New In-Progress Paintings

When I take on projects, I tend to book myself up in ways that may seem crazy to some... Especially since, admittedly, I am still in the stages of doing a large amount of my painting for little income. Doing it for money makes sense to most, but doing it because one day I want to be recognized as a great painter...well, that probably seems like a silly pipe dream to your average Joe. 

The thing is, I think it can be done...eventually. It's a competitive market, to say the least, but there are a lot of people out there who just don't work that hard. Say one bypasses the tinkerers, adds semi-skilled (I mean fantastic who am I kidding) networking and marketing skills, and has a product that is appealing to at least 50% of viewers, one just might have a stinkin' chance.

At least this is what I keep telling myself.

That said, here are 5 in-progress paintings that I have about 3 days to finish. 

All but the final piece will be shown at 13.5% Wine Bar in Hampden during the month of September. The sales from this show will help me realize my dream! Syke! The sales will help  finance my residency at the Vermont Studio Center this fall. You should come check it out!

OPENING PAR-Tay:

Thursday September 8th

7-10pm

13.5%

1117 W 36th St

Baltimore, MD 21211

I will leave you on this totally gorgeous day with a few of my faves from the National Portrait Gallery/American Art Museum trip on Monday.

Besos,

-Fitz

News

So far this week has been really fun... and I finished a new painting. After a weekend of working and baseball, I started off my Monday shooting a video collaboration with Shodekeh. We went through several different setups/shots to record my painting reaction to his beats. The finished video will show at the BMA beginning on September 7th and will close with a little party on Saturday October 1st. 

My niece, Maddie, got to come watch the shoot. 

It's fun to be in front of the camera, and once again, on Tuesday I took a trip down to Dean Alexander's photography studio to do my part for the new CENTERSTAGE campaign. It was so fun! After being styled by the lovely Jill Turnbull of No Worries Cosmetics, I got to do my part to welcome CENTERSTAGE's new artistic director, Kwame Kwei-Armah. Lucky to be included with participating Baltimore notables (I won't give them away as you'll have to check out the campaign,) I posed with Kwame to give my ad my own personal Fitzbomb flavor...can't wait to see it!And as always, thanks to Charisse Nichols for making it all happen!

Intea

Other than that, I've been working in my studio to finish some pieces that I set aside this summer as well as crank out some new work. I started the painting of Intea back in July and just finally finished it up. You can keep up w/ all of my new works by checking out the Portfolio link in my sidebar...if ya wanna.

Keep it real,

xoxo,

-Fitz

News

Things are really starting to get busy around here and the summer is flying by. Hope y'all are beating the heat, getting some pool time in, but still working hard at whatever you do.

Now that 2011 is over halfway through, I thought I'd give everyone an update on some of the exciting things that have been happening, and fill you in on some of what I have coming up.

Designed by Kat at Gilah Press and Design

Branding

First, I have a brand new online portfolio! I will continue to share my paintings on fitzbomb, but for those who want to see my art without all of the extras this site is clean and to the point. It hosts my newest paintings as well as my resume, bio, etc. Check it out by clicking the link above or the "Portfolio" link in my sideline.

Along with the portfolio I've also updated my general branding and press kit. Gone are the days of the Buddha (for those of you who have been following me that long.) Kat Feuerstein of Gilah Press & Design whipped up the cards pictured above and they will soon be printed on one of her in-house letter presses. I'm so excited! 

Press

I have been very lucky to have received some great press this year! In early June Shine Creative released a video that they filmed last year in my studio. Bmore Media published a great interview, and I received a feature in the July issue of Baltimore Magazine. The Arlington Examiner and The Free Agency dedicated stories to my art as well. Thanks to all who found me interesting enough to talk about. 

What's Next

Aside from my forthcoming exhibits, I'm looking forward to completing a residency at the Vermont Studio Center this fall. I will have 30 days of uninterrupted private studio time tucked away in the town of Johnson, VT. VSC hosts 50 artists and writers from around the world each month who have been chosen through a competitive selection process.    

Shodekeh performs

Next week I will be shooting a video with this year's Baker Artist Award winner, Shodekeh. I will create a live action painting along with his musical performance. The finished video will be premiered at the Baltimore Museum of Art when Shodekeh is honored for his award. Should be really awesome.

If you read my blog, you know that I'm a fan of CENTERSTAGE. I was totally flattered to be asked to participate in their upcoming add campaign to welcome new artistic director, Kwame Kwe-Armah. I will be included among Baltimore notables...like the Mayor. Shout out to Charisse Nichols for the invite!

I've also confirmed a portrait with WBALTV anchorman, Stan Stovall, as part of a donation that I'm making to benefit the fight against Glaucoma and Blind Industries and Services of MD. 

And as always, I look forward to meeting all of the new people who will become a part of my on-going project.

There are like two other things, but I can't talk about them until they are firmed up... you'll just have to check back and see.

See you soon!

-Fitz

  

Biennial Maryland Regional Juried Art Exhibit

I hope you haven't forgotten about me since way back on July 4th when I last posted! I've basically taken the month off to do things like go on vacation (pics to come) and read books. August is already shaping up to be silly busy, so hopefully we will see a lot of each other over the next 30 or so days.

I'll start this first Monday of the month by inviting you to the Biennial Maryland Regional Juried Art Exhibition (more info below!)

Ed Harris and I have both been selected to show original works in this exhibit. Out of over 1000 submissions, our paintings were chosen as 2 of 56 artworks to represent living artists in the MidAtlantic region.

Ed Harris

"Clouding Ashes"

72 1/2" X 51 1/4"

Artist Statement

In creating a piece there is often a tension caused by the difference of the marks more heavily influenced by thought and those influenced by impulse. This is not a tension that necessarily needs to be resolved. Spontaneous gestures themselves will result in rhythmic forms that, once present, can be developed or expanded upon in a multitude of ways. The question of how to make these into a final work can be answered with the broadest of solutions which is to simply guide one’s impulse without blocking it’s essence. It is unfair to describe such a process without recognizing the infinite number of mysterious and indescribable elements that transform a visual statement into a physical object of value. However, any language when analyzed can confuse one just as easily as it can be explained, and the effect of any type of human expression is as varied as the people open to receiving it.

Erin Fitzpatrick

"Caitlin"

18"x24" Oil on Wood

SOLD

You can read my artist statement by clicking here!

I know it's a trek for some to drive all the way to College Park...but did I mention that they have FREE WINE and BEER? And of course, you will get to see Ed and I which will be no doubt worth the drive ;).

See you soon,

-Fitz

Opening Reception

Saturday, August 6, 2011
3–5 p.m.

Exhibit Dates

August 1, 2011–October 16, 2011

Location

Arts Program Gallery
UMUC Inn and Conference Center, Lower Level
3501 University Blvd East
Adelphi, MD 20783

Exhibit Hours: 9 a.m.–9 p.m. daily

RSVP online for the Opening Reception

To request additional information, please call 301-985-7937.