I like coming up with names for my paintings. While I was doing that for this new one, I realized many of the titles I was thinking about came together like a poem. Here it is::
When I Looked Up
When I looked up, there were
Collapsing skyscrapers,
Falling toward me.
At the crossroads —
A point of intersection,
With buildings between us.
When I Looked Up, oil on canvas, 30x40", 2020
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.
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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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
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.
My art and studio is featured on the digital postcards and posters for the November Open Studios at the Cornelia Arts Building.
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
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.
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
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!
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.
