The Art of Scott West

Has yet to be titled...

2011-06-24T23:39:00.003-05:00

This has yet to be titled... I like to spend time with them before I name them. This painting is 48 x 60" Acrylic on canvas. Just finished this week.

Raising Flags

2011-06-24T23:27:00.003-05:00

This is a new painting just completed this week. Below is the making of the painting.

This is a video I shot to show the studio process. The painting Raising flags will be shown at the Owatonna Arts Center gallery show.

HERE I AM BEING FEATURED ON MINNESOTA ORIGINAL!!

2011-02-28T00:18:00.000-06:00

Painting on Video "Beautiful Things" by Jeff D. Johnson

2011-01-25T12:23:00.002-06:00

Here is a video made by Jeff D. Johnson. Last Saturday he came over to film me working on a painting for a video for his church. This is the result.

Beautiful Things from Jeff D. Johnson on Vimeo.

Simply titled: Painted

2011-01-21T09:49:00.002-06:00

A new painting fresh out of the studio. This work first started as a painting done for The Current as a live performance on the radio a few months ago. I has lived in my studio and over time I have been working on it bit by bit. This week I finally found my connection with it and completed the work.

Painted

24" x 36" Acrylic on Canvas.

This painting will be given to The Current radio as a birthday gift from myself & Cloud Cult.

Back in the studio today working on another.

Studio Progress for STILL show

2010-10-19T08:56:00.002-05:00

I am working on a new painting that is a bit more narrative. This is a in progress shot. This painting will be shown at the STILL show in November.

A Interview with lamusicblog.com

2010-10-15T08:12:00.005-05:00

Recently I interviewed with lamusicblog.com discussing my work and Cloud Cult. Check out the blog here:

Scott West interview with lamusicblog.com

Another sneak peak at the progress in the studio!

2010-10-15T08:09:00.002-05:00

Both are paintings in progress for the STILL show on November 6th @ Tarnish & Gold.

Scott West STILL show details!!!

2010-10-09T11:19:00.006-05:00

OPENING PARTY SATURDAY NOV 6TH 7:00 - 11:00 p.m.

with a special performance from musical guests: THE WAPSIPINICON

A screening of the CLOUD CULT documentary No One Said It Would be Easy on Thursday, November 11th 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

A panel discussion on the relationship between art and music on December 1st.

6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

West will take up residence in the gallery during Tarnish & Gold’s open hours to paint live producing new work for the STILL show, building off of West’s performative artistic practice. Stop by and see how the show evolves.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN- Painter Scott West, known internationally for his work as a member of the band CLOUD CULT, is proud to announce his first solo gallery exhibition, “STILL”, opening November 6 at the Tarnish & Gold Gallery in Northeast Minneapolis. For “STILL”, West will exhibit 30 new studio works, all dated from 2010.

West’s choice of “STILL” as the title for his first solo gallery show is not without irony. There is nothing sedate about West’s canvases, with highly developed pictorial areas bouncing off of dynamic abstractions and explosions of color, they are “still” only as far as they are pigment fixed on canvas. West’s breakneck rate of production is also the opposite of “still”. While painting on stage with CLOUD CULT he literally has 45 minutes to create a work and even though the works for “STILL” have been created more slowly in the studio, for West that means working on a painting a day, often on more than one painting at a time. Once the works are in the Tarnish & Gold space, even then they will not remain “still”; as West takes up residency in the gallery he will re-arrange the show as he sees fit. “I hope,” he says with a mischievous twinkle, “that it will be a completely different show when it comes down from when it went up.”

TARNISH & GOLD Gallery hours:

Tuesday - Saturday

3:00 pm - 8:00 pm

1511 Marshall St NE Minneapolis

10/5/10 - Latest from the Studio

2010-10-05T20:40:00.002-05:00

This is a snapshot from the studio. The painting on the right was started and completed today. I have been trying to keep on pace with a painting a day. These paintings will be shown at the Tarnish & Gold gallery show in November. The show opens November 6th. Keep checking with the blog for studio and gallery updates!

Still - New Works by Scott West November 6th - December 5th

2010-10-04T15:53:00.004-05:00

STILL - New works by Scott West November 6th - December 5th

Tarnish & Gold Gallery

1511 Marshal St. NE

Minneapolis MN 55413

Opening reception November 6th @ 7:00 p.m.

with a special performance from:

The Wapsipinicon

9/15/10 Missoula Montana

2010-09-17T12:18:00.005-05:00

Today were driving across Montana to Missoula. I really love the road when I get a chance to have inspiring scenery like this.

Another shot from the road of the Montana countryside.

While we were driving I caught a shot of this vehicle. I think I will be searching for one of these in the future. I would really like to take the live painting on the road and this would be a awesome touring ride.

Sarah E. sporting the sleeping bandanna in the van.

Listen for the silence

36" x 48"

Acrylic on canvas

This is the live painting for Missoula. I am really feeling like I am hitting a stride with the live paintings. The whole band is coming together on this tour and the energy is incredible.

9/14/10 Bozeman Montana

2010-09-15T19:37:00.014-05:00

Cody York and Sarah Young taking a self portrait while loading in the van before the show. The photos on today's blog are provided by Cody York. I forgot to bring my camera to the show. Thanks Cody!

Cloud Cult stops for tacos in Bozeman.

For the rest of the west coast Cloud Cult is touring with Mimicking Birds. Check them out the music is amazing!

Cloud Cult hanging out before the show in the green room.

After the show we stopped off at the Pita Pit for some delicious morsels. We met up with some fans and took some pictures with them.

I can see clearly

48" x 38"

Acrylic on Canvas

This was my live painting for the night.

A better cropped photo of my painting.

The New Cloud Cult Running with the wolves Video!

2010-09-14T13:33:00.001-05:00

Cloud Cult - Running with the Wolves from Eric Power on Vimeo.

9/12/10 Etown show in Boulder Colorado

2010-09-14T11:20:00.012-05:00

Sunday we performed the Etown show at the Boulder Theater with Shawn Mullins. It was a great experience for us doing a radio show with a live audience setting. Nick and Helen and the whole Etown crew were wonderful to work with. It was really great to work with such a well oiled production machine. Singer / Songwriter Shawn Mullins also performed Sunday night with us. I have to say his show was amazing. What a incredible voice. After the show there was a after party at the Hotel Boulderado where we got the chance to hang with the folks from Etown and Shawn Mullins. The whole experience was incredible and many thanks to Etown and all of the hospitality that was given to the band.

The shot above is Craig sound checking before the live radio show.

Arlen chilling while I was getting our levels set on the in ear system.

Shannon watching Sarah Young practice parts for the finale song. I liked this shot because of the classical nature of the pose. Shannon has a very elegant disposition about her. For that reason it is visually inspiring using her as subject matter in my photography and paintings.

Sarah Young also with a very classical pose at sound check.

Shannon posing for the camera. I try not to let people know they are being shot but in this instance Shannon caught me.

Jeraline, Connie Minowa's mother trying out Sarah's cello before the show. Jeraline is the nanny for Nova Minowa for the first few shows of the tour. She also fills the van with home baked cookies! Good to have a slice of home while on the road.

A shot of the Hotel Boulderado from the outside. This is were we stayed while in Boulder.

The lobby of the hotel. The Boulderado had the most amazing old architecture and the staircase was stunning.

A shot of the stained glass ceiling. I have done a bit of stained glass work myself so when I see work on this scale I really have a true appreciation for it.

With and without wings

48" x 36"

Acrylic on Canvas

This is the live painting done for the night. Connie Minowa and I collaborated on this together due to the stage size. The painting was inspired by a previous painting I had done in studio (Angels and Ambulances) . This is some imagery that I will return to in the studio as the meaning and visual intent evolves. I believe this is the first collaborative painting Connie and I have done in a couple of years. I feel it went really well, we both have grown tremendously as live painters in the last couple of tours. There was several moments that I felt we were completing each others visual thoughts. The painting sale profits were donated to help the folks in Boulder that lost homes in the recent wildfires. The painting raised $5000 that night. It is a honor to contribute to people in need while on the road. Thank you Boulder for all of the fantastic adventures.

September 11th @ The Bluebird in Denver

2010-09-12T11:10:00.002-05:00

We are back in Denver playing at the Bluebird. This is one of our favorite venues in one of the greatest cities. After making the long drive from Minneapolis we were very happy to arrive in such a welcoming town. There is something about seeing the ridges as were driving into Denver that sets a perspective on scale and where our place is on this earth. I am thankful for the travels and the understanding it gives me.

While in town I got the chance to hang out with my brother-n-law Tim and our friend Laura. We ate a great Thai place just down the block from The Bluebird. I would recommend Tommy's if your passing through Denver. Actually I think the band eats at Tommy's every time we pass through. It is difficult to pass up great Thai food.

Cody York a great friend and amazing photographer is traveling with us on the Cloud Cult Light Chasers tour. You can catch him selling our merch or behind the lens at a show. Check his work out at:

http://codyyorkphotography.com/main.html

His work is nothing short of fine art. Thanks Cody for being such a creative.

A snapshot of the crowd in Denver. Sorry about the poor shot. I just poked the lens through the curtain before we went on stage.

Grasping the Light

Acrylic on Canvas

38" x 48"

This was the live painting for the night. I am feeling better about the coordination of rotating the painting making it dance to the music. It is good to see the paintings dance. I have always felt the life in them and now they have movement.

Cloud Cult Tour 2010 Northfield MN @ The Lions Den

2010-09-11T08:19:00.010-05:00

Well we (Cloud Cult) are on the road again and I am really looking forward to painting on stage each night and to the audacious experiences that touring offers.

Tonight is the first night of my new easel ME2010. I have spent the last several weeks designing and fabricating this stage easel in the garage with my brother-in-law Joe. After several long nights grinding, drilling, welding, and filing this easel gets it's maiden voyage. The easel is designed specifically for my stage performance and yes it even has disc brakes! Thanks Joe for all of your hard work on this project.

This is a shot of the easel from the back. As you can see this is no ordinary easel.

The tray is designed that the paint will not fall on to the stage floor. This is a issue I had in the past due to excessive jumping, singing, and dancing to the music. As you know if you have been to a Cloud Cult show you just can't help yourself.

Arlen taking some much needed down time before the show. He also drums for the opener tonight so rest well my friend. We are lucky to have Arlen on the Cloud Cult crew. He gives everything to the show and the results are nothing short of amazing.

Sarah E. warming up in the green room before the show. Sarah is the latest addition to Cloud Cult. The french horn is one of my favorite instruments and Sarah being a multi instrumentalist ( piano, trumpet, vocals, accordion, & french horn!) adds a wonderful depth to the music. Again this Cloud Cult crew is a gifted bunch!

Shawn Neary warming up on the acoustic in the greenroom. Another amazingly gifted singer, songwriter, & multi instrumentalist. Not to mention one of the kindest people you will ever meet.

As they appear

36 x 48"

Acrylic on Canvas

This is a shot of the painting after the show. These paintings are taking a new turn in my progression. Feel free to comment and let me know what you think of the new works.

A shot of the crowd right before the opening chords of the show. Thank you Northfield for such a wonderful show. It was a honer to perform with you. The energy that night was a gift.

More snapshots from the studio. New Work for the November show!!

2010-09-01T15:49:00.002-05:00

In progress painting about life, regret, love and growth. The final will be shown at the November show at the Tarnish and Gold Gallery in Minneapolis.

Two more paintings in progress about still moments and the things that escape us.

2010-06-22T15:49:00.001-05:00

A shot from in the studio... working on a new collection of work for a solo show coming up in November. I will be posting the progress of the paintings. Check back for more new work!

University of Minnesota Art show

2010-04-23T09:13:00.004-05:00

This is a new painting titled Weight of the world - Acrylic on Canvas 2010

This painting was shown at my University of Minnesota art show.

I had 18 paintings on display for Earth Day. Quite a bit of my work deals with human aspects of animals as archetypes and the psychology between them. I felt it was a good fit to show at the university on Earth Day. Thanks to everyone who came!

This is Sammy and Micha two art connoisseurs that were at the show. Notice how Sammy gets the proper perspective on the painting by viewing around the wall.

Sleep until something happens

2010-04-23T09:08:00.002-05:00

Sleep until something happens - Acrylic on Canvas 48" x 24" 2010

This is one of the paintings in a new collection of work along with Angels and Ambulances. I would love to get feedback on the new work so feel free to comment.

Angels and Ambulances

2010-04-21T15:24:00.005-05:00

This is a new painting titled Angels and Ambulances. 36" x 24" Acrlyic on Canvas. This painting and 15 others (10 of them new as of 2010!) Will be shown tomorrow at the University of Minnesota Coffman Memorial Union and Cloud Cult performs Noon-1pm outside the Coffman Memorial Union. The painting show will be in the great hall. Hope to see everyone there! Contact me if you have any questions.

Rabbits Labyrinth

2010-04-08T15:52:00.002-05:00

This is a new painting titled Rabbits Labyrinth commissioned for a baby nursery. The painting is intended to inspire creative brain development. When I was a small child this would have been eye candy for me. I am hoping the child's eyes will wonder thought the rabbits maze and loose self in color. Rabbits Labyrinth 24" x 36" Acrylic on Canvas

Detail of painting

Scenes from the studio

2010-03-29T15:47:00.002-05:00

Here is another sneak peak from the studio of the painting Swimming with the fishes. It is still not done... some more glazing needed. I think this is one of those that will just live in the studio for a while.

A new rabbit painting that is in progress. This is the drawing / underpainting stage. I will be adding color tomorrow and I am sure many changes. This is a commission I am doing for a nursery.

This is the final hyena painting. The title is Portrait of a hero. 24" x 36" oil on canvas. I am happy with this painting but whenever I take a photo it seems to flatten out. I will let you know when I have it in a show so you can see it in person.

Portrait of a hyena

2010-03-23T21:56:00.002-05:00

This is one that is in the studio and being worked on. I am doing this while Swimming with the fishes is drying. I have been having dreams with hyenas in them. I wanted to explore the character. I will be including more of them in future paintings.

Swimmin with the fishes

2010-03-16T16:49:00.002-05:00

This is a new painting in underpainting form in the studio titled Swimmin with the fishes. I should be done with this by the end of the week and will post the final painting.

Chris Mars at the Phipps Center.... GO SEE IT!!!

2010-02-12T09:09:00.004-06:00

Yesterday I went to see the Chris Mars show in Hudson Wisconsin. I have to say if you have the chance go see it. The paintings are more than amazing. I have not been posting because I have been working in the studio painting. I have a show coming up February 26th in the VIP room of First Avenue in Minneapolis. I will be sending out info for the show. I will be showing 15 new paintings for the show. After the show I will post the progress of the paintings. For now I need to just be in the studio.

New diptych in progress

2009-10-26T21:33:00.004-05:00

The painting of the lamb is the counterpart to the swim painting. Although the painting is a bit more loose I think they speak to one another. Please note both are still in progress.

I finally feel that I have a dialogue with the brush and I understand the voice that is my own.

New painting for The Wapsipinicon album

2009-10-25T19:47:00.003-05:00

The current stage of the painting still doing some glazing and color tweaking. The painting is the inside cover art. The painting is acrylic on hardboard 24" x 48".

Another shot of the painting. My studio is quite narrow so I have to shoot it from the side.

The painting in the drawing stage. I usually improv most of my paintings but I wanted to plan this out a bit more to reflect to complexity of album lyrics.

New Painting 7/27/09

2009-07-27T22:15:00.008-05:00

This is a new painting done in the studio. This is a painting that was commissioned to be a nature influenced abstract. The painting took over and it is a little more representational than I intended. I have posted the progression of the work. I thought it might be interesting to review my process on this. The element I wanted to focus on was composition. I felt it were important to have a play between 2d and 3d space. Like many of my works I started out with line and movement inspired by music.

At this early point I was still working the painting while flipping it vertical and horizontal. Much of the composition was determined by looking at it backwards in a mirror.

At this point I had chosen a format to work in. Line being equal to shape and color. The color was again dictated the music.

This is the final painting. I am disappointed in the photo. I don't think you can capture the layers of paint and texture. I will take a quality photo for the gallery page in my site (www.myritual.com).

Portland - 5/10/09

2009-05-11T13:46:00.005-05:00

I am revisiting the concept juggling archetypes. This live painting is titled Eliminate the bad ones. I have to apologize for the poor photo of this painting the lighting was a low yellow light. The painting actually had lots of greens and blues involved. In this photo it appears very washed out.

The Portland crowd was really awesome! I think this is one city I could see myself living in. It just has a positive vibe to it.

Vancouver - 5/9/09 Headed back to Canada!

2009-05-11T13:38:00.004-05:00

Giving in to monsters is the title of the live painting in Vancouver Canada.

A some what abstract shot of dancers at the show. I tend to enjoy the abstract elements of photography. The things that happen in lens that are not in reality. It gives the images a sense of time.

Eric from Say Hi. They will be touring with us on the west coast. Eric is a incredible song writer.

I have to say that Say Hi have some incredibly tight drums. Check the show out if you can. Good times!

Seattle - 5/8/09

2009-05-11T13:22:00.015-05:00

Live painting titled Reluctantly dancing with bears.

A photo of my paints while setting up for the show.

Cloud Cult during sound check in Seattle.

Craig Minowa checking mics at sound check.

Shawn Neary warming up his horn.

Sarah Young checking her monitors.

Shawn Neary asking for just a little more of Craig in his monitor.

Shannon Frid waiting to check mics.

Connie Minowa practicing her keyboard part.

Adam Sorensen of Ice Palace showing Seattle who is who. They gave a great show!

Amy of Ice Palace singing backups during the set.

Jacob of Ice Palace giving Adam backup.

My trumpet shot on stage before we went on.

A photo of my hat hanging on my easel. Funny that I took this shot, I lost the hat after the Seattle show.

Missoula Montana - 5/6/09

2009-05-09T13:13:00.008-05:00

The live painting done in Missoula is titled Flying lessons. I was thinking of the mountains we were about to drive thought the next morning. Actually this painting is about reminding yourself to take the moments you have to fly. Forget the past, never mind the future, enjoy the moment you have. While on tour this is the reality. Back home I seem to get lost in routine, always looking to the future for a better moments.

The crowd in Missoula getting crazy after the song Take your medicine.

The next morning on our drive to Seattle we stopped off on the Columbia river scenic overlook. The winds coming off of the cliff were so strong Shawn had to lean into the wind to remain standing.

Amazing views.

Shawn Neary taking in the views.

Jeff D. Johnson making the most of the moment.

Wild flowers growing on the cliff. If you have the opportunity hop in your car and drive across the country. There are so many wonderful things to see and experience. I feel lucky to have the opportunity.

Bozeman Montana (Bears oh my!) - 5/5/09

2009-05-09T12:07:00.017-05:00

Between the tours Craig Minowa composed the music for a National Geographic documentary Expedition Grizzly featuring Casey Anderson and Brutus the bear. Before our show in Bozeman we had the amazing opportunity to meet Brutus the bear. We had met Casey before at a previous show. Honestly I thought he was a bit off when he told me that he lived with a grizzly bear. I just shrugged my shoulders and figured the drinks had gotten the best of him. I was mistaken, Casey does actually live with a grizzly! Casey runs the Montana Grizzly Encounter. A grizzly sanctuary that provides a place where the public can come and learn about grizzly bears as they watch the majestic animals up close in a beautiful mountain setting. If your ever in Montana look this up and stop and visit Casey and Brutus. They are both amazing!

This shot is to give you perspective of the type of relationship that Casey and Brutus have. Keep in mind that on one else can handle Brutus in this manner. Brutus was raised captive by Casey but he is still a grizzly bear. I can not put into words the type of relationship that Casey and Brutus have. It was one of those experiences that change your life. Thank you Casey for the amazing experience.

Brutus was doing a little showing off for the camera. Keep in mind that I am only about 5 feet away from him. I was very hesitant when I found out that the only thing between me and the bear was the two wires you see in the background. When I asked how much voltage was running through the wires. Casey told us that Brutus is so trained to stay away from the wires that they were not attached to anything. I admit to being a little scared since Brutus is over 7 feet tall and weighs over 800 pounds. This is not the normal grizzly experience that the public would get at the grizzly sanctuary. We have a special friendship with Casey and safety was always Casey's first priority. It was amazing to see how Casey could read the body language of Brutus. He knew what Brutus was thinking at all times.

A shot of Shawn Neary with Brutus the bear. Note they were holding the wires down to try and keep them out of the shot. Note the smiles the band members had wile getting a photo taken with Brutus.

Casey measured the head of Brutus in at 52 inches.

This was Jake, another younger grizzly at the sanctuary. He was standing up while watching Sammy and Micah (Sarah and Adrian's kids) play behind the concrete barrier. It was kind of disturbing how aware they were of the little ones.

Arlen and the Bear. I think the look on Arlen's face was enough said.

When we were standing around chatting with Casey, Brutus was doing his cowboy walk. A territorial strut that shows male dominance. This is a trait the grizzlies have in the wild.

Craig and Connie Minowa posing for a picture with Brutus. This gives you a sense of scale. Craig is 6'2". Brutus is standing about 5' behind them. Another thought to ponder is that in 3 strides grizzly bears can reach a speed of 40mph!

Red and the band posing for a photo with Brutus the bear. I was not in any of the photos because I am the guy with the camera. Again wow!

Some of the band members chose to feed the bear by hand! This was a shot taken when Adrian volunteered to feed the bear some doughnut holes. Keep in mind Brutus is a captive bear and it is not safe to try this with a wild bear.

Adrian feeding the bear!

This was the live painting I did that night. Titled Brutus

Rapid City South Dakota - 5/04/09

2009-05-09T11:46:00.013-05:00

Dreaming of Bears is the title of the live painting done in Rapid City. I was having dreams about meeting a grizzly bear because we were going to meet one in Bozeman the following night.

A shot of my bushes on stage. Sometimes I love the mix of paint that ends up all over my equipment and clothes.

Shawn Neary singing a tune at sound check. If you ever get a chance to see Shawn do a solo show check it out. The man is a incredible song writer.

Jeff D. Johnson running the board. Kind of a strange shot since he is actually floating.

Sarah Young calling for more monitors.

Arlens hands shot during the song When water comes to life.

Craig Minowa singing Grandson and Jesus.

Shannon Frid giving me "the look" because I have a camera in my hand.

Sometimes even the cables running into the soundboard create beautiful compositions. It seems everything on the road is art.

Connie Minowa is back on the road with us. Here is a shot of her sketching for her painting.

All of us like to bring a bit of home with us. This is Craig Minowa's garage light he hangs on his mic stand. It brings him back to the farm when we tone down the music and get acoustic.

First Avenue Minneapolis MN - 5/2/09

2009-05-03T23:33:00.003-05:00

The live painting done at First Avenue titled Lessons from the rabbit. It is always great to paint in front of a home town crowd. Thanks for all the kindness. The show felt incredible!

A photo of my beautiful wife Red while helping with the painting auction. Thank you Red for your love and support.

The sold out crowd shot at First Avenue. I think the cheering was louder than the band.

New Studio Painting!!

2009-04-30T23:21:00.005-05:00

The painting is titled Have you found where your place is. (36 x 48") I just finished this commission before I head back on the road with Cloud Cult. The painting is for a fan in Seattle who has been kind enough to wait until I had a break from the road. I can see the influence of the live paintings on this one.

Detail of the painting.

Cleveland Ohio - Beachland Ballroom 4/13/09

2009-04-14T11:46:00.005-05:00

Jacob from Ice Palace hangs in the green room kicking down a PBR before the show.

Amy from Ice Palace shot next to a vintage sign in the green room of the Beachland Ballroom. I really like this photo. Amy has a classic look about her. I think she will appear in future paintings.

Shawn Neary eating a amazing barbecue tofu sandwich after driving to Pittsburgh and back. The night before Cloud Cult had a dance party in Margot's tour bus. I think we may have killed a few brain cells because we left Sarah's Cello in the hotel room and did not realize it until we were unloading in Cleveland. Shawn was the superhero who drove back to pick it up. Thanks again Shawn.

After the show we caught a great punk show in the room next door. The result was Cloud Cult, Ice Palace, and Margot dancing it up one last time. This shot is of Shannon Frid loosing her self to some good hard core tunes. Margot will be heading a different route as we will be going out west for shows with Ice Palace. We will miss them they are a truly great band and really kind folk.

I forgot to bring my camera on stage in Cleveland so a good friend of the band Cody York took shots for me. I will be uploading the painting of the night and some other back stage shots that he took. Check back for the updates!

Millvale Pennsylvania - Mr. Small's Theatre 4/12/09

2009-04-14T11:23:00.005-05:00

Easter Sunday we did a show just on the edge of Pittsburgh in Millvale. On Easter, fatigue got the best of me. Spending my daily photo time napping was a much needed decision. I am sorry for so few photos of this day but I have been running on empty for a couple of days now. The live painting of the night is titled Signs. I felt it was reflective of rebirth and coming changes. It was nice to paint in an old church on Easter.

Mr. Small's is a great venue to see a show in. The room is incredible with old church doors used as sound boards hanging from the cathedral ceilings.

A crowd shot from Millvale.

Washington DC - Black Cat - 4/11/09

2009-04-14T11:00:00.010-05:00

Live painting sketch done in the green room before the show.

Final painting done at the Black Cat. The painting is titled Exposed in Red.

Sarah Young prepping Easter eggs for her boys in the green room before the show.

Washington DC has one of the most beautiful spring seasons in the country. Before the show I went for a walk and took in some of the colors. This was one of the few sunny days we have had on this tour. Today I am thankful for the sun.

A Japanese Maple sprouting it's leaves.

Spring tulips in full bloom in a DC neighborhood. The morning dew was reflecting the sunlight.

Meghan Neary put us up for the night. It is great when we can stay with family. It gives us a sense of home on the road. Shawn Neary can bee seen here jumping in glee when his sister gave the band not one but two Easter baskets.

A group photo with Meghan Neary in the center. Thanks Meghan for the wonderful egg bake in the early morning!

Philadelphia - First Unitarian Church 4/10/09

2009-04-12T12:41:00.011-05:00

The sketch done for the painting in Philadelphia. This sketch came very easy to me. I think it was because we had some down time before the show.

The final painting is titled Sleeping with waves. The kind folks that bought the painting requested that I give her a name. The name of the girl in the painting is Evelyn. This painting is going to a wonderful home. Evelyn will rest well.

While in Philadelphia we got the chance to stay in this house. Cloud Cult had the whole place to our selves. I did the sketch on the from porch of the house before the show. It was the most at home I have felt since leaving Minneapolis.

The show was at the First Unitarian Church. This was our green room. As far as the venue goes great green room not so great stage and sound.

This was a quite sanctuary I hung out in before the show. Sometimes you have to find the quiet.

Cloud Cult and Margot members being mesmerized by mobile youtube.

Shannon Frid on a church pew waiting to be saved.

Arlen trying for a similar pose.

There were ghosts in the church that night. This was the result of my crowd shot.

New York - Music Hall of Williamsburg 4/09/09

2009-04-12T12:24:00.009-05:00

The painting titled Exodus was done at the New York show. All the paintings on the tour are 48" x 36".

Arlen letting us all know that this club is tight!

Shawn Neary taking a nap in the New York street. This works well on two counts. One, Shawn has been killing the tour manager roll and needs a rest. Two, New York parking with a van and a trailer is almost impossible. The fact that he is napping in this spot saved us from hauling gear for blocks.

Shawn and Arlen trying to get a salary increase from band manager Adrian Young. (this did not work by the way)

A glimpse into the private lives of Adrian and Sarah Young.

New York crowd shot.

New Haven - Toad's Place 4/08/09

2009-04-12T11:45:00.008-05:00

This painting is titled Floating Instead of Flying. I have been playing with the idea of the lack of gravity in my compositions. This is one attempt at that process.

While walking around the Yale University Campus I spotted the first signs of spring. One of the moments that make spring tours wonderful is that depending on the region your in you get to experience first blooms several times.

The history that Yale reflects is inspiring.

Amazing Gothic architecture.

Another snap shot of one of the halls.

Samantha and Savanna came to another Cloud Cult show. It was great to see them!

A shot of the New Haven crowd during the show.

Boston - Paradise Rock Club - 4/07/09

2009-04-12T11:20:00.010-05:00

The live painting included a crane. I wanted to capture the both the feeling of flight and restraint. The painting is titled Confined Flight.

Arlen at sound check playing on Margot's set.

Shawn Neary doing a vocal check.

Shannon Frid stands in the shadows practicing silently before the show.

Craig Minowa never does anything half way, even sound check.

The view Arlen has from stage. Shot taken at sound check.

A snap shot taken during the show of the crowd. The Boston audience is a lively crowd. They made the show.

Shannon had a mishap with her violin. Actually it was crushed. She was feeling down so Sarah and I were giving her some love.

Shannon, Candice, Sarah and myself posing for a photo after a great show! Candice put us up for 3 nights. Thanks Candice for hosting the Cloud Cult crew.

Adrian Young band manager working out the details before the show.

Sarah and Shannon chilling in the street after the show. Sarah looks great wearing my fedora.

North Hampton - Pearl Street - 4/07/09

2009-04-07T12:38:00.007-05:00

On the drive out to North Hampton I was watching the film Big Fish. I think it had an effect on my painting at Pearl Street. This painting is titled Departure.

Adam of Ice Palace gave a intense performance at Pearl Street.

Amy of Ice Palace singing expressive harmonies.

In my journey with Cloud Cult I have the opportunity to meet many amazing people. Walter is one of them. Walter caught one of our shows last year and then commissioned a painting from me. We met up on tour and has become a true friend. Thanks, Walter for being such a stand up guy.

Before sound check we ate some great food with Walter's family in North Hampton. Samantha, Savanna, Walter and Allison are an incredibly wonderful family. Cloud Cult is appreciative to have met such kind people.

Waltham - Brandeis University 4/06/09

2009-04-06T11:26:00.013-05:00

Live painting of the Brandeis show titled Rabbits Last Gasp.

Shawn Neary posing the night before for his senior photo. This shot was taken while Cloud Cult took some much needed down time back at the hotel.

We actually did the show in the Brandeis castle. Here are a few shots I took before sound check. The Boston area has great historical architecture. We have been traveling under a rain cloud for most of the tour so it was beautiful to see the sun in Waltham.

The back side of the castle.

Harry Potter? You be the judge.

Before sound check Cloud Cult engaged in a little keep away frisbee. This is Sarah Young in the last few moments of a glorious take down with Arlen.

Arlen can be seen glowing after surviving Sarah's wrath.

Shawn Neary blocking Craig Minowa from the catch that would pull Shawn out of the box.

Sometimes when your taking photos you can catch a dance.

The final moment of the game Shawn Neary is victorious and finally gets his frisbee.

Passing through Waltham on the way to the show.

Oh Canada / Toronto - El Mocambo Club 4/03/09

2009-04-04T19:18:00.008-05:00

We're back in Canada at El Mocambo. I spent the pre-show time refining the drawing for the show. I feel better tonight about the painting knowing I have resolved a solid composition.

This is the final painting shot after the show. The painting is titled Juggling Rabbits. This character is brought forward from another show.... I am not sure of her character yet but she might be a muse. I know she will reveal herself in time.

Jacob of Ice Palace tearing up the stage.

Ice Palace gave the best performance of the night.

A shot from the stage of the Toronto crowd. The Canadian folk are so kind. It is true about the friendliness of the Canadian people.

Ann Arbor - Blind Pig 4/02/09

2009-04-04T18:44:00.010-05:00

There is something disco about the Blind Pig. That thought was confirmed when Cloud Cult erupted into a dance party with fans at the end of the night.

My live painting of the night titled Red Dress.

Shannon Frid shot in the green room before the show. Sarah Young can be seen reading the fine literature on the green room wall. We are all trying to find that quiet space before a show.

Arlen shot in the green room. Arlen has become one of my favorite subjects to photograph. He is a totally chill guy but when photographed you understand the depth of his character.

Craig Minowa during sound check. We all have been falling in love with the hooks of his melodic guitar lines.

A full band shot during sound check. Actually I could not get Arlen in frame due to a speaker and I am behind the camera.

This is what most walls look like in green rooms. I am not sure why bands feel the need to tag the wall with a band sticker. I often find them stuck to urinals. Need I say more?

Eric of Margot performing acrobatics in our trailer after the show. Sometimes you hook up with a great band and meet the nicest people. Eric is one of them.

Chicago - Metro 4/01/09

2009-04-02T13:38:00.010-05:00

The Metro in Chicago is one of our favorite venues. It's theatrical stage and old world charm mixed with top notch sound and staff make it one of the best venues to play at in the country. The Chicago fans (as you can see) give us incredible energy. Mix the energy with the Metro atmosphere and you have a performance that seems surreal. Thank you Chicago! It was amazing.

The live painting for the night was a painting titled Balance with self and rabbit. This painting is about composition and finding a balance in life and on canvas. The rabbit has had several meanings in my paintings. In this case it represents innocents and sacrifice.

Shawn Neary on bass and vocals during sound check.

Sarah Young is truly beautiful when she is lost in song.

Shannon Frid on violin.

Arlen on drums.

Craig Minowa singing Journey of the Featherless.

A snap shot of Cloud Cult closing up sound check at the Metro. Our tour manager / sound engineer Jeff D. Johnson flew back home today due to other work obligations. We will miss him greatly over the next two weeks. He is a gift to have on tour with us. We will be meeting up with him on the west coast leg of the tour.

Jeff D. Johnson the Cloud Cult wizard of sound.

Milwaukee Rocks! - Turner Hall Ballroom 4/01/09

2009-04-01T10:27:00.009-05:00

Back in Milwaukee and I have to say that the Milwaukee fans gave us much more than a warm response. I used to live in Milwaukee a few years back so I have fond memories of the city. Many thanks to the folks at Turner Hall for the wonderful hospitality's. We stayed with David a great friend of the band. Thanks David for hosting the Cloud Cult crew! There were many familiar faces in the audience. I just can't say it enough.... It is such a gift to travel the country, catch up with friends, and make new ones. Milwaukee you treat us well and we will be back!

The Milwaukee live painting is of the twins. They are a archetype of duality. They represent the separation and struggles of mind and body.

This is a quick peak inside the green room of Cloud Cult were we pass our time before shows. Shannon frid is getting crazy with a crossword puzzle.

Margot and the Nuclear So and So's are touring with us now. The music is incredible and the stage show gets a thumbs up! Our tour bill is Cloud Cult, Margot, and Ice Palace... ok I understand that I am in one of the bands but this is a truly a great bill.

Margot has amazing instrumentation.

Margot hypnotizes the audience with brilliant lyrics.

Back stage watching Ice Palace tear up the stage.

Iowa City, Iowa - Picador 3/29/09

2009-03-30T10:48:00.010-05:00

Were at Iowa City tonight doing a show at the Picador with Ice Palace. This is a photo shot while setting up during soundcheck. We took a stroll after sound check and ate some amazing food at Atlas downtown Iowa City. If you are in the area, I reccomend the eats. I am really excited to tour with Ice Palace I have been painting to there new disc Wonder Subtly Crushing Us. I have to say this is a great band and if you are coming to the show make sure you catch their act.

This is the live painting from the Picador. The title of this painting is Fawna. Fawna is a new character for me and I am unsure of her place in my narratives. You may see her repeat a couple of times in different forms on this tour as I discover her meaning.

Craig shredding the guitar.

Shannon Frid during sound check just after playing when water comes to life.

The proud Neary family at the Picador watching Shawn be nothing less than amazing.

Iowa - Drake University 3/28/09

2009-03-30T09:38:00.016-05:00

Were off to Drake University in Iowa. The above photo is of our current tour mascot given to us by my lovely wife Red. When thrown at the windshield (in this case) or any hard surface he gives us wisdom for our travels. I really love driving through Iowa... We passed through the wooded hills of southwest Wisconsin to the corn fields of Iowa. It is times like this when I really love the road. Just the chance to leave the city and experience the diversity of the midwest is incredible.

This is the stage painting from Drake. The title is Wind. Wind resides in the corridors of my mind. She is a character of chance and represents transcendence as well as the gifts and challenges we receive as we travel through life.

Shawn taking a well deserved rest after the show.

Adrean Young Band Manager - This is the guy makes all the magic behind the scenes in Cloud Cult.

Arlen laying down the beats during the show.

Tonight we are staying with the Neary family. This photo was taken of Cloud Cult with Grandpa and Grandma Neary. It is always great to stay with family. Many thanks to the Neary family for extending such kindness to Cloud Cult.

Snapshots of the day in Madison

2009-03-28T20:28:00.005-05:00

Shawn showing the horn who is who.

Arlen looking chill in the van on the way to the show.

Sarah's view from stage

Craig at sound check with a animation I created for the DVD looping on the back screen

Madison Painting - Girl Underwater

2009-03-28T20:04:00.005-05:00

Above is the painting from last night. I am working on the development of a new character to appear in my paintings. She is made of water and lives in the oceans. I believe she is a healing archetype. When painting on tour I am often painting characters for up coming studio work. This process gives me a chance to understand who they are and what they mean to me. The photos are taken on stage so forgive any lack of quality. Lighting on stages at nightclubs is often less than ideal. For those who are not familiar with Cloud Cult and my roll in the band, I am a live stage painter/trumpet player/backup vocals. Each night when the band starts a the set I begin with a blank canvas (sometimes I have a sketch done at soundcheck before the show) when the set is complete so is my painting. Every night is different painting and on this tour there will be 29 before I am back in the studio. Thanks so much for those who come to the shows and enjoy the visual aspect of our set. It is not often that a painter gets the opportunity to share the studio experience in a public way. At the end of the night we auction off the work to the highest bidder. It is the best thing for me because I get the chance to leave these paintings all over the country.

Madison Wisconsin 3/27/09 - High Noon Saloon

2009-03-28T19:53:00.003-05:00

In Madison again playing a show at the High Noon Saloon. I love coming to this city it is truly visually stunning. The people here are kind and have a wonderful affection for the arts. This is a shot taken while on a walk before the show. I wanted to clear my mind and get ready to paint. Often I find it difficult painting at shows because painting is a quiet place for me and it is a challenge to paint publicly. Even though touring and painting at shows offers it's challenges I would not give it up for anything. I am lucky... I am doing what I love.

Cloud Cult Touring Journal Begins!

2009-03-28T19:36:00.002-05:00

Greetings! I am back on the road with Cloud Cult touring from East to West coast painting my brains out! In the next 2 months I will be keeping a photo journal on this blog documenting my tour paintings as well as photos that capture my day to day tour experience. I hope all who follow enjoy. Feel free to leave comments and let me know your thoughts on the paintings and photographs.

We make them grow

2009-01-24T17:38:00.004-06:00

Sorry I have been so vacant lately. I have been working on a film for Cloud Cult and have a very tight deadline of Feb. 22nd to complete art and all marketing materials. I am posting another painting from 08 since I have not been able to paint much in the last couple of weeks. After the film I expect to dig into the studio and then head on the road with the band completing paintings every night. This one is titled "we make them grow"

Sacrifice

2009-01-04T22:27:00.003-06:00

This is a painting done in Acrylics... I am not sure who the female is in the painting but she has been haunting me for a while. This is the first painting where I was able to capture her gaze.

2009-01-04T22:27:00.000-06:00

Abstract on my desk

2009-01-04T21:05:00.003-06:00

This is a fun little abstract I pulled from my studio. I have not really shown anyone but I seem to have a connection with this painting. As you can see my paintings have Schizophrenia. One moment they need to be realistic and other times abstract emotion seems to take hold. This particular painting was done in Acrylics.

2008-12-28T16:11:00.003-06:00

I am reposting stage 3. I still have quite a bit of work on this but thought you might enjoy the progress. I just did some more experiments with my camera. Word of advice... most of you know but, make sure and do some experiments with the white balance on your camera before shooting your work. (I was to eager to post it)

2008-12-27T21:15:00.003-06:00

Have been working on this on and off. Sorry about the bad color, I am having issues with my camera capturing the correct color. The flesh tones are much more realistic. I will be posting the final product when it is done. Going to have some drinks with a friend... you all should do the same.

Painting of Red

2008-12-21T21:41:00.002-06:00

This is the in progress portrait I am working on of Red. I am not sure what it is but, I am really enjoying the meditative process of working in this format. Listening to Bon Iver while working on this painting... Another great midwest musician.

Tree Painting

2008-12-21T18:27:00.000-06:00

This painting has not been shown. I thought I would post it to get some feedback. I usually don't work with landscapes but I really enjoyed the process of letting the paint do what it must. The intent was to represent the complexity, love, fear, and growth of a marriage. I currently am struggling with this style I have developed. I have been studying several old masters and other contemporary realist painters and have been feeling the drive to work in a more traditional manner. I have spent so many years doing photoshop illustration and I have always tried to do paintings I would never attempt in the computer. Having such respect for craftsmanship and a real ability to draw the human form, I am currently working on a painting of my wife with a more realist approach. I will be posting my progress.

Enlightenment

2008-12-18T12:45:00.000-06:00

I have been working on 7 images of gods in the current film project. Here is a concept illustration that I finished last night. I felt the large hands were the key to enlightenment.

Welcome

2008-12-13T22:42:00.000-06:00