Paintings come from Painting, Process, Oil on Canvas, Abstract Landscape

Edited 11/10/20

I read a quote about inspiration and how you can't sit around waiting for it to happen. That reality has always been true for me personally and I’ve been fortunate that ideas flow freely and my inner child is always waiting to play.

Someone once said to me, "Paintings Come From Painting" which really resonated. The understanding that not all work will be for show but everything has a purpose and if you keep going exciting things can happen.

This is a detail from a recent 24"x20" painting that was made for the Annual Springs Invitational. The first time I was invited to be in the show. The Curator, Teri Kennedy asked me to make the painting which was based on a gouache painting on paper. It was challenging and did not come together till days before the show. It has moments that I really love and has given me a new direction. So never count anything out.

Abstract Landscape, Installed Show, Art Show, Oil Paintings

Edited 11/10/20

With the end of summer activity more concentrated studio time for work is realized. Organizing the studio, archiving work on paper and paintings from my show 'The Nature Of' at The Quogue Library Gallery, which came down in early August. Cleaning and organizing is crucial to keep work fresh.

I've had some brief but clear visions in my head of where I wish to take my work. In those moments of clarity I jot notes that describe what I'm envisioning. I have habits and a way of making paintings that takes over so I really have to think when working not to approach the canvas the same way. I started a 24"x40" diptych today as a way of breaking ground into this new approach. It still looks like my old work…but its a good 'old' one.

Soon I will drive to Connecticut to collect the remaining six paintings from my show 'Real Abstract' which came down in early April. It will be good to have the work, one is sold and going to Boston in early September. From April to present there has been no action at Lillian August so it's time. As I have said the gallery in the Design Showroom where my work hangs is a great three room gallery separate form the showroom floor but none the less it is not a traditional gallery which makes sales difficult so this will be my last gig in such a space…for now. But gorgeous it was and it gave me the opportunity to see the large works hanging which was great.

In the spirit of trying new things this tape collage was a new idea for me back in late 2015.

This small gouache painting from 2015 was also a departure as I had been working mainly in oil for years and suddenly picked up water based paint. I have since explored acrylics and use frequently as well as watercolor when working small.

Landscape Inspired Oil Paintings, Oil on Canvas

Edited 11/10/20.

I've been reading blogposts about search words and where and when to use so I have more of an understanding. Also the labeling of images with search words before even uploading to the site. Prior to this I would label my images the same as if I were sending them to a gallery or Rep.

More importantly, White Kitty has been hanging around the house and today he/she walked into the kitchen. I am very excited to have a kitty that I don't have to take care of but can feed a little, hopefully love and it will hunt the voles, moles and chipmonks of which there is no shortage.

MARK PERRY - REAL ABSTRACT, Installation Paintings

Edited 11/10/20.

Revisiting this time in my life I recall how beautiful the show was. Sadly like most out-of-town venues you never know who saw the show. Also it was a design showroom so even though they sold art their main concern was the couch so… With that said it is nice to look back on what was possible, the installation of fifteen of my paintings in three rooms and feel great about it. Both of my sisters saw the show one brought our elderly mother to see it and I met them there that day so fond memories all around.

Real Abstract - Mark Perry at The Gallery at Lillian August in Norwalk Ct. March, 2017. 

There are two large works in the show with slightly different width dimensions and when installing I accidentally switched the planned locations. As I was under time constraints I went with the change. It quickly became apparent that the paintings were better served in the new layout. The first image below shows one of the large works that I am referring to in the center. 

Spring Revisited, (center) 2016, oil on canvas, 94"x88", Photo: Luv Bajaj

The left side from 2012 in the studio with Pacific Coast. The right side, Pacific Coast installed in show. 

Left side: Studio shot with Pacific Coast. Right side: Pacific Coast, 2011, oil on canvas, 94"x89"

The image below, shows a small painting titled Field, 2009. I varnished this painting at the recommended one year after dry time and the surface is quite satisfying. When hung in this location the light hitting it made it literally sparkle. A Lillian August Designer noticed it as well, we were both pleased. 

Field, 2009, oil on canvas, 16"x16" 

REAL ABSTRACT install view 1. 

REAL ABSTRACT install view 2. 

The image below on the far left shows Rolling Stream from 2016 on its own wall fulfilling all of my expectations for this painting. 

Far left: Rolling Stream, 2016. Center: Jewel Hills. 2016. Right side: Hills and Trails 2, 2016.

Installed Paintings, Artwork in Lillian August Design Showroom, Abstract Landscapes

Edited 11/10/20.

As it turns out I did not install the two shown below. I did install fifteen paintings including (2) 86”x86” paintings and it was not crowded… it looked amazing!

As I have an early morning and a full day I planned to retire early. Suddenly the phone rings, my eighty-seven year old mother wishing me good luck with my install and telling me to drive safely. Stay in the right lane. Thanks mom. Life can be grand, I wish I could bottle the warm loving feelings for that cold day...tomorrow.

Two from the archive that I will be installing at The Gallery at Lillian August in Norwalk Ct. tomorrow. 

Dunes monochromatic, 2012, oil on canvas, 44"x47" 

Patch of Earth, 2007, oil on canvas, 48"x48", in artist frame. 

Artwork, Oil Paintings, Abstract Landscape

Edited 11/10/20.

So the last painting on this post titled Mountains and Trials, was revised in 2020. It’s better. Of course I have to say that but I do feel it’s true and of course I have to say that but it was shit before.

A very good friend has been assisting with marketing and one great result is that I am preparing a large installation for January 18th. Things moved quickly with the Interior Design Firm, Lillian August and their gallery in Norwalk, Ct. fittingly called, 'The Gallery at Lillian August'    https://www.lillianaugust.com/pages/the-gallery-at-lillian-august   My installation titled, MARK PERRY real abstract, consists of a dozen paintings, two large works and scaling down to 14x11. In addition, potentially twenty works installed in showroom vignettes. 

About Lillian August. In the early 1980's Lillian August, Interior Designer and mother of three, started a crafts and quilting line. With this success, Imperial Wallcoverings hired her to design a wallpaper line with an American Country look. Then under her namesake and later assisted by her two sons, Dan and John Weiss, the business has grown to be a leading resource for designers in NY and Ct. They also have a 100,000 sq.ft. Showroom in Norwalk that opened in 2003 and a location in Stamford Ct. 

Four works seen below, past and present, to be included.  

Fields, 2009, oil on canvas, 16"x16" 

Diptych, 2016, oil on canvas, 14"x22" 

Red Abstract, 2009, oil on canvas, 31"x26" 

Mountains and Trails, 2015, oil on canvas, 48"x60" 

"My child could do this." Comments From the Peanut Gallery

Edited 11/10/20.

I try to connect with my inner child all the time with my art. But when a Bully on Social Media felt the need to insult me as she thought That reality was not my first thought. A complete stranger commented, "My child could do this." on an Instagram post yesterday. We are not connected on social and have since blocked her, after responding, "How nice."  Her profile pic consisted of huge, barely covered, breasts, no face. Sex workers moonlighting as art critics? She sucker punched me and I blocked her back.

I try to channel my inner child every time I enter the studio. So, Success!  However simple things appear usually the process is anything but. Few think of process while surfing the Internet but process is what drives artists. Would I want someone to see all my messy moments in the studio? No.

All my creative life I've been told it's not about the finished product, it's about the process. When I am trying to make a painting I walk the fine line of staying in the moment, my process, till I get there. 

A detail that received the comment, "My child could do this." I wear it like a badge but not the first second I read it. That first second, my heart stopped. Comments have consequences. We can't control what people write only our reaction to it. 

Good or bad, History is what separates this work from that of a child.