b l o g i c

Still Life Workshop - Great Success

2011-12-12T06:42:00.000-08:00

Still Life Workshop with Emphasis on Design II, was a great success. check back for more workshops with design in mind.

New and Improved

2009-08-02T20:21:00.000-07:00

The John Kilroy Fine Art Academy is proud to announce it's newly expanded fine art facilities. We have doubled our studio space to offer the best and most comfortable, air conditioned atelier in the Boston area. In addition to our studio expansion, we have purchased an entire golf course and have created the worlds first 18 hole en plein aire school of landscape painting. Here is instructor John Kilroy, at the first hole giving beginning instruction on the importance of having the right equipment. As a finale we have constructed a simulated Grand Canyon 18th hole in an adjacent quarry for getting that authentic deep space effect. We have spared no expense for you, our valued friends and patrons!

Funny but true.

2009-03-10T14:57:00.000-07:00

Blessed be those that have heard "Let There Be Cadmium Red Light." Praise Moses-by and the Holy Charts of color. After descending from Sears Tower, The Mount of Chicago and ministering to the young apostles, he taught them to conserve the Holy Values of Tone and Ethereal Edge Control from on high. The Apostles: Guzik, Frantzen, Gerhartz, and Burdick. The Palette and Chiselers, The Lovelands, The Putneys and The Demos. The Movies, The Videos, The Books and The Magazines. The Admirers, The Wannabes, The Dabblers and The Judas was played by Bob Ross. In case you haven't noticed yet, that's me with the Chromatic Codpiece.

Man of Mystery

2009-02-16T18:27:00.000-08:00

I met Bob through my good friend Ginger and knew I had to paint him. He is a very quiet, mysterious kind of guy with a great aura of dignity. This portrait went quickly- about 2 hours.

Fork. The Ca$h.

2009-02-10T11:48:00.000-08:00

This is not a trompe, money is. Looks like paint- doesn't fool anyone's eye.

It had a lot of working titles:
1. Where your Moby is.
2. Crucifux
3. Salad Worship
4. Well Done
5. 101 Damnations
6. Putyo Money....
7. Forknicating Benny
8. With Envy
9. Federal Deserve Wank
10. Tastes Like Banker

Probably won't go good over the sofa.

What A Wonderful World

2009-02-01T18:13:00.000-08:00

An admiring glance. Playing hard to get, are we? Don't pretend to feel nothing. You cannot resist. You are on a pedestal, yes. After a romantic night of formal dining you will be mine!

Excellent New Art Book

2009-01-27T11:47:00.000-08:00

If you haven't seen the work of Bill Reese, here's your chance. If you don't know about Bill or his superb artwork, this new book of his is a great overview of his enormous depth and breadth as an artist. Bill is one of the most talented, dedicated and hardworking artists I know of and the absolute model of what is truly fine and positive about humanity.

During the early 1980's, Bill was the guy who really showed me what outdoor painting was all about, at a time when very few artists were really out there. He rightly and lovingly said, while painting side-by-side: "John, just put your stuff down and come over here and watch what I'm doing." He saw that I was just a clueless bumbler, struggling with a stupid, rickety field easel and messy hand palette. Claude Moron, from the south of Le Brain. And what a lesson it was! This guy was operating on ANOTHER LEVEL. Knowledge, skill, perception, procedure, craftsmanship, exemplary fundamentals, great picture- making and design, ideas, reverence, expression! Wham!

Even though you may not of heard of him, Bill really IS that great, even if he is a very low key kind of guy.

This is one of those must-have books. It is a true classic. High-end knowledge translated in a way that an artist at any experience level can grasp and utilize. Very clear and plain-spoken just like Bill is. Beautiful images and great knowledge aside, this is an extremely inspiring book and a true labor of love.

It just so happens that he is serving up a big "Plate 'O Reese" and now you can get a heaping spoonful in two flavors. Hard or soft cover. Well printed.

YOU NEED TO HAVE THIS!

Get it here: http://www.williamfreese.com/books.html

Too early for winter.

2008-12-05T17:11:00.000-08:00

Too early for the cold. I'm thinking of late summer and how much I love the yummy environment my wife Adele creates here at Gilligans Island. Here's one of her little micro worlds from August. Stumbled on it in late afternoon and it had to be painted. Some of the things you notice in the little corners of your life are sometimes just astonishing. What a world. Thanks!

Why I Opened My Own School

2008-10-28T11:41:00.000-07:00

After 32 years as a professional artist and my 16th year as a teacher, I have reached some conclusions which have helped guide me in my direction and decisions in both my personal philosophy and teaching curriculum.

Creativity
Today, a large part of what people call art is based on “creativity” which in large part is the impulse to engage in creative activities. In almost all cases, this amounts to an unconscious urge which is basically: I do it because it feels good. My belief is that mankind has an inherent genius which compels him to build, construct, synthesize, express etc. in innumerable ways- and there are countless examples of amazing art as old as the Venus of Willendorf or the Caves of Lascaux spanning right up to the present time.

Today, it has become apparent to me that people generally have lost most of their perceptual abilities. The Bavarian system of education introduced at the beginning of the industrial revolution purposely created a system to make good, compliant factory workers, simultaneously molding and dumbing down the populace to behave and comply with the wishes of the elite. Today a version of this system (on steroids) now has taken over and created a populace mind controlled by electronic media, predigested data and the use of various symbols, thought forms, and overt propaganda replacing good old fashion observation, direct experience, critical thinking, skeptical inquiry, and a personal overview of reality devoid of group- think.
Unfortunately, children today know more about Mickey Mouse than real mice.

Perception
If the ability to “see” is compromised or reduced (it is the mind that sees), then art, due to the lack of discernment, inability to recognize visual systems, subtlety, universal commonalities, and other truths which “seeing” reveals only allows that which that is implanted or gleaned from second hand sources. This limits what is available to the artist and the resultant creative endeavors. The ability to perceive is always reflected in the creative response. Initially, if one cannot clearly perceive “The Creation”, how can you create with any authority or honesty? Only if you are greater than the CREATOR, I suppose. The main point here is that creativity is not necessarily perceptive.
In my opinion, GREAT art is made when both creativity and perception are highly developed and integrated.

Behavior Modification
One thing I find puzzling is that all so- called education today is the accumulation of data and compartmentalization. “Learning” in today's teaching establishments promote, I assume, that everyone is basically perfect and only information is needed. The learner can then go off and collect their rewards, fame etc. I have found that most people aren't willing to question the paradigm in which all of their beliefs and assumptions are based. People basically don't want to change how they ARE, or HOW they learn. That would entail questioning beyond the comfort zone and issues of ego, self esteem and thinking outside the box would generate fear and unhappiness. Lets not forget to factor in the curse of political correctness and that schools are big business. High level creativity really requires such a modification since by definition is: “controlled problem solving”. Painting for example, is a series of extremely varied mental processes, advanced cognitive functions, skill sets, non- repetitive protocols, unprecedented improvisations and logic/intuition integration which normal human every day functioning does not even remotely approach.
To be a really good artist, you have to constantly recreate yourself.

Craftsmanship
I believe great art has a large element of craftsmanship/technique involved as this is a layer of communication and expression which is what grabs and entertains the recipient as well as the creator. Manual dexterity and discipline train the mind in many ways including focus, responsiveness, endurance, professionalism, confidence, etc. Asian martial arts and musical training also prove this to be true. Even though they can be the same, it is good to differentiate craftsmanship from ideas, themes, motives, and concepts since all play various roles and are all different, applied on a case by case basis. Great art functions on multiple levels simultaneously.
Craftsmanship is not a substitute for the great idea and vice-versa.

Art History
There have been innumerable geniuses that have preceded us and besides immersing ourselves in what we can learn from them we must also try to understand the context of their time as well as understand how they and their work relate to the greater body of art. Gaining the broad overview is quite a daunting task. A practitioner's connection to historic mastery is a foundation that dissolves limits while enhancing one's enjoyment and ability to create.
A great artistic skill is to be able to differentiate personal style from content as well as from principles.

Our School
We address all of these ideas, concerns and more at the John Kilroy Fine Art Academy and at a reasonable price too. We teach all levels and ages. We include all the necessary fundamental skills as well as extremely advanced curricula unavailable elsewhere at any cost. We can rival or surpass any university training. To be a successful professional gallery artist, one must have training but does not need a degree since this is determined by merit alone. We differentiate between support and pampering. Making great art at any level will always be difficult. We are interested in and dedicated to excellence. If one wants a job in a museum or college, then a university degree is essential. Get in line behind three generations (thousands) of "qualified", unemployed folks with various art degrees. That will be right after you have payed off your astronomically high student loans.

Playin' It Safe

2008-10-05T09:03:00.000-07:00

I was reading the other day a description of an adult- ed art class offered by someone and it said: "Friendly classes offered in a non- threatening environment". I took a double take to check and make sure that it was for ADULTS and not an ad for a preschool.

After thinking about the demographic this ad was supposed to appeal to, I wondered how this group could possibly handle the responsibility of driving a motor vehicle (especially in the aggressive, lethal suburban areas). Should they be allowed to have a drivers license? I also then realized a large amount of these same folks had reproduced and have offspring. In todays often terrifying world, how on earth can they HONESTLY shoulder the responsibility of providing for and raising sub- adults? Maybe it is just the actual difficulty of learning that is the problem here since being "arty" is supposed to be "fun" and work and effort might inhibit "self expression" and "freedom". Isn't it nice to be talented?

Great New Trend

2008-10-04T09:50:00.000-07:00

I've just got to share this fantastic new trend that has become an absolute blessing for me. It was popularized on the internet and I think this will revolutionize art in the 21st century. It's simply called "A Painting Every Thirty Two Seconds"!

In our ever quickening world this makes the making of art much more efficient and allows me to get to the grocery store while still being able to bring the kids to soccer. Last Saturday afternoon alone, I was able to complete 32406 finished oils and several hundred watercolors and still be home in time to make dinner.

Now I know you probably thinking that ALL of those paintings can't be that good, but let me assure you that my galleries like the 1" x 1" paintings and they are selling like hotcakes! (Actually, more like donut holes). I'm sure you realize my framing bill every month is quite steep, but that expense has been easily offset with volume discounts. If you buy 1500, you will get a mail-in rebate for a free 250 more of the same. But wait - thats not all! As a SPECIAL gift to our loyal customers you will also get the complete set of 9000 postage stamp size embossed Giclée prints.

This revolutionary new approach is finally making my artistic pursuits incredibly more convenient and has created much more time for shopping and television. My new cell phone sized pochade box fits handily with my other essentials and is really quite stylish.

United We Stand !

2008-09-22T09:07:00.000-07:00

Lately, a lot of friends and associates have been pushing the election and their "choices" for the new head puppet as we're currently watching in the fully televised Misdirect Circus '08. I suppose most folks are waking up (too late) and finally seeing that these crooks have been in cahoots with the Wall St. banksters. The turds at the top have known about, encouraged and participated in this swindle all along. This is the final slice and dice of the good 'ol U.S. of A. I guess people don't matter anymore. Apparently only corporations do now. We are their food. Fully marinated.

Heres an idea: Lets reward and reimburse the professional gamblers with our earnings- who've lost their or someone else's money at the grim reaper game - so they can keep the casino open? Does the Tidy Bowl Guy have any room in his rowboat? Zero accounting. Zero accountability. Get your hand off of my wallet, Bubba. We're talking TRILLIONS!

Wasting time and energy beLIEving you have ANY say AT ALL in the totally evil, Matrix Mind Manipulation of the masses is the same reason why I don't believe in poli-tricks. Not at all.
Here is my new "united" party logo and hopefully it lets some folks feel that "love" I have for our "leaders".

Treason Television- Watch it on your cell- or in it.

Shut Up and Paint

2008-09-12T20:05:00.000-07:00

Admittedly, I'm not much of a writer. Considering most of my speech patterns are peppered with "less than acceptable" musician lingo and the fact that I'm always looking for a good laugh, please let me apologize in advance.

My life has been enriched tremendously by so many incredible people- at the top of the list is my wife/ best friend Adele as well as a huge thanks to the two greatest parents one could ever have.

This blog is actually dedicated to my friend Don Croft, who has in the past, encouraged me to write. I really admire Don for his many talents, especially his written works and personal style of living. I was first drawn to Don through his writing and derive tremendous pleasure reading his chronicles and observations about a wide and wild array of topics. Before I personally met Don, I thought his writings were "creatively enhanced" for effect and his work was a type of fiction that used truth and facts blended together as a potent hybrid. Was I ever OFF the mark. Don and his amazing wife Carol happen to be two of the most remarkable and unusual people on the planet.

First of all, besides being one of the smartest people I've ever met, Don has the perceptual awareness and other unusual skills that make you feel like a special needs, infantile, sewer snerd by comparison. He's aware of all kinds of things going on all around us that we completely miss and disregard. Stranger still is that Don carries around with him a type of 4th dimensional vortex where wild, strange, unusual and twilight zone happenings occur constantly which are chock full of intensity. He is a tremendous artist in that his life and work are completely united and genuine. Don is one of the coolest people I've ever encountered and is a 10 when it comes to NO B.S. He walks the walk.

I am grateful to him no end for his warm brotherhood and his revealing to me how much I truly miss in life, plus his generous offerings of useful advice for use as corrective and enrichment measures.

Tip of the hat to you, amigo.