Illustration as Fine Art; Fine Art as Illustration

I am an Illustrator. My Paintings ARE "Big Cartoons"

I figured out a concrete example of how adopting the term "illustration" for what I do as a painter, in my painting, has allowed me a greater conceptual freedom.  I've long recognized that "Purism is Our Enemy," as I titled a book of cartoons once.  And yet, I still am a purist in some areas.  In my painting, I always was reluctant to slather on the black, to rely on it, feeling that this turned my painting into a big cartoon.  But now, knowing that it's an "illustration," I don't feel that way.  I feel I can do whatever I need to do get the image the way it needs to be. (Mostly: I'm not going to stick yarn or buttons to the canvas, nor add collage.)  Also, I can blatantly use white in larger areas, which really counts as a second example because the application of white is an entirely different matter.

I figured out a dirty secret.

The people who make potato chips, etc., put greasy seasoned powder on the chips because they know that most likely you're eating them right out of the bag and will be reluctant to take your hand out of the bag and seal it up because you'll be reluctant to get greasy and powder all over the outside of the bag or whatever.  This will encourage you to eat the whole goddam bag in one sitting.  Sneaky.

Thirtieth Painting Anniversary

 Thirty years ago today I decided to become a professional painter.  The photograph below shows me at age 26, during the very early days, just getting started.  I had no training, no understanding of what I was doing or where I was going with this.  All I knew was this was the most fun thing I’d discovered to do.  The night before I had had a crisis: I wanted to do something with my life, but I wasn’t doing anything.  I wanted to do so many things.  So I decided to focus on one thing, to make one thing my primary goal.  I could still do other things, but painting would come before everything else.  And the great miracle of my life happened: Everything fell into place.  I now had a purpose and a meaning.  Every time over the past 30 years that I have drifted away from my life’s paramount mission, every time I have lost my way— I have re-dedicated myself to painting, and everything has then resumed its proper proportions, all doubts have been swept aside, and I carry on.

Sad Doggerel

 Stephen Colbert is off the air.

He insulted our Lord and Savior.

Donald the Trump will take a dump

On all who mock his behavior.

Lampclouding # 41