Thursday Challenge: Cup -

"Glass & Brass"
digitally manipulated photograph by Mick Mather

For this week's addition to Thursday Challenge I came just that close to uploading an unretouched photograph. I caved, in the end, to a filter that I seldom use and a little bit of lighting adjustment. Sigh! I never seem to be able to leave things alone!

NEW from The Selfportrait Series -

"Selfportrait of the Artist As A Pool Shark"
digital collage by Mick Mather

In my twenties, I really did make a pretty good buck now and then at the ol' cue club! I could see the whole game in those days, along with every angle, bank shot, trackback and the spot where the ball would end up. Sadly, too many years away from the felt has caused me to lose that part of the game. Oh well, it was fun reliving some of the memories made down on the boardwalk at Jacksonville Beach.

Excerpt from The Inventor's Diary: "Chilton's Holler Highstep" -

"Foggy Mountain Breaker"
digital collage by Mick Mather

"...way back in, deep down in a ghosty holler the oppressive August air compacts the fog from the treetops down to waist-level. Like an apparition of the sawed-in-half woman, Patty (her real name) breaks and clogs and highsteps in the blue-grey mist of the morning. She floats to and fro accompanied by claps and slaps and beats of a congregation singing in rhyme 'n harmony, 'thass a'way she do - Linda Lou'..."

Moody Monday: Delighted -

"Delighted"
digital collage by Mick Mather

"Delighted" is the theme at Moody Monday this week. After scrolling through my backlog of images this delightful pair jumped right out. I don't know what it is that's captured their attention, but they certainly seem to fit the definition. Not enough for you? Well, there's always this 1977 illustration by John Ashberry - by way of Halvard Johnson's web page - with the wonderfully expressive title, "L'Heure Exquise". A lovely way to put it, yes?

The cat made me buy it -

"Charcoal Kitten"
digital collage by Mick Mather

While finishing this one up, the "cute factor" preyed upon my mind as I recalled a pair of old, 1984-era, coffee table books by Alice L. Muncaster & Ellen Yanow called "The Cat Made Me Buy It" and "The Cat Sold It". Original editions of both books have hit the collectible market and pristine, hard cover versions may be in demand. As I contemplate the release of a coffee table book of my own in 2007 I'm pleased to, finally, have a kitty for the cover to help sell the rest of it! Keep your eye on the Bestsellers Lists.

Another chair -

"Chair #12"
monotype by Mick Mather

One of the things I really liked about the theme at Thursday Challenge the other day is the fact that I have a series of chairs. I keep these in a little notebook called The Chairs Journal where most of the pieces are simple watermedia sketches, collage and print or two - like the monotype posted here. With a nice, long weekend in full swing, I think I'll leave it right here and grab another nap.

Illustration Friday: Invention -

"Selfportrait of the Artist With A New Invention"
digital collage by Mick Mather

I was going to take it easy today and just toss up another image from The Chairs Journal, but got caught up in the theme of invention at Illustration Friday instead. As those of you who have been looking for a while may see, this is also a NEW addition to The Selfportrait Series. Now, it does appear that sofa is free. Nap time!

Thursday Challenge: Chair -

"Chair #10"
torn paper collage, tempera, stencil & digital painting by Mick Mather

Again, I say, "H-A-P-P-Y---T-H-A-N-K-S-G-I-V-I-N-G ! ! ! I don't have lots of time here at the ol' watercooler today and I can already smell the turkey, stuffing, gravy and pies! Oh those pies! That said, it's Thursday Challenge day, the theme is chair, and I know that I'm the odd-man-out over there most of the time because of my penchant for photo-manipulation over purist photographic techniques. Although, sneaking suspicions tell me that a lot of the images at TC are digitally enhanced in some form or another. That's not a bad thing, just a first step down an exciting, if unfamiliar, path for many. Did I say Happy Thanksgiving? Square that!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

"She Never Understood What Had Happened"
digital collage by Mick Mather

As I sit here counting my blessings - quite a few I must say, as I run out of fingers and toes - my mind wanders into the deep, dark woods of loves lost, passed by and never met. On the other side, I revel in the company of those true loves who came & went, came to stay or have passed away. I'm smiling as I sip my cheap brandy and toast you all! At the end of the day, a special reflection over a nightcap with thoughts of you.

The Blue Period -

"Blue Girl #3"
digital collage by Mick Mather

Once again, certain lyrics from old, old songs appear in my mind, then disappear, like smoke. That same sort of smokey feeling inhabits the pale, cloudy background of this piece and a Ray Davies classic provided the soundtrack while toiling away. Almost dreamlike for me, the words are a mantra that work their magic equally for the lovestruck and the heartbroken: "the only time I feel alright is by your side." Pass the bourbon, please.

Moody Monday: Embarrassed -

"Selfportrait of the Artist Embarrased in Front of A Woman He Used to Care For"
digital collage by Mick Mather

Back on the straight 'n narrow, somewhat. Doing this week's theme, embarrassed, over at Moody Monday was a good exercise as well as another opportunity to add a new piece to The Selfportrait Series. Gee, all of a sudden, I seem very tired and sleepy...Nighty, night!

As promised: The resized scan of the original with a bonus -

Left: "Ray Johnson's Bunny (Original Scan)"
digitally manipulated acrylic-on-newsprint by Mick Mather
Right: "Ray Johnson's Bunny #1"
digitally manipulated mixed media by Mick Mather

I mentioned last night that I'd put up the acrylic-on-newsprint piece, here titled "Ray Johnson's Bunny (Original Scan)". As I was getting it ready to upload I figured, what the hell, put up the first one along with it, here titled "Ray Johnson's Bunny #1". I may not be done with these either, come to that. I intend to give it a little distance and then come back to it - or not. Time will tell since I have one more of these acrylic-on-newsprint works to fiddle with.

From out of nowhere -

"Ray Johnson's Bunny 2006"
digitally manipulated mixed media by Mick Mather

It's been said that Ray Johnson is the only "famous" mail artist. While that isn't exactly true, it's true enough...but, I digress. Another one of my new acrylic-on-newsprint paintings just happened to remind me of Ray and his bunny (I'll post the original, resized painting tomorrow). It so impressed itself upon my mind that I spent much of today working layers of Ray himself into the piece. I even re-did my signature logo for limited use in this, and any following pieces - in homage to this relatively unsung genius.

Rearranging the Living Room -

"Living Room #1"
digitally manipulated acrylic-on-newsprint

In the office by 7:00am and finally finish the day at 8:30pm an hour away from home! I may be all in, pooped, dead-on-my-feet, finished, beat-to-my-socks - but have just enough energy to post 1 more example of this acrylic painting after running it through the super secret filters.

The original scan -

"Living Room (Original)"
digitally manipulated acrylic-on-newsprint by Mick Mather

As mentioned last night, the rest of the week will be hit & run posting of this acrylic painting on newsprint. I did use a bit of color saturation on this to make the colors pop and remove the dusty appearance of the unenhanced scan. Must dash - Ta!

Playtime -

"Living Room #4"
digitally manipulated acrylic-on-newsprint by Mick Mather

As the introductory title says, it's playtime. I have a few small, acrylic paintings on the work table - thanks, thanks and thanks again to Mark Golden at Golden Artist Colors, Inc. for the fabulous boxload of paint and other cool stuff! You know, Mark, I did promise to sling some paint around and I apologize for taking so long to post any results; but, I'm sure you know how it goes. Anyway, I scanned the original painting and began to run it through all of my usual, super secret filters. Even though I'm, pretty much, just screwing around (playtime, remember?) there's that little voice at the back of my mind hinting that there might just be a real marriage of mediums and a direction here...somewhere. I have a heavy work schedule the rest of the week and will be engaging in the tried and true hit & run method of posting til the weekend. Coming right up is the original scan of the painting as well as a few more manipulations. Same time, same channel!

Something a little darker?

"In A Shadowed Room"
digital collage by Mick Mather

Tonight's post was, somehow for me, akin to a moonlight drive. Perhaps only The Rolling Stones and those of us infected with that strange, strange affliction known as wanderlust are privy to the visions of the lyrics to "Moonlight Mile". As I worked on this piece, such thoughts were on my mind and, "Lordy, I miss ya!"

Moody Monday: Minimal -

"Minimal"

digital collage by Mick Mather

Minimal is this week's theme at Moody Monday. I like minimal, especially the ism - as in painting. I like other things in that ouvre as well: ambient sound, fog, concrete poetry, mantras, icons, even simple -.-. --- -.. . .-.-.- So, is there any need to say more right now?

NEW from The Selfportrait Series: DJ Spinnin' Marty -

"Selfportrait of the Artist as a DJ"
digital collage by Mick Mather

Today I jumped into a series of projects head first. Experimentation, fractals, different filters and, of course, the usual layering were marching orders for the day. Somewhere along the way I tripped (no pun intended) over an old 'found image' and thunked to myself, "the selfportrait series! Let's go!" This may not be my best work but I'm satisfied with it and am happily excited to add it to the fray. :)

Another Saturday night and I ain't got nobody -

"Another Blue Girl"
digital collage by Mick Mather

I'm on my way out to Ty Marshall's Art Party over at That Building, owned by good friend and collaborator, Rick Destito. Fortunately, it's relatively mild this evening although a day-long rain probably has a humid, chill in the air. Either way, I have no idea what to expect besides a big, cold room. A good night for this post I think; I'll probably meet more than a few of these over there!

Illustration Friday: Clear -

"Clear as Mud"
digital collage by Mick Mather

This week at Illustration Friday the theme is clear. The first thought I had is that old saying, "clear as mud", and I went with it. I wish there was more to say...actually there is more, but I don't have time for more. I'll be babysitting the granddaughter, attending an exhibition closing reception and, if I'm fortunate, out to hear my favorite local band, The Gonstermachers. Here's mud in yer eye!

Thursday Challenge: Orange -

"Orange"
digitally manipulated photograph by Mick Mather

The theme of orange has been used before, although, I can't recall if it was Thursday Challenge or another site. No matter, I'm too tired to go hunting for the earlier "orange" at the moment. That said, I will make a diligent search over the weekend and post it sometime soon. Come to that, I did an alternate of this - one of my more impressionist, painterly versions. The next time I have a hectic day and require one of my hit & run posts, up it will go! Wait for it. :)

Made from whole cloth -

"Chance Meeting at the Quilt Exhibition"
digital collage by Mick Mather

I had a lot of fun with this one because of the many surprises that were revealed after filtering a heavily pixelated area. As strips of said pixelation were repeated to form a portion of the background, what appears to be a displayed quilt popped out as if by magic. Hence the tongue-in-cheek introductory title. Sleep tight - and quit hogging the covers!

Still off the beaten path -

"The Gift"
digital collage by Mick Mather

As mentioned recently, I've been off the reservation more often than not. Moving forward always takes risk and, for the most part, that means employing filters and using colors that I've not bothered with much before now. Anyway, as I fiddle around, things seem to be happening and I'm more than pleased with what's resulted.

Moody Monday: Comfortable -

"Comfortable"
digitally manipulated photograph by Mick Mather

This is a rather ordinary, old photograph of a friend of mine from life drawing class. As I recall, this was taken on a rather hot, summer day and I have to admit, Cindy sure seems to know how to get comfortable. Anyway, my addition to that theme over at Moody Monday this week. Did I say "cheers"? Bottoms up!

There's a story here that I can't quite grasp -

"Turning A Cold Shoulder To A Cruel Sea"
digital collage

While cutting & pasting, repainting and layering this image the seed of a short story whipped 'round the fringes of my mind. There's something about the way this character looks neither at, nor away, from the breaking waves of a rolling sea. You folks go ahead and enjoy while I sit and scratch my head for a while.

You should be fast asleep -

"Yawning"
digital collage by Mick Mather

I was just mucking about this evening when this image began to hit full stride. Unfortunately, the darned thing seems to be making me quite sleepy. So, with my eyelids drooping and my poor old head nodding, I bid you goodnight.

Illustration Friday: Smoke -

"Smoke"
digital collage by Mick Mather

I seem to have missed a week at Illustration Friday, or is it two weeks? Either way, here's an image for this week's theme: smoke. Now, I really must dash since I have to be up early tomorrow to hang almost 25 of my monotypes - The TV Dinner Series - over at Rick Destito's space/place for an upcoming exhibition & party organized by the tireless Ty Marshall.

Every once in a (long) while -

"Pause for Thought"
digital collage by Mick Mather

Even though I haven't spent much of my artistic life as a painter, I have studied paintings studiously along with other painters whose work inspires me. I remember spending an entire winter with a book containing the collected works of Andrew Wyeth, for example. Squinting my eyes for signs of underpainting, following the individual brush strokes and standing back to admire the full composition of a piece. Not quite the full glory of standing before the real thing mind you - struck dumb and drooling down the front of my shirt, but, I digress. Tonight's image was one of those pieces that worked totally as a painting for me. Not at the first go 'round, no...but after setting it aside and coming back days later with a renewed desire to fiddle about? It fell right in line. Sigh! It sure feels good sometimes.