Inspiration in Simple Pastimes: The Yo-Yo

Yo-Yo's Proven Axel Path | acrylic and graphite on canvas | 46” x 45”

Wondering how the yo-yo works using simple string wrapped around two circles and about its many paths (“thrown down” or “walk the dog,” anyone?) inspired this new painting, “Yo-Yo’s Proven Axel Path.”

What would be my experience if I could pull the two discs apart from the center axel and watch them spin, as if still on the string?

The result is a composition about circles in space, string gone wild and layering textures, paint and color. It made its debut in my one-person show last weekend – attracting designer and architects’ attention.

Solo Art Show on Saturday Night

Tary Arterburn and Diane Collier having a good riff | Celebrate Art + Friends Party – Saturday, November 19th

Tary Arterburn/ Studio Outside and Diane Collier/ Landscape Forms hosted an art exhibition of my work on Saturday night. The white walls in Diane’s contemporary townhouse were a perfect backdrop for 15 paintings. Seventy folks gathered around the margarita machine, tamale cart, paintings and talked about art, my work, architecture, landscape design and the new Omni Hotel opening (a lot of us were involved with the project).

Kent Medenhall, Sean Garman and Carol Janis chatting it up in Diane’s urban garden retreat

A big shout out to Tary, Diane and the folks who bought my paintings or commissioned me for project-specific work. I appreciate everyone who joined us to celebrate friendship and the creative spirit.

Happy Thanksgiving….until next Sunday.

They Said It Couldn’t Be Done – Omni Hotel Original Art Everywhere

Omni Hotel Dallas Convention Center | Opening Night | 11-11-11

They said it couldn’t be done.

Yet, developers Jack Matthews and Jeff West of Matthews Southwest, with a host of others, made it happen. These are the guys who renovated the old Sears warehouse into hip loft spaces at South Side on Lamar. They’re not afraid to take risks. We saw evidence of this again when last Wednesday (specifically on 11-11-11), the Omni Hotel Dallas Convention Center opened to reveal original art in every one of the 1,000+ guest rooms and in the 40+ public spaces. There were no mass-produced prints anywhere. And, here’s an extra kicker, this art concept embraced the DFW creative community. Only local artists were asked to submit their portfolios for review. The selected artists were invited to be part of the opening ceremonies, ribbon cutting and public tour, as well as exhibit a sample of their work in a central meeting place.

Here’s one of three commissioned paintings I did for the hotel. I was honored to be considered and commissioned.

"White Rock Lake Clouds" | acrylic on canvas | 24" x 36" | Omni Hotel collection

I see this unique collaboration fitting naturally with the growing reputation of Dallas as a happening cultural, arts-oriented city where art + commerce intersect. Visit the Omni to see for yourself. Just go into the restaurant or lobby area, grab a drink or meal and you’ll see incredible paintings, including pieces by Anita Horton and Ted Kincaid – both friends of mine.

On a personal note: A shout-out to Jeremy McKane, owner of McKane Art Consulting, and his team who coordinated the selection and delivery of 100+ artists and the folks at Bray-Whaler who handled the purchase orders and paperwork for me and the other artists.