Tampa Artist.com Holiday Art Show Dec 15th

Tampa Artist.com Holiday Art Show

Please join me and the artists of TampaArtist.com on Dec 15th, 2007 for a very special evening of art. TampaArtist.com Presents: 15 Days of Christmas Art Show & SALE Over 30 Artists & 100 Pieces of ART - Nothing priced over $300.00 Paintnigs | Photography | Glass Art | Ceramics and more Get your Holiday Gift for the Special Someone - SUPPORT LOCAL ART Location & Time: Where: 1515 7th Ave. Ybor City , FL 33605 - Directions & Map by Mapquest Time: Doors open at 6:00 There will be Wine/Beverages & Hor Devours Parking for the Show: Parking in the Ybor City Parking Garage.Parking Garage is located down on 15th Street past 7th Ave. Parking garage entrance is on the left, just past the railroad tracks - Complete Details visit tampaartist.com

Tampa Artist Inc. is a Non-Profit Organization dedicated to the development and support of local artists. Tampa Artist Inc. 2007

A new Brush brings a new creative vision

I took four months off from painting, it was abrupt. I lost my father in March to complications from smoking for 50 years. I hit the bottom and had no creative ambition what so ever. I had to force myself to get in front of a canvas and start to think about painting. It just wasn't there, I started forcing it and when you force art, it never works. I was struggling to get my creative jive back and after a mistake creative inspiration struck. I started working on 8 pieces. Two months later I have five complete and three to share. Here they are..more to come.

The Method of Staying Zero - Oil on Canvas

Natural Selection - Oil on Canvas



The Abstraction in the Thrid Person - Oil on Canvas

2007 Art

Ever since my daughter was born (Oct 25th 2006) I have been painting with a new creative vision and my understanding of color has grown. My new pieces range from abstract expressionism to abstract landscapes. There seems to be a relaxed state to my landscapes. 2007 is looking to be year of new creative inspiration and a new perspective on my paintings.

Orange Magazine

I have been fortunate enough to be interviewed by ORANGE Magazine about a website that I run called "TampaArtist.com". The interview took place in my studio at A.U.I. and was conducted by Lesley Reed. Hopefully the article brings more public awareness to the Tampa Art Scene: READ THE ARTICLE HERE

Studio Shot

Here is a photo of me in my new studio. The photo was taken during an interview for ORANGE magazine. This new space has provided a lot of new creative fire and energy. More to come!

RLF

American Flag Tribute

I have always wanted to paint the American Flag. After seeing the series that Jasper Johns created my heart was set. I was moved by the style he used to paint them. This is probably the only painting that I have ever planned and thought out. I knew going into it what I wanted; I could envision the final piece. This is a much different process that I use in my traditional abstract pieces. They are never planned out, I just start painting and what happens happens. With the America Flag I wanted it to be special and have meaning. Having served in this great Country’s military from 1989 to 1993 I have much respect for the flag. So, after 4 weeks of applying each color and waiting for each layer to dry and then having to wait for the entire painting to dry. My American Flag painting was finished. I was somewhat amazed at the final piece, it turned out as I envisioned. I have shown the painting to a few people and the response has been humbling. Here is the painting; I hope it moves you and you feel the sacrifices that have been made for the flag.

American Flag - 36" x 36" Oil on Canvas - 2006


The original already has a home - the painting has been digitally captured with a Hasselblad H2d - 39 mega pixel digital camera to ensure the highest quality possible. There will be a limited edition of Giclee Prints available. If you are interested in purchasing a giclee please contact me: - CLICK TO EMAIL ME

About the Giclee Prints: each giclee is guaranteed against fading, loss of color or material deterioration for a period of 75 years. Great care is taken in the reproduction process to ensure an archival print.

Creative Pieces

I have been painting a lot lately, trying to get as much done as I can before the little one arrives on or around Dec 11th. Once the baby arrives I will not be able to paint for a while. My goal is to paint enough pieces so I can partake in show/exhibits until mid summer. I keep in mind not hurry or produce paintings just for the sake of creating a piece. If I am not in the zone, I don't paint. I believe this is important for artists to be conscious of, otherwise the quality and esthetics of the paintings suffer. So.. here are a few from a new collection of works that I have been painting since April. The organic theme is very interesting to me right now, cells, cell division, microscopic life, DNA, RNA.. etc. Hope you enjoy.

Pathway of Origins - Oil on Canvas - 60" x 48"

Residential Totem - Oil on Canvas - 36 " x 36 "

Red Messa - Oil on Canvas - 36 " x 36 "





The Red Sea - Oil on Canvas - 25 " x 25 "

With a new studio space comes new art!

I have been in my new studio space for 4 months now. It has been a real change from working previously in my house. It has is advantages and disadvantages, the biggest advantage is that I am constantly surrounded by creative people in a creative environment. The main disadvantage is the small out of pocket expense and the 10min drive to the studio. I also miss being able to work spontaneous and just walk into the other room and paint. Having made minor adjustments to my schedule and routine I have been putting a lot of paint on canvas. My art has taken a new direction that I am pleased with. Here are few new pieces from the 4 months I have been in my new studio.

"Pathways Seven" - Oil on Canvas
























"The Templars" - Oil on Canvas - 17" x 17"























"Encryption Methods" Oil on Canvas - 25" x 25"
























"Topographic Zone Ruby" Oil on canvas - 25" x 25"

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Art Opening

Come out this Friday night at Mirta's Art Gallery for opening reception.(Mirta’s Gallery Café - 119S. Hyde Park Ave. - Tampa, Florida 33606 -(813)-259-0305) I will be showing 4 new paintings (Natural Selection 48" x 48" oil on canvas, The Red Sea 25" x 25" oil on canvas, Dawn fades into Dusk 17" x 17" oil on canvas and Enigma 20" x 20" oil on canvas) . These new pieces are reflective of my time spent at my new gallery space at A.U.I.. I have been working on a new series of paintings that are influenced by organic life forms and the environments we dwell in. Building up for Gala Corina. More to come!

- RLF

Calculating the Introspection

The time has been used for introspection and to take a step back reflect and observe. From that comes a new perspective and a new vision. A vision that will give the needed balance that is much after sought. With this vision new pieces shall arise, promising a new direction that will set the personal bar a little higher than before. Stay tuned for RLF’s new series - "Calculations in the Fragmetented Afterthought"

RLF

Mars v.s. Venus Show - recap

Here are a few images from the "Mars v.s. Venus" show. What a great turnout! We had an awesome time. The Gold Dragon was very hospitable and organized a great night. Thank you all for those who came out and supported the local art scene.


My wife & I at the Mars v.s. Venus Show


RLF & Tampa Artist Lesley Reed.


Mars v.s. Venus Show - Mars at the Gold Dragon

Mars v.s. Venus Group Art Show & Art Sale

Mars vs Venus is a group Art Sale of 8 artists from the TampaArtist.com website. The show will feature 4 artists from Mars and 4 artists from Venus. A diverse group of artists ranging from abstract painters to sculptors. So please come out and support local art and don't miss this chance to buy some great ART! Wine and hors d'oeuvres will be served. Please RSVP by clicking HERE

Mars will feature:
Anthony Iannini – Painter
David J. Kramer – Painter
Rich Frederick (RLF) – Painter
Michael Sherard – Sculptor

Venus will feature:
Laura Sayegh – Photographer
Maida Millan – Photographer
Kathy Iwanowski – Painter
Lesley Reed – Painter


Opening Reception:
Friday, January. 13th, 2006
6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m
Mars will be hosted at The Gold Dragon Gallery
3508 South Manhattan Ave.
Tampa, FL 33629
PH: 813-832-2755 - Map Quest

Opening Reception:
Friday, January. 13th, 2006
6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m
Venus will be hosted at Lyssa Morgan Gallery of Tampa
4062 Henderson Blvd
Tampa, FL 33629
813.281.1000- Map Quest

New Beginnings a group show

Please come out Friday Night and support the local Arts at Mathews Gallery!

I will be showing 5 new pieces in the show. 4 are of a part of a new series of 10, abstraction in the primary geometry. They are various sizes, mostly oil on canvas, two of them are on wood. Hope to see you all there

New Beginnings a group show

Show info:

Join in the Grand Opening celebration of a new concept in South Tampa ........... A fine art gallery featuring local and international artists in a casual comfortable setting that makes you want to stay awhile and admire the great art. Mirta's has a full line of Coffee, Espresso, & Cappuccino products as well as Teas, Soft Drinks, and a Fabulous Array of Desserts. Mirta's will feature music, poetry readings, and other events.

When:
Friday, December 9, 2005 6:00pm - 9:00pm - New Beginnings a group show @ Mirta's Gallery Coffee House.

Where:
Matthews fine art gallery
119 s Hyde Park ave
Tampa, Florida, 33606

Click for MapQuest

Gala Corina - WOW

Last nights Gala Corina opening was incredible. A night of musical entertainment, awesome people and some incredible art. The show having over a hundred artists drew a huge crowd. Over 3000 people in attendance, I had an incredible night and met a lot of great people! Here are a few photos from the night.



Josh - RLF & Painter Dave














RLF & Wife















RLF with art

3 Weeks and Running

For the last three weeks I have been fortunate to paint. I started stretching my own canvases, this has allowed me to create my own sizes and to be more creative. Here are few new paintings from the last 3 weeks.

"A method of Nine", 36" X 36" Acrylic on Canvas - 2005



















"Happiness in Blue" 25" X 25"Acrylic on Canvas - 2005





















"Urban" , 36" X 36" Oil on Canvas - 2005

Clair de Lune Show

Great Show! Awesome turn out, great people and wonderful art. Here a few pics from the show.

A Homage to Color and Color Theory

Amazing is color and how it effects each of us differently. We all react to it differently. Color for me is vital, I have to have color and even better is when color is mixed with shapes and patterns. Whether the shapes are recognizable or not to us, colors are always recognizable. Colors, shapes and patterns are the products and by products of our lives.

One of the most important figures to color theory is Joseph Albers (1888-1976). A major color theorist on the visual effects of color relations. Personally for an artist Albers has had a large impact on me as he has many aritist. These new piece are somewhat of a homage to Joseph Albers.

Another influences for these new works have been a musical influence. The Ambient Music of Brian ENO, his music with color are the ultimate compliment. The music he composes takes the listener on voyage. If you are not familiar with ENO, here is his personal site" ENO WEB

For Joseph Albers - Color Collage - 30" x 30" - Digital - 2005

Ambient Color Chart - 20" X 20" - Digital - 2005

Colors of Index - 30" x 30" - Digital - 2005

An Index of Colors - 30" x 30"- Digital - 2005

Healthy Colors II - 30" x 30" - Digital - 2005

Healthy Colors IV - 30" x 30" - Digital - 2005

A Study of Flight

An Index of flight Patterns: Digital collage - 2005
The ambient light of flight and its properties before and during flight, moods of the passengers are often left mute to the captain. But yet drinks are always served.

Clair de Lune

Please come for a wonderful evening of Art and Entertainment and check out some awesome art from Tampa's local area artist.

Clair de Lune, Opening Night!

The Date: Friday, August 19th

Time: 5:30 - 11:00 p.m.

Location: The Sanctuary’s Lofts

The address is 502 E. Ross Ave. Tampa, FL 33602. It’s on the corner of Ross Ave. and Central Ave in Tampa Heights.

Directions: if your coming from Ybor, go west on Palm Ave, under the interstate, and right on Central Ave until you come to Ross Ave.

If you’re coming from Downtown or 275, go north on Florida Ave. then right on Palm Ave. then Left on Central Ave.

Hope to see you all there!

New Works

I have just finished two new paintings. Both are acrylic on pieces of scrap wood that I found in the trash. Creating these new pieces gave me the opportunity to let loose and paint from the unconscious, with no pre-thought or idea in mind when I started. I enjoy the results. I hope you enjoy my work as well. I have not yet decided whether I am going to reproduce these and create giclees.

Six Degrees of Buffalo - Acrylic on Wood Pallet 2005


Might We Gather? - Acrylic on Wood Panel - 2005