sunday.  God bless the Philadelphia Phillies.

The REAL Life D.C. Series On Display

This series is unframed and tacked to the wall.  I would prefer to have them hanging from a laundry line, but hey you've got to work with what you've got.  My WORK... completely vulnerable to curious little fingers and uncovered sneezes.  The other artists think I am quite insane for installing them this way as I labored many hours to create these original pieces.  You see, if anyone touches them they will be smeared and altered and some say ruined.  Bah!  So I put up a sign that says: "IF YOU SMEAR YOU BUY" written on the same material as the paintings.  Then I took my pointer finger and touched my sign. Then I left my pastel finger trail (hey that sorta rhymes?) right there on the wall.  I figure it is a demonstration of what happens to the paintings when you let your fingers walk on them.  It may or may not deter people, but that is a chance I am willing to take.

Looking Forward to Reading

The Evening Looms Over The Library of Congress, by MG Stout

This painting took FOREVER!  I'm actually not even sure if it is really finished.  The Library of Congress has a boat-load of details.  The more I looked at my photograph (taken on the 4th of July...yes I am still working on a back log, no need to snicker) the more details emerged.  Holy cow... I am just sick of working on it...so it is done?  Also looking at this building filled to the brim with books got me to thinking.  I need another book to read.  I am going to purchase the Liars Club.  My cousin Kara says that I am going to love it.  We seem to have the same taste in books so I am looking forward to getting my read on.  In case you were wondering, I just finished The Curious Incident of the Dog In the Night-Time. 

It was super-duper.  I give it two big toes up!

The Cosmos Called...

The Cosmos is Calling

A few short weeks ago I answered a Craig's list ad - "Alternative Rock Band wants to collaborate with a visual artist." I met with Edd Welsh, the lead singer of Big Green Cherry.  We hit it off (artistically speaking as we are both happily married) We discussed how our creative alliance would cast a brilliant ray of light across the universe.  What actually happened was that Double D drafted the proposal and poof! The Workhouse Arts Center agreed to host our hybrid show.  All I can think about is ART OUT LOUD!  The set list is as eclectic and energetic as the artwork. We really want to this show to be a happening.

Now I am reaching out to everyone:

We are looking for Event Sponsors - local, corporate & private.  If sponsorship interests you please send me an email or give me a call.  

The BOUNDLESS Sketch Book

Do you see all of these materials?  Well friends, I want to introduce you to my latest creation.

DRUM ROLL

The Boundless Sketch Book

Inspired by my REAL Life Drawing Series.

For those of you new to the blog let me whisper in your ear.  Come closer, okay.  So all of the work in the series is created on the Washington Post which has been seasoned with a schmear of gesso, sprinkled with the primary colors, and then I record what is happening in the District with pastel & charcoal. (I do hope the rest of you weren't eavesdropping on my conversation with the newbies.)  

Feast your eyes on the prototype below.  Notice how it is not traditionally bound... thus the name!

Let us pause for a moment so you all can check out this awesome new 90% recycled sketch book.

ooooh aaaahhh ooooh!

It has a clear cover so you can show off your gorgeous work.  You can rearrange the pages and cover your works in progress with the included glassine sheets found at the back of the book.  It is travel sized 8.5" x 5" x 3/8" and fits right in your bag.

You'll be pleased to know that I submitted this product to UncommonGoods one of my favorite stores.  They are currently hosting a Yougoods competition for inventors.

Say a little pray for me.

If they choose NOT to carry this incredible product never fear!

I am making them and selling them in my studio.

ART OUT LOUD - SEPTEMBER 18, 2010

DD and I had our first meeting with Mr. Bill and this show is going to be OUTTA SIGHT!  I plan on spoon feeding you all the details.  Why?  Because I can!  Also we have ton of work to do to get the show JUST RIGHT.  I implore you to save the date.  That is all.

New Work

Flag on the Fourth Acrylic Pastel & Charcoal on the Washington Post by MG Stout

Tonight at the Workhouse Arts Center all of the galleries will be open after hours.  Come by and enjoy a FREE evening of art and light fare.  Hope to see you all tonight.

Finally Getting to The Fourth

Supreme Court Before the Fireworks   Acrylic Pastel Charcoal on Washington Post by MG Stout

Never fear... the Fourth of July is being painted my dear!  I was so busy with teaching the children this summer that my weekly trips to the District were disrupted.  So like any good reporter I'm working from my file footage.  I have a few more pictures from Independence Day to complete.  Then I will be getting to the photographs from my latest jaunt:  August 1, 2010 - The Nationals v. The Phils.  I look forward to painting the stadium, fans (Nat's & Phil's), and all of the folly.  LETS GO PHILLIES... LETS GO!!!

Today... A Statue From The Supreme Court Building

Playing With The Fruit of the Earth

Big Green Cherry Acrylic Pastel & Charcoal on the Washington Post by MG Stout

Today I was thinking about my new friends 

BIG GREEN CHERRY - An eclectic alternative rock band promoting a message of peace, sustainability, and respect for the earth.

We are working together to increase the exposure and accessibility of local art to the Washington D.C. Community.  We have teamed up with the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton VA and will be performing together on Saturday, September 18, 2010 on the quad.

ART OUT LOUD

A FREE evening of art and music inspired by my REAL Life Drawing Series.

The band will be jamming.  I'll be drawing & signing books.  The CASH bar will be stocked with delicious beer and wine (I hear it tastes really good when it touches your lips).  I'm still talking with a few food vendors so I'm not sure on the viddles, but you can certainly bring your own munchies.

Be sure to find a sitter and make it a date night.

I'll be posting more details...

I'm so excited!

Bucket Full of Noodles

I wrote a song today to the tune of Pocketful of Sunshine by Natasha Bedingfield
It was inspired by the my daughter's lack luster lunch.
She said it was tasteless and mushy.   I had to toss it in the garbage.
Damn.  I hate throwing money in the trash.

I gotta bucket.
Gotta bucket full a noodles.
Bland and soggy, squishy gooey noodles.
Oh. Oh. Oh.

Do what you want, but I'm not gonna eat em.
Smell so rancid  that I'll toss em' to the ceilin'
Oh. Oh. Oh.

Take them away...
They taste shit-tay...
Take them away...

You catch my drift...

xoxo
MGS

Keeping the District Picture Perfect

Maintaining the Dignity Acrylic Pastel & Charcoal on the Washington Post by MG Stout

To all the folks who keep the District of Columbia gorgeous.  

Thank you.

One of my Favorite Pieces

Talia's Flat Stanley Acrylic Pastel & Charcoal on the Washington Post by MG Stout

Are you ready to hear a little ditty about this piece?

Well, you'll have to wait a wee bit longer.

Why?

My upcoming book -  REAL Life Drawing:  My Eye on Washington is just about ready to drop.

Oh joy!  I can't wait to share it with you.