60 in 6 Months?!?

Since the beginning of this year, I've thought a lot about what I make and how I make it. On June 1st, I made a decision and committed to myself, to you, and the Muses that I would create 60 completely new artworks by the end of 2017.

60 in 6 months?!?

Simply by setting this ambitious goal, I felt reinvigorated and had one of the most productive months of my life. I'm exploring new subjects and testing new materials and techniques (even fingerpainting!) with all of these.

And you know what else? I'm having an absolute ball in the studio and couldn't wait to share what's happened with you here. Check them all out in the SCAPES section.

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NEW MEXICO INKS

Sandia Mountains No. 2 (Mono)

New Mexico Descent No. 4 (Mono)

New Mexico Descent No. 3 (Mono)

CAPTURING TAOS

Taos No. 1

Taos No. 2

Taos No. 3

EXPLORING ABIQUIU

Abiquiu No. 1 (Georgia's Ladder)

Abiquiu No. 4 (Plaza Blanca)

Abiquiu No. 2 (Plaza Blanca)

Abiquiu No. 3 (Georgia's Playground)

ALBUQUERQUE

Albuquerque No. 1 (Day)

Albuquerque No. 2 (Night)

Inside The Artist Studio: Howard Gladstone

Meet Howard Gladstone (www.howardgladstone.net).

Howard is a talented painter, sculptor and filmmaker. His current studio is located at the Brooklyn Army Terminal. Of all the artists I know, I have known him the longest. He was the monitor of my first sculpture class at the Art Student's League of NY in January 2001. He was as generous then as he is now with his knowledge. And patient. Very patient...especially with a fledgling sculptor like me who had no shortage of questions as I was just starting my creative journey.

Howard's use of color in his landscapes…vibrant, striking hues, is remarkable.

Howard's Studio. Artist John Chandler stopped by for a visit, too.

Hard to believe it was almost 13 years ago that Howard helped me get started. Many thanks for that and the visit!

Hopping the N Train back to Manhattan.

And The Winner of the Reyes Travel Photo Challenge Is…

There was not A winner, but TWO winners of the Reyes Travel Photo Challenge, a social media event (#reyestravelart) where fans submitted work that I would ultimately paint. For their trouble? Oh nothing, just a free print of the winning image on canvas. After a hiatus, and with many more new fans, maybe it's time to host the Reyes Travel Art Challenge, Part II?

A print of one of the winners, "Aero No. 33 (Mountainscape)", just before shipping to its new owner, Carole K.

THE BACKSTORY

In April, I invited readers of my newsletter, followers on Instagram, and fans on Facebook to the Reyes Fine Art "Travel Photo Challenge". The winner of the contest would get a free print reproduction of an original artwork I create based on travel-inspired photos they shoot and submit. The artwork I create will become welcome additions to my "Aero Series" (www.aeroscapeart.com). 

The response was overwhelming and it was so much fun fielding your questions and seeing the photos roll in to my inbox! Here's a visual look at my process to go from 60+ submission to a winner:

On the first pass, I was able to narrow 60+ photos down to these 30 images. Decisions, decisions!

Getting from 30 to these 6 was incredibly challenging. I was focusing on colors that suit my Aero Series palette, and dynamic compositions. So many could have made the top 6!

After narrowing down to the 6 semifinalists, I took a week to think things over. Ultimately, it was impossible to pick only one winner, so I chose TWO! I loved the sculptural feel and abstract quality of Carole's aerial mountainscape and the effect of the light hitting the irregular shapes in Jay's cloudscape. Congratulations to Carole, Jay and all who participated.