Adolfo Santos Art

State of the Union

2011-12-13T13:57:00.000-08:00

"State of the Union"

This is me adding a page of political commentary. I was always drawn to the woodcuts made by Mexican artists on the state of their nation. Mine was done digitally in Photoshop collage.

San Francisco's Mission District Murals

2011-11-26T11:14:00.001-08:00

Caged Olmec head

Some strong images of culture in San Francisco's Mission District

San Francisco Victorian

Lest We Forget

2011-10-31T19:33:00.000-07:00

A FLiP iN THE BLiZZARD from Jay Delaney on Vimeo.

Great video about the blizzard from this past year.

Frozen Music - April 10, 2011

2011-10-19T17:15:00.000-07:00

These sketches are from a free concert at Chicago's Preston Bradley Center. I had a free afternoon and was pleasantly surprised by this free concert open to the public. I felt lucky to have my sketchbook. Before the music started I was able to sketch the hall which in itself is inspiring.

As I sat the music acts came on and I drew to the music. The first was a this piece by Joseph Suk.

The next was a piece by Copland.

And the afternoon closed with this Stabat Mater by Pergolesi.

Sitting there and taking it all in, the hall with its frozen music and then the music, I felt I was given a gift.

Jesus Saves

2011-05-07T18:01:00.000-07:00

"Jesus Saves"

48" x 36", acrylic and pastel on canvas

A few months ago while having a drink at the Glenwood looking for a new subject to paint, I was uninspired. I was thinking of the Chicago L painting I had finished last year. I was thinking of the spiritual in the every day. How the spiritual and the infinite are always present. How the Chicago L could suggest an infinity. I was thinking of my past Christian life. I was thinking of my present non-Christian life. I was thinking of my then and now. I was thinking of the differences between peoples' perceptions of the very same thing. How can the Chicago L both be rust and decay to one passerby and a forever to another? I was thinking of how my own perceptions of the very same things, the sacred and the profane, have changed over time.

Then a friend sharing a drink with me listened and suggested painting the "Jesus Saves" sign at the Philadelphia Church in Chicago's northside Andersonville neighborhood. I was inspired. I have known of the existence of this sign for close to twenty years. It has never been just a sign to me. At one point in my life I thought, "Yeah! That's the way it's done. Get the Word out. Preach it." Even if it is with neon and broken bulb. The sign is a voice in the wilderness with its gospel, a John the Baptist of neon and broken bulb. Now however I see the sign from a prodigal's point of view. Even as the sign continues to exhort so does the 7-Eleven sign, the street lamps, traffic lights and headlights as well. Jesus Saves is now a voice competing with many others.

And then I wonder, is there such a thing as truth? Is there such a thing as absolute? Is there such a thing as good and bad when we all hold both within us? Things are not so easy and black and white. Things are not so clear. There are many differing messages around us. There are many different colors. Which one voice should each one of us listen to? Is God trying to tell me something?

Chicago L Revisited

2010-10-24T16:38:00.000-07:00

"Chicago L"

48 in. x 36 in., acrylic and pastel on canvas

I revisited the painting of the Chicago L from last year. The three bays formed by the track structure remind me of the three bays of a cathedral interior, with tall spindly-lighter-than-air columns stretching into infinity bathed in light. At this point in Chicago, where the Red Line crosses over Montrose, when you stand looking south, there appears to be no end point. The tracks seem to go on forever. A real sanctuary exists. I am amazed on how such an everyday piece of infrastructure can somehow suggest that there is an infinity. It is located in an alley between Graceland Cemetary and the backs of apartment buildings with dumpsters and parked cars lumped at its feet. I am inspired every time I pass it.

Mike

2010-08-09T18:47:00.000-07:00

Mike

24 in. x 24 in., Acrylic on Wood

Aug. 2010

This one was a struggle. I wanted to capture something quiet and inward in the photo I took. And it took ... a ... while. Thanks to Mike for sitting for me. The green is inspired partly by Mike's eye color and the local summer foliage.

Dino # 7 versus Dino #2

2010-06-03T14:48:00.000-07:00

Dino #7, 9 in. x 14 in., Acrylic on wood, May 2010

The painting below was the second stab at Dino. Then , I was focusing on capturing a solid stalwartness in the photo that now appears so stylized that it is lost. Then, I was intimidated to actually try for a realism. An actual likeness. I was looking for a feel. But I realize in painting people the subtleties in any everyday expression need to be captured. This is what brings it to life. These subtleties make the feel. In Dino #7, there is a softness in the Rock-of-Gibraltar profile that is lacking in painting below. I am quite happy with the evolution.

Dino #2, 18 in. x 18 in., Acrylic on Wood, 12/2009

For years I have been happy sketching peoples, places and things from life. With sketching I can capture a person in half and hour or less. I have made a couple attempts at painting from life but I feel pressured, constantly aware that there is someone sitting there and that I am being a bad host by making them sit for so long. And so I stick to taking pictures of people and painting from that.

And as I continue to battle the self-doubt in what I am doing with art, experiencing highs and lows, chipping away at my own self-made limitations, every brush stroke takes a piece away from what is holding me back. Every splash of color brings light unto corners in my mind that oh so need it. Therapy is expensive. I'd rather spend the money on art supplies. :)

Victor (and another one of Dino)

2010-05-14T13:48:00.000-07:00

Victor, 24 in. x24 in. , Acrylic on Wood, May 2010

Victor and I have been friends for some 14 years. He is like a prophet to me. A touchstone. He is spiritural and respects, loves and does-unto others as he respects, loves and does-unto himself. After seeing the painting I did of Andy, he asked me to paint him. I am quite enjoying working in this dappled style. As for now I am painting from photos of people (I took Vitctor's photo with my phone and worked from that). It may be time to cut out the middle man and work directly from the person themself. My main concern is that they feel comfortable sitting for me.

Dino #5, 9 in. x14 in., Acrylic on wood, May 2010

Another one of Dino, the magazine pin-up guy I seem to never get tired of. I have already started with #6. Stay tuned.

Andy

2010-04-28T10:40:00.000-07:00

Andy,

24"x24", Acrylic on Wood

In 1924 Irving Berlin wrote, "When I'm worried and I can't sleep / I count my blessings instead of sheep /And I fall asleep counting my blessings / When my bankroll is getting small / I think of when I had none at all / And I fall asleep counting my blessings." Bing Crosby crooned this song in "White Christmas" and my sister and I grew up listening to the Ray Conniff Singers cover it as well. And in the search for more people to sit for my paintings, I find that a great blessing is friendship. Thanks Andy.

Damon

2010-03-08T13:32:00.001-08:00

Damon, 9"x12", Acrylic on wood

This is painting of a friend of mine. A fun, kind-hearted guy and I thank him for modeling for me. I've been having fun using the pallette knife more these days. Still working quickly focusing on the people around me.

Dino #4

2010-02-06T14:37:00.000-08:00

Dino #4, 18"x18", Acrylic on wood

Another one for the men. I've been posting the progress of this one on Facebook. My new toy is the mobile upload. Yes, I tend to be a little behind on the tech-side of things. The model for this was from a magazine photo done by Edendale Studios. I just loved the strong masculine profile of this guy. The strong chin and thick beard. And I wanted to convey that strength and thick weight, weight in not a bad way, of the guy. I think I got it. There are three other versions but no photos of it yet.

I also noticed that the coloring on this one is quite a bit darker than the previous works on previous posts. The darkness was intentional but upon comparison with last year's stuff there is a marked heaviness with this one. I'm not sure what that means but I like it.

There are many layers in this painting where a few "final" versions were painted one on top of other. As I went I scraped the paint to reveal colors below the top layer. Discovering the different layers was the real fun of the painting.

Visiting the Art Institute of Chicago recently I saw the same technique used by de Kooning and similarly by Pollock on a grand scale. I saw their "Excavation" and "Greyed Rainbow" respectively and I was inspired. These great painters also found the same pleasure in covering up what was already done and digging it up again. As I scraped away at the layers, I did not think that I was original or ground-breaking or even brilliant. I was simply enjoying it.

I will probably revisit Dino again. Such a great profile. But I want to start using more of my own models or at least models from my own photographs. There is a certain intimacy from painting what you know. Painting what you have seen first-hand. And I hope to convey what I see as beautiful in the people who sit for me.

M.A.T.E. : Male Attraction Techniques Exposed - REVISED

2010-01-19T11:54:00.000-08:00

cue: tympany roll and BIG brass fanfare

After a couple of revisions with the Grassroots group, here is the final design. I hope you stop by to see the show. This is a just what I'm looking for: getting involved with the community creatively. May I have some more please?

M.A.T.E. : Male Attraction Techniques Exposed

2009-12-20T15:28:00.001-08:00

This is my entry to a flyer competition for a play by Grassroots Theatre Project in Chicago. Due to open in February 2010, the play is based on the behavioral similarities and parallels between the mating rituals of wild animals and the wild human male. Yes, it's a comedy! LOL Seriously.

For more info and tickets email grassrootstheatreproject@gmail.com

Wish me luck.

Andersonville Arts and Home Weekend - October 2009

2009-10-19T20:26:00.000-07:00

Bianca, 24x24 Acrylic on OSB

Ashley, 24x24 Acrylic on OSB

Angelique, 24x24 Acrylic on OSB

3 new paintings for the Andersonville Arts and Home Weekend. Inspired by the performers of the now defunct Cattle Call Revue. A photo of the installation is below ...

Much thanks to Mike and Michael of the Call for letting me show my stuff. And Brava! to the ladies of the Revue. Hope you return soon.

One Night Only

2009-10-11T08:24:00.000-07:00

10/08/09: Blowing off some steam and happenstance played a role. Ran into Jeff @ Metropolis Cafe in Edgwater ...

Headed down to Big Chicks where David was pouring drinks ...

Met Pat Clair (or is it Alita?) and she let me sketch her. That IS her tongue sticking out at me ...

Then she sketched me...

Went home very happy. zzzzzzzz

Andersonville Arts & Home Weekend Oct. 2 - 4, 2009

2009-09-21T16:31:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Mike and Michael at Cattle Call for featuring my art during Andersonville's Arts and Home Weekend on the northside destination neighborhood in Chicago.

The paintings are all new and are inspired by the showgirls of the weekly and unbelievably FREE Cattle Call Revue. So come on by Andersonville, grab a drink and a show at the Call, and enjoy.

Thanks Mike & Michael for the opportunity. And thanks to George for introducing us.

I am deeply honored.

Live Forever - The Michael Jackson Monument Design Competition

2009-08-28T13:19:00.000-07:00

See my entry here ...

Kelly @ Cattle Call

2009-08-10T21:20:00.001-07:00

This is Kelly from Cattle Call in Andersenville. She was serving George and me drinks when I won a lottery for a prize giveaway. It was my lucky day. Kelly was studying the goings-on at the center of the bar and she held a somewhat-still profile for me. She is great to talk to and I love her hair. She autographed it too.

"George" - July 2009

2009-08-05T13:54:00.000-07:00

Here's a new one of George. It was drawn off of a cellphone camera photo taken at extreme close-up. I'm trying some new directions using my drawing skills and less paint.

"George" 32x32, acrylic and oil pastel on masonite

More People on the L

2009-07-13T23:57:00.001-07:00

Riding on the Red Line about a year from the other sketches of people on the L ...

Live Play Art - Reception Photos

2009-07-01T22:09:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who came to the opening. My co-artist/photographer, Jesus Solis, for the images below ...

... with Steve, Wes, and George

... with David ...

... with Michael and Eileen in the back ...

.... chatting it up with Marcio and boyfriend ...

... Khai to the left and Victor looking on from the back ...

Art Reception at Bridgeview Bank

2009-06-23T15:37:00.000-07:00

Some paintings are set up for the art reception tomorrow night at Bridgeview Bank in Andersonville, Chicago

Some new stuff includes the painting of Springer below and my parents from 1965 below. Both are acrylic on 24x24 O.S.B.

Live Play Art

2009-06-16T14:06:00.000-07:00

Live Play Art, an art show hosted by Bridgeview Bank in Andersenville. I am showing with 2 other artists. Details below:

Live Play Art

June 24, 2009, 6-8 pm
Bridgeview Bank - Andersonville
5117 N. Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60640
Call 773.989.2893 for more info
http://www.bridgeviewbank.com/

Hope you can make it.

Adolfo Santos Photo

2009-06-16T08:54:00.000-07:00

You can also see my stuff at Adolfo Santos Photo.

A Sunny Day in Rogers Park

2009-06-05T16:18:00.000-07:00

On a clear day you can see forever: this was taken from Ashland Avenue around Touhy ...

A pedastal on Lunt west of the Red Line L ...

Sitting at Charmer's Cafe at Greenview and Jarvis. The Cafe is festooned with architectural remnants from the now closed art-deco bar. The original bar was one of the best examples of the style that I knew of. It was sad to see it go. But glad to see that some of it was saved. This is one of those remnants. The goddess Diana, I believe ...

Having an egg sandwich and a Mimosa at the Heartland Cafe. This sketch was done inside the enclosed porch. I love their dishes with buffalo ...

Angels Behind the Bar

2009-06-02T20:01:00.000-07:00

These are quick 5-minute-or-so sketches of the people who graciously serve it up whenever their patrons ask for it. From top to bottom ;) Tim from Jackhammer and Richard and Jorge from Crew. And ... stop by Chicago's newest watering hole Cattle Call in Andersenville. Cheers! Y'all.

Another Andersenville watering hole .... Sofo. This is a shot of the classic Chicago turret above the door. More sketches to come ...

"Breakwater" May 16, 2009

2009-05-17T13:44:00.000-07:00

Here's one of a breakwater at Foster Beach. Acrylic on canvas 12wx30h, SOLD. A photo I took of the real thing is below. I found this in a much worse state in the late-90's. There was a spray in the air, the wind could knock you off your feet, and the waves responded in kind. But amidst all the tumult, this breakwater stood stalwart against it all. At the time it was rusty, very graffiti'd, but it was heroic besides. It felt very alive and it filled me with hope and strength.

Breakwater, Acrylic on canvas, 12wx30h

"In Thought" approx. 1990

2009-05-16T17:44:00.000-07:00

This painting was done shortly after graduating from college. I had a lot on my mind at the time. I gave it to a dear friend of my mother's. He has since passed away. I no longer know of the painting's whereabouts. I think it was about 30w x 42h, acrylic on illustration board.

"Popcorn" May 2009

2009-05-08T14:58:00.000-07:00

Acrylic on wood, 15 in. w x 11-1/2 in. h

LeatherDaddyJesus T Shirt

2009-05-04T20:35:00.000-07:00

Finally after approximately 9 years to the day since he was first named, he gets his own T shirt. The first version of LDJ was completed in May of 2000. A dear friend saw the finished product hanging on the wall and said, "Look it's Leatherdaddyjesus." It had a ring to it and it stuck. This one here is altered from the original to fit on a shirt.

Sketches on the Chicago L Spring 2008

2009-05-01T11:54:00.000-07:00

These are some of my guerilla sketches of random strangers on the Chicago L.

Paintings March and April 2009

2009-05-01T11:26:00.000-07:00

The painting below is a view of the Chicago L (the Red Line for all you locals) crossing over Montrose St. looking south. I've crossed under this overpass many times while I lived in Uptown on the northside of Chicago in the late 1990's. I've always loved it. It is acrylic on canvas 30x40.

This is our pooch Springer. Acrylic on canvas 9x9

This one is an interpretation of a photo by Edendale Studios of Damon Danilo. Acrylic on canvas 9x9

And finally, another interpretation of a photograph by Benoit Petre of Damien Crosse. Acrylic on canvas 9x9