Lucky Square 13

Dear Reader-

It's been a bit of a long weekend, so I'll share another square mile painting with you and call it good.

Square 13 @2009 October Mist 12x12 pastel

This piece is one of those that had a mind of it's own, taking a different direction than I had intended. I'm learning to go with that flow, believing that my right "intuitive" brain and hand have a special relationship that my left "knowing" brain isn't privvy to.

Sometimes, most times, painting is a process of discovery, the understanding that occurs when play is allowed to overtake the plan. I took a "what would happen if" approach. Sometimes that process works, sometimes not, but it's always worth trying.

Thanks to those of you who checked out Brian's music. Pretty amazing, isn't it!

I see that before long we'll be celebrating 100 posts here at Skartz. Probly time to have a party!

Check your inbox, invitations will be coming soon!

Counter Clock

Several weeks ago I promised you some very cool and exciting news. After the usual creative delays, it's time to share.

My nephew, Brian Scarborough, has recently finished his first CD of original jazz. A freshman at the University of Kansas, this CD is, well, wicked awesome. Really.

Brian's been playing trombone for most of his life, and jams with some pretty cool cats in the Kansas City area already. If this CD is any hint of what's to come, KC won't be able to keep him.

Titled "Counter Clock", it's an exploration of the darker tones of music. Says young Brian, "In music, we often associate sounds with colors, dark and rich would be the blues and dark purples, and the bright sounds would be yellow and reds etc. Along those lines, chords have the same effect, and chord progressions do too. So, I tried exploring the richer and darker sounds (colors). " When I was his age I was having trouble tying my shoes.

Not only is it very cool for me to get to brag about this fine young man, I also get to brag about my part of the process. Every CD needs a cover, and I got to design this one. It was a stretch working with the idea of time, or lack thereof, and all of the possible interpretations. It won't be the last time. I'm hooked.

Thanks, Brian, for giving me the opportunity to participate in your debut. Wicked awesome, really.