Optical Allusions at Gallery Nucleus

Optical Allusions by Bill Carman
My show at Gallery Nucleus opens this Saturday May 12. The opening runs from 7-10 pm and I will be there. I hope to meet some of you who have been so loyal to me. So if anyone can stop by the gallery in Alhambra (Southern Cal) please do and introduce yourself. On another note, it's kind of fun to do these thumb grid things with paintings. As this moves down the links will remain at the top and side of blog for the duration of my show

Revival

As I finish a couple of illustrations which I can't post yet I thought about posting older pieces which I am thinking should be completed. Sometimes it happens that I stop in the middle of a painting because of time, deadlines, or other issues. I'll return later only to think, "Hey this one isn't so bad."

That's the case with this piece. Part of a story which has yet to be completed, this painting is about a little guy who steals color. Do you think it's worth finishing?

Wrapping Up the Show

 A couple of drawings to round out my show at Gallery Nucleus in May. The opening is May 12. I'll be there and hope to meet some of you from the area. I'll post more as it gets closer.
"The Real Rocket Man"

Spectrum 19 Pieces

 These are the pieces that got into Spectrum 19. The first one is up for an award. I think this is a record for me. Just goes to show if you pay enough in the way of bribes... Seriously, It's always a incredible honor to be included in such a great publication.

Are Those Giant Zombie Pandas?

You see with a little patience something great, well at least good, OK pretty cool, adequate, well unique can happen. These guys are obviously high paid top tier assassins.
"Time to Break in the New Scope"

Keeping Madness at Bay

As I continue to do these new and strange experimental things you may think I am giving in to madness. The reality is that I'm keeping it at bay by releasing it from my head. Plus I'm doing some other cool things along the way that may not be quite as mad.

Narrative Experiment

Of all the little experimental pieces I've been doing lately this one seems to have the most promise as far as future possible narrative directions. I really like the look of this.

What Are the Odds?

Sometimes a painting has that glowing quality. This is on copper about 5x7 inches.
"Narduel: What Are the Odds?"

Really Red

Different color scheme than usual but I'm allowed to do that. Artistic license purchased and renewed every year.
"Blue Birch Crown: The Objects and Symbols of Piety"

Another Quickie

Another fast study/experiment. This one feels kind of teenage angsty. Nice to know an oldish man can still have a little teenage angst, at least on the surface.

Sketchin' It Up

Once again I have let time slip by. This time I have a legit excuse. Tax season. One of my least favorite things about living in the good ol' US of A. Anyway some sketch book pages to hold my friends over.

I Apologize

Sometimes I go off the deep end even for me. I have no idea what this is about except that I kept sketching this guy in my sketchbook. Acrylic on wood.
"Merrill: Bred For Breeding"

For My Guys

Told you guys I'd finish this right away. I knew that face was begging for something greater. Another speedy experiment.
"Tastes a Little Bitter"

And Experiments Continue

You can beg all you want but I won't stop my experimental flops. I actually think this might make a cool illustration.
"I'll Just Need to Fetch My Head"

All You Animated Movie Producers

I am not merely a passable painter but a closet character designer. How could one possibly resist hiring me? The pug is screaming out for a role in a movie.

New Copper Painting

Another little gem on copper. I've always wanted to do a painting of an old drawing titled "Madonna and Bee". Well this is sort of it: "Madonna and Bunnbee"

Book o' Sketches

Haven't done a sketchbook post in awhile and I always sketch so here is a sketchbook post.

 Did these in class. Mostly I just wanted to show my guys the finished product. They took about what, 20-40 minutes? Like I said, I try to do something a little different than I usually do with these. Very fun.

New Copper Painting

Finished another weirdly interesting painting on copper. I'm a confusing guy.

"The Other Albino Tree"

MESSin' a Lot

When life is kicking my ass I tend to do more of these. Yes my ass is being kicked so here are some more. Each took about 20 minutes.