Idea Books Presentation

Once again I was asked to make a presentation at the Jefferson Art Guild May meeting. This time I talked about my "Idea Books." They are sketchbooks in which I paint, draw and paste into during a calendar year. Sometimes I do more than one depending on the number of artifacts I accumulate. When finished I have everything in one place. My "Idea Books" are great resources me.

To see pages from my "Idea Books" go to my blog aha pages. They are mixed in with sketches from my sketchbook.

My Patreon Page

Recently I started a Patreon Page to support my online creativity. If you enjoy viewing my artwork, photographs and videos, please feel free to become a patron of my work. Thank you to all the supportive folks who have visited my various social media profiles.

Below is me at the beach in Pass Christian, located on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Experimental Graphite Drawing Demonstration

Last night I demonstrated experimental graphite drawing at the February Jefferson Art Guild meeting. My fellow artists were very enthusiastic about the techniques I performed. The last photo in this post is the result. Eventually I will finish the piece, but I have to set it aside for a while.

To see my graphite sketches and drawings go to my blog graphite only. They are mixed together.

Dots Evolution

The following paintings document my use of dots in my artwork eventually leading to my current work.


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Second Place, Artist of the Month

Tonight at the Metairie Art Guild meeting my dot painting, "Treinta," placed second in the Artist of the Month competition. It is one of three recent dot paintings I completed in October. So far, I've received many positive comments on the painting.

Tenth Anniversary on YouTube!

In October of 2005, upon returning to the New Orleans area, I purchased my first digital camera. At the time I didn't realize the camera had a digital video feature. Once I discovered that ability, I learned through trial and error how to shoot and how to edit video. For 6 months I experimented with the medium, drawing inspiration from an assortment of videos I watched online.

Then in May of 2006, I made my first ever YouTube channel, dotdude. Over a ten year period I've shot video subjects that interested me and poured over that statistics provided by YouTube.

Along the way I purchased a couple of Flipcams and more recently a Sony camcorder. Some of my videos are simply observational, while others are more experimental. At times I’ve added music and sound to my videos. As the software changed, I tried new features.

Below is the first videos I shot. It includes an angel statue next to a small lily pond with a fountain. A number of homes in New Orleans have patio gardens that include fountains and/or ponds. A still image of the statue with pond served as my initial channel avatar.

Experimental Acrylic Techniques Workshop, Third Time!

Last May I was asked by the West Bank Art Guild to conduct an artist workshop. Based on enthusiastic reviews from my fellow artists, I decided I would again put together an “experimental acrylic techniques” workshop. The last one I taught was in 2012. So, it took a while for me to track down all the materials I had squirreled away. This time, however, the workshop took place in a new location.

Again, I encouraged the artists, who attended, to try different methods. Some even came up with their own ideas. Below are photos of the participants. The group was very productive and enthusiastic.

Honorable Mention at Lakeside!

This morning I entered art into an art show competition sponsored by the West Bank Art Guild. It was held at the Lakeside Shopping Center in Metairie. Participants designated three pieces to be part of the judging. Anyway, my acrylic painting, "Veinte," was awarded an Honorable Mention in the Not Under Glass Category. The judge was Martha Guthrie.

Calendar Dot Art!

The Jefferson Art Guild (JAG) 30 Month Calendar is out. Thirty of the guild's artists have work featured in it. My dot painting, "Veinte," appears above December 2016 - which is a year away now.

Algiers Point Fine Art Gallery

Recently my dot art hung at Algiers Point Fine Art Gallery at 837 1/2 Opelousas Avenue in Algiers Point. Algiers Point is across the Mississippi River from the French Quarter. The display included works from the last nine years: 5" x 5"'s, 6" x 6"'s and 20" x 20"'s. The gallery's entrance faces a street corner.

The Reception!

Last night was the reception for my one artist show at The Rook Cafe located at 4516 Freret Street in Uptown New Orleans. My sister, who organized the event, made sure there was plenty food and drink to be had. Below are some photos from the evening. There was a steady trickle of friends and family coming and going.

The Show Is Up!

As of Monday eighteen of my dot paintings are hanging on the walls of "The Back Room" at The Rook Cafe. The cafe is located at 4516 Freret Street in New Orleans, Louisiana. The group of paintings are from a series I call "Numeros." A while back I needed to give the paintings titles before they were finished. So, I chose Spanish numbers. Anyway, these works will be up through October 9, 2014.

Friday, September 19, 2014, from 6 to 8 p.m., is the evening reception for my art show. Hopefully the weather will remain mild and free of hurricanes. September is often a busy month for tropical storms.

The Rook Cafe

This past Monday the owner of The Rook Cafe allowed me to hang two of my dot paintings on the wall. He has scheduled me for a show, in the back room, in September. Below are photos from The Rook Cafe is located at 4516 Freret Street in Uptown New Orleans.

Ele Shoes Closes

Ele Shoes and Accessories is closing at the end of June. I took down my art this Friday. For nine years my dot art hung at Ele. I'm sad to see the shop close. Below are the paintings that were hanging at Ele this past spring.