Robert Reeves: Oil & Dust

So bad things happen all the time, but like the line goes, “at least you don’t have maggots on your scrotum”.

I don’t.

So…

The car got totaled.

On the other hand no one was hurt and I wound up getting a newer vehicle in the process.  I’m not thrilled about having a car payment again, but at least I can get around.  In that I am happy.

Got rejected.

Threw my hat in for some graphic design, and public Art gigs.  Didn’t pan out.  A little bit of a blow to the ego, but there you go.  Rejection is more common than acceptance in the world of illustration and design (and everywhere else).  Advice: Don’t take it personally.  More opportunities will come along.  In that I am happy.

Taxes kicked my arse.

They get nearly everybody same as me.  Not as bad as last year.  At least I had the funds to pay.  In that I am happy.

E.D.S.

Not really, but that’d be pretty bad.  Just sayin’.  In that I am happy.

A pack of blessings light upon my back.  Thanks, Shakespeare.

So it’s really just a matter of perspective right?

The thing is bad stuff just happens.  Right along with the good stuff there’s the bad perched comfortably next to it.  Many people (Americans especially) just don’t get that bad things happen to good people for no reason at all.  It doesn’t have anything to do with some Heavenly father figure taking a disliking to you because you did a bad thing or didn’t say the right number of prayers.  It doesn’t have anything to do with that penny you picked up that was face down or the ladder you walked under.  It’s not because you didn’t work hard enough and make all the right decisions.  It’s just damned bad luck plain and simple.  You can do everything right and still not succeed.  You can be on the fast track to success and still have a piano dropped on your head.  That’s something that an ever-growing number of people in this country are losing sight of.  I’ll say it again:  You can do everything right and STILL not make it.  Try your hardest.  Do your best.  Eat your Wheaties.  Sometimes it just doesn’t matter.  The odds are stacked against you.

That doesn’t mean you give up.  Ever.  No matter how often you fail you get back up.  No matter what people say about you or your work you keep working.  Keep going your own way.  Don’t stop because eventually things WILL come your way.  Not forever, no.  There are no happily ever afters.  No triumphant ride into the sunset.  The only real finish line we’ll ever cross is the one where the machines stop reading a pulse.  But that’s OK.  That’s all part of the show.  Have reason to take a bow on your way out.

(takes a break from life to sleep a bit)

Rob Reeves – “Hilton Coliseum Before the Game”- detail (Working title. In progress). Oil on linen. 30″ x 40″.

So here I am… plugging away and look what happened: In the course of one evening I was approached for two more (paying) projects.  In that I am happy.

This morning I finished up prep work for three more paintings.  In that I am happy.

Here’s to more broken brushes.

Cheers,

R

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Recently I’ve felt like there’s been an explosion of activity in my studio.  I’ve been lucky.  Commissioned work keeps coming in so that helps keep me busy, but I think I’d stay just as busy even if I wasn’t getting paid.  I’ve been taking steps to change the way I paint.  Moreover I’ve been taking steps to change the way I see my own work.  Maybe myself too, but that’s a tougher bit to chew.

I used to be a night owl.  Up all night whether I needed it or not.  Not out partying or anything like that.  Just up.  Up reading. Up drawing. Up walking the streets of  my sleepy neighborhood because my legs didn’t want to be still.  These days that’s all changed.  I’m up at 5am.  Earlier some days, but not very often.  I’m in the studio by 6 and then leave in time to go to my day job.  I feel less distracted.  More open.  I’m not worn down by the day yet.  Plus it frees up my evenings.

I’ve found that I can get to my creative sweet spot more quickly in the AM.

You know what I mean.

The point where you stop thinking about what you’re doing and just and start doing.  In some martial arts they refer to it as No Mind.  Where the mind lets go and the body does what it’s been trained to do.  It’s an important state for me when I work and the sooner I get there there better (read as: the less I’m analyzing the less I seem to screw things up).

It’s helped me to change what I’m doing.  I’m absorbing more from other artists while not feeling like I’m diluting my own work; trying new approaches to painting without it feeling forced.

So… some over-sized drop cloths and better brushes are in order because I’m making a real mess.  This little guy is the first casualty of many I’m sure.

Cheers,

R

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Like many people I find myself waxing a bit philosophic during the holidays.  I don’t know if it’s the holiday spirit, the need to focus on others while buying gifts, or the preponderance of alcohol that seems inevitable with the cold weather and parties, but either way it got me to thinking.

The greatest gift we can give or receive at this or any time of the year is Kindness.  So be kind.

Be kind when it’s inconvenient.

Be kind when not called for.

Be kind to those you love.

Be kind to those you don’t.

Be kind and expect nothing in return.

Be kind because you can.

Share the gift of Kindness freely and without reservation.  You never know what long-reaching and lasting effects even the simplest act of kindness can generate.  It might brighten someone’s day.  It might just save someone’s life.  It might provide them with something they need that they’d otherwise have to go without.  Do it without analyzing it.  Do it without counting the cost.  Do it with an open heart.

Like those eminent sages, Bill S. Preston and Ted “Theodore” Logan, once told us, “Be excellent to each other”.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all.

Cheers,

R

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Fitch Studios Open House – Des Moines

Coming soon to downtown Des Moines… The annual Fitch Studios Open House!  We’re opening the doors Friday, December 7th from 5-9pm (although I’m sure some studios will be open later than others).  It usually shapes up to be a stellar evening of food, drink, and some of the finest Art our lovely city has to offer.  Buffalo, Jordan, and I will be there with lots of new work on display and cold drinks on hand.  It’s our first open studio night since moving in last July so we’re trying to do this right.

304 15th street.  Just south of the sculpture park and American Dream Machines.

I sincerely hope to see you all there.

Cheers,

R

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So that’s pretty much where we’re at.  The election’s come and gone.  Everyone that thought God was on their side is either vindicated or rationalizing.  That’s the way it goes I guess.  When I cast my vote I raised my hands in the air and said, “Vive la Resistance”, just loudly enough for the room to hear.  At 7am it garnered a few slow and self-conscious giggles.  I imagine that most people in the room had their own thoughts as to which candidate I voted for.  Odds are they were wrong, but if it gave them a moment’s pause or at least a laugh I’ll call it good.

So we move on with our lives just like we did in the days before and will continue to do in the days after.  For you and me that means we’re back to work whether you’re one of the 1%, the 99%, the 47% or whatever.  I was never good with percentages.

In the Studio

I’m back in the studio as often as I’m able.  I’ve got some gallery work in progress along with four commissioned pieces (and a 5th in the negotiation stage).  Getting the preliminary work done:  Drawing my subject repeatedly until I get the feel for it.  Doing a little photoshopping to get things the way I want them.  Doing the rest in my head or on the paper.  Spending time attempting to keep up with the day-to-day business of finding a way to get paid to make Art.  I’m really happy with my current projects and am excited about my personal work lately.  My only complaint right now is the sheer lack of time.  It seems to fly by these days and there’s never enough.  Not since I gave over to my body’s overwhelming desire to start sleeping more.  Damned aging process.  I’m told that will reverse as I get older and I’ll sleep less.  We’ll see.

I’ll post some fresh images soon.  But right now my studio mates and I are getting geared up for the annual Fitch Building Open Studio night coming up the 1st Friday in December.  We’ll be spending time cleaning up.  Clearing out the beer bottles.  AND getting as much work ready as we’re able so that when the night comes we can put on a good exhibit, eat, drink, and be merry… and all that good stuff.

Hope to see you there.

Cheers,

R

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Sun Studio – Night

After a few months of nitpicking I finally put the finishing touches on the paintings of Sun Studio in Memphis and another, last-minute gift commission.  Right around the time all of that was wrapping up I had a conversation with a friend and fellow painter who had a very interesting proposition regarding some available studio space in a very desirable location.

Sun Studio – Day

The Fitch building has long been the home to some of Des Moines best artists.  The space is large, has a lot of amenities like good ventilation, lots of light, and the benefits of a good location.  We’re situated in what’s known as the Western Gateway near some good restaurants, a couple of decent bars, and Des Moines’ fantastic Pappajohn Sculpture park.  Can’t beat that for inspiration.  I’m pretty happy to have gotten my equipment out of the basement and into a well-appointed, workable space.  Moving in would’ve been a lot nicer if the freight elevator worked and everything didn’t need to get carried up 4 flights of stairs in the stupifying heat, but….  We’ll call it a lesson in determination and endurance.

I’ve put a wrap on the Sun Studio pieces and have gotten a start on my most recent commission: a painting of the all-powerful Beastie Boys.  I’ve been changing a lot about how I paint lately and this Beasties piece is as good a place as any to really put the my new process into action. I’ll post pics as things progress more.  I think it’s a definite leap in how and what kinds of images I produce from here on out.  I can thank the influence of the two Artists with whom I share studio space, Buffalo Bonker, and Jordan Weber: Brilliant mofos in their own right.  I’m happy to be sharing space with people who are willing to share ideas, tips, tricks, and general BS in a free and open manner.  I’m a lucky painter.

Developmental sketch for Mr B

I’ve also been using some of this time in between large-scale commissions to play a little bit.  I don’t get the chance very often so I try to take it when I can.  I’ve been working on this little fellow some.  He’s been playing dice in my head at night.   It’s time to get him to move out.

Cheers,

R

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