Red Truck Road Trip - WEST Coast Team

Now that this amazing experience has come to a close, I’m able to reflect on this life changing experience. I definitely miss Mike and Brad and our kooky chemistry. I miss the smell of the open road pouring through our windows. Each day was a gift with a new surprise awaiting us to unwrap. My heart is a little heavy at the moment because our journey has ended and it’s back to the real world and all the responsibilities that go along with it.

I’m proud of our team, our art, and our fearless attitude towards exploring America and all of its nooks and crannies. I’ll never forget what I saw, experienced, created, and all the wonderful people we met.

America is a beautiful country with something for everyone. I’m glad to have participated in this special program and it was life changing for me. My painting has never been better and I’m sure it’ll continue to grow with me into the future.

Mike, Brad- love you guys and thanks for making the trip what it was.

Never forget the HAIRY BAGEL!!!     

SEARED SCALLOPS OVER POLENTA WITH PONZU AND SCALLIONS- the dish was well executed. the scallops were seared perfectly, crisp and brown with a juicy center. the flavors were balanced and clean. the plate had symmetry and color.

FILET MIGNON WITH A PORTABELLO COMPOUND BUTTER, MONTEREY JACK GRITS, ROASTED CORN AND GRILLED OKRA- this entree could not have been better. the steak was exactly medium rare and the compound butter had an essence of truffle. the grits were rich and the fresh thyme provided a beautiful bridge to the steak and vegetables. it was colorful and southern food at its finest.

CHAMPAIGN WITH EGG WHITES AND SUGAR OVER A STRAWBERRY ROLLED STUFFED CAKE WITH MANGO AND BERRY REDUCTION, FRESH KIWI AND OTHER BERRIES- need i say more. 

SERVICE WAS A 12 OUT OF A 10. BRIAN, GAETAN, ROBIN, CANDACE, JEREMY were all a pleasure to meet. I even got to meet papa BEAR. PAM AND JOHN GAVE US THE ROYAL TREATMENT.

MR. SINCLAIR RATES THE ACORN IN NASHVILLE, TN 4 stars- ****

I said good day to you sir and madam! I have equally rated these 5 cities perfect 4 star marks for their exceptional architecture, city feel, all around attractiveness, cleanliness, culture- art/music, but most of all, REMARKABLE PEOPLE.

Minneapolis, MN- ****

Madison, WI- ****

Chicago, IL-****

St. Louis, MO-****

Nashville, TN-****

This piece was inspired after visiting the Chicago Institute of Art. After staring at Picasso, Miro, Matisse,  and Pollock I needed to do something a little more my style that was away from the heavy landscape series. King Sinclair is what came out. He’s a hip guy!

This one is more of a fusion piece finished after The Badlands in South Dakota. It has the heart of The Badlands and the essence of Utah. Of course my Miro stars hang in the sky.

Moab, Utah was by far the most inspiring place for me. The colors, the way light played of these golden red rocks, and the energy were just spectacular. It was inspiring to see these large rocks just balanced on top of each other.

This piece needs no introduction. This is Moab, UT. Jagged but smooth, electric oranges and steep cliffs of grandeur. Places within places. It was easy to disappear into a trance/ meditation when your feet touch the grounded soil.

The West with it’s big sky and rocky rolling hills and mountains. This was painted in a hotel room in the wee hours in the morning (3ish) and was out of my head. Just painting what I had seen and felt about the West up to this point.

This piece earned it’s title after meeting this filmmaker “Bear” in Nashville who made a song with the lyrics, “It’s half man and half dingo. He’s MANDINGO!.” King Mandingo was created outside Chicago before rightfully given its name a bit later on the trip after Nashville. I wanted to do a non-landscape piece with more breathing room and abstract.

I love painting in this style. Fun, kinetic, and very soothing for me. I don’t think when I do pieces like this. I go into a meditation and create from instinct with no sort of restrictions. Both Color Composition 1 and 2 are pieces that I tried to transform my intangible thoughts to tangible color, line, and texture. I feel both are successful.