Word Play

There are so many forms of art out there that I love and respect yet never allow myself to create. When I do give myself cautious permission, I don't share the work and later destroy it. Well it's a new year with lots of exciting possibilities in the horizon and like Miss Patti Labelle, I've got a NEW ATTITUDE! Let the word-play begin.

Don't be a Dick, acrylic, collage and ink on canvas, 11" x 14"

Has to be Better Than Kanye's

Thinking I can sing in my studio.

I Haz Studio Againz!

YAY!
We moved into our new home in St. Pete, Florida back in October. I have barely lifted a paint brush (excluding the painting of walls) since then. Initially I was going to convert the garage into my studio, but I never was able to settle into that space. The spare bedroom has now become my home studio and I couldn't be happier. I feel re-charged and ready to paint once more.

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

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.

In Progress

Studio Still Life

Studio Still Life, acrylic on canvas, 10" x 10"

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

Doodle

Venus...Almost There

My cubist/pop Venus DeMars inspired painting is nearing completion.

Back in the Studio

I've been absent from the studio for a few weeks due to dealing with some personal issues. I am slowly getting back into a painting schedule. Here are some mixed media floral "minis" I'm working on for the holiday season.

Venus...in Progress

Getting there...

Stay tuned.

The Neuro-Diversity Project

Over the past few months my studio mates and I have been collaborating with a group of children on the autism spectrum to create a body of work that will hang in the Studio 4, Old Town gallery the month of September. Project creator, artist and mother to a child on the autism spectrum, Gina Cochran has paired professional artist volunteers to work with the children one on one. “We wanted to give these children a chance to not only experience the creative process WITH someone else, but also to know the joy and pride that comes from seeing your work hanging in a show.” I'm extremely proud to have had the chance to collaborate and learn from these great group of kids.

Here are a few of our finished pieces:

Ghost, collaboration with Allen, mixed media on canvas, 18" x 18"

Heroes & Villains, collaboration with Allen, acrylic on canvas, 18" x 18"

Trans Art Project Video Journal 1

Adventures in Self-Portriature

I've been asked about self portraits before. I've had the desire to dip my toes into that pond but never found the time to explore it fully due to other projects. Or perhaps I haven't allowed myself the time because I struggled with feeling it might be a bit too self-indulgent to paint images of myself. I did include a child figure (partly hidden behind a table) that represents me in En la Cocina and a photograph of my mouth in a constructed tongue-in-cheek piece titled John.

Today I came into the studio without any ideas. I asked my facebook followers "What to paint today?" to which one replied "A man with a beard." Hey, I've got one of those!

OK. Here's my first "official" selfie.

"Best Kept Secret" and an Invitation

If you follow this blog, know that I've not forgotten about you. I've simply been running in what feels like a hundred different directions over the past few months. My studio mates MG Stout, Gina Cochran and I are mostly settled into our new space. Join us for a Grand Opening celebration on Saturday, July 13 from 6-9pm. For details and directions visit our facebook event page.

In upcoming posts I will be back-tracking a bit to post other recent works. In the meantime, here is my latest completed painting:

Best Kept Secret/acrylic on canvas/30" x 24"

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

New Studio Location!

From the Workhouse to the Warehouse!
Dynamic duo turns into a Triumphant Trio.
The Art Monkeys have joined forces with mixed media rockstar Gina Cochran. Find us at historic Crilley Warehouse in Old Town, Alexandria.



NEW LOCATION:
Studio 4, Old Town
218 N. Lee Street, Suite 101
Alexandria, VA 22314

Keep an eye out for exciting new shows and events.

Block Printing At The Studio

In the interest of keeping original art accessible (one of the Art Monkey's artistic missions), I've created a wide range of price points for my upcoming Ritmos exhibit. The show includes one of a kind artworks from just $10 to $2,500.
Art is for everyone!

New Painting On My Easel

Well...technically it's still just an under-drawing, but I'm excited about it.
It's a big one, 4ft by 4ft.

Ms. Liberty in the House, Yo!

For the postcard/poster of our upcoming Pride exhibit, 4 Equality: A Show of Pride, Mary and I thought it might be a good idea to portray a singular subject in our individual styles...Lady Liberty.
Here is Mary's completed piece, amazing as always.



In true Latin Pop fashion, mine will be bright and whimsical. It should be completed by the end of tomorrow.

Celebration (in progress)

I can't wait to get back to the studio to continue working on this piece for the upcoming Pride show. It was love at first sight when I began this painting. Sometime after lunch yesterday our relationship hit a rough patch.

After working out some issues we find ourselves back in love.



Stay tuned!