New Abstract Series - The Stairwell

I recently finished this series of paintings based on the abstract architectural elements of the stairwell in my studio building. I started by photographing the stairwell at various angles and digitally changing the colors. Then, I did some charcoal sketches using the photos as reference. From there, I painted each piece using both the photos and sketch compositions as reference for the paintings. I didn't strictly follow the photos — used them as a starting point and let the paintings take their own direction. But, I used a similar palette on these five pieces to create continuity to link them together. I was also going through some very difficult personal things and family deaths during the time these were created, and working abstractly was the best way to express some of those feelings of loss.

These paintings were also the first full series of paintings done from start to finish since moving in to my new studio space in March of 2022. I'm including them in a larger series of Abstract Cityscapes. The below poem connects the paintings, their titles, and some ideas I was working through during the process.

Deconstruction of the Stairwell

Up the down escalator —
Now stuck in the stairwell,
Looking for soul connection frequencies.
Signals crossed.
Attached and intertwined, fractured.
Grasping the broken ladders —
Climbing out of limbo over and over,
Getting the stairwell vertigo blues.

IMAGES:

  1. Stairwell photo

  2. Stairwell photo

  3. Deconstruction of the Stairwell, oil on canvas, 36x48”, 2022

  4. Up the Down Escalator, oil on canvas, 40x30", 2022

  5. Soul Connection Frequencies, oil on canvas, 40x30", 2022

  6. Fractured Limbo Ladders, oil on canvas, 40x30”, 2022

  7. Stairwell Vertigo Blues, oil on panel, 24x18”, 2022

Palette and Chisel - Chicago Cityscapes Show

I’m proud to have shown my painting, “Empty on the Inside” in the Chicago Cityscape show at the historic Palette and Chisel Gallery along with so many great painters. Many thanks to curator, Chris Miller, for inviting me to participate and be part of this show. Check out the show catalog.

Cityscape Chicago
September 2-26, 2022
Palette and Chisel Gallery
1012 N. Dearborn, Chicago

Catalog excerpt:

“The painters in this show embrace Chicago -- all of it --- from urban canyons to bungalows, infrastructure to industrial parks. They confront the metropolis - whether as a dreamlike vision (Kevin Swallow’s covid empty ‘L cars) or as a daily challenge (Dmitry Samarov’s distant view of the Loop from Bridgeport). The pieces are more like psychological self portraits than picturesque retreats. They grab the viewer by the collar as if to assert ‘see..this is how I feel!” - whether it’s the cool masculinity of Marion Kryczka’s functional but outdated parked cars or the overwhelming presence of Brian Wells’ graffiti covered dumpster. They and the city are inseparable. And you might note that only one piece depicts any people. It’s just you, the viewer, and the great Midwestern center. “

New Art Studio - Ravenswood Industrial Cooridoor

In March of 2022, I moved into a new studio space in Chicago’s Ravenswood neighborhood. It’s a mixed-used four-story warehouse building that includes other artists, animators, web designers, small tech companies, musicians, and other creative businesses. The studio is located on Ravenswood Avenue adjacent to the Metra and Brown Line L train tracks as well as other mixed-use manufacturing buildings along the Ravenswood Industrial Corridor and the nearby breweries and distilleries in Malt Row.

I’ve been busy setting up the studio with my studio mate, Eric Weinstein for the past couple of months. I’ve been finishing up some pieces that I started in my previous studio space at the Cornelia Arts Building. Recently, I picked up some more art supplies and canvas and look forward to starting on a brand new series of paintings birthed in this new space.

New Cityscape Painting: Studio View - Where Art Worked (2006 - 2022)

New Painting: Studio View - Where Art Worked (2006 - 2022), oil on canvas, 30x40”, 2022. This was my view out of my studio window for many years from my studio in the Cornelia Arts Building. The view changed over the years and so did I. But it remained a good mix of industrial spaces, warehouse buildings, and homes. Plus, the view of the L trains as they chugged past the building. I started this painting in the old studio but recently finished it in my new Ravenswood studio which has been interesting and weird at the same time.

Studio View - Where Art Worked (2006 - 2022), oil on canvas, 30x40”, 2022

Farewell, Cornelia Arts Building (2006 - 2022)

Yesterday, my studio mate, Eric Weinstein, and I moved out of the Cornelia Arts Building (CAB). I’ve been there for 16 years and he, 20 years, and we’ve become close friends during that time.

It’s been a great run at Cornelia - from developing my art practice, to sharing my art with the public during the open studios nights, to sharing feedback about work with other artists in the building, to studio visits with friends, or just hanging out in that sacred creative space.

I improved my art, shifted styles, and created hundreds of paintings, drawings, and screen prints during my time at CAB. I’ll think of these years at CAB fondly and where I grew as an artist and as a person. It was a special time period (2006 - 2022) to be an artist at CAB and it was always a welcoming community of artists. It’s a perfect mix of incubator and professional studio building for artists and the place “Where Art Works”.

I hope for the same kind of creative and personal growth in my new studio space. Eric and I will still be sharing a studio - it’s a little further north in Chicago’s Ravenswood Industrial Corridor. Please email me if you’d like to schedule a studio visit to view my work in person or a virtual studio visit Stay tuned for more details about the new studio space…

Where Art Works: Artist Communities and Creative Placemaking

I'm excited to be the co-curator/co-organizer and participant in this upcoming show at Eat Paint Studio Gallery featuring 16 artists from the Cornelia Arts Building! “Where Art Works,” alludes to the fact that although an artist’s studio practice is unseen, creative work is an integral part of Chicago’s vibrant neighborhoods and our local economy.

The show opens Friday, December 17 6-9pm. There is also a preview on Thursday, December 16 as part of the Shop Late Lincoln event.

Where Art Works: Artist Communities and Creative Placemaking

Eat Paint Studio Gallery
Opening Reception: December 17, 6-9pm
Preview: Thursday, December 16, from 5-8PM in conjunction with “Shop Late Lincoln”
Artist Talk (Zoom): Saturday, January 15, 2022 6pm-7pm
Closing Reception: Saturday, January 22, 2022 1pm-5pm
Show runs: December 17, 2021 – January 22, 2022

New Abstract Cityscape Painting: The Upside Down of Uncertainty, oil on canvas, 30x40", 2021

It’s been nice getting more time in at the studio lately — feels grounding to me. I finished this new painting up today: The Upside Down of Uncertainty, oil on canvas, 30x40", 2021. It started out as something else, which I then whitewashed and flipped it upside down and assembled the composition into what you see now. I even flipped it over again to paint the upside down building.

This piece relates to a series of abstract cityscapes that I worked a lot on during the first part of the pandemic. When creating abstract paintings, they tend to be a bridge to something else, or they become their own series and take me in a new direction. I think The Upside Down of Uncertainty is one of those pieces that will hopefully lead me into a new direction — especially as we approach the end of the year and transition to a new one. It has strong cityscape elements, but there's also this balanced/imbalanced aspect to it that feels appropriate for this moment in time.

The Upside Down of Uncertainty, oil on canvas, 30x40", 2021

Wells Street Bridge Viewfinder in its new DC home!

This new commission painting, “Wells Street Bridge Viewfinder” is now in its new home in Washington, DC! It has prime placement in the dining area above the piano and next to an awesome bar. It was a super fun project to work on with these awesome collectors! 

If you’re interested in a commission, please contact me to discuss options. Or, contact me if you’re interested in purchasing any existing pieces. Plenty to choose from!

IMAGE: “Wells Street Bridge Viewfinder” by Kevin Swallow, oil on canvas, 48x60", 2021

Cornelia Arts Building 2021 Fall Open Studios

Tomorrow is the Cornelia Arts Building Fall 2021 Open Studios event! Friday, November 5, 2021 - 6pm-10pm.

RSVP Here on Facebook

Or, contact me to set up a private studio visit.

Masks are required (over nose and mouth) by everyone at all times throughout the building. Proof of vaccination may be requested. We want the CAB Open Studios event to be safe for our guests and artists, so your cooperation is appreciated in following these COVID guidelines.

Andersonville Water Tank featured on Clark Street Cab

Clark Street Cab, featuring an image of my painting, “Andersonville Water Tank” is now available at In Fine Spirits in Andersonville. Special thanks goes to Jarran Conger, the owner, who approached me about working on this project. It's so great to have this custom wine available at my local neighborhood wine shop. The original painting is also on display in the wine shop. Contact me directly if interested in purchasing.

About the Wine
Clark Street Cab is a special collaboration between Chicago-based Distributor Vinejoy, Paso Robles-based wine producer Field Recordings, local artist Kevin Swallow, and Andersonville-based bottle shop, In Fine Spirits. The fruit for Clark Street Cab was sourced from 3 distinctly different organic vineyard sites across the Paso Robles AVA. The wine is fermented via native yeast and then aged for 9 months in neutral French oak barrels at Field Recordings Winery in Paso Robles, California. Stop by the shop and get your bottle today! YOu can also view the painting in the shop.

Click on the images below to view full size.