A big thank you to the people at “Big City Blues” magazine for including me in the 2019 June/July issue. It features Artists who paint the Blues.
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I recently had the opportunity to go to the 2019 Blues Music Awards in Memphis, Tennessee. Three of my paintings were used as the images for their official poster, guide and merchandise.
For those unfamiliar with the BMA’s, they’re the Blues equivalent of the Grammy’s. There are record label producers, performers, radio and TV folks, a real mix of professionals (and fans) from around the world. I met many who came from as far away as Norway.
Some of the performers that evening were: Shemekia Copeland, Little Steven Van Zant, Monster Mike Welch, Kevin Burt, Eric Gales, Steve Cropper, Joe Lewis Walker, there were too many to list here! The music was so amazing. Everyone there was at the top of their game playing for their peers.
A night to remember!
Beale street
Walking down Beale street at night is always an adventure.
Sound check for teh BMAs
It's fun to check things out before the main event. This was during sound check for the BMAs.
Tags used at teh BMAs
This is my artwork used for the Blues Music awards tag.
Little Stevie and Maria Muldar
Little Stevie and Maria Muldar annouce the first award
Heather Newman at the BMAs
Heather Newman was nominated for best emerging artist.
Silent Auction artwork
This is the artwork for the silent auction. They are giclees done on canvas.
Shemekia Copeland
Shemekia Copeland performs her hit song beautiful child.
It's the big damn band
The big damn band guitarist
Two Steves. Both legends
Steven Van Zandt and Steve Cropper perform at the BMAs.
2019 Blues Music Awards design
This final design for the 2019 Blues Music Awards using three of my paintings. All are Acrylic paintings.
The entrance to the BMA event
The entrance to the BMA event
This is a distillery charcoal whiskey filter
A charcoal whiskey filter at Dominick's distillery
Whiskey tasting
Whiskey tasting at Dominick's distillery
Steak sign
Beale st cafe sign
The train track at the Shack up Inn
We always stop by the Shack up Inn when going to Clarksdale. A fun place to stay! Guitars come with the room.
The Ground Zero club
The Ground Zero club in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Joe lewis Walker is performing. Is there any surface not covered in writing at this iconic club? The club is partially owned by Morgan Freeman the actor. Always great music.
MIssissippi
A sunset looking over the Mississippi river.
The wise statement about the birth of Rock and Roll.
The wise statement about the birth of Rock and Roll. Sam Phillips was behind it's birth at Sun records.
I loved New Orleans Jazz Fest this year. My new favorite group is Snarky Puppy. Too bad a storm blew through Jazz Fest and shut the final performers down after 15 minutes of playing.
This was a year for bad weather but it was still great.
I had a great time attending the BMAs in 2013
My work was selected to be the art for the BMA poster, T-shirts, award booklet, badges and other collateral.
Memphis was alive with music as always. The BMA show was amazing. I highly recommend attending. Here are some photos from the show, Memphis and the Shack up Inn in Clarksdale. 
I have read many times that Montreal is the most creative city in North America, if not the world. I don’t know if the world part is true but I agree that certainly North America. Here are a few shots from around the city. It’s hard to say what inspires me the most: the fashion, the graffiti, the exhibits, funky cafe decor, store windows…. all of it!
I do not understand how cameras are not allowed in museums but cell phone photography is. My cell is better quality than some cameras. It is a touchy subject for me as I believe art should be protected from pilferage. Having said that, I did take some photos from the Tom Wesslemann exhibit which was amazing. If you have a chance to see his stuff do go! He was very influenced by music. I felt a kindred spirit.
Check out all my photos photos from this summer.
Montreal fashion
A Sculpture kid
These are my two favorite artists in Los Angeles– Baila Goldenthal and Max Finkelstein. They are also good friends. Here we are at their home and studios. They are a great example of blending life and art. I can only hope I am that accomplished one day.
You can visit their websites at…Baila Goldenthal.com and Max Finkelstein.net
P.S. I’m very sad to say that Baila has passed away. Her amazingly generous spirit and her wonderful works continue to inspire those who knew her.