Category Archives: Uncategorized

July One: State of painting July 1. 64 X 40.” Acrylic and spray enamel on canvas.

Project Projector. I finally have my copy of Robert Ray’s latest book: The Structure of Complex Images

I am so pleased that Robert asked for me to illustrate a second book cover for him. I love the directness of painting, but there is something about print that has been a thrill since seeing my drawings in the Lakewood High School student paper. Thank you Robert.

Here is a link to an excellent interview with artist Nolan Winkler: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDkp6dZlC1Q

When Nolan showed work at the Las Cruces Museum of Art, New Mexico, I had to introduce myself and tell her how much I like her work. I have since had the opprotunity to show with her several times. So glad to say that we stay in touch. Her art is as compelling as ever. Enjoy!

Working Title “Cicada Song” because the Brood X whirring sound is all pervasive. Still in keeping with the atmospheric “water works” of late. 60 X 40″

I think that it sets nicely in the early June Shady Side landscape.

High Winds on Treasure Island, Florida. Soonest I could visit the home-waters and Fam after second vaccination. Wanted to share this image of a place I love to be, in a darker aspect. Back to paintings next post.

And here is a small panel of mine hanging in Sister Lise’s house:

“Shallows” 60 X 30″ Present State. Seething is believing. “Moving in a rapid or hectic way.” 4/18/21

Previous Worked State

“First” State. I don’t know. I like the atmospheric openess in this first state. No “Crtl Alt Z” In life or in painting . . . Not unless I go digital. I guess it is still here in a sense though. We’re looking at it.

Above: Orca 64 X 30″ Acrylic Paint on Raw Canvas

Below: Yet to be Named . . . 64 X 30″ Acrylic Paint on Raw Canvas

These were started at the same time in November, then put away for the winter. Resumed in March.

I am calling them finished and will post on the gallery page.

I “kept my hand in” on a few pieces this winter, but read and looked at a lot of art books and mostly hi-bArt-nated. Sorry about that.

Below is a piece that was a painting that I liked, but worked beyond recognition. So, nothing to lose and I enjoyed the activity of painting, if the result is dubious. I actually still kind of like it. Makes me think of a crowded market (remember those?) flower stand.

Spring is here! Starting a new yard painting this afternoon. Actually about two yards.

March at Last, though started in February. Working title “March Vortex.”

Studio assistant Mamma signs off before stretching “Orca.”

This is “Orca” stretched. Almost 6′ across, but I’m too lazy to check. Started last fall. Stretched today and worked back into. I often start loose and “Point,” or sharpen up/define an image in the later stages. And so it is here. A wintery mix on for Monday, but spring is on the way Friends.

Here is the Final (I think.)

Imagine a day when the sun is shining and it is partly cloudy. it is not raining. It is not snowing. Temp is about 40 degrees F. That day was yesterday and I was able to comfortably paint outside. A blessing.

This Jim Crane, AKA “Dad” (circa 1960) reminds me of something more recent. . .

Carey Crane, work in progress 2020 – 2021

Spring Cleaning: While straightening up in the garage recently, I came upon a number of photographic prints (!) of my painting/collages. These are mostly from North Carolina years, circa mid-to-late 1990s, living near Chapel Hill, Pittsboro, and later, Asheboro. Some of these will be posted on the “archive” page where pre-Hecho en Nuevo Mexico art resides.

Above: 24 X 48 panel. Mostly collaged fabric and paper. It has a nice depth and “glow” in the actual piece as I recall.

24 X 24″ Panel. Fabric and paper collage. Maybe some modeling paste and India ink. Notable for plant forms based on picture plants. These forms later morphed into Sweetgum tree leaves (after cutting out hundreds of silk leaves for a museum project) and eventually into “Agave” forms in New Mexico years.

This is a small panel collage with silver leaf and papers. I like the (for then) less-characteristic earth tones. This would be late 90’s Pittsboro from the rented neon-factory studio shortly before the move to Washington, DC.

I think that F & L still have this one? Acrylic and enamel spray paint on canvas with fabric collage. After-the-fact, I see a jovial little fellow dancing through a jungle in a top hat. Made during North Carolina Zoological Park / Ramsuer years.

“Pagoda.” Oldest in the bunch. ~36 X 24″ paint on canvas, some collage. From un-cropped photo I see that this in leaning up again the barn-house off 15-501 surrounded by cow pastures and woods. Bucolic. I imagine that the land supports a subdivision now.

Bonus photo, much later. From New Mexico shortly before the move to Maryland. 30 x 30″? Acrylic and spray enamel paint on canvas. I left this one behind and I can’t say why. I like it now, and brought others that I am not as fond of. It is just hard to judge one’s own work when it is relatively fresh I suppose.

Another bonus – “Blanco Verde” ’15 in situ. a New Mexico collage/painting. A personal favorite. Seems like it came from a “good place.” It looks happy here in L’s house.

Getting warm enough on some days to work large canvases outside again. Hope to “see” you in a few weeks with new 2021 and continuing work. Think I may collage some fabrics . . .