Michael Burton first live painting with 14 other artists Remix Peroni event

The latest:

This past week I participated in one of the most important events of my career at this point. Last Sunday through Tuesday night I created at my first live painting event at Lacuna artist lofts. It challenged and revealed questions that have been running through my mind for a while.

For starters, I had a lot of first time experiences; the first time I painted along with 14 other talented artists in the same space. I have never painted a deck umbrella; for that matter, that’s the largest I’ve ever painted anything. Also, the first time I worked on a surface that wasn’t flat and a first that my work progress was documented on camera and video!

The challenge:

I, as well as the rest of the artists didn’t find out about the event until last Saturday afternoon, and was asked to participate the following day. I was a little hesitant because I hadn’t picked up a paint brush and painted in at least 3 years. I’ve been working in paint digitally and wasn’t sure of what I had in supply inventory; my paint, brushes and other supplies that may be needed.

Getting started:

I wasn’t sure of what I was going to create. I was used to painting tight detailed renderings with figures, but didn’t want to go that route with the umbrella project with the time challenge. When I got to the work site and saw the actual umbrella I was able to think out my options somewhat better. I decided to start with gradations of a sky and landscape in one corner of the umbrella. Approaching it this way gave me a chance to experiment with the brushes I had and how much water and towels I needed to flow.

Getting in the grove:

Painting that first section helped me to quickly realize I needed some small Tupperware containers for my paint mixtures, paper towel rolls, a gallon of water containers and which brushes were key for the project. From there I was set and much more comfortable with painting.

What was the painting about?

The night before the event I walked along the lake front for some exercise. The sun was going down leaving violets and pinkish warm gradients in the sky. It was a refreshing, calming site to see over the lake front and the green path heading north. I was at ease listening to the water hitting the rocks. I was thinking to myself; watching a sunrise or sundown and waves from water is priceless. I started painting off that moment and feeling of what paradise would look around different parts of the globe.

Theme:

I came up with “Daydreams of Paradise”. Mediations of world peace, tranquility, conservation and restoration are what the world needs; especially in the time of war, violence, and the artificial/ synthetic movement.

Conclusion:

I was hesitant and uncertain but glad I did it anyway. It showed that I could still work with paint as well as work under pressure with other people and things going on around me. It also enriched my life to see how other artists approach things, interact with each other as well as embrace each other’s unique vibe and personality. Finally, it enabled me to gain new art friends that understand what you feel and go though at times and push you to better yourself.

Last notes:

The art reception was  at Ferragosto Italian celebration-located at Oak street beach. It was a nice event, people wined and dined under our umbrellas, on lake shore drive-around the skyline(priceless). The umbrellas will travel on a national tour to a city near year you, and later will come back to Chicago where they will be auctioned off.