New Year, New Art Show

in

We’re having a group show for all of the artists who have studios at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts in Pittsfield, MA.  The show is called Out of the Studio: the Artists of the Lichtenstein and features me and 7 of the other artists there.  There is also an article on it in the Berkshire Eagle; just click here. 

I will be showing some of my latest work; if you attended any of the painting demos I gave last year you will recognize some of the paintings.  Please come say hello during the opening reception on Saturday, January 10th from 4-7pm, where there will be live music and refreshments.  

Details:

Out of the Studio: the Artists of the Lichtenstein
January 9-31, 2015
Lichtenstein Center for the Arts
28 Renne Avenue, Pittsfield, MA 01201
(413) 499-9348 www.discoverpittsfield.com

Opening Reception: Saturday, January 10 4-7pm.
Gallery open Wed - Sat 11AM-4PM or by appointment

Artists on display: Mario Caluori, Peg Dotchin, Julio Granda, Jim Horsford, Sean McCusker, Nicole Rizzo, Michael Rousseau, and Stefanie Weber

I hope you to see you there!

Painting Demo @ Frelinghuysen Morris House & Studio

in ,

I will be demonstrating my painting techniques on the grounds of Frelinghuysen Morris House & Studio on Friday, August 15th starting at 11:00AM.  There will be several examples of my work and examples of those in progress.  If you have ever wondered how I produce the translucent paintings I am most known for, now is your chance to see them being made.  The demonstration is free with any admission to the museum.  I hope to see you there.

Frelinghuysen Morris House & Studio is a modern style house museum built by two abstract painters most known for their work in the 1930s and 40s when they were pivotal in the development of abstract art in America.  Beyond helping develop American abstract art, they were also avid collectors of modern paintings including work by Braque, Picasso, Gris, and Leger.  The house is open, by hourly guided tours only, from 10-3 Thursday through Friday.  I highly recommend it to anyone interested in the arts.

3rd Thursday Art Tent

in , ,

 

If you happen to be in the Pittsfield area this 3rd Thursday, July 17th, come on over to the lawn of St. Joseph’s church.  I will be there inside a giant tent along with 9 other artists who will be selling work inside along with hors d’oerves from Mission and a cash bar!  This is a pay for admission event, $5 per person to benefit the Pittsfield Shakespeare in the Park.  So come on by and see the cast of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and then check out some of the best art in the area!

This is a one day event held on July 17th from 5-8PM.  The tent will be located in the lawn of St. Joseph’s Church, 414 North St, Pittsfield, MA.  During the event North Street is closed to vehicle traffic so everyone can walk the entirety of North Street; so plan carefully.

 

Adams Town Hall

in

 

I have some paintings on display at the Adams Town hall in, as you may have guessed, Adams, Ma.  There is no reception, but the work is right out in the open and you can visit during any of the regularly scheduled hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.  The show will be on display through June 25th, 2014.  Take a look at the show and let me know what you think.  All of the work is also for sale, so feel free to contact me for prices.

The Adams Town Hall is located at 8 Park Street, Adams, Ma 01220.

NAP: BapBapBap and Because God is Dead

in ,

Oh no! I forgot to post about the last two releases of my podcast!  A quick synopsis to follow:

Part 2 of episode 4 of Not A Podcast is up and called “BapBapBap".  It's very short and sweet; and certainly the lighter end of the podcast.  If you don't remember, this is where we discussed, discussing art and... how.. we do it... wrong?

We also released episode 5 called "Because God is Dead".  Here we discus Miriam Elia's art/book based off of the Lady Bird style of children’s books.  It's a fun ride into a "What is art" discussion.  I also mention my own intensions for making an "arty" book.

NAP: Erotically Verbose

in ,

We have released the next episode of our art filled podcast: Not A Podcast: Erotically Verbose.  This is part one because four episodes in we decided we needed a little change of format.  We're nothing if not consistent...  consistently changing that is.

This episode we have a dialogue about "art speak" and how it can affect our experience of art.  It was a good discussion and was one where we talked so much about it I had to split it into two episodes; the second half coming next week.

Feel free to let me know what you think of the episode in as complex language as you like.

This is not a post

in


A good friend of mine, Peter Russo, and I have begun a little experiment to see if our words can contribute to the whole understanding of the internet at large.  That is to say, we have started a podcast.  The show is still in the beginning stages, has a loose format and two persons still collecting their bearings, but please have a listen and let us know what you think.  http://www.spudsandmeat.com/

The podcast is titled "Not a Podcast" (Magritte anyone?).  "What is it about" you say?  Well... art of course; I don't do anything else.  We attempt to discuss, in as entertaining a manner as possible, an artsy topic every week.  But like I said, we're still taking our baby steps, so help us make it better and leave your comments.

Talk at Bushnell Sage Library

 

The Housatonic Valley Art League, which I have been a member of for many years, is having an event called “Winter Break”.  It’s an Art Swap and Social taking place at Bushnell Sage Library in Sheffield, Ma; held in the Community Room downstairs.  So if you have any art supplies you have been looking at getting rid of, then come on down and you may find a home for them.

It is open to the public, so you don’t need to be a member to attend.

As part of the event I will be giving a short talk about my techniques; with a little demonstration of the development of my paintings.  For the first time, outside of my studio, I will be showing what my paintings look like before their completed as an example of the process.  So if you have ever been interested in the techniques of glazing, or my work in particular, stop by and enjoy the talk.

I am not the only one giving a talk; Iska Kenney will be giving a talk about her pastel work as well.  I’m sure there will be time to talk one on one after as well, so feel free to say “Hi” to both of us.

SPECIFICS

Place: Bushnell Sage Library (Community Room), Sheffield, MA

Date: Sunday, February 23, 2014

Time of Art Swap/Social: 2:30 -4:30

Time of my talk: around 3:00

Cost: Nothing but your time

Farewell, May We Meet Again

"Farewell, May We Meet Again" is my latest show at Steven Valenti’s Clothing for Men store in Pittsfield, MA. The show is opening on Friday, November 1st, during the First Fridays Artwalk from 5-8PM. For the holiday season I have lowered the prices for all of my work in the show, so if you’ve been looking for a chance to own one of my paintings, or give one to a friend, you’re in luck! Steven Valenti’s Clothing for Men is located at 157 North Street, Pittsfield, MA. Open Monday through Wednesday and Friday, 9:30AM – 5:30PM; Thursday 9:30AM -8:00PM; and Saturday 9:30AM – 5:00PM. “Farewell, May We Meet Again” will be on display from October 30 to November 30, 2013.
Read More

HVAL Small Works Show

in

I have two paintings that will be on display at the Welles Gallery in Lenox Massachusetts as part of the Housatonic Valley Art League's Small Works show.  The opening reception is Saturday, 10/5/13 from 4-6.  Come on in and see me and my work as well as the other talented artists of the HVAL.

This is an annual show, which I have missed for the last couple of years, and has always been an excellent exhibit.  Just because the work is small does not mean they are any less intense.  In fact, I feel that the intimacy of small paintings can bring more to the experience because you have to be in such close proximity to it.  I hope you are able to see the show and feel free to comment here about what you think of it.

The show will be up from Thursday, October 4 to Saturday, October 26, 2013.  The gallery is open Thursday - Sunday 10-5 and will be open on Columbus Day, 10/13.  The Welles Gallery is located in the center of Lenox attached to the Lenox Library: 18 Main Street, Lenox, MA 01240.

I hope to see you there.

 

Treehouse Exhibit May 2013

in ,

Since you’re here I presume you are interested in my artwork.  If by chance you are also in the Pittsfield area in May 2013, you are certainly in luck as I have a show up at the Treehouse Children’s Boutique at 305 North Street in Pittsfield.  There you will find around 20 works on display including oil paintings and pastel drawings.  You say you want to purchase some of my art?  Well, someone has kissed the Blarney Stone, because as a special promotion for the show I am giving a $100 discount on any purchases made during the opening reception held during the First Fridays Artswalk on Friday May 3rd, 2013, from 5-8PM.  Many of the works you can find on my website will be there and many more that have not yet graced the internet.  Following is the official press release with all the important details.  I hope to see you there!

 

 

 

Sean McCusker will be showing his colorful surreal landscape paintings at Treehouse Children’s Boutique, 305 North Street, Pittsfield, MA. The showing entitled “Landscape, Color and Me” will be on display from May 3 to May 31; with a reception held during the “First Fridays Artswalk” on May 3rd from 5-8PM.

 

Treehouse Children’s Boutique will be showing the work of Sean McCusker for this May’s First Fridays Artswalk.  Sean McCusker has been creating surreal landscapes inspired by the hilly Berkshires for the past 10 years.  His work has been shown at galleries and storefronts across Berkshire County and he has been an active member of the arts community in Pittsfield offering his experience to the First Fridays Artswalk and other cultural organizations.  This show will highlight the development of the settings and characters he uses in his imaginative paintings.  From his dark and mysterious early work to newly completed paintings full of bright color and vibrancy, you can experience the development of the now iconic characters and scenarios that have become indicative of his work.

 

Sean's abstract compositions glow with an intense color and contrast that is built up from many thin layers of transparent oil paint. His compositions use striking color to intensify the thematic landscapes; color describes and animates the surreal world.  The compositions often center around an abstract figure, sometimes in a group but most often alone, set against a vast empty space. These figures brim over with warmth, along with a deep yearning for that which is just over the horizon in their richly colorful world. Examples of his work can be found at www.sean-mccusker.com.