My large paintings are usually set and executed in public places. For this project, however, about art in the Chicago area, renowned Chicago artist James McNeill Mesple let me use his studio. Mesple is fascinated by the mythical roots of contemporary art, so this seemed the occasion to people his studio with prominent Chicago artists and collectors, painted from life (including Encarnacion Teruel, Director, The Illinois Arts Council, Jane Stevens, Director, Illinois State Museum Chicago Gallery, and Jessica Jagielnik of the PMA) in the guise of figures from classical mythology. "On Ida's Shady Brow" has been shown at the National Academy of Design in New York Annual Exhibition as well as in my solo show in New York at Denise Bibro Fine Art, my dealer. The title of the painting is the first line of William Blake's poem, "To the Muses."
I am a narrative figurative painter, and "Dr. Faustus Resists The Foul Fiend" should be self-explanatory. The Holy Father is shown, as a young man and in older age, engaged in the test of strength that brought down the evil empire. This is the first time that this painting is shown.
