Flowers of Death

Flowers of Death
ink on watercolor paper

These flowers have been around since April 1st (birth of Kayla) and are finally finished! The concept behind these arrangements is universal, so I included it in my Bio for the NEXT art show this Saturday.

Scott Allen (1977 -), born in Jacksonville, was brought back to art after a near-death experience.
“No one knows how long they have to live, and after some fatal close calls, everyday is now spent illustrating the aesthetics of nature with an esoteric approach,“ says the artist. For example, in Flowers of Death, each piece has an abundance of youthful flowers, but hidden iconography reveals just the opposite,
a concept we all share.

Flowers of Death II
ink and ink wash on watercolor paper

Butthole Snaps

After a year of procrastination, Butthole Snaps is completed.
Why is it called Butthole Snaps? Its just a funny name for Erica, among many others, plus it suits the attitude of the figure and the painting for that matter.

I'm a big fan of line movement and you can't beat the figure 8 game plan.

A detail of the lips and chin, this took a couple of reworks, but the results are worth it.

This section of the hair turned out well, looks just like the wig my girlfriend was wearing.
The best compliment I received so far is from my Erica (model), she's very critical of pictures and drawings of herself, and loves this piece. Thanks for posing sweets!

Back to the Studio

Here is where I work almost everyday. As you can see, the easel does the bare minimum and is very weak, so I'm in the process of replacing it. The painting Butthole Snaps is coming along, and the next step is the details in the sombrero, which is gonna happen tonight (I need a drink).

Untitled Paint Study

After being commissioned to do an abstract piece for a friends new business, I decided to get warmed up by doing a paint study. Even though this is not what the painting is going to be about, I wanted to see what I can get away with and how the different paints relate to one another through different applications (i.e dripping, smudging, loose brushwork, and even applying pencil). So far I'm stuck, should I stop and consider this finished, or add miniature creatures and soldiers throughout the piece?

Crimson Escapades

Since I'm on a roll posting older pieces, here is a painting from Apt 609 (12/2003-7/2005).

Revisiting Brazill

Introducing a complementary color grid portrait, a first for me back in 2001, and a favorite among my urban-culture enthusiast friends. This is a portrait of Nathaniel Brazill (teenager charged with killing his teacher) and the subject matter was picked out of desperation to meet a deadline in my design college class. While successful in school, this picture was also a success when I presented it to my sister as a gift in 2006.

Still Life #2

This picture is from my 2002 community college years and wanted to see what the internet was all about.

Butthole Snaps (the beginning)

Yeah, its been awhile, but finally I've been granted enough time to work on building my portfolio. One project (besides the christmas presents I'm still working on) is of my girlfriend Erica, who has always wanted a painting of her. So I dusted off the sombrero, took out the blonde wig in addition to her white face mask she already had on, and I was in heaven. Posted is the underpainting, more pics will follow. So far, I'm stoked...

Leukemia Sucks

Leukemia Sucks 2002 36" X 60" Oil on Canvas

Hello friends,
Here's an older piece that I decided to add to the blog. I created this in college, and was shown in a 3 galleries so far. The reactions from viewers are the best part. I seen an older woman tear up because she lost a cat to leukemia and another woman that was speechless because she thought the little girl died. All positive and happy reactions, my fav!

Youth Versus Experience Complete

This is the completed version of the triptych and a exclusive shot of "Versus". This centerpiece came from a vintage photograph found in an art magazine and I was captivated by the composition with the strong line movement. So I made the photo my own by adding color, a little more involving background and my face. The right character was replaced with me to make a college "self-portrait" project legitimate.

Youth

Hello again,
These past couple of days have been really fun preparing for the ArtWalk in Jacksonville. I showed 5 pieces including this one, and was very pleased with the turnout considering the rain. A lot of nice compliments were passed around and its cool showing a self portrait at a show because it ties you more to your work, makes you more recognizable, kind of like a business logo or mascot. Anyway, this piece is a part of Y vs. E (symbolizing youth) and is from a picture of myself at 17. Feel free to share comments or suggestions; they need to be absorbed...

Experience

Hello and welcome,
My name is Scott Allen and this is my first post. This piece is titled, "Experience" and is actually the third installment of a Triptych titled, "Youth Verses Experience". This particular piece is a self-portrait in an older (experienced) state. The drab colors indicate older age and the eyes looking in an up-and-away direction to symbolize the subject looking forward and away from the past and into the future. When I post the other pieces this concept will come more into focus.