Happy Holidays

Dear Faithful Readers, 

I wish you and yours a holiday season filled with magic, laughter and of course... ART! 

Hope 2015 brings health, love and much success. 

Put my Vagina on Your Coffee Table

I'm very excited to announce that my vagina (painting) will be displayed on coffee tables across the country. One of my paintings has been published in the fabulous new book Gay Men Draw Vaginas.

That is all.

Painting Sold and a Quick Shop Small Reminder

I hope everyone had a very happy and healthy Thanksgiving!
Today (Black Friday) began wonderfully. I awoke to an email telling me that my painting, Coffee Break, sold. Yay!

In addition, I would like to remind everyone to shop small this weekend (and holiday season). Chain store gifts are wonderful, but including some independent artist items in your gift-giving doesn't just help our economy; it supports working artists.

Browse my Latin Pop Shop Etsy store. Also keep in mind, that I welcome commissions.

Coffee Break, acrylic on canvas, 12" x 24", Sold

Holiday Art Cards Available Now

'Tis the season! Time to get your one of a kind original art holiday greeting cards.
Each card is an original block print artwork. Each is signed and measures 5" x 7" so easily fits into a standard frame. The cards are blank on the inside, ready for you to personalize them.

Available individually- $4.00:

Or in 3-packs- $10.00:

Buddha in Purple (and Personalized Buddha Paintings)

Buddha in Purple, acrylic on canvas, 11" x 14"

Buddha in Purple is available through Latin Pop Shop on Etsy. 

Personalized Buddha paintings also available here.

Buddha Series...Continued

Buddha Series, acrylic on canvas, 8" x 10"

This painting is available from Latin Pop Shop on Etsy.

Coffee Label Entry No. 2

Here is my second entry for Joffrey's Coffee Art of the Label (Indonesia) contest, Morning Zen.
I have painted a number of Buddhas in the past and people seem to really respond to them. This particular guy is holding a cup, keeping in the theme of the contest, but I am taking orders for commissioned "personalized" Buddhas. You choose colors and what he's holding. Most will hold a lotus but you can pick a different type of flower...or a heart... The paintings measure 11" x 14". They are gallery wrapped with painted edges and ready to hang. $195 each (Free Shipping).

Morning Zen, acrylic on canvas, 11" x 14"

Coffee Label Contest Entry #1

Joffrey's Coffees & Teas, with whom I recently exhibited at their Art of the Roast event in Tampa, FL, searches the planet for single-origin coffees to share with their fans. They introduce a new Origin Coffee quarterly each year. Joffrey's is currently holding a contest for artwork to be featured on the label of their first ever Artist Edition coffee...Indonesia.

Getting my head around the fact that what I am creating is not a typical Gascot painting, but something that starts there but should be flexible enough to use as a graphic was a bit tricky at first. There were spaces of the canvas I wanted to fill with intricate embellishments, but am editing my entries to offer colorful detail that still leaves room for company branding. With this entry I took inspiration from the country's traditional masks.

Stay tuned for another one or two (three?) entries and keep your fingers crossed for me.

Indonesia 1, acrylic on canvas, 11" x 14"

Random Movie Review: Anabelle

Ok, so it's no secret I hated the snoozefest called "The Conjuring" so I wasn't exactly sure why we were going to see its prequel "Anabelle" tonight.
Oh yes, it's because we can't get our netflix up without wanting to throw some device out the window with the "high speed" (wink wink) internet upgrade we paid for at the hotel. So sure, let's do "Annabelle", why not... 

It was pretty great. :-0
Not only does it surpass Conjuring by miles, but I would actually consider it one of the better horror flicks of recent. Simpler than The Conjuring and 5 times as effective. Clean and straight forward storytelling. Very simple and therefore EFFECTIVE makeup/special effects that result in imagery that lingers long after the movie ends. I even appreciated the effort to make the ridiculous appearance of a doll no one in their right mind would actually buy (except at a horror convention) somewhat make sense by including a few samples of the "collection" she's a part of. There's a bit of a "Rosemary's Baby" atmosphere to the film (It is no "Rosemary's Baby" by any stretch of the imagination, mind you.) with the themes tackled, the building they live in and fellow tenant/rare-book shop owner Evelyn (played by my girl Alfre Woodard). I expect there will be another film (I can already see the "Annabelle Trilogy" boxed sets out two Halloweens or so from now) as, in this episode, they revisit the nurses with which Conjuring began. The door is left open for the filmmakers to bring us their stories if they want to. The jolts were genuine. The story was simple (a good thing) but tight. The imagery was good (I REALLY enjoyed two things in particular which I won't spoil by mentioning) and the performances were solid. 3.5 (mayyyybe 4) out of 5.  ‪#‎Whoddathunkit‬

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Good News and Good News!

I was thrilled to receive notification that one of my paintings, Beach Girls has been chosen to be a part of the Amalie Arena and Tampa Bay Lighting third annual Open Call to Artists exhibition. The piece was one of over 300 submitted.
This year's jury consisted of management from The Ringling Museum, The Dali Museum, The Museum of Fine Arts, The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts and Penny Vinik (owner of the Tampa Bay Lightning). The selected works will be on display at Amelie Arena for the 2014-1015 season and on view to their 1.5 million visitors.

Beach Girls, acrylic on canvas, 30" x 40"

In addition to the news of the upcoming exhibit, I was just informed that NYC, a collaboration with MG Stout, has just sold.

It's a good week.

NYC, acrylic on canvas, 36" x 48"

Coffee Break

Coffee Break, acrylic on canvas, 12" x 24"

This painting is currently available from Latin Pop Shop on Etsy.

Art of the Roast

I will be one of the featured artists at Joffrey's first annual Art of the Roast. Join me and other Tampa Bay area artists on Tuesday, September 9th at The Ritz, Ybor City. 

Visit the Facebook event page here.

Fun with Menswear

Men's Teal Jacket, acrylic on canvas panel, 8" x 10"

Men's Striped Jacket, acrylic on canvas panel, 8" x 10"

Men's Cardigan, acrylic on canvas panel, 8" x 10"

These paintings are currently available from Latin Pop Shop on Etsy.

Studio Space Available in Great Location

Upon reading this, some of you may already know that come summer's end I will be relocating to St. Petersburg, Fl. This means there is a spot open at Studio 4.

Shared studio/show space available- $500
Metro accessible retail location in Crilley Warehouse located in upscale Old Town, Alexandria. The space is one block from Union Street and just 1.5 blocks from bustling King Street. Just one block from the waterfront. Overall space is 525 square feet (reconfigurable to meet artists' needs) and has a large walk in closet. Studio opens to the building's spacious atrium. Movable Walker system-ready display walls. 

In addition to functioning as a working studio, the space also lends itself to various individual profitable artistic endeavors. We currently hold classes, workshops and paint parties. Artists currently in the space are established, accomplished and professional. Studio has been featured on Fox 5 news and was voted 2013 Best Gallery in Washington Post Express. 

Other businesses in Crilley Warehouse include popular restaurants Overwood Grill and La Bergerie.

Contact: jgascot@gascot.com

Commission Sketch

This is the final sketch for a possible upcoming collaborative commission with MG Stout.
The piece will be a public work measuring 12 feet by 12 feet.

Beach Girls

Beach Girls, acrylic on canvas, 30" x 40"

This painting is available from Studio 4, Old Town or Latin Pop Shop on Etsy.

Flash Flood

Flash Flood, acrylic & gauche on canvas, 36" x 48"

This new painting is available from Studio 4, Old Town or Latin Pop Shop on Etsy.

Mangos

Mangos, acrylic on canvas, 18" x 24"

This painting is available directly from my studio or Latin Pop Shop on Etsy.

Oldie But Goodie Tuesday

This is the first painting in which I explored celebrating our trans sisters and brothers. Click on the here to view the full image. Celebrate diversity!

Bird of Paradise, acrylic on canvas, 10" x 20"

Self-portrait Contest: Please Vote for Me

Hello beloved readers,

I ask for a moment of your time. Please vote for me in Jerry's Artarama's 2nd Annual Self Portrait contest. I could SO use the $2,000 art supply prize! As always I greatly appreciate your support.
Vote for me HERE.
John

PS. Feel free to share with your friends and family.

Mini Review of "Raices Femeninas"

Here is a mini-review of my current show by Tampa Bay arts blogger Luis Gottardi, editor-in-chief of Art Taco.

Friday 3/28, the John Gascot solo show, Raices Femeninas (Feminine Roots) opened at Feathered Serpent. The artist was raised by women and pays hommage to them lovingly. Educated as a playwright, the paintings have a strong narrative and gestural style that Gascot refers to as Latin Pop. It is uplifting work well worth seeing. They have some small pieces that are charming and priced to sell.

New Painting in Progress

Mr. Telephone Man Goes to Minneapolis

Mr. Telephone Man, painted by MG Stout and yours truly was accepted into and is on his way to the Tchotchke Wonderland exhibit in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Mr. Telephone Man, acrylic and spray paint on canvas, 24" x 24"

Guardian

Guardian, acrylic on canvas, 18" x 24"

Save the Date!

Join us!

Asi Cocinamos/How We Cook

Asi Cocinamos, acrylic on canvas, 24" x 30"

This painting is available from Studio 4, Old Town or Latin Pop Shop on Etsy.

Mike Ruiz: Fierce, Flawless...FUN!

How excited was I to receive these in the mail yesterday??

When I had the opportunity to trade artworks with renowned photographer Mike Ruiz I didn't just jump, I POUNCED at it. I have been a fan of Mr. Ruiz for a very long time. Not only because he creates flawless and fierce imagery that exudes style and a distinct sense of FUN, but because he is the type of artist I strive to be. Community is never forgotten or left behind. He uses his gift and vision as a vehicle to give back. He has been a long time supporter of GMHC, the oldest provider of HIV/AIDS care, prevention and advocacy and the Ali Forney Center, a shelter for homeless LGBT youth in New York City.

I am proud to have my works included in his art collection and thrilled that my partner and I now have a small collection of his images to build on.  WIN-WIN!

Support artists who give back.

Daffodils, Eventually

Daffodils Eventually 1, acrylic on canvas, 12" x 12"

Daffodils Eventually 2, acrylic on canvas, 12" x 12"

Both pieces are currently available from Studio 4, Old Town or Latin Pop Shop on Etsy.

I'd Like to Buy the World a Coke

As an artist who strives to promote diversity I LOVED this ad and am deeply saddened by the ignorant outrage against it. 

So much of the expressed opposition came/comes in the shape of name-calling and slur-slinging tweets and posts. Less crass (but equally outspoken) protest comes from people insisting that it is a great disrespect to sing a song so meaningful to our nation in any language but English. To these people I wish to remind that not even a year ago a very similar backlash occurred against a Mexican-AMERICAN child who sang our national anthem...in ENGLISH.

Today, I am transported back to a time in my youth when I did everything in my power to subdue my Latino heritage in order to "fit in" and achieve a semblance of acceptance and social success. It didn't take long from the time we arrived in New Jersey from Puerto Rico for me to realize that I where I came from set me apart from so many of the other children in a very distinct way. The kids who spoke English as a second language kept to themselves, mostly. At best, they were not included in group activities, at worst we were laughed or giggled at if we had trouble reading out loud or answering a question due to the language barrier. It didn't matter that we were trying. I had to repeat a year of school due to this difference and I managed to master the English language just enough to "pass" and get by without much issue by only putting forth my Italian heritage from that point on. Ironically, it was my Italian-American mother who felt great disappointment at this and insisted I should always be proud of my Caribbean upbringing.
I really only remember one or two other Hispanic students (I'm sure there were more) in my high school class. So much a secret did I wish to keep my Latino heritage in order to fit in, that I was afraid to show too much knowledge of my own first language and would occasionally fumble a question or two in Spanish class. How ridiculous of me. It wasn't until I became an adult that I began to gain the confidence to truly understand the importance of being true to ones roots.

I feel for every kid out there who today sat in a classroom or opened up twitter or Facebook only to see a country (their country) outraged over a tv ad that simply depicted that America is made of many colors and cultures and that each culture on this land has (or should have) the freedom to express their love for this nation and the American dream in a way that is authentic to who they are and wherever they may originally come from.

Mardi Gras Magic

Mardi Gras Magic, acrylic on canvas, 24" x 24"

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Raices Femeninas

I am thrilled to announce my upcoming feature exhibit Raices Femeninas (Femenine Roots) at Feathered Serpent Gallery in St. Petersburg, Florida. The show focuses on my "Mujeres" work and honors the women I was raised by and femininity, which continues to inspire me. It also celebrates my Hispanic heritage.

An opening reception will be held on Friday, March 28 from 6-9 pm.
Mark your calendars and please let everyone you know in the Tampa area.
Visit and share the Facebook event page.

Killing the Canvas

One of the simplest and most effective painting tips I ever received came from one of my favorite artists (and bestie) MG Stout. Years ago I would begin a painting by drawing my image onto a blank canvas. Only then, did I begin using brushes and paints.
It wasn't a bad or wrong way to paint; I created hundreds of works this way. There is no wrong way to paint. But from time to time I would find myself "stuck". When this feeling takes over an artist's process there is no more intimidating site than that of a stark-white blank canvas staring back at you as you second guess every creative intention.
One tedious self-doubting day a not-so-gentle voice (one of Mary's superpowers) ordered over my shoulder "Kill the canvas!" That moment changed the way I begin every painting. It doesn't even matter if the color you use to "kill" the canvas ever makes it through to the final product. It frees you from the sterility of the blank surface. The second-guessing fades away and mistakes are not only no longer worrisome, they are sometimes welcome.
So the next time you find yourself in a staring contest with a blank canvas just "Kill it!"...with paint.

French Luxury

Today I bring you French luxury (made in Canada).
When I saw Pearle (I presume it's pronounced "pearl-ayy"), I simply HAD to try it.
I mean, it's "from the makers of TAME" (pronounced "tame" not "tam-ayy").
What? You've never heard of Tame??
Ok, neither have I.

Yes, ok...I was at the dollar store.

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Just When I Thought I Was Almost Done

...not just quite!
The progress continues for Venus.

In Progress

Sometimes 1 becomes 2

Yesterday was a short but good studio day. Inspiration came without much effort. As I began to paint one of my "mujeres" (women) on the canvas, I suddenly felt she needed a friend.

Sometimes you just start painting and stories happen on their own.