Budding Artist

One of our niece's paintings was recently chosen to be displayed at Mt. Vernon High School.
She's won a few school art competitions as well.
What can I say? Uncle John, the artist is very proud!


Sarah show's off her winning work; sketch and finished painting.


We're doomed. A flaming asteroid is headed this way!

Cause & Effect

The new abstracts have been named.
I chose Cause and Effect, submitted by kewlschool.
Both pieces are now available through my Etsy Store.

Name That Abstract!

The 2 new abstracts are finished.
They are mixed media and collage on canvas and each measures 6x12 inches.
These were a lot of fun for me and I'm quite pleased with the end result.

Now let's play a game of Name That Abstract!
What names do you suggest for these guys?








Each canvas can be hung 3 different ways.

This Made My Day

I received this email yesterday. It made my day.

Hi.
I doubt that you will remember me, but I purchased your reclining nude. I have it in my bedroom and as I walk in the room, it greets me warmly. I love it. I think that I may have purchased it about four or more years ago.
Dr. Wilhemina Perry (Mina Perry)

I remember the day Ms. Perry purchased this painting like it happened just yesterday. My friend Mike Trovato and I sold artwork on the weekends at NYC's Green Flea. Ms. Perry was walking by (outside of the schoolyard where the market is held). She came back and called to me through the fence, inquiring about the painting. The rest, as they say, is his(her)story.


Night
Acrylic on canvas

Maaaaaaaster Art Class

Update on the 2 New Abstracts

I began these as I often do my abstracts, by color blocking.
Once the blue sections had almost dried completely I used tape to "rip off" some paint.


Once my chosen collage elements were added into the composition, I used paint bottles as weights to prevent any curling as the glue dried.

Almost there.

Find Me in Del Ray!

As of this weekend, you can find my work (small to medium originals as well as hand painted pendants) in Del Ray, Alexandria at A Show of Hands.



A Show of Hands is an eclectic space filled with colorful art, jewelry and eye-catching crafts.

Just as eclectic, is the town of Del Ray, where, as its catch phrase states, Main Street still lives. You will find a variety of galleries, boutiques, sidewalk cafes and restaurants clustered along Mount Vernon Avenue.



A Show of Hands
2301 Mt. Vernon Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22301
703-683-2905

Hours:
Tuesday through Friday
11am to 6pm
Saturday 10am to 6pm
Sunday 12 noon to 5pm

On This Day, 38 Years Ago...

a hot mess of a creature was unleashed unto this world.
Happy Birthday to me!


Look at those stats. My poor mother!


Here's my Titi holding me as I arrive from the hospital.

On this day I am most thankful for my crazy but wonderful friends and family and that amazing man that puts up with all of my madness.

Sofrito

Sofrito
Acrylic on canvas/8x10"

New Latin Pop Shop Press Release

If you know any individuals, organizations or publications in your area that might be interested in this release, please feel free to pass it along.
I will be your friend forever and ever. :-)
If you do, just let me know who you passed it along to if you can so I don't send out doubles.

PRESS RELEASE:

The Business of Latino Pride
El Negocio del Orgullo Latino

Springfield, VA, April 14th, 2010--John Gascot wears his Latino pride on his paint-stained sleeve.

"As the fastest-growing segment of our population, Latinos should not still be looked upon as cheap labor. We need to not only preserve our culture, but look out for the best interests of one another." For years, Gascot's passion has been a vital component of his colorful canvases. Now, it's at the heart of Latinpopshop.com- an online retail store that focuses on Latin culture, supporting Latino artists and artisans by promoting them in a fair manner.

The Latin Pop Shop website went live in January of this year with only the artwork of its founder featured for sale. Today, just three months later and without major advertisements, it already represents twelve artists from varied Latino backgrounds. Mr. Gascot envisions representing 30-50 artists (or more) on the Latin Pop Shop website once it becomes further established.

"There are so many faces to our art," he says. "Currently we mainly feature paintings, prints, jewelry and photographs. But we plan to include apparel, home decor, books and more! We even hope to be surprised with submissions of items we had never even thought of." In order to appeal and cater to as wide an audience as possible, the items listed on Latin Pop Shop range from whimsical jewelry and prints prices at under $20 to high-end collectable works of art by well-established artists and everything in between.

Gascot is building on a limited budget, relying more on faith and drive. He's focusing on e-commerce for the time being, but constantly keeps one eye on the future.

"Store fronts! I want store fronts!" he laughs. "I've always envisioned Latin Pop Shop as a physical location- bursting with color and filled with music, shows and live events. Eventually, I'd love to arrange mentorships for young Latino talent. Any investors out there?"

Artist-created www.latinpopshop.com is a brand new online retail gallery specializing in Latino, Latino-American and Latin-themed arts and unique hand made gifts. Latin Pop Shop Inc.'s mission is to support the growth and preservation of Latin culture by promoting creative Latino individuals, fairly, in an effort to help them make a living by doing what they love and are individually talented at. The online store, which launches this spring, is the first step of a venture which artist and founder John Gascot believes will be a multi-faceted success.

Contact:
John Gascot, Founder
Latin Pop Shop Inc.
jgascot@latinpopshop.com
www.latinpopshop.com

The Lotus has landed.

So, as I sip coffee groggily (percocet) and get read for a trip to the dentist for what will probably turn out to be a not so fun visit (had a toothache all day yesterday and this morning), a bit of welcome sunshine brightens my morning.



I received an email from the Bennetts in the UK. Their Lotus Flower painting arrived yesterday. They now own 2 of my originals. Both pieces are intended for Valory's yoga and meditation room.

This week's projects:

I still have the lower left section of "321" on my brain and it definitely is urging me to make something more of it. So I have started on 2 pieces using this detail as inspiration.




On my easel also sits a small still life tentatively titled "Sofrito".
For those who are not familiar, sofrito is a mixture of seasonings and finely chopped vegetables, such as onions, garlic, and peppers, used as a base for many Spanish, Caribbean, and Latin American dishes. Traditionally parts are made in a wooden mortar (pilon), however throwing all your ingredients into a blender works just fine.

I

321

321 is now hanging happily in its new home, the National Massage Therapy Institute in Falls Church, VA.