'Midnight Floral' Rounds Out The Holidays
Every now and again I’ll place a work on exhibit that I secretly hope DOES NOT sell so that I can place it on my own walls. Not that I’m necessarily opposed to reproducing it for that purpose. Although my stated policy is that, once a work produced on metal sells, I won’t reproduce it again in the same size or smaller so that the buyer has exclusivity, I confess to having voided that policy a couple times for my own personal use. This work, ‘Midnight Floral’, could be one of those occasions.
Initially I was more taken with the work ‘Trapped In Milkweed’, now on exhibit at the Columbia Art League, maybe because it came first, and because this one simply followed much of the same techniques as that one. But over time, ‘Midnight Floral’ has grown much stronger with me, possibly because of the greater contrast between light and dark. I’ve often referred to floral works as ‘cheating’ because they seem so easy – anyone can point any kind of camera at a floral and get something beautiful out of it. I keep doing them because they’re so popular. I’ve also insisted that ‘art’ has to be more than a pretty picture. But ‘Midnight Floral’ perfectly employs the abstract techniques I’ve been experimenting with that sends it far beyond a simple pretty flower. As mentioned, it’s printed on metal, and I gave it a wonderful black ‘French-style’ frame.
It is both an advantage and disadvantage that digital artists can reproduce any work at will – it becomes possible to more broadly share a given work but thoroughly destroys the exclusivity that traditional artists have. Only practiced discipline on the part of digital artists to NOT produce a work more than once flanks that disadvantage. So here it is, the only copy in existence of what I believe to be one of my best works, now available for the opportunistic collector. See it before it’s gone, man!
- CH
'Trapped' By The Columbia Art League
It’s almost boring that every new exhibit at the Columbia Art League fairly explodes in outstanding art. Member shows, like this one, are even better because each artist submits what they perceive as their best works as opposed to following a prescribed theme – works that speak from their souls. That said, there’s a complexity in that drive. What enriches the artist personally may not necessarily be a work anybody else likes. …Strike that – may not necessarily be a work that anybody else GETS. Whether or not ‘Trapped In Milkweed’, the work presented here, is one of those is something we’ll discover. I was thrilled with it after I created it. I produced it on a metal print with a handsome oak, midcentury frame. Anywhere it’s displayed it will pop! Since then, I’ve produced a number of works that may surpass it, at least in my own mind, but all of them fell back on the techniques and styles cultivated by this one. I’ve produced works before that I loved that just seemed to sit when exhibited, maybe sit for years, then suddenly began drawing attention. Suddenly, people seemed to GET them. Then there are those that just sit forever. So it goes. But as the Columbia Art League goes, mine is only one, small contribution. Great art hangs everywhere one looks. I still feel gratitude that I’m included as even a small part of it. I invite you to stop in while in downtown Columbia, between the holiday shopping and the fine dining, and let your eyes feast upon the art. Something may pop that speaks to your own soul as much as it does the artist.
- CH
An 'Autumn Stroll' At The Runge Nature Center
Fella by the name of Rick Jey is an interesting guy, working tirelessly to promote local arts and artists. One of his endeavors is this exhibit, ‘Call For Nature’s Art’, held in conjuncture with the Missouri Department of Conservation’s superb Runge Nature Center in Jefferson City. He begins reaching out to artists months in advance, if not an entire year, to ensure he gets the best works from the best artists. This year’s collection is noted for its particularly outstanding quality in which I’m honored to be included.
I’ve been holding back ‘The Autumn Stroll’ for just this exhibit. It’s already received an award from the Jefferson City Art Club and has easily been one of my most popular creations. The initial photographic capture was made right there on one of the Runge Center’s many trails. I chose to blend the digital elements very subtly in order to simply extenuate the colors and beauty of the forest’s fall colors. Juxtaposed to the very abstract and surreal work I’ve produced of late, ‘The Autumn Stroll’ is an example of knowing when to use a lighter hand; when to let the image speak for itself. I printed it on metal, with a wonderful walnut frame. It will become the centerpiece of any space.
The Runge Nature Center, if you haven’t visited, well you should, damn it! The interpretive center itself is filled with exhibits about Missouri’s natural environment. It is located in a substantial forest with miles of walking trails that are truly one of the most peaceful places for a stroll I’ve come across. Rarely have I failed to spot a few wild turkey or a deer or two or three. All the more remarkable for being located in the middle of Jefferson City.
Another word about Rick. One of his projects is a video series called ‘Spotlight On The Arts’, which can be seen on his streaming network, GMN+TV, as well as on YouTube, where he’s promoted dozens of local artists. You might even find one of me out there, though it’s been a minute since I sat down for that one. So thanks to Rick for another great exhibition. He’s one of the folks who makes our art world dynamic and growing.
- CH
Holiday Works On Exhibit At Gumbo Bottoms
So, I wasn’t going to do exhibits like this in 2025 – too worn out from doing so many of them last year. But when I thought about it the timing provided the perfect opportunity. Every year for several decades I’ve completed new Holiday works, and each one goes into oblivion on my hard drive – there’s never an opportunity to exhibit them. Well … now there is. I’ve collected works that date back 20+ years, all the way up to 2024, and they show the complete evolution I’ve moved through – from very simple works that were more photograph than art, to the newest abstracts that are more art than photograph. I’ve thrown in a few autumn works because they just seemed to create the proper balance. If you’re local, please come out and give them a look. And if you’re not, what a perfect time to see the lights of the Capital City! Holler me if you come in – love to see you and talk with you about each of the works!
See all the works on exhibit below!
- CH
