Blog Posts - David F. Burke - Acrylic Painting, Illustration, Murals

Jazz 90.1

7/16/2019

Last week I finished a painting based on some photos from the CGI Rochester International Jazz Fest. However, there was a space in the composition that my mind kept telling me would be perfect for some large text placement; specifically the words "Jazz 90.1 (Rochester's local jazz station, WGMC) Jazz 90.1 is one of the best, and few existing jazz radio stations on Earth, and a source of great pleasure to me for many years. So I had to add the text and then decided to donate the painting to the station.
After calling the station manager, Rob Linton, we arranged for me to bring it there last week. Rob and several other station DJs who were at the studio really liked the painting, and have hung it in the lobby.

I'm honored to have my painting at the station. It's pretty cool to know that musicians and visitors to the station, and listeners of WGMC who come to the bi-annual open house parties, will see it!

Window Painting

6/12/2019

I got another Ripple Grant this year from GO ART! to do a window painting on plexiglass for the Sage Pavilion in Bergen, NY. I had never used glass paint before this, but when the mayor of Bergen told me they had wanted to install stained glass in an interior window space in the pavilion, but it was way too expensive, I suggested using Plaid Gallery Glass window paint for a faux stained glass effect. I researched many different ways of doing a fake stained glass effect, and the Gallery Glass seemed like the best choice. (Thank heaven for youtube videos)!
This has been a wonderful learning experience! The plexiglass painting evolved into something somewhat different than what I initially envisioned as I experimented with the medium, mixing the colors and getting away from a traditional stained glass look. But I think it came out pretty nice.

I call it 'Technicolor Woodland Sunset'.

There will be a dedication ceremony for the interior window painting on Thursday, June 20th at the Sage Pavilion off Lake Rd (Rt. 19) in Bergen at 4:00 pm.

Some New Rock Legends Portraits

4/2/2019

I've just finished a few more paintings of famous Rock stars over the last few weeks. A couple of months ago I put a painting of Jimi Hendrix up at Coffee Karma in Batavia, NY, and it was purchased by a very neat guy who is a musician. The owner, Heather, told me a few other people had expressed interest in buying the painting, and also a portrait I did for her of Janis Joplin. So I decided famous Rock stars may be lucrative subject matter for more artwork! Plus, I really enjoy making them!
I'm very grateful to Heather and Jeremy at Coffee Karma for letting me use their establishment for showing my paintings! The new ones here are of John Lennon, a different portrait of Janis, and a rather Christ-like Jim Morrison.

Thanks for Coming to the Opening...

2/25/2019

I want to thank all the friends and family who braved the weather to attend the Little Theatre Art Show Opening for Dan Hogan and myself yesterday. A lot of people couldn't make it because of the high wind warnings on Sunday and today for our area, but we were pretty fortunate that the nasty weather held off until the opening was over!

But, our artwork will be on display until March 22nd, so come to Rochester to check it out and enjoy some live music 7 days a week.
https://thelittle.org/cafe

Upcoming Exhibit Article

2/14/2019

Here's a nice little article in 'The Batavian' about my upcoming Art Exhibit with my friend Dan Hogan at the Little Theatre Cafe in Rochester:

https://www.thebatavian.com/billie-owens/bergen-artist-and-his-gcc-college-buddy-to-display-their-paintings-in-the-little

The opening is only 9 days from now.

Upcoming Art Show in Late February...

1/17/2019

My Last Painting of 2018

12/31/2018

I just finished a painting called View From Court Street Bridge, Rochester, NY this morning. The mighty Genesee River is flowing fast and furious! I realized that my first painting of 2018 was one of the Little Theater in Rochester, and my last one of this year is also inspired by Rochester. Interesting!

This coming February 24th through March 23rd, my friend Dan and I are having a joint show at The Little Theater Cafe Gallery in Rochester. More information about the opening reception will be forthcoming.

2018 was very productive painting-wise, and I'm excited to see what 2019 brings!
Happy New Year to all!

Happy Holidays

12/22/2018

A new painting I did a yesterday, coincidentally on the Winter Solstice, called 'In The Deep Midwinter'. Depending on the way I look at it, it's actually 3 different pictures in one!

Painting Demo At Rochester Library

12/2/2018

A couple of months ago, a woman I know from Bergen who works at the central Library in downtown Rochester, NY invited me to participate in a monthly Artist Demonstration that they put on. I was reluctant at first (I'm not used to painting in front of people, except murals), but I'm glad I decided to do it. Only had from Noon til 1:30 to do it, so I picked a simple subject and a smaller canvas.

Three people I didn't know and one old friend showed up, plus a few other people who stopped briefly, and I had a great time doing it! They asked some wonderful questions and we had very interesting conversations. And I was able to paint it very quickly, which I love.

Also, I brought four of my paintings to set up in the Art Department display case for the month of December. Thanks to Mary Fraser for letting me do this. I met some wonderful folks, some artists and some not. I'm sorry the photos are blurry!
Happy Holidays!

Jimi Hendrix...

9/11/2018

I've been a little obsessed with Jimi Hendrix over the last few days. I've been wanting to do more paintings of 60's rock legends, and Jimi was the first one who's been haunting my dreams since I found some groovy photos of him.
This is the result...

I think more Beatles paintings may be on the way, too. And I found a fabulous photo of The Who from the late sixties that would be fun to paint.