(Dec 13) Had some painting and photography wins this weekend. This model has become my muse. Even though she has a 'round' Asian face which I usually avoid 🤣 I can draw and paint her well. She is also incredible warm, professional and a joy to work with. She has such a cool and kind personality besides being incredibly beautiful, she gives me hope for society in a way. PS. the first painting is live alla-prima, about 2.5 hours. 👇Anyway scroll down for more photos and stuff...

Started a new series on how to see and appreciate beauty in film. In this first episode I analyze one of the most gorgeously crafted films of all time, In the Mood for Love. See how this master craftsman infused so much purpose and intent in this still frame. Beauty is harmony, harmony comes from purpose, and this frame has lots of it. @Takeshi Takama thank you for inspiring me to go in this direction. What do you think of this video? I want to start teaching aesthetics in this way. I think it could be really helpful to non-artists.

(Nov 22,23) Seeing and hearing Nathan this weekend almost brought me to tears. He reminded so much of what I 'lost' when I left the US. Being in Asia so long, I forgot my 'identity'. I forgot about the hungry, ambitious and driven artist I was in L.A. Soaking up knowledge daily, immersed in craft, aesthetics and culture. He reminded me of so many valuable lessons I forgot. Lessons that were just a normal part of my day in L.A. I need to write them down soon. Luckily we still have next weekend.

Chris suggested I try a master copy of one of my favorite artists so here is the start of Eric's painting 'This Land Is Your Land'. His original is 40x40 and mine is half that size. Acrylic burnt sienna wash, ultramarine blue and burnt umber oil with turpentine for the shadow lay in.

This week I am applying for a new Thailand Visa. I have to fly tomorrow and leave the country ✈️ but will still be able to do crit videos this week. Next week our usual meeting will resume at the usual time. See you then.🎒📺