When playing in a symphony, reading the music, playing your instrument perfectly in tune, and watching the conductor are important parts of the performance, watching the conductor while reading the music is a challenging multi task to say the least and is an art in itself. When there is a change of tempo the conductor is in charge and sets the new tempo, and you must be paying attention or get left behind… Sometimes our lives are a little like that. You must pay attention to the change of tempo, keep your eyes, ears, and most importantly your heart open to the change of tempo in your life… Please enjoy my new painting in progress, Change of Tempo.

Now I will see how they look in a larger scale rendered in oil, it should be fun and interesting. I have no idea what I am going to do, so tomorrow with a fresh eye I will see how the idea transforms… Since the idea is minimal, much imagination will come into play, with color and darks to lights… I like the pose, so maybe a series would be the right way to go. Let’s see what happens! Thanks for looking…

Fred Simpson

The second of the four CD tracks is complete! Working with master djembe drummer and musician Fred Simpson has been a highlight in my music experience. Talk about raising the bar! The original composition (composed on the spot) we recorded on Fri. has rich sparkling powerful solos by Fred that can boggle a drummers mind… The effect is musical and moving. I am inspired in many ways… you can see the paintings in the background and you can be sure   the drumming has effected them in a positive way

“After painting and playing music for more than 50 years, I feel comfortable expressing myself in both media… And in a way, I have come full circle in both painting and music,
enjoying where I am at in both media, and incorporating them both in the gallery has been very fulfilling. Some of my paintings have become more child like, like the Butterfly Garden series. And the music I am playing is the root of all music, African Drumming… Being a professional studio musician enabled me to play and perform all kinds of music and I love a wide range, but African drumming has enabled me to find a new voice to express myself, and I still have a lot to say after all this time… Just as in my painting, I feel I am just getting started! I will have new works for you to view and listen to as I work in both media this summer.” – Brad Smith

"Good Morning #5" in progress

Good Morning #5," oil on canvas, 60" x 60"

I am working on a new painting based on a sketch I did in oil on paper in January. Many times someone will ask me how long it takes to make a painting… There is no real answer; for example, I would have to say I started this painting in January – now is the end of June and I am just now getting the idea to canvas… It took much consideration to decide what scale would be best for the idea; the original sketch is small, maybe 8″ x 8″ or so… so I just thought and thought and thought… For some reason today I felt confident about the 60″ x 60″ you see me working on in the photo! This little idea has been floating in my head for months now – time to make it come to life! “Good Morning #5″ 60″ x 60″, oil on canvas.