*****This week's Process/Inspiration comes from left coast, artist Mike Maxwell. Mike more often than not renders his work in a myriad of blue hues. Painting both contemporary and legendary portraits, he uses his palate to blur racial, economic and gender lines into obscurity. Mike is self taught, and continually raises the bar in his work. I'm delighted to have him share his work with us. He went above and beyond what I asked of him. (Which only makes sense) This week's post will be in two parts; Part 1 is Process, which you see below you and Part 2 is Inspiration (you like how that works, don't you?) which I'll post tomorrow. Be sure to click on the images to get a more detailed look. Comments are open!******
For me the process is the most important aspect of making art. During the creation period is when I receive all my rewards from the art. As each work is completed I experience such immense feelings of accomplishment and joy that whatever happens after the work is done is an added bonus. I'm lucky enough to make a living off the sales of my art, but if I were not so fortunate, I would still reap these priceless rewards.
Tools of the trade: Photo by Rebecca Joelson
Process of "Live Free"
I build my own panels out of birch and pine.
Process of "Until The Whistle Blows"
More after the jump...
I've been working with The Keep a Breast Foundation for almost 10 years now. Above is a time lapse of a recent cast I painted during Breast Cancer awareness month.
It was featured on E! Channel's That Morning Show:Process of "Remnants of Moments Passed"
Drawings with final paintings
I was recently commissioned by a Colorado design firm to illustrate a snowboard for Coors. I do work like this from time to time. I was excited they were interested in everything being done by hand as opposed to computer generated graphics.
Sometimes I create works and they end up at really cool places, like with The Silent Comedy at The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego.
I work hard at everything I do, even when the power goes out.
