In the studio

Hello Followers,

I would like to show you some pictures that my wife took one day of me painting in my studio. As you can tell I am one with my thoughts in these pictures.

Often times I get my inspiration from my dreams. In a week or so I will fill you in on what I was dreaming when I created this image.

-LV

Studio 74 Show

I would like to take the time to thank Diane L. Johnson-Mendes, owner of Studio 74 in Fresno, CA, for providing me with the opportunity to have a solo show from July 2-July 25. This gallery is very unique in that it showcases local art and emerging artists. Please show your support for the Fresno Art Community by visiting Studio 74.

On the day of my opening approximately 150 people came and stepped into my world of art. It was an thrilling experience to share my art with so many wonderful individuals. I would also like to thank all the people who have adopted a piece of my art. I am honored to be able to share my love of art and creativity to them.

Studio 74 is located North of Olive in Fresno's Tower District (1274 North Van Ness Ave., Fresno, CA 93728). Again, please visit this wonderful gallery.

You can see the youtube video here:

Bio

Any time one of my paintings finds a new home, I include a short biography, and I wanted to share that with all of you who are reading my blog.

Welcome to my mind...catch a glimpse of dreams and nightmares that haunt me. See a painting for what it is and you may get the whole story. Then see it again within it's continuity and you might discover something entirely new. My art comes from deep within; its raw and visceral. I don't explain my work because I feel it has an individual impact.

I am a self taught and self repersenting artist. My work is influenced by the work of some of my favorite artists: Basquait, Matt Sesow, Chagall, and Richard Silva of Fresno, CA.

I was born in Texas in the year of '43, and have dabbled in art as long as I could remember. For my work I use acrylics, oils, ink, layers of newspaper, tape, house paint, spray paint, and a wide variety of other elements that just happen to come between me and my palette. What inspires me while working in my studio is beyond me. It just comes...and I go with the flow. My work is in the homes of collectors in the US and abroad.

I know that in my bio I state I don't explain my work, however, in this blog I will give you a glimpse of my motivation and meaning behind some of my pieces. Please check back frequently for more updated meanings and art.

-LV

Resolved

I wanted to talk a little bit about my piece titled "Resolved" and what inspired me to create this. In following the story of Laura Ling and Euna Lee, I was moved by the recent resolution. The humanitarian acts of President Obama and former President Clinton inspired me to create this piece.

I do not want this to spark any sort of political debate, but rather I hope you can see the beauty of freedom that we have in this country. My use of the vibrant red color is what I hoped would be a symbol of the chaos and turmoil of what could have become of the journalists' sentence. Additionally, the bird in the right hand corner represented the freedom that we Americans are entitled to. I am specifically referring to the ability to be as free as a bird in our creativity and thoughts.

Can you spot which figure represents former President Clinton and the rescued journalists?

Please share your thoughts on this piece in the comments section.

-LV