AmazingStreetPaint

I get a lot of questions about what kind of chalk do I use, and what kind doesn't stain, etc., so I decided to do a test. 

When I chalk, I use a combination of different chalks.  I take into consideration the surface, the weather, the colors of the piece, how long I have to complete the piece and how detailed it is.  Different chalks are better for different things.  As you can see from this first picture, some chalks work better for detail and others are better for intense color and coverage.

Click here to read my entire blog post comparing 6 different types of chalk, complete with pictures of the process of removal: www.amazingstreetpainting.com/…

Next weekend I will be chalking in Venice, Florida at the Sarasota Chalk Festival (Nov. 14-17, 2014).  The theme for the event is Endangered and Extinct Species, which was a challenge for me.  I usually do people, and wasn't sure what animal or plant I could do at this event to stay with the theme.  One of my favorite artists is James Gurney, author of the Dinotopia books, so I started looking through his books and choose a few pictures that I thought would work.  I love his style of watercolor, very similar to Norman Rockwell in that it's is highly realistic.  But Gurney's work deals with animals and scenes that are imaginary, or partially imaginary.  I wasn't sure if I could get permission, but thought I would give it a try.  I've usually had success when I contact a living artist to request permission to recreate their work in chalk on the pavement, although there have been a few that I either couldn't contact, or said flat out "no way". 

But James said YES!  I was so excited!  I will be doing one of his works from "Dinotopia: Journey to Chandara" called "Irish Elk".  The original watercolor is only about 12" x 12", and my art will be 12' x 12' - much larger.  It will take me 2-3 days of work to complete the art at the festival.  I will post pictures on my Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram, in addition to Deviantart and my website.

I was very excited to be asked to participate in not one, but two street painting festivals in Germany this summer.  I applied to attend the event in Wilhelmshaven on August 2-3, 2014, but then was also invited to go a week early and attend a smaller new event in Sogel on July 25-26.  I will stay the week in Sogel and also participate in creating local murals and art in the town before heading over to Wilhelmshaven with other street artists from all over Europe.  My younger daughter, Carmen will also be participating in both events, her first time to chalk outside the US.  This will be my first time visiting Germany, and I am really looking forward to it. 

Now I am working on what to chalk.  I will be doing 3D art at both, and the theme for Sogel is "Welcome".  Not sure how to work that into my art, so I'm struggling a bit.  But that happens often.  I have another week to work some ideas up, and I usually will come up with something that I am ultimately happy with and excited to chalk.  I will be bringing powdered tempera paint and chalk, since the surface may require it.  Last year during the festival, they had a nasty heat wave, so I'm hoping that won't be the case again this year. 

I will also have my new 3D lens, which will help people see the art without a camera.  Stay tuned for pictures!

I'm very excited to drop off art work today for hanging in our first joint show.  It will have it's opening on Friday, Jan. 10, 2014 at the Jupiter Community Center from 6-8pm.  All are welcome, the exhibit is in the hallways of the center, and will be up for viewing for about a month.  This is Carmen's first opportunity to actually have her art shown publicly, and also with my art.  We both will have at least 8-10 pieces/paintings.  Some are acrylic, oil, watercolor and pastel.  Our works have some similarities, but are different, too.  The only thing that would make it better, would be if we could sell a few pieces from this show!

More info at www.jupiter.fl.us/art

After 20 hours of work over 2 1/2 days, a local group harrassed me during the event, then after I finished, held a protest about the image of Ponce de Leon being "celebrated", and proceeded to splatter my art with fake blood.  Witnesses told me they notified a deputy standing nearby, but he said he could do nothing, because the art was worthless and it was on a public street.  I felt like this was an insult, and I am looking into the local laws.  If this is what the law currently states, then it needs to clarified or changed.  Street painting is no different than a band performance.  And you can be sure that if someone started creating a disturbance and throwing things at the band, they would be escorted out and arrested.

Link to video from Local TV news channel 5 WPTV interview about damage done to my art at festival last Sunday youtu.be/LvQtkLo0z1U