This is the fourth painting in a series of abstractions on 30-inch square canvases. The first three paintings of the series (Bloom, Poïesis, Warm Autumn) were heavily influenced by the experience of the changing seasons.
Generally speaking the formulation of the abstract imagery is inspired by a synthesis of my relation with the materials, distillation of curiosity, and influences in my life. In this painting I poured a lot of sensuality and excitement into the process.
I asked a close friend to name the painting when he was in my studio. After about ten seconds he came up with the title Century Girl.
Big shout out to Theophilus London for making such a great track (soundtrack of the above process video) that inspired the name. I love how I happened to be feeling some of the same things he is talking about in the song while I was working on this, but I wasn’t thinking about the song, and how it came full circle when my friend named the painting.
Let’s take a look at the process…
1
I am starting a lot of paintings lately with either yellow, blue, magenta or any combination of the three. This painting starts off with yellow and blue and is finished with moments of light magenta.
2
The crimson colored lines start a structure that references the grid. This is a response to the curvy yellow forms. Notice how the yellow forms when placed next to one another also allude to a loose grid, perhaps a net or a web.
3
Bold brush strokes dance around the canvas holding their ground. This activates the dripping paint. I make lines, gravity makes lines.
4
After adding the orange I scrape away excess paint. This is really noticeable by the white marks in the blue that started the painting. Removing paint changes an image just as much as adding.
5
There is a dialogue when creating a painting. Conversation is about communication and listening. The painting and I were on the same wavelength. After deeper yellow, the surface is punctuated with some opaque dark strokes.
6
Working wet-on-wet, the dark colors merge and repel with the other colors. This effect is both visual and physical.
Century Girl | 30 x 30 inches | oil on canvas | 2012 | $2000
Fin. Balanced, tense, calm, capricious, seductive, playful, gritty, architecture, flesh… explore your lover.
Warm Autumn
Warm Autumn | 30 x 30 inches | oil on canvas | 2011 | $2000
Bloom
Bloom | oil on canvas | 30 x 30 inches | Ari Lankin 2010 | Sold
Poïesis
Poïesis | oil on canvas | 30 x 30 inches | 2012 | Sold
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEW YORK, NY – May 1, 2012 — StumbleUpon Art Program has acquired Poïesis for it’s permanent collection. Employees of the New York City and San Francisco offices voted to determine which painting from the “Particles and Waves” exhibition to add permanently to the StumbleUpon collection. In a close vote, Poiesis an abstract work, was selected from the exhibition featuring several styles from Lankins diverse oeuvre. [View the other paintings in the show]
The art program at StumbleUpon was created to support local artists by utilizing StumbleUpon technology, help grow local arts communities both on and offline, and enhance the StumbleUpon workplace. View the recap of the opening reception.
Poïesis | oil on canvas | 30 x 30 inches | 2012
Click the image for a step by step process and a stop animation video of the painting from start to finish.
-INFO AND IMAGES OF THE PAINTINGS IN SHOW -TAG YOUR PICTURES AND MORE ON FB
Last week StumbleUpon held an unprecedented five hour opening of “Particles and Waves” at their NYC headquarters. Many thanks to everyone who came out, and the awesome crew at StumbleUpon that helped make it a night I will never forget. Here’s a sampling of the nights festivities in the sequence it unfolded captured by photographer Greg McMahon…
All the people who didn’t get their picture taken during the madness, or came after hours, you are remembered in spirit.
The last photo of the night as we hit 10PM. We may have to make the group photo of the “closer downs” an opening night tradition.
The ever punctual NYC mover-and-shaker Shiva and I discuss my latest painting Poïesis.
Artist Michael Serafino, and Jean, Account Executive at StumbleUpon kickback as the show opens. Check the link to see Serafino’s new splice paintings.
Co-Founder of Galleray, Davis Mersereau, and Vanessa, Digital Account Executive at StumbleUpon flashing perfect smiles. Keep an eye out for the launch of Galleray.
Yours truly in front of Emotional Architecture.
StumbleUpon’s National Accounts Manager for the Advertising Platform Ari on the right side.
Multi talented artist Diana Oh stopped by before her performance in History of the World at Theater of the Living Arts, by Judith Malina.
Taking a moment with the legendary arts and music aficionado According 2 G. Check out his blog for cool NYC experiences, intimate views into the lives of artists, and his recap of the opening.
Raise your camera and take a picture of the party.
Brian, sommelier at 508 Gastrobrewery sandwiched between me and Jean.
One lucky man, two lucky ladies.
The viewer interacts with In the Garden, Good and Evil
How could I not include this picture? Just enough fun for the Internet.
Revelers pose in-front of One Outlet.
Joined with the lovely artist Zehava.
International baritone Joseph Flaxman. Follow the link to hear the voice.
Anthony, Director of Sales and Business at StumbleUpon, with Danielle and Jillian, Account Executives from Sharethrough.
I like being in the middle of a happy sandwich. Try it.
My man Borbay. Great artist you should have on your radar. Take a long look at all his projects.
Raise your camera and take a picture.
Stumble’dUpon the blue couch.
Environmental expert Geoff takes a close look at In The Garden, Good and Evil, from the never publicly exhibited Love Conquers All portfolio.
Sexy people, in front of a sexy Lady Gaga painting.
The first round of Johnnie Walker.
International photographer Charlie Rubin stopped by to show some support.
Z, C, and B, kicking it in three.
Borbay, According 2 G, and Tres (pronounced Trace) showing the love.
Awesome group of friends came out to show their support.
Always great hanging with Garrett and Chapin.
Fellow hockey and art enthusiast Jeff and I give his friend a big welcome to the party.
Great seeing business mogul and idea specialist Byron Bennett.
Byron and Borbay.
On the left, illustrator James Serafino anchors these happy folks.
Mike and Greg, almost looking like brothers.
Max, aka Kostanza, graced us with an impromptu ipod DJ set, and socialite Fernando Javier.
Pete catches up with Max and I.
Nimo Kally, NYC singer/songwriter , always living the rockstar lifestyle. He is playing at Piano’s March 9th. Check him out.
Artist Anu Annam glowing for the picture. Look at her powerful watercolors.
The man behind the lens, ain’t no myth here, photo/videographer Greg McMahon.
Contemporary artists, so contemporary they are alive, definitely check out their websites, from left to right we have: Joseph Meloy, Ben Katz, Borbay, me, Paul Zapeda, and Julian Rapp.
You can hear the buzz.
A low perspective inspired by Gaga for dramatic effect.
Ben Katz and I posing in front of his favorite painting of the evening, New Years Eve — New York City.
Feeling good, feeling great, where are you?
On the left, Andrew Matsumoto, a creative fireball.
Artist Mike Serafino on the left, and founder of the Vandal Expressionist movement Joseph Meloy on the right.
Ladies pose between Madison Square Park and One Outlet.
Tony, fellow artist Anu, and Glorie.
One for the history books.
Having a little fun.
Having a lot of fun. Congrats to newlyweds Rachel and Greg on the right.
Mike and Paul choose alternate paths.
This is definitely a Kodak moment.
Pete stayed for the entire show, great to meet you. Let’s go Flyers!
They met tonight, believe it, that’s the power of art viewing experience.
Super groovy ladies from Germany.
Click for larger image. The second to last photo of the evening around 10PM, an hour before most people left.
Click for larger image. The last photo, partially related to The Last Supper.
Those in favor of the group photo, say aye… Aye!
For more information on the exhibition, acquisition, and the Art Program at Stumbleupon follow the info link below, or contact info@arilankin.com
-INFO AND IMAGES OF THE PAINTINGS IN SHOW -TAG YOUR PICTURES AND MORE ON FB
Here is a recap of the opening reception. Viewings by appointment for collectors and press until mid April.
What: “Particles and Waves” by Ari Lankin, February, 23rd – 6-10PM
Where: StumbleUpon NYC HQ – 73 Spring Street (bet Crosby and Lafayette) Suite 206 – Almost all subways are nearby, click the link for a map.
- One Outlet | oil on canvas | 24 x 18 inches | 2009 | $1400
- New Years Eve – New York City | oil on canvas | 30 x 40 inches | 2010 | $2200
- Poïesis | oil on canvas | 30 x 30 inches | 2012 | $2000
Click above image for process and video.
- Lady Gaga | oil on canvas | 30 x 30 inches | 2011 | $2000
Click above image for process and video.
- In the Garden, Good and Evil | oil on canvas | 30 x 30 inches | 2011 | $2000
- Sand Flesh and Sky | oil on canvas | 48 x 48 inches | 2008 | $3500
- Emotional Architecture I | oil on canvas | 30 x 40 inches | 2009 | $2200
- Warm Autumn | oil on canvas | 30 x 30 inches | 2012 | $2000
Click above image for process and video.
Madison Square Park and Plensa's Echo | 14 x 11 inches | oil and acrylic on canvas | 2011 | $700
Click above image for process and action shots.
This is the third painting in a series of abstractions on 30 inch square canvases influenced by the seasons. The imagery is inspired by a synthesis of my relation with the materials and influences in my life: the paint, the canvas support, the square composition, and in this painting, an unusually warm stretch of winter weather in New York City.
The air was fresh and and the light full of clarity. There was a feeling of spring hanging in the winter air…
1
Starting out with a primary palette of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. I have been exploring these standard printing colors in the past year. Cyan bricks referencing the grid, and shards of yellow light.
2
Here come’s magenta, one of my favorite colors of late. I’m building space with geometric pieces. Add black to get the CMYK family.
3
The loose-fitting shapes of the initial composition shift to two puzzle pieces. I like the puzzle piece because it makes inclusion and exclusion obvious. There is the actual piece, and then there is everything that fits around it. True existence.
This set the tone.
4
Now I introduce my extended palette. I started by mixing one color. I painted with just the one color before I mixed a second. Then I would have two colors to work with. Then I would mix the third, and have three colors to work with… etc. This is different from how I usually mix a very diverse palette at the beginning of each painting session.
5
At this point I’m starting to feel a general vibe from the painting and sense a connection to the fresh winter weather. The sun fills my studio as I work, a refreshing air passes through the room. Now that the palette is established for this painting, I would return to mixing a large palette before each session.
6
Dark crisp marks inform the softer capricious forms already present. This creates departure and transition throughout the painting.
7
Flesh, the body, visceral sensation.
Poïesis | oil on canvas | 30 x 30 inches | 2012
Click the above painting for a larger version.
The final image feels fertile to me. The title is partly inspired by how Martin Heidegger explains poïesis as a moment of ecstasis when something moves away from its standing as one thing to become another: the blooming of the blossom, the coming-out of a butterfly from a cocoon, the plummeting of a waterfall when the snow begins to melt.
Fecund transition.
Below are the other two paintings from this series. Click the images for more information -
Bloom – Exhibited during a recent solo exhibition, “Windows of Self” at RL Fine Arts
Bloom | oil on canvas | 30 x 30 inches | Ari Lankin 2010 | SOLD
Warm Autumn – Will be shown for the first time at my upcoming show on Feb. 23rd at StumbleUpon HQ NYC
Warm Autumn | 30 x 30 inches | oil on canvas | 2011
Warm Autumn | 30 x 30 inches | oil on canvas | 2011
Click painting for larger image. If video is not working follow this YouTube link.
Questions? info@arilankin.com
Look up at that Bald Eagle. A symbolic bird with a majestic presence.
The client and I agreed that the soaring Bald Eagle is a feast for the eyes. The bird is still, with wings proudly outstretched, gliding through the air at speeds up to 45mph. Power and grace.
It reminded me of the eagles from my youth in Pennsylvania, to the predator birds on my cross-country trip of Argentina, and of course the Bald Eagles of my annual summer trips to Maine.
Let’s take a look at how this commission developed…
A loose graphite sketch exploring scale and placement. Similar to Gaughin’s methods of drawing outlines in blue pencil.
Building from the process in my CMYK paintings I start with magenta. Positive and negative space.
Coming in with Cyan (blue) to divide the space even more, and start to tease out details of the eagle.
CMYK: Y is for yellow.
And K, is for “key“, better known as black.
Filling the foreground to establish a horizon in the background.
A blend of black on the water to accentuate a feeling of flatness relative to the flying eagle.
Now that the coastline is cohesive the space is really starting to be defined. I’m exaggerating the highlights on the eagle to pop it forward.
Using one of my favorite blues to fill in the atmosphere of the sky.
Building the ocean up with more realistic colors, in the final version you can feel the warmth of the red underneath.
Right before its finished the sea darkens with texture, the mountains crystalize out-of-focus in the background, and the final details are added to the Bald Eagle.
Soaring Bald Eagle (for CZ) | oil, acrylic, and graphite on canvas | 14 x 18 inches | 2011
Click image for larger image.
The final painting is a realistic portrayal with a signature painterly handling of the paint.
If you are interested in a commission contact me directly info@arilankin.com
This is the second painting I did after the biblical flu that had me sidelined with a fever for 9 days. Between tripping out on a fever, lucid fever induced dreams, over twenty movies including the whole Twin Peaks series, and not being able to paint I was so ready for this painting to pour out of me.
As usual with my abstract work, I dive in without any preconceived image…
A big yellow amorphous shape, why not?
I kept it very loose and tried to surprise myself. Some strong lines to counteract the organic yellow shape.
New colors and shapes seem to have individualized spirits.
Two strips along the top and the bottom, allude to analog film. This was influenced by watching so many movies and my experience with photography/film. Aesthetically it holds the diverse forms from spilling out of the top and bottom of the canvas.
A canvas is a window to another world. Add light and the image dances. The individual forms start to gather together and a large central form develops.
At this point I’m exploring the organic forms and fleshy feeling. This is balanced by the architectural feeling of the crisp horizontal strips on the top and bottom of the canvas. The self, the brain, and our instantaneous digital connection to the rest of the world….oops, I was just thinking out loud.
There was a lot of destroying and rebuilding while making this painting. I had to take things away to see if they were needed. When I rebuilt them I already had a knowledge of the purpose they served. Also what was was missing in their absence. 
The lower forms are now shining through the strip on the bottom of the canvas. Some people wish their life is a movie. If you ask me, everyone’s life is a movie. Some people turn their projector light up brighter than others.
View With A Room | oil on canvas | 30 x 40 inches | 2011
Immortal Captain | oil on canvas | 30 x 30 inches | 2011 | Ari Lankin
As many of you know I have nurtured my love of art for a long time, but I have been nurturing my passion for Flyers hockey since the day I was born. My parents have blessed our family with season tickets since 1973, well before I was born.
Today the supposed keystone of the Philadelphia Flyers team was traded. Captain Mike Richards was dealt to the Los Angeles Kings 30 minutes after fellow Flyers star and good friend Jeff Carter was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets. The first deal was no real shocker. The team had salary cap pressure while trying to sign a new goalie, which apparently they did after the Richards trade.
The Richards trade was a little more to stomach.
Will next year be the year the Flyers recoup the Stanley Cup?
During the last week of the regular season I started a Mike Richards painting. Richards was The Flyers Captain and stud player who was destined to be the next great figure in Philadelphia sports. That was until the 2011 hockey season happened. Destiny waits for no man.
On June 23, 2011, The Flyers made big changes in the organization, and I made a big change in my Richards painting.
Here it is..
A spacious grid to give a framework to the structure of the painting. Screaming orange to set the mood for this painting.
Most of the body has solidified. And I start adding orange marks in the background.
Looks like this guy is Flyered Up. Here comes color number three. I love laying a dark color into a very light painting. The sensation is tangible.
Building the form up with different shades of orange and white. Some Flyers symbols start popping up in the flames.
There was too much separation with the black background so I decided to lighten it with some dry brush marks. I was inspired by the look of ice.
More specifically the ice at a hockey rink. Art related hockey fact: White pigment is added to the water that is frozen to make the rink.
Starting to really catch that Mike Richards fierceness. He can really be a beast on the ice when he is on top of his game.
Immortal Captain | oil on canvas | 30 x 30 inches | 2011 | Ari Lankin
The painting now stands as tribute to all Flyers Captains. Especially the greatest Captain, the immortal number 16, Bobby Clarke.
I have faith in 2012 for this organization. I must admit this is an exciting move by Paul Holmgren. We welcome new Flyers Brayden Schenn, Wayne Simmonds, Jakub Voracek, and Ilya Bryzgalov.
I would also like to give a big thank you to Richie and Carts for taking this team to high levels. You will always be a great part of Flyers history. I wish you both the very best in your careers. It’s unfortunate we won’t get to walk together forever.
You know what they say in hockey, its not the name on the back, its the crest on the front.
Let’s Go Flyers!
Jaromir Jagr | acrylic, oil, pen, collage, and cloth on canvas | 11 x 14 inches | 2011 | Ari Lankin
There is nothing quite as life changing as your first born child. A new chapter full of blessings and love. The beginning of a new family full of magical moments.
For this painting I had a lot of photographs to choose from. After listening to what they wanted I chose this one for two reasons.
The first is because I like the peaceful look on his face, the sea of blankets he’s in, and the gesture of his hands. Secondly, I couldn’t stop thinking about how his Grandma told me she wonders what he dreams about when she watches him sleep. I can only begin to think about how amazing baby dreams are. The longer I look at the photo the more I see a little man full of personality. As the painting evolved I sent them process shots for their approval. It felt great hearing how excited they were about the developing painting.
For the record this is my youngest portrait. All of five days old, the incredible Robert Gaetan Specht, aka, Robbie G.
I remarked how the “G” in his name kind of sounds gangster, and his grandmother quickly said, “Because he is gangsta!” This helped inspire the choice of “Every Day” by Girl Talk for the music on the video. The song samples John Lennon’s “Imagine” and layers it with some contemporary rap beats.
The painting of Robbie G, the new Boss of the family… (Video is best viewed on YouTube in HD)
This painting starts in the shadows of a black ground, inspired by his first 9 months in the womb.
Wrong placement in the canvas which is fixed by wiping down the canvas.
We didn’t want the painting to look exactly like the photograph. I chose some of my richer colors, and experimented with form.
A real man can wear pink. Confidence is sexy. Notice how he can drive with his left hand while pretending to talk on the phone with his right. While updating the first-time father with pictures of the painting in progess, he told me ”It’s only been four weeks, but he’s growing up so fast.” I couldn’t help but laugh. Soon he’ll be asking to borrow the keys to the car.
Keeping the energy high, and the brushwork loose I start to experiment with altering the source material.
Odds are he’ll be right handed, but I increased the size of his left arm to anchor him in the composition. I also took away his driving privileges by getting rid of the steering wheel. Sorry fella, your dreaming, not driving.
The patterning on the blanket starts to spell his name, “Robbie G.”
Time to add a little more peacefulness to his face, you can never have too much.
Robbie G | oil on canvas | 24 x 18 inches | 2011
Just a little more peace, and another reference to the family name folded carefully in the blanket above Robbie G’s left shoulder.
A beautiful baby who will grow up to be a legend.
“Imagine there’s no countries
It isn’t hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace
You may say that I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will be as one”
-John Lennon, “Imagine”
If you like the soundtrack to the video I highly recommend downloading Girl Talk’s latest LP All Day for free at Illegal Art. Here is a link to a great article in the New York Times about Greg Gillis of Girl Talk. Looking forward to hear what he comes up with next and hopefully get a chance to see him perform live. Greg if you read this drop me a line because I have a question for you.
