The Sun Is Always Black
2008 - 11"x12" Acrylic, colored pencil, newspaper, on wood.
Finished with two coats of Krylon Kamar Varnish #1312
(Available - Inquire for pricing)

This is an abstract landscape that is similar to my previous paintings (Don't Drink the Water & Fish Can't Swim). The landscape is Brooklyn. "Don't Drink The Water" was a futuristic landscape scene of Brooklyn, but this one is more of a prehistoric scene.

I used Brooklyn Rail newspaper covered with black paint, then used silver paint & pencil for the detail. The white lines you see in the black sky are cuts into the surface made with an exacto knife. The white is the newspaper under the paint. I do this for two reasons. The scratches add character and complexity to the painting. The scratches also help me see images within the painting. I don't see images in my head; I see them in the painting. The fire breathing serpent and the flying prehistoric fish were both created this way.

The split silver area at the top of the painting (a painting within a painting) was inspired by Ethopian artist Wosene. It's a trademark of his that I like and have incorporated into my work.

Here are a few close-up photos: