Gummi Bear Cult: Cherry. 15 x 30, Oil on canvas.

I’m in the process of working on a new concept series inspired by my love of horror art and that particularly disturbing scene from “The Shining” with the old man and the furry. It’ll be something I work on and off for the rest of the year.

Last fall I bought a plastic bear mask with black lifeless eyes and came up with an idea to strip my friends nude, have them don the mask and paint them in subtle, menacing poses. Unfortunately, I keep second-guessing myself. I’m unsure if a monochrome palette helps or hinders or whether or not oil was the right medium. This painting was a learning experience for sure. I may revisit/redo it in the future when I have more confidence in the series’ direction.

Special thanks to my friend whom suffered through a hot plastic mask with little ventilation! You’re a trooper!

These two pieces will be on show at the Manayunk Art Festival at the end of June. They are 22 x 28 and created in graphite and watercolor. Both toys are from the mid 80s, Imperial Godzilla and MIHK Bootleg Gigan.