Mojave Campfire

This new painting was born in early December while camping in the Mojave Desert in CA.

This represented new challenges in painting. First, it was done late in the evening and depicts the campfire glow on some nearby rocks and a tree. It was also from this light source that I illuminated the canvas to paint. It was also done with an acrylic under painting with oil on top. I like this technique for plein air painting as I prefer to complete my paintings during one sitting, and this allows for layering that otherwise is impossible with oil alone due to the time needed for drying. Third this evening was quite cold, around 35'F, and the paint had a paste like consistency. In the morning I noticed that there were small ashes from the fire embedded in the top layer of the paint. Considering the challenges in the production of this I am pleased with the result.

It truly was a relaxing evening spent deep within the desert. Relaxing that is until some nearby yahoo threw an aerosol can of automobile starter fluid into the fire. Your going to have to use your imagination as to what the scene looked like after that but I can assure you that the warm, gentle, glow of the fire became a tad more intense for a time.

This painting and many others are available for purchase at http://www.chrisgeremia.com/

Stonehenge

There is nothing like an international trip to put things in perspective. One thing that was reinforced is how glad I am that I was never part of one of the groups of people that had to move huge rocks over hundreds of miles of earth. There are large rock tributes all over the English countryside, not just at Stonehenge. I also was given a tour of the lesser known Woodhenge. Let's just say that it doesn't inspire quite the same awe as the stone version.

Whether this thing was used as an altar for prayer, sacrifices, or toga parties it is a pretty powerful structure. I wanted to capture it as the sun fell down in the cold October sky. It is a moving place. I only wish that the stones could talk.

This painting and others are available for sale at ChrisGeremia.com

F-14 Tomcat Movin'

A minimalist painting of an F-14 Tomcat from the USS Nimitz (CVN-68) in the South China Sea. The F-14 was taking part in exercises and ran over head at greater than mach 1, low to the deck, creating a nice sonic boom and some memories. It then ended up in vertical climb and disappeared into the sun.

Do you have an ex-F-14 pilot in your life who is now depressed because of the aircraft's decommissioning? Lighten his day and celebrate his past with a piece of original art.

This minimalist painting is 30" x 40" on stretch canvas. It has a multi-layered impasto texture that eases the negative space between the jet and the sun and provides dynamic movement. It will look great against natural or red stained wood either in a frame or without. Who ever said that all minimalist paintings need to feature a barn or a tree? This and other paintings are for sale at ChrisGeremia.com.

John on a Mountain

This is a painting of John M mountain climbing. As if mountain climbing wasn't enough adventure for a chap, this guy quit his job as a teacher and is now mountain climbing all over the world. As of this writing he is in Nepal.

I'm not here to judge any one's motivation or judgement. I'm here to celebrate the adventurous among us, and if this doesn't qualify then nothing does! My hat is off to you my friend and may you find what you are after. John's blogsite is http://www.thefuckitlist.blogspot.com/

This is a 30" x 40" oil on stretch canvas. It is clean, simple, symbolic, and sturdy. It, and other paintings are available for sale at ChrisGeremia.com.

The Greek

I hung out with this cat in Greece. During one particular evening in Santorini we climbed onto the roof of a house that overlooked a 200' sheer drop to the sea below. On the downward slope of the dome roof we crawled to the edge on our stomachs and finished a beer each while watching the surf crash into the rocks below.

This trip contained all of the makings for a great adventure. Exotic destinations, exploring, fighting, drinking, women, and illegal trespass.

This is an interesting painting with a large Prussian blue presence in front, over an Indian Red and white background. It creates an awkward visual tension that is indicative and fitting of the awkward tension that this character brought to the Greek countryside.

This is a 24" x 36" oil on stretch canvas and is in private collection.

USS California (CGN-36) Night Missile Launch

This is a studio painting of a night SM-1 MR launch from when I was on board the USS California (CGN-36) on an Indian Ocean deployment. In addition to the SAM we also launched an ASROC and a Harpoon Missile. Thankfully none of the launches were in combat situations. This particular missile launch did cream a drone a few miles up.

Do you have any good military stories with a photo you want me to put on a canvas for you? Send me an email to discuss.

This is a 12" x 18" oil on stretch canvas. This painting has been donated to the Maritime Museum of Monterey, CA and is part of the collection of materials of interest from all three USS California named warships.

An evening with Olde E

Yes, of course I know that it is bitter, heavy, and uncouth. That is the point of celebrating it. Without any pretence it is simply what it is and it is proud of it. When you drink Olde E you send a message to the world that you are down with your beverage for a reason other than flavor. Carry it out on a busy urban street with you and crowds will part way from your path. I have had my share of Olde E and I am a better man for it today.

For those of you that can't figure out how a painting of a can of Olde E can be considered adventure art, just try drinking 3 of them during your next lunch hour at work.

This painting is an oil on stretch canvas. It is 24" x 36" and is currently available for purchase at ChrisGeremia.com

Campbell Creek Impression (Revisited)

Found at the bottom of a steep decline was this small winding river. It offered a cool and shaded spot on the shoreline for some painting. It took a few trips up and down the hill to get all of the materials in place. In spite of slipping down the hill and getting my skin scraped up it was overall plenty relaxing. This location offered a moment away from the view of others, but was still within hearing distance of the road. This is the 20" x 20" original studio version of the 8" x 8" plein air original that was produced on the shoreline. It is richly textured and multi-layered in cool greens and muted oranges and yellows. The strong light focal point is echoed in the light froth of the lower rapids. Tie a hammock between any 2 trees and kick off your shoes. This impression with a fantasy leaning is guaranteed to calm your soul.

This painting, the plein air 8" version, and others are available for purchase at ChrisGeremia.com.

Biff Playing Air Guitar

This original artwork was inspired by events that took place many years ago. It is a gritty war scene featuring the condemned rising out of a cloud of billowing cigar smoke to make a final stand. With his brain already pickled in alcohol he knows that he must make one last heroic air guitar performance for the crowd. As 'Rock you like a hurricane' plays he reaches a state of perfection and delivers on his wish. In true warrior form he maintains his stoic presence and does not spill a drop of magical punch.

This is a 24" x 36" oil on stretch canvas. This painting is in a private collection in Houston, TX, USA.