Something new...

"Roseate Spoonbill (in hiding)", 42"x36"

Puzzling...

Remember jigsaw puzzles?  It's been decades since I've put one together although I have very fond memories of doing so as a kid.  Turns out that jigsaw puzzles are back (maybe they never left) and are definitely not the cheap pressed cardboard things I remember from my youth.  Now we have "artisanal" puzzles and I'm honored to have been asked by one the premier artisanal puzzle makers, Artifact Puzzles, to use a couple of my paintings for their puzzles.  Here's how they describe themselves:

Artifact Puzzles is a teeny-weeny artisanal micromanufacturer, trying to bring the pleasure of wooden jigsaws to a wider market.   We make our puzzles in Seattle, USA using the latest in laser technology, environmentally friendly plywood, and soy-based inks.   We seek out compelling art from every century to put you in touch with past, present, and imagined civilizations. Local and international artists design unique puzzle pieces for each image to help tell the story of the art, and to add charm to the puzzle experience. We hope you find Artifact Puzzles a satisfying way to connect with friends and family. The first puzzle is now available via their website here's a link to the page with my puzzle:  Kevin Sloan, The Gift Arrives.  Here is an image of the puzzle artwork --

Mardi Gras!

Mardi Gras flag seen from my studio window

Every Mardi Gras since I left New Orleans I try to remember to hang my Mardi Gras flag to commemorate the day.  Seeing such an odd and colorful flag suddenly appearing amid the bleak Santa Fe winter is a bit jarring and totally out of place but I like to put it up for the day nonetheless.  I'm sure most people here have no idea what it represents but occasionally someone gets it and it always puts a smile on their face.

Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) is but one day of Carnival which has been going on in New Orleans since early January.  When you live there you quickly gain an appreciation for the importance of Carnival season to the residents of New Orleans.  This season culminates on Mardi Gras with an extraordinary celebration of life.  It's a bit naughty, a bit spiritual and a whole lot of fun.  I miss it (and New Orleans) at times but for today, this goofy flag will have to be my connection to that place.

My Two Favorite People in Naples!

I'm standing between two wonderful women at my recent opening at Gardner Colby Gallery in Naples Florida.  On the left is gallery owner Nancy Winch and on the right gallery director Pamela Campe.  Thanks ladies for a wonderful opening!

Naples, etc.

Just back from Naples, FL and my opening at Gardner Colby Gallery.  It was a great trip and the show is being received very well and sales are good too!  While there, I was interviewed by Tom Hall, a writer for Examiner.com and he wrote a very nice piece on the show.  Here is a link to the article: Kevin Sloan's "Peaceable Kingdom" Depicts Struggle for Balance in Tenuous World .

Aside from all the gallery related things like the opening reception, a client meeting and just being available I was also able to spend a little time on the beach where this lovely scene was enjoyed...

What's Old is New...

It's a new year and I find myself looking back - way back to paintings I did in the late 1980's and early 1990's.  Some of you will be familiar with the paintings from this time and some of you may be quite surprised to learn that I once worked like this.  It's quite a leap from these paintings to the "Italianate" still lives, etc. that I'm known for now but apparently it's all part of the journey...

The Nearness of Stars, 72"x66", 1990

Self-Portrait as a River, 72"x66", 1991

I"ll keep looking back through my archives and if something interesting pops up I'll share it here.  And, you never know, I may find myself working similar to this again someday!