As a  way of promoting my recent art show at the Segil Fine Art Gallery in Monrovia, I had postcards made with my website information. So for the last several weeks, I have been canvassing neighborhoods, cars and businesses with postcards. Since the show is in its final days, we, my lady and our dogs, canvassed a neighborhood that is situated above my Alma Mater. The day was warm, clear, and gorgeous. I passed out 50 cards or so, one of which, was absolutely unique.

Since taking on this endeavor of going to neighborhoods and acting as a mailman, I have learned a couple of things. One, of which is to carry a pen. It was in the quaint town of Monrovia that I came a cross a mailbox that got me thinking of doing a series of paintings depicting distinctive mailboxes, I remember saying to myself, "Ah man, this is cool,,,it would make a cool painting. Shoot, I wish I had a pen to write a note telling them I like it." Since then, I have carried a pen so that when a mailbox, door, chair, or whatever strikes my fancy, I am prepared to write: "I like your _________."

A few hours ago, I received an email form "Jessica" that read, "Hi, you left a card in my mailbox with a note that you like it. You are welcome to take picts or paint it. It is interesting. The black bow is for my brother who passed away 3 years ago. And, today I added another one because a cousin passed away this morning. They are the first cousins to pass away too early in their lives. Anyway, that's the story. I like your art. "Jessica"

Greetings, I hope you are doing well.

Given that tomorrow (6/15) I have a show, I feel compelled to write a little more about my painting, Untitled I, in order to provide a little more insight, not only about its creation, but also about the results of having taken on this endeavor. Rather than bore you with nitty gritty details, I will provide a short list of important elements crucial to the painting.

Chance played a role.

We, Monica and I, were in Monrovia because I needed a new pair of running shoes and figured that since the gallery was only a couple of blocks away we would go check it out. It was closed but there were fliers hanging on the door inviting artists to submit work to the H2O Ebb & Flow Summer Show.

Hurtles were overcome.

For some reason I knew I would be participating, regardless if I was accepted or not. In the not so distant past, I would have never have taken on this invitation. I overcame my fears; I painted three paintings, and in my opinion, fairly strong ones, in  a matter of weeks.

Music was a backdrop.

I listened to three of the four CD's I bought on the day of the Boston Marathon bombing. As a way to deal with that awful day, I headed over to my local independent record store. These albums were played repeatedly during my night time painting sessions. NIck Cave's, Push The Sky Away, is a really, really good album. Beach House's, Bloom, was a gamble that paid off.  For suggesting Mr. David Bowie's Low, I thank Mr. Henry Rollins and my neighbor John for this pick. These three discs provided just the right ambience. (For those who follow me on Twitter you know some of this info as I tweeted several times during these sessions) The fourth disc, though not played much during the painting sessions, was a definite gem to have come across that day. The English Beat's Special Beat Service is a very big album in my world.

The results

A lot of hard work that has led to this opportunity. 

Thanks for visiting and check it out the following:

http://segilfineart.com/

Greetings!

I hope this email finds you in good health and spirits and that the remaining days of 2012 are peaceful and fun.

I would also like to take this opportunity to let you know that on December 8th the Whittier Art Association will be hosting their latest exhibition, "Miniatures and More", in which I am a participant.  The reception will be from 3-5 p.m., so it would be nice to see you there.

And finally, I would like to share that I sold another four paintings to Mr. Vincent Estrada, who last year bought several of my works.  Thank you Vince.  Again, I hope all is well in your world and I hope to see or hear from you soon.

Greg

For more information about the Whitter Art Association...http://whittierartgallery.org/