today

I am off to a funeral...when I get back alex is going into full blown art mode...show in dec..etc back on horse like a true cowboy...been a useless artist for a week...I have things in me to paint I have never had, can I get them on canvas? I will find out.

this is amazing

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/21/guatemala-city-sinkhole-under-womans-bed-_n_905454.html#s309912&title=Utah_Sinkhole_Death

there is something very carl jung about sinkholes, especially when they appear in your home..they are the abyss

I have nothing to declare except my genius
Oscar Wilde

words of the day

All growth is a leap in the dark, a spontaneous unpremeditated act without the benefit of experience.

Henry Miller US author (1891 - 1980)

I have lived by this quote my whole life--even before I knew this quote...

portiats by gardega

I have a secret rule when I paint a picture of someone from a photo...If they like it it a lot and they are willing to come over the very same day to look at it, then I gift it to them. If they dont move heaven and earth to come over and see the piece the very same day, I sell it.  The cat is pout of the bag now...

work

I worked my butt off this weekend finished one serious illustration which I cannot post and I finished one painting.

portrait of Monika: in progress

Oslo

My heart goes out to the victims, especially the children, who are victims to violence in Oslo. I have a friend there and I was very worried she was in harms way but she is okay. I dont understand why sick people dont just take themselves out and have to hurt others including innocent people. They should throw the guy to the sharks and save the taxpayers some money on a trial.

New project

I am starting to paint a show now for Dec. 18. When I am not painting I will be writing my second screenplay. I am going to finish it by dec 18th. It requires a trip to Texas so  I will have to hit the road. I want this movie to be a visual poem, a moving painting..

Illustration of staten Island

Here is a painting I made for a book cover of Staten Island. Orange is the compliment of blue. If you mix two complimentary colors they make grey...Red/  green       Orange / Blue      Purple/ Yellow..

This isnt the final version, I didnt have time to photograph final version--soon. 

This is for sale. I may gift it to a certain staten islander, though.

a tortoise with a wheel for a leg

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/20/tortoise-gets-artificial-_n_905308.html


one should spray paint "american economy" on its shell.

NEWS

I may keep this blog alive...I miss it too much. I may update two blogs a day. My ADD is deciding my wordpress blog isnt really what I hoped but I like the website itself. I have always had issues with anything from microsoft..nothing they do is ever easy for artists etc..it is for computer heads who have time to tinker. I just want stuff to work. I want to spend time on art, not on computer headaches. I love my new mac and will never go back to a pc in this lifetime.

NEW BLOG

http://gardega.com/my-blog/


still perfecting ....

My Final Post

After almost 5 years, and 5000+ Posts and a lot of hot air  I am leaving this blog. I am dedicating every picture and word of it to the memory of my old man who was a brilliant mind, a loving dad and a pain in the ass all at once. He never once tried to convince me to quit art. He thought my art was wonderful and this meant and still means the world to me. I may come back once in a while to weed the gardens etc. God bless all the faithful readers and supporters. You know who you are.


The only constant is change and I have started a new place to show my work...www.gardega.com

T mobile

I would like to thank T mobile customer service for going out of their way for me concerning some recent events of a lost brand new phone on a really- really bad day . You never expect much out of a corporation but  Tmobile just changed my views. They have the best customer service, I have been with them ten years and Im not switching. Occasionally the dice of life roll in your favor. One day there will be no humans answering phones, it will be AI computers, I hope there is a way to program some heart into the algorithms but I have a feeling their isnt a way...It will be a sad day when humans are taken out of the equation and computers replace us.Just as the dark defines the light and death defines life, the left brain defines the right brain, the heart vs. the head, the math vs. the arts....machines are math, they have no hearts but will they ever learn to feel?

NEW BLOG

I am switching my blog over to my website--finally. I will post here for another week, then I will switch..Going to be very strange to let this puppy go..I may consider simu - posting because a lot of traffic comes here---not sure yet

http://gardega.com/my-blog/

man steals a picasso

http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Picasso-Thief-Caught-on-Tape-Leftys-125089934.html?dr

RIP alex gardega SR.

My old man has passed..it was a tough few days..wasnt going to write about him on here but it is the thing to do. Life is defined by death just as dark is defined by light. It is the yin to the yang. The universe is a picture that one never really understands, the hand of god is beyond something man can comprehend. I have a feeling he is at peace. Life carries on and on and on..

nothin' short of dyin'

the beer I had for breakfast wasnt bad

so I had one more, for dessert.. johnny cash

I will be off this blog for a few days.

for my dad

It was only one hour ago
It was all so different then
There's nothing yet has really sunk in
Looks like it always did
This flesh and bone
It's just the way that you would tied in
Now there's no-one home

I grieve for you
You leave me
'so hard to move on
Still loving what's gone
They say life carries on
Carries on and on and on and on

The news that truly shocks is the empty empty page
While the final rattle rocks it's empty empty cage
And I can't handle this

I grieve for you
You leave me
Let it out and move on
Missing what's gone
They say life carries on
They say life carries on and on and on

[ From: http://www.metrolyrics.com/i-grieve-lyrics-peter-gabriel.html ]


Life carries on
In the people I meet
In everyone that's out on the street
In all the dogs and cats
In the flies and rats
In the rot and the rust
In the ashes and the dust
Life carries on and on and on and on
Life carries on and on and on

It's just the car that we ride in
A home we reside in
The face that we hide in
The way we are tied in
And life carries on and on and on and on
Life carries on and on and on

Did I dream this belief?
Or did I believe this dream?
Now I can find relief
I grieve

RIP

photo of the day

by gardega..

goodbye, old paint

I am handing this off to a collector today...going to miss this one...paintings are like children (except they are square) I like to sell work but I always miss it...This is a spooky one, The Underworld...I signed it three times last night, some paintings are so sensitive to anything you add that if you dont "sign it" correctly it affects the painting. I had to wipe and resign three times.

Interview series

I recently interviewed An artist/ illustrator I loved growing up...He painted some of the best album covers of all time! Here is a hint---coming soon!

very cool...

Velazquez

I am always on the lookout for anything Velazquez...He is one of my favorite artists of all time....One day I will make it to the Prado...

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2011/06/22/arts/22postcards.html?ref=arts

the numerology of alexander gardega

You entered: alexander gardega

There are 16 letters in your name.
Those 16 letters total to 73
There are 7 vowels and 9 consonants in your name.

What your first name means:

Swedish	Male	Defender of man.
Shakespearean	Male	'Henry VI, Part 2' Alexander Iden, a Kentish gentleman. 'The History of Troilus and Cressida' Servant to Cressida.
Greek	Male	Defender of men. Alexander the Great was a 4th century Macedonian king for whom the Egyptian city of Alexandria is named. Eight popes and three Russian emperors have been named Alexander.
Biblical	Male	One who assists men

Your number is: 1

The characteristics of #1 are: Initiating action, pioneering, leading, independent, attaining, individual.

The expression or destiny for #1:
A number 1 Expression denotes the skilled executive with keen administrative capabilities. You must develop the capacity to be a fine leader, sales executive, or promoter. You have the tools to become an original person with a creative approach to problem solving, and a penchant for initiating action. Someone may have to follow behind you to handle the details, but you know how to get things going and make things happen. You have a good mind and the ability to use it for your advancement. Because of these factors, you have much potential for achievement and financial rewards. Frequently, this expression belongs to one running a business or striving to achieve a level of accomplishment on ones talents and efforts. You have little need for much supervision, preferring to act on your own with little restraint. You are both ambitious and determined. Self-confident and self-reliant must be yours, as you develop a strong unyielding will and the courage of your convictions.
Although you fear loneliness, you want to be left alone. You fear routine and being in a rut. You often jump the gun because you are afraid of being left behind.

The negative attributes of the 1 Expression are egotism and a self-centered approach to life. This is an aggressive number and if it is over-emphasized it is very hard to live with. You do not have to be overly aggressive to fulfill your destiny. The 1 has a natural instinct to dominate and to be the boss; adhering to the concept of being number One. Again, you do not have to dominate and destroy in order to lead and manage.


Your Soul Urge number is: 1
A Soul Urge number of 1 means:
Your Soul Urge is the number 1. With a Soul Urge number of 1, you want to lead and direct, to work independent of supervision, by yourself or with subordinates. You take pride in your abilities and want to be recognized for them. You may seek opportunities to display your strength and usefulness, wanting to create and originate. In your desire to manage the big picture and the main issues, you may often leave the details to others.
The positive 1 Soul Urge is Ambitious and determined, a leader seeking opportunities. There is a great deal of honesty and loyalty in this character. If you possess positive 1 Soul Urge qualities, you are very attainment oriented and driven to success. You are a loyal friend and strictly fair in your business dealings.
The negative side of the 1 Soul Urge must be avoided. A negative 1 is apt to dominate situations and people; the home, the spouse, the family and the business. Emotions aren't strong in this nature. If you possess an excess of 1 energy, you may, at times, be boastful and egotistic. You must avoid being too critical and impatient of trifles. The great need of the 1 Soul Urge is the development of friendliness, and a sincere interest in people.


Your Inner Dream number is: 9
An Inner Dream number of 9 means:
You dream of being creative, intellectual, and universal; the selfless humanitarian. You understand the needy and want to help them. You would love to be a person people count on for support and advice.

feedback

I continue to read your blog and enjoy it always.

 

Among your "124 Images" is the Loaf of (Italian) Bread you created.

 

I was the lucky owner until April of this year when I donated this piece for a fundraiser that I helped organize for a retreat house in Barryville, NY.  I was sad to see it go but it is now owned by a rather important person in Howard Beach, NY. Your art helped the cause and I am grateful.

 

Stick to the plan, Gardega and continue the greatness!!

 

Best,

a.

 

 

It is important to give back as an artist so I try to do as much charity etc as I can make time for. I had nothing to do with this charity but I am happy my art helped out a bit. In NYC  I do some work for the ronald mcdonald house. I donated my Adam graves portrait to them but unfortunatley someone stole it. I have had three pieces stolen in my life, the adam graves was the largest it was five foot by four foot. The other two were glass pieces...regardless, artists are self serving lot so it is best to try to do some selfless work to help the world ...I am not bono, I cant walk on water but I try to do my part.

 

 

 

Great painting

This painting is in the met..i love it..the blue is from the angels..most vibrant blue...

words of the day: david lee roth

"Money cant buy happiness but it can buy a yacht and you can pull right up along side"....DLR

every strangers eyes

and Cadillac limousines in the company of has-beens...

words of the day: roger waters..me or him

You wake up in the morning, get something for the pot
Wonder why the sun makes the rocks feel hot
Draw on the walls, eat, get laid
Back in the good old days

Then some damn fool invents the wheel
Listen to the whitewalls squeal
You spend all day looking for a parking spot
Nothing for the heart, nothing for the pot

Benny turned the dial on his Short Wave radio
Oh how he wanted to talk to the people,
he wanted his own show
Tune in Moscow. Tune in New York
Listen tot the Welsh kid talk
Communicating like in the good old days

Forgive me father for I have sinned
It was either me or him
And a voice said Benny
You fucked the whole thing up
Benny your time is up
Your time is up

Benny turned the dial on his Short Wave radio
He wanted to talk to the people
He wanted his own show
Tune in Moscow. Tune in New York
Listen to the Welsh kid talk communicating
Like in the good old days

Forgive me Father
Welsh Policeman: Mobile One Two to Central.
For I have sinned
Welsh Policeman: We have a multiple on the A465
between Cwmbran and Cylgoch.
Father it was either me or him.
Father can we turn back the clock?
Welsh Policeman: Ambulance, over.
I never meant to drop the concrete block.
Welsh Policeman: Roger central, over and out.

Benny turned the dial on his Short Wave radio
He wanted to talk to the people
He wanted his own show
Tune in Moscow. Tune in New York
Listen to the Welsh kid talk
Just like in the good old days
The good old days

Radio announcer: Do you really think Iranian terrorists
would have taken Americans hostage if Ronald Reagan
were president? Do you really think the Russians
would have invaded Afghanistan if Ronald Reagan were
president? Do you really think third-rate military
dictators would laugh at America and burn our flag in
contempt if Ronald Reagan were president?
Concerned Citizen: Well, it might work!
Hostage: We as a group do most importantly want to beseech
President Reagan and our fellow Americans to refrain
from any form of military or violent means as an attempt,
no matter how noble or heroic, to secure our freedom.

Concerned Citizen: Sure! Only it's going to be mighty dangerous
for you, Cassidy

Hoppy's faithful sidekick: guess you don't know Hopalong Cassidy,
Mister. Adventure's his bread, excitement's his butter
and danger, why to him that's like strawberry jam to
top it off.

Jim: This is some live rock and roll at KAOS, where rock and roll
comes out of chaos and a song called "The Powers that Be"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoVLbNs4cYU

The bogmen: englewood

these guys are from my hometown--huntington, long island..I spent my adolescent youth in texas and moved to huntington at age 11. Who knew so much talent could come out of huntington, a town of drunks and never do wells. I used to hang with these guys in many a dive bar.


 ha


damn good band




good song

deluge

I am delivering this painting on tuesday..gonna miss it...such is life

124 random images by GARDEGA!