New Cityscapes - Loop Alleyways Looking Up

I started this series of cityscape paintings before the pandemic started and just finished a couple of them recently. They're based on photos I took last December walking around alleys in Chicago’s Loop. I'm trying to capture that feeling when you're standing below large buildings looking up and how the environment around you is so much larger than you. The results are like feeling overwhelmed and claustrophobic, unstable, and like things are falling down toward you.

Click the images to view full size.

Abstract Cityscapes - Fragmented Disconnections

Well, the year is half-way over and I realized I have not published any blog posts in 2020. Crazy year, pandemic, etc…Speaking of, I’ve been making a lot of new paintings during this pandemic period which have mostly been abstract cityscapes. The emotional anxiety of the times led me down this road so I’m running with it.

With this series of abstract cityscapes, I'm working to bring in recognizable city elements into the composition and improvise with colors and shapes. The results are fragmented disconnections - things are in disarray, out of order, upside down, and disconnected in places. I also found that they related to some pieces I created in 2018-2019 which I have also included in the main abstract cityscapes gallery page.

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Final Painting of 2019: New Abstract Cityscape

I worked on and off on this painting for about 6 months, mostly not working on it. In the last few days of 2019, I put focus on either finishing it up or calling it dead. I worked through some color issues and got past the problems I was having and got it to a place where I’m happy with it. It may be the end of these abstracts or the start of something new.

Bisected Connection, oil on canvas, 24x30, 2019

Bisected Connection, oil on canvas, 24x30, 2019


Views from the El Train

For about the last 6 months, I’ve been working on a series of paintings depicting views out of the El Train window. These paintings are based on photos and sketches I did while commuting to my day job downtown. See more paintings from my larger El Trains series.

“Inside/Outside” group show at the Art Center of Highland Park - June 14 - August 3, 2019

My two paintings, “Claustrophobia” and “South Loop Skyscraper”, will be included in the “Inside/Outside” group show at the Art Center of Highland Park which opens June 14! The exhibit, “Undercurrents”, also opens and runs concurrently. Special thanks to Michelle Stone and Susan Smith Trees for selecting this great group of artists and to curator, Caren Rudman, from the Art Center of Highland Park for organizing the exhibition.

Show Dates: Friday, June 14 - August 3, 2019
Opening Reception: Friday, June 14, 5:30 - 7:30pm
RSVP for the opening reception

Claustrophobia, oil on canvas, 30x40, 2018

South Loop Skyscraper, oil on canvas, 36x48, 2017

New Abstract Cityscape Paintings

Since January, I have been exploring abstraction with cityscapes. I’ve done a lot of sketching with charcoal and taking lots of reference photos to use. It’s been fun getting looser with the shapes and not being so concerned about things looking like actual architecture. Looking forward to making more of these abstract cityscapes. Click on the images below to enlarge fullscreen.

Featured in Professional Artist Magazine

I’m excited to announce that my painting, Chicago Blues, and “elevator speech” artist statement are featured in the February-March 2019 issue of Professional Artist Magazine. The magazine has been around for over 30 years, but unfortunately, this will be the last issue. It’s sad because this was such a great resource for artists but I’m happy that I got contacted to be in the issue. Below are some screenshots (click to enlarge):

How to Nail Your Elevator Speech by Gigi Rosenberg, Professional Artist Magazine, February-March 2019

October Open Studios

On Friday, October 5, 2018, we’re having Open Studios at the Cornelia Arts Building - kicking off the fall art season. I’ll be showing some new cityscape paintings and will also have a selection of pieces at discounted prices for a fall art sale. Stop by and enjoy an evening of art!

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Art on two floors and guest artists in the hallways! Close to public transportation & free parking!

RSVP for the October 2018 Open Studios:
Friday, October 5, 6-10 pm

Check out a show preview on ArtSlant.

All are welcome so invite your friends! FREE and open to the public.

Artist Talk - "Fish Hooks" Presentation @ SapientRazorfish

This past Friday, I was invited to give a presentation at my office about my art and volunteering at CHIRP Radio. It was a really great experience for me to share these two passions and creative outlets - people were engaged and asked questions about my art and CHIRP. The presentation was part of a bi-weekly office update and which always includes someone sharing something interesting they do outside of work.

Here are some photos from the presentation along with a few slides I used. Click on the images to view larger.

ART

I spoke about my art career, my studio, and how urban landscapes and architecture are my inspiration for creating paintings and photographs of cityscapes. I also let everyone know about the upcoming Cornelia Arts Building Fall Open Studios. Click on the images to view larger.

CHIRP RADIO

I gave an overview of CHIRPRadio.org - 1071.FM and my work as a volunteer, DJ, and marketing director for this Chicago-based independent community radio station. I also mentioned our current fall fundraising drive and upcoming one-year broadcast birthday bash. Click on the images to view larger.

Presentation Photos Credit: Nick Heitzman