my favorite living artist

There is only one living artist whose genius actually scares me...most artists look as if they are painting with oven mits on compared to the saint I have shown you here. I think I would have been this good technically if I did not have to spend half my life serving drinks, cutting down trees and fighting the wolves chewing at my door. He had money that kept him from such matters but I still worship him.

odd nerdrum is his name...

(and I have the edge on him in a few areas I believe.)

your parents

your parents don't owe you anything. They brought into this world and if your life is not enough of a gift then you are surely shortsighted. If you blame your parents for the problems in your life then you are simply creating a context where you don't have to be responsible for your own reality. I often wished my parents were rich and could have saved me from 15 years of art- hell but then my art would not be something you would pay money for. Don't think I dont have PHD in complaining though...its just I don't really listen to myself when I bitch.

Strange world

I realized that my strange world series is really about the very last day of humanity. What if we had one last day together as humans on this planet? I would like to think we would actually live like humans for a day and less like rodents.

Jim Morrison

My entire life I have been very influenced by the music of the doors. Dali, Velasquez, Jim Morrison have all been big influences in my life and art. Courage is the corner stone of great art and the walk that jim took in his less than thirty years on this planet was bold and beautiful. I guess people get caught up in the crazy, alcoholic madman image ( I know I did for a time) but beyond all that stuff was a wonderful thoughtful human who was eventually destroyed by the very same system he rebelled against. One can never beat "the system" but one can bruise his head against her dirty walls as a statement! We were never meant to become cookie cutters as human beings but we seem to be marching lemming-like into that horizon.

Strange world---final kiss

Before you slip into unconsciousness
Id like to have another kiss
Another flashing chance at bliss
Another kiss, another kiss

---jim morrison

I often wonder what humans would do if we had one day left to live..would all war and violence and crime end? Would we let out all the prisoners? Would we forgive our enemies and lost loves?

Strange world---running towards the sun

As I child I used to wonder if it was possible to run across the water all the way to the setting sun. This is a nice piece I would like to keep but I will ebay my fair child to the highest bidder.

http://cm.ebay.com/cm/ck/1065-29296-2357-0?uid=87404769&site=0&ver=LCA080805&item=290124920380&lk=URL

Birthday Wishes

Happy birthday to a beautiful German girl.

water

in art and myth water is symbolic of the unconsciousness...

This came in the mail today

If anyone wants to own a DVD that will actually affect your life...Buy this on ebay or amazon..I promise this is golden.

this is a good piece to own

I really don't understand peoples bidding practices. I had a stellar piece up for bid that went for twenty five dollars, then another lesser piece sells for 400.00..this piece here is a great one to own..I made this in my teens and it is a very detailed drawing, not sure who it is after. If I was not me I would buy this piece but selling art to myself reeks of ego and strangeness. I think this is the cream of the crop of my early old master studies, it should be bid accordingly...I really would like to keep this one sample for memories but out she goes...


will put up ebay link soon..

Madness and Genius

neighbors or just friends?

I fell on dark days.

not for sale

Here is a piece I never intended to post. I painted this in my basement days I do not wish to go into details further but I painted this in Tompkins Square park in 2000. It is big (4' x 5') I decided to do an entire painting without letting my rational- linear brain interrupt my hand. I remember a grey bearded guy started crying when he saw this painting. A japanese film crew filmed me painting this and a female cop gave me her number..it was quite a day...I never delved into this "style" again...It currently hangs right over my bed (and I wonder why I have nightmares.) I have a nice photo somewhere of A bunch of NYC police officers checking out the piece.

I love these words...what a picture they paint

"Spider John" is my name friend
I'm in between freights and I sure would be obliged
If you'd share your company

I know this may sound strange to you
But if you wait till the song is sung and the story is told
You might come to understand
Oh, I'm old and bent and Devil sent, runnin' out of time
When I long ago held a Royal Flush in my hand

Chorus:
Oh, I was a Supermarket fool
I was a motor bank stool-pidgeon, robbin' my hometown
I thought I lost my blues, yes I thought I paid my dues
I thought I'd found a life to suit my style
But here I sit old Spider John the robber-man
Long, tall, and handsome
Yes, old Spider John with a loaded hand, takin' ransom

Then one day I met Diamond Lill
She was the sweetest thing, I declare
That the summer breeze had ever blown my way
But Lilly she had no idea, of my illustrious occupation
She thought I was a saint, not a sinner, gone astray
But you see that the word got around and Lilly left town
Never saw her again
Tossin' and turnin', 'causin' my heart to grieve

Chorus:
Oh, I was a Supermarket fool
I was a motor bank stool-pidgeon, robbin' my hometown
I thought I lost my blues, yes I thought I paid my dues
I thought I'd found a life to suit my style
But here I sit old Spider John the robber-man
Long, tall, and handsome
Yes, old Spider John with a loaded hand, takin' ransom

That is all my story
It's been these thirty years since I took to the road
To find my precious jewel one
And if you see my Lilly, won't you give her my regards
Tell her ole Spider got tangled in the black web that he spun
You can tell her ole Spider got tangled the black web that he spun

good morning

back among the living...today I will be a blogging posting fool...keep watching.

good morning...

Met two lovely collectors of my work yesterday! Had lunch with one and dinner with another...Unfortunately, they both insisted I drink lots of drinks with them! Today Alex has much need of sleep...My lunch date left her art in a cab! She called me crying but I will make sure she has new art and "better" art on me (bionic art)...Cab drivers need art to, andrea, don't worry...I will paint you an oil! Sweetest girl god ever made...my dinner date, barry, was nice as well--- just not as pretty.

alex

good morning

Hello America,

Its 6:20 AM E.S.T, I meant to get up in the middle of the night as I usually do and load up work to ebay as many of my pieces are ending in auction at same time or have sold early. In true slacker style I slept through to this morning. I will try to get some work up ASAP. I have lunch and dinner dates with some great clients in NYC so I will not be back until tonight. I will try to get work up before I head into to NYC, I feel naked without at least 15 pieces up for people to view. I have not run out of work I just got lazy. I also learned that if I put buy it now prices on Ebay I can't control when the auction ends and plan ahead to when my next work goes up...live and learn...Hope everyone has a nice day. Did I make any sense here? I thought not.

Old Master copy

the original purchaser backed out of the deal after agreeing to buy this so I am putting it back up for bid...It is a detailed study of an old master, I not remember who. It will be on ebay soon unless someone wants to email a bid. It is a very detailed sketch in good condition.

alex

crucifixion of genius

I made this painting at 17 or so as I was studying the old masters. I think this may be after caravaggio, not 100% sure. I even tried a period of abstract, non-representational art until I realized that was a con game. The artists I knew who couldn't draw all became abstract by "default." Jackson pollack was a failed student of the great regionalist painter thomas benton at the art students league. Mr. pollacks sketchbooks were very weak from this period and lacked any refined sense of draftsmanship. The funny thing about J.P was that he was shown how to do his drip paintings by the surrealist max ernst, very few scholars know that--- I have a video in which max ernst tells the tale.

This is the new stuff--I go dancing in....

Just got back from my brothers place as he is moving to a new apartment and he decided to give me back some old work he found in the attic. Much of this I will not sell, but there is some I will. The first post is a study I made in 1997 of a female face from life. I am sure it was in a life drawing class in NYC somewhere as that is where I lived at the time...I really don't want to part with this piece but I may change my mind...this is a small sketch a few inches across and done from life not from a photo.

In defense of genius

I have had considerable success lately as an artist thanks mostly to the support of kind folks like yourselves who have been buying my art as fast as I can post it and ship it. As a result of this, as of late, I have heard grumbling from artist "friends" and associates who have decided that my latest endeavor is "selling out" or some form of artistic "prostitution." Alex would like to take this forum and this moment to address those very same people. Firstly, I would like to say without courage there is no art, an artist who tells you they are happy hanging their paintings in some lonely little studio to be viewed only by the spiders and shadows of creeping failure is not an honest artist. An artist loves to sell and be seen, that is why we exist! The problem is that most artists are so frozen by fears and insecurities that they will not even admit to themselves the real reasons for hiding in obscurity. So often they clothe themselves in the self-sewn "shabby and false" garments of integrity or purity. I promised myself long ago that If I fail as an artist it would not be because of fear, I promised I would give art every last ounce of fight I had in my guts before I quit or failed. If you love yourself and respect yourself in this world you should not lie to yourself. That is a great sin that separates the "sunday painters" from the rest.

General Update--good morning

I loaded some new pieces last night. I have to drive to my Brooklyn studio this morning, back later in afternoon. If anyone wants art you can read above instructions, call or email me with questions. There is plenty of art left and I started working on some new series as well. If I promised anyone certain pieces etc. please be a bit patient as we are just getting caught up. I will honor my word even if you have to yell at me a bit. For all who sent in 10 to 30 dollars, we made folders with your name yesterday (two big boxes) and will start shipping those out on Monday! Good ebay feedback is important so please contact me if you feel you waited to long or have any other issues. I promise to make you happy. A surgeon in Idaho has promised me he can attach a few more arms so I can draw and paint while I handle everything else.

viva dali

after lautrec---woman in a pink dress.

another lautrec copy from many moons ago...this is explained in detail on ebay.

link below:

http://cm.ebay.com/cm/ck/1065-29296-2357-0?uid=87404769&site=0&ver=LCA080805&item=290123618775&lk=URL

Strange World---early morning flight

Here is a really nice (in my opinion) study from my "strange world" series. These were painted on the beach in los angeles during my lost weekend in Doors land . I get very depressed in Los Angeles but I find there is something in that depression that makes me paint well, so I will be flying back soon to paint on the beach again and continue my strange world series. My friend asked my why I don't just paint them in NY, I don't answer questions like that. If you have to ask that question my answer would mean nothing to you. I often find you cannot tell in pictures if it is a sunrise or a sunset, I can only see this piece as morning. a departure in to a new day, a strange world. This piece will not be put on ebay if you would like it please email me with an offer. My other strange world watercolors have brought in 200 to 400 dollars and this is one of my Favorites.

After Lautrec---nude in stockings

There is much detailed info. on ebay on this piece.

click on red link below.

http://cm.ebay.com/cm/ck/1065-29296-2357-0?uid=87404769&site=0&ver=LCA080805&item=290123615309&lk=URL

My work space

The alchemists chair...

VIP LIST

We have shipped close to 100 pieces out of my studio already and have many times that to ship still! If anyone wishes to be on VIP list please email me with VIP in subject of email. By being on VIP list you will get to view work before it goes to bid. If you have spent 300 or more dollars on my art you are enrolled in VIP automatically and you have a free gift coming from us at TDA soon. It looks like we made New York Magazine, although I am not sure if it is only the online version (will find out soon!) So far all those who have received my art have been very positive, if you have an issues please contact us!

The possible ranks higher than the actual.

Martin Heidegger

Old master study

This is a very detailed sketch so I hope it is bid accordingly. It is from my teenage sketchbooks when I obsessed over the old masters. I never owned a coloring book, never collected comics never liked abstract art..I was always aware, even at a young age when the proverbial wool was being pulled over the public's eyes and the emperors of contemporary art really had no clothes.

bid below:

http://cm.ebay.com/cm/ck/1065-29296-2357-0?uid=87404769&site=0&ver=LCA080805&item=290123423903&lk=URL

Seated Dancer -- -after degas

This piece is on hold for a client may be released at later date! more from my degas copying phase as a teen. there are some nice moments here..offers are accepted via email on this piece.

good morning

Hello America,

Today will be a big day here as my new assistant will be helping me ship and load new artwork. I have some nice pieces from central park that will be going up today and again some more dancers and strange worlds. I am sorry I have been lax on getting up the dancers.

alex

After degas --woman with umbrella

I have finally linked this picture to ebay...

link below:


http://cm.ebay.com/cm/ck/1065-29296-2357-0?uid=87404769&site=0&ver=LCA080805&item=290123313559&lk=URL

second grade

I found this tonight...I remember drawing this like it was yesterday...I was 8 years young. The owl and the pussy cat was my favorite rhyme.

peter gabriel

Saw a group of people forming
Round a figure lying down
And someone runs to make a phone call
And the man kneels on the ground
The man kneels on the ground
Theres a tightening in my chest
I know that Im drawn in
Oh God let it not be you

Dont leave us
Dont leave like this
Dont leave me here again
Im not quitting on you
No one else
Youre not quitting on us
No running out

The colour in your shirt is darkening,
Against the paleness of your skin
I remember how you held the goldfish
Swimming around in a plastic bag
Swimming around in a plastic bag

You held it up so high
In the bright lights of the fair
It slipped and fell
We looked everywhere

Dont leave us (your eyes are bright, your blood is warm)
Dont leave like this (your heart is strong, youre holding on)
Dont leave me here again (I feel your pulse, I hold your hand)
Im not quitting on you
Theres no one else
Youre not quitting on us
Theres no way out
No way out

Dont leave us
Dont leave like this
Dont leave me here again (I feel your pulse, I hold your hand)
Im not quitting on you
Theres no one else
Youre not quitting on us
No running away no way out

Ebay

If you wish to view my work on Ebay simply type in ten dollar art in search bar. or you can follow above instructions to getwork.

taking a break back soon with new work.

alex

photograph

I usually never show photographs as I look at them primarily as a reference for paintings. I am not into things that all have the same surface etc. although they are unique in that they capture a moment in time---cartier bresson was a person I admire as a photographer..This is not a photoshop manipulated photo, I promise this is the real thing. It was not digital either it was years ago before I had a digi cam...it is a reflection of the trees in the water in the mountains. It was a dead calm morning. I flipped it, of course, to be vertical and to take into the strange world. My friend chris is a great photographer..

not for sale.

alex

after Degas--nude bather

here is another of my degas studies. It is a bit aged and wrinkled and I will press iron it out for you before shipping...water color on pink paper.

degas study---woman wih umbrella

Another degas study from my files-- probably about 19 or 20 when I made this. It is on a pink toned paper. On ebay soon. Some of the old ones are a bit worn and show some age but even humans get wrinkles. about 9 inches high pencil and watercolor

yours,


alex

strange world---shadow woman

although many of my pieces are hitting final bids at 200.00 to 500.00 dollars and up on ebay...I like to see who is quick and viewing my blog.....this piece is a small study from my "strange world" series. If you are quick you can have it by clicking below for 25.00. I promised I would put pieces up that would be affordable to most so I honor my word.

link below.

http://cm.ebay.com/cm/ck/1065-29296-2357-0?uid=87404769&site=0&ver=LCA080805&item=290123046937&lk=URL

correction!

I had posted the wrong call letters for a Fan/ supporters radio station it is 103.9 WFAS-- DJ mary Desilva. You can hear her in Long island and she is based in Westchester. She has been spreading the word of my art and website and I cannot thank her enough!

alex

new work up on ebay

I have15 pieces on ebay and will load more later today. I have to head to my glass art studio in brooklyn for a bit this morning. New dancers and flowers and some strange world pieces coming up. Gearing up for some painting trips, keep you informed. lots of shipping this week, I hope nobody worked all weekend like I did and you enjoyed yourselves a bit.

alex

My First Painting!

I made this in acrylic when I was in fourth grade, I know it was fourth because It still has my mom's handwriting on the back when I entered it into an art show..Im guessing it was 78 or 79 or there abouts. I won a blue ribbon for this painting against adults. I had lost that ribbon many years ago. It is 16" X 20" on canvas and not for sale for any amount of money. I would turn down one million for this picture.

alex

Ophelia prints for sale

These are now at 50.00 and are going fast! They are 8 x 10 archival prints. They are signed and numbered and limited to 200 pieces. you can pay pal me or snail me for one if you wish, also on ebay with link below...

the link is active again, new prints!

http://cm.ebay.com/cm/ck/1065-29296-2357-0?uid=87404769&site=0&ver=LCA080805&item=290123039347&lk=URL

link to ebay below image.


http://cm.ebay.com/cm/ck/1065-29296-2357-0?uid=87404769&site=0&ver=LCA080805&item=290122718132&lk=URL

Strange Worldd---Departure study

Here is another "Strange World" study....again, these are studies, they are visual inspirations not judged by the rational side of my brain as I create them. The "Strange World" series is something nebulous from deep inside me I don't quite understand yet so I am learning about them with you as we go..

Pencil on green toned paper with highlights..

on ebay soon!

I like this piece more than many of the strange world studies and will probably use it for a large painting one day.

click link below to buy.

http://cm.ebay.com/cm/ck/1065-29296-2357-0?uid=87404769&site=0&ver=LCA080805&item=290122678284&lk=URL

Strange World---study number1

Another study from santa monica...I will give greater detail on these pieces on Ebay.


post soon...

Strange World--lost lovers

Lost lovers staring into a desperate horizon. Sometimes I paint the sunny romance of love and life and sometimes I feel and need to bleed out the shadows. I get very dark sometimes inside and find myself in no mood to draw irises. will post on ebay soon. These are studies for future oils and watercolors. They are loose and small sketches on colored paper 8" x 8". I don't know why but I always hear the who song in my head when I look at this piece..

Only love
Can make it rain
The way the beach is kissed by the sea.
Only love
Can make it rain
Like the sweat of lovers'
Laying in the fields.
link to ebay:
http://cm.ebay.com/cm/ck/1065-29296-2357-0?uid=87404769&site=0&ver=LCA080805&item=290122788347&lk=URL

Strange World---stolen fruits

Here is nice study I made for my Strange World series. It is called "Stolen Fruits." I do believe these to be some important pieces from my body of work. I am getting back to los angeles soon to make more of these because I can only make them in my dark little corner of Santa Monica beach. I knowit sounds odd but I cant make these pieces in my studio. It is up on ebay...link it soon!

Im back!

Took a much needed break, now I am dying to get working today! I have ten good hours of uploading and working ahead today so keep an eye out. I am flying to LA soon to paint new Strange worlds on my dark little corner of Santa Monica beach. I don't feel right painting those any where else as strange as it sounds. Met with a big supporter and fan yesterday in NYC-- Mary from 103.9 WSAN in westchester...(I hope I have call letters right will check in a minute.) I also made some nice sketches and watercolors from the Boathouse in central park. I swear it is paradise there with the impressionist light and the boats and gondola floating about. Very Parisian-- without the airfare. Stay tuned today is a big day as I slacked a bit yesterday! I should have 15 new works up today. God bless our veterans!

alex

new drawings are up on ebay!!

I put up new drawings and will do many more when I get back from the museum today. You can get to my drawings by going to ebay and typing ten dollar art in search bar.

alex

Alex's BBQ

Today Alex will journey into the Metropolitan Museum for a day to have a BBQ of the mental kind. I will grill the brain with Rembrandts and marinate it with Velásquez. For dessert, a beer with Raphael and absinthe with Goya. The true purpose of holding a BBQ is really about who isn't invited. I will skip happily past the sad drippings of the late 20th and early 21st century who clog my lawn and I will speak not with Rothko, nor with the failed isms and their malnourished, shabby children. While the brain goes stagnate in the acrid smoke of the chic Chelsea galleries where the meat of wisdom is undercooked and shelf life is that of sunlit sushi, I will hold court with the minds of the great masters and play horseshoes with the ancients. I will leave full and happy and on the train home my hand will flow to my pad with the twin angels of heart and wisdom guiding my charcoal.


alex