CHASE LANGFORD artist

New work - Bondi Paintings & Related

2012-01-28T10:05:00.000-08:00

Bondi 4, 2012, oil on wood panel, 24 x 38 inches

Bondi 4, 2012, oil on wood panel, 28 x 48 inches

Indian Wells, 2011, oil on wood panel, 24 x 38 inches

Bondi 6, 2012, oil on wood panel, 24 x 38 inches

Bondi 7, 2012, oil on wood panel, 24 x 46 inches

Bondi 4, 2011, oil on wood panel, 24 x 46 inches

Bondi 2, 2012, oil on wood panel, 28 x 48 inches

Opal Bay, 2011, oil on wood panel, 24 x 46 inches, Collection of the artist

Bondi 3, 2012, oil on wood panel, 24 x 46 inches, Private Collection

Opal Cove, 2012, oil on wood panel, 24 x 46 inches

Getty Show Triggers New Materials

2011-12-07T07:48:00.001-08:00

This essentially black and white painting is oil on a wood panel. The colors used were more than just black and white, and the material more than just oil paint.

The 'black' section of the painting is composed of lamp black, ivory black, and paynes gray (cool, blueish), and burnt sienna and vandyke brown (warm). I wanted a rich varied black that had some warmth. Most "blacks" tend to have a cool bias.

The 'white' is composed of titanium white, zinc white, titanium buff, paynes gray (for cool tones), and lemon yellow, raw sienna and yellow ochre (for warm tones). I usually strive to achieve both warm and cool tones in my art. I like the resulting palate interplay.

The last room in the show "Pacific Standard Time: Crosscurrents in L.A. Painting and Sculpture, 1950–1970", at the Getty focuses on the unique materials artists of that period used in their work. It got me thinking about what materials I could add to my oil paintings.

Mixed in and on top of the paint are thousands of iridescent, prismatic and metallic copolymer plastics, and aluminum foils. This makes the painting sparkle and glisten in the light. I used mostly white particles on the white paint and black particles on the black paint. The photos below do not really convey these paintings. Like most work, there is no replacement for seeing it in person and in this case it is even more true.

Western Shore, 2011, 38 x 24 inches

Detail of Western Shore

Strand

2011-11-30T09:24:00.001-08:00

Strand, 2011, oil on canvas, 42 x 108 inches

Detail of Strand

Click on images to see larger & better

Arcadian Vessel, 2011

2011-11-14T06:55:00.001-08:00

Arcadian Vessel, 2011, oil on canvas, 36 x 48 inches, collection of James Sheftel and Mark Sufrin

Today in the studio

2011-10-18T15:09:00.000-07:00

Working on a canvas so large it barely fits in my studio. Here is Mesa 2 which is 54 x 132 inches (that's 11 feet wide). I need to use two easels to hold the painting.

Here's the same painting about 10 hours later. I've lightened and soften the periphery and made the central part of the painting more pronounced, giving the work more focus, a stronger core.

And here is the painting, after a bit more fine tuning, in its final form:
(click on image to see larger)

Coldwater Paintings at USC

2011-09-21T07:46:00.000-07:00

Six Coldwater paintings have been placed by Lendrum Fine Art at a new building at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California for their permanent collection. A HUGE thanks to architect Tim Cowell for recommending my art for his project. Also thanks to Tiffany Lendrum for selecting these six paintings. All six paintings hang on one wall as shown above.

The inspiration for the Coldwater Series has nothing to do with water, seaweed, or anything cold for that matter. They are inspired by Coldwater Canyon Road as it winds up from Sunset Boulevard to Mulholland Drive near my home and studio. The gentle winding of the canyon road as it makes its way up to the top, is repeated over and over with endless variations. The dots, which admittedly look like bubbles in these seaweed-looking compositions are a counter point to the linear depictions of the road.

oil on paper, 24 x 19 inches, l to r: CW.09, CW.21, CW.37, CW.23, CW.14, CW.20

Available Paintings on Flickr

2011-07-19T09:02:00.000-07:00

Current available paintings are now on Flickr. Click on the 'set' then click on a painting image until you get in the mode where you only see the painting and a black background for best viewing. Click HERE to go to site. Have fun looking and let me know if you have any questions. If you know of my work through one of my dealers, consultants or galleries, please see them (not me) for more information. Thank you, Chase

Hooray for Black & White

2011-07-14T14:23:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to work again in just black & white....feels so good.......I could do this all year. (okay, there's some hints of color, so shoot me)

BW Icon, 2011, oil on canvas, 48 x 36 inches. Private Collection

detail (click on to see larger & better)

Chromas: Not a friend of the Camera

2011-06-24T09:14:00.000-07:00

Chroma paintings are subtle and elusive, particularly to the camera. They are difficult to reproduce with photography and particularly hard to convey in an image on the computer. The finer than hairline streaks of color are too infinitesimal to be captured and the colors that often shift ever so slightly are lost on the computer screen. In a feeble attempt to show a chroma here, I have placed one in a scanner....just showing a portion of the painting. So here's a photographed image of an entire painting and then a scanned portion. Click on the images to see them in a larger and better format.

Chroma J 19, 2007, oil on paper, 17 x 14 inches

Direct scan of a portion of Chroma J 19

Having said all this, there's nothing like seeing art in person. No photography can ever capture 'being there'. As we all spend more and more time looking at screens, I worry that our perceptions are more and more often being based on information that is once removed, or even many time removed. Hmmm....so I guess I'll get off my screen now and do something in the 'real world'.

Meet the Dagwoods

2011-06-14T15:37:00.000-07:00

Anyone familiar with the old comic strip "Blondie" will understand why these were titled Dagwood. The first three were in the May 2011 Studio Show, the new three (Dagwood 4, 5, & 6) were completed recently. When painting these I'm not trying to paint of even reference a sandwich, the association is much looser than that. Loose, very loose.

Click in the images to see much larger & better.

Dagwood 1, 2011, oil on canvas, 30 x 12 inches
Collection of Richard Podolsky

Dagwood 2, 2011, oil on canvas, 30 x 12 inches
Collection of Jerry Howard

Dagwood 3, 2011, oil on canvas, 30 x 12 inches
Collection of Jerry Howard

Dagwood 4, 2011, oil on canvas, 30 x 12 inches, Collection of Shawn Woodward

Dagwood 5, 2011, oil on canvas, 30 x 12 inches

Dagwood 6, 2011, oil on canvas, 30 x 12 inches

Galapagos 1 & 2

2011-06-01T08:52:00.000-07:00

First new paintings after my show........
Click on the painting image to see larger.

Galapagos 1, 2011, oil and metallic on canvas, 38 x 72 inches

Galapagos 2, 2011, oil and metallic on canvas, 38 x 72 inches

Post Show Thank Yous and Thoughts

2011-05-18T12:06:00.000-07:00

My studio show on May 1st was more than I had ever hoped for. Over 200 people: art dealers, architects, designers, film & tv industry, fellow artists, art collectors and of course, friends. More than two weeks have passed and I'm just now getting a better picture of the day as a whole in focus.

There's so many people to thank.....and surely I will forget someone....but here goes....

The portrait (above) which was used on the invitation was taken in February in my studio by my dear friend and wildly hot photographer Richard Gerst from New York.

Another amazing photographer, Jay Jorgenson, captured the day like no else has ever been able to.

Derek Mattuecci brilliantly helped curate the show and manage the acquisitions of paintings.

Minnie, Colleen & Shanee kept the food & drink flowing all day. They did an amazing trying to keep up with the crowd.

Thank you to everyone who came. I know you all have very busy lives and many other places you could have gone to enjoy your Sunday. Your presence is never assumed and always deeply appreciated.

Most of all my partner in life, Steve Ziel. He's the brains behind making the day come together....come to think of it he's the brawn too. There's no bounds to his dedication and support for me and my art. I can't imagine hosting such an ambitious event without him.

Okay, now I'm done with the thank yous....

My next studio show....if there is another one, will probably take on a different form. I'm not sure what yet but I want to shake things up a bit. I've been doing these shows in this format for many years and it seems to be 'tried and true' but I want to shift the tone by rethinking virtually every aspect. It will probably become a smaller event, and will fall off the radar of social networking sites and even this blog...hmmm...gotta think about this....

Albuquerque

2011-04-26T11:37:00.000-07:00

This painting will be in my studio show this Sunday, May 1st, noon - 6pm. Albuquerque, 2011, oil on wood panel, 24 x 30 inches. Collection of David Jensen.

Press Release for NY Show

2011-04-18T14:30:00.000-07:00

Direct from Susan Eley Fine Art, New York City for immediate release.
Click on the release below to view larger.

New York Show - "Making Their Mark"

2011-04-14T20:29:00.000-07:00

'Making Their Mark' is a group show featuring Amber George, David Kidd, Chase Langford, Maria O'Malley, Audrey Phillips & Lisa Pressman at Susan Eley Fine Art, May 3 - June 17, 2011. The opening reception is May 3 from 6 - 8 pm. Quoting from the show invite: "Like fingerprints, artist's lines and marks have unique characteristics that differentiate one's work from another. Curated by SEFA artist Amber George, this show explores the variety and beauty of mark making, ranging from straightforward linear graphite marks to intuitive gestural gouge's."

Five of Chase's Chroma Series paintings will be the show, three of them with a new twist on the series that has never been show before.

A big thanks to Amber George for coming up with the show concept, inviting the artists and curating the show and to Susan Eley for sponsoring this event at her gallery.

Susan Eley Fine Art is located at 46 West 90th Street, Floor 2, New York, NY
www.susaneleyfineart.com, 917.952.7641

'Retrorama' for Palm Springs

2011-04-07T19:45:00.000-07:00

Recently completed commission for Scott Hunt & Bill Maxwell's home in Palm Springs. Retrorama evokes the mid-century forms that are highly celebrated in the desert.

Retrorama, 2010, oil on canvas, 56 x 46 inches.

Scrapes 2.0

2011-03-01T15:39:00.000-08:00

Hmmm....could Scrapes series make a comeback at May 1st show? ....here's a peek from the studio.

Studio Show May 1st

2011-01-20T08:12:00.000-08:00

Two years have passed since my last studio show....so it is time to open up the studio. Sunday, May 1, 2010. Noon - 6pm.

Painting While it is Pouring

2011-01-02T17:27:00.000-08:00

It is pouring in Los Angeles but the only thing that is wet in my studio is the oil paint on my canvases. Here are two paintings I'm working on today, both morphics. Click on the photo to see larger.

@ Escena Golf Club

2010-11-08T21:07:00.000-08:00

I just received this photo of a commissioned painting I did awhile back through Mennealy Art Projects at the Escena Golf Club in Palm Springs.

Photographing Paintings Out on my Deck

2010-11-03T15:47:00.000-07:00

Pink Harrison Completed

2010-11-03T15:46:00.001-07:00

Pink Harrison, 2010, oil and oil metallic paintstick on canvas, 30 x 68 inches, Collection of Richard von Ernst and Thomas Castaneda

Think'n Pink in the Studio Today

2010-10-27T20:05:00.001-07:00

Painting in progress.

Palo Alto Show Opening

2010-10-06T07:26:00.000-07:00

My solo exhibit of paintings opened last Friday, October 1st, at Bryant Street Gallery in Palo Alto with a wonderful evening reception. My sincere thanks for everyone who came.

I couldn't be happier with the show. The gallery did a superb job hanging the work. It was quite a treat to stroll into the gallery with my paintings so brilliantly hung.

The show is up until Oct 31.

David Allen Ibsen, David Rickabaugh, David McDonald, moi, and David Dancer (you can never have too many Davids).

Julie Siri Aksland and Jeannene Langford (my niece and and my sister)

Sheryl and Rich Petersen.

Vicki Swenson

Andy Padilla, Gina Larkin and David Dancer

Solo Exhibition in Palo Alto

2010-09-14T13:08:00.001-07:00

Please join me at Bryant Street Gallery as new Morphic paintings are unveiled for my show Pure Morphic.

Art San Diego - Sept 2-5, 2010

2010-08-31T17:50:00.000-07:00

Bryant Street Gallery will be showing my paintings along with other gallery artists at Art San Diego Contemporary Art Fair at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront. Please say hello to Karen or Jeanne of Bryant Street Gallery if you are able to attend the fair. The Fair opens Thursday, September 2 and is on through Sunday, September 5.

"Monument" on exhibit at Sager French

2010-07-15T10:33:00.000-07:00

Newly hung in the gorgeous Sager French for Hair salon is Monument, one of the very last paintings ever created as part of the scrape series. The painting hangs in their lounge in the front of the salon with a beautiful flood of natural light pouring in from the courtyard. If you are in the chic Robertson shopping district (right across from the Ivy) stop by the salon to see the painting and say hello to Nathan & Cynthia, who are widely-regarded as the most talented with hair in LA --their loyal clients both famous and not-so-famous along with rave press coverage speaks volumes about what they do.

Monument, 2009, oil and metallic on canvas, 84 x 60 inches

Cynthia French in front of Monument

Arcadia Sand 2 & 3

2010-07-08T13:52:00.000-07:00

Continuing my Arcadia Series which is an outgrowth of my Morphic Series.....here's Arcadia Sand 2 and 3:

Arcadia Sand 2, 2010, oil on canvas, 36 x 24 inches
Collection of Michael and Susan Dell
Courtesy Bryant Street Gallery

Arcadia Sand 3, 2010, oil on canvas, 36 x 24 inches

New Painting: Umbria 5

2010-05-06T08:29:00.000-07:00

Umbria 5, 2010, oil and metallic on canvas, 48 x 72 inches
Collection of Kim Michalski

Detail

Detail

Thomas J. Landry in Luxe Magazine

2010-04-29T14:15:00.000-07:00

In the current Luxe Los Angeles magazine please feast your eyes on this beyond stunning design project by Thomas J. Landry & Associates, Inc. (architecture by Roger Kurath, design*21 and landscape by Sean Femrite, Environmental Design Studio) It's quite a thrill and honor to have two paintings included in this gorgeous home and in this publication. Luxe is a highly-selective luxury home design magazine. It has a very large format with huge pictures and superb graphics. Frankly, it makes Architecture Digest look a bit frumpy! For the full article look for Luxe at your better newsstands now. There's nothing more I can say.....let's let these beautiful images do the "talking".

Living room. Painting: Murphy, 2005, 44 x 62 inches, oil on canvas. Murphy is named after a certain lovable golden retriever that comes by my house every morning.

Exterior of the Santa Monica home.

Bedroom. Painting: Malibu, 2007, 48 x 60 inches, oil on canvas. Malibu is from my Big Brush Series" which is a subset of my Mulholland Series.

An Art Critique From Circa 1990

2010-04-22T10:35:00.000-07:00

I just came across this old essay written by art critic James Scarborough for a west coast art publication. Click on the image to see larger (easier to read).

New Series: ChromaClusters

2010-04-19T12:12:00.000-07:00

Inspired by geographic nodes and satellite images of hurricanes. I've heard they look like: flowers, shells, mosaic tiles and my chroma painting technique rolled into clusters. What do you see?

Transformative, 2010, oil on canvas, 84 x 72 (this the first one I created in this series)

Twenty-six Clusters, 2010, oil on canvas, 42 x 108 inches

Detail of Twenty-six Clusters

Twenty-one Clusters, 2010, oil on canvas, 36 x 84 inches

Detail of Twenty-one Clusters

Twenty Clusters, 2010, oil on canvas, 48 x 36 inches

Transformative 2, 2010, oil on canvas, 72 x 96 inches

"Boldness has Genius, Power and Magic in It"

2010-04-09T07:02:00.000-07:00

Here's another flashback, a painting with quotes from German philosopher (and so much more) Johann Wolfgang Goethe from about 1990 with quotations imbedded.

This image was sent today from Randall Dickson in Seattle (thanks Randall!).

Goethe, ~1990, oil on paper, Collection Ron Walters & Randall Dickson

Measuring to Hang Paintings

2010-04-05T13:36:00.000-07:00

Here is an example of a drawing that I sketch to figure out where I need to place the wall hooks to hang a painting. It takes quite a few measurements to get it right.

Sneak Peek @ Pasadena Showcase 2010

2010-03-30T16:16:00.000-07:00

Today I had the thrill to see the Pasadena Showcase House as it is nears completion. I was there to hang paintings in John Cole's upstairs sitting room. I'll have five paintings gracing John's gorgeous room. I can't show his room but here's a little peek-a-boo:

To see more you must come to the Showcase House opening April 18th -- it is going to be mind-boggling gorgeous!! I really had a jaw-dropping tour today -- I really, really urge everyone come.

Below are Showcase Interiors Chair, Diana deNoyelles, John Cole and designer Amy DeVault.

John and professional photographer Alex Vertikoff out in the hall looking into John's room. I took this photo at a slow shutter speed making John's hand look like it is fading away.

Here I am measuring to hang a painting.

More Golden Oldies

2010-03-01T15:59:00.000-08:00

Orange Bridge, 1990, oil, charcoal, graphite on paper, Collection of Blake Messinger

One Line Says it All, 1991, oil on paper, 24 x 19 inches, Collection of Robert Carr. The white line is unpainted, exposed paper.

Mafia, 1990, oil on paper, 15.5 x 12.5 inches, Collection of the Artist. Years ago I showed this to an art dealer in New York and she exclaimed, "that's my landlord!"

Linea Blue Field, 1990, oil on paper, 16 x 13, Private Collection (I can't find the info on who has this painting)

Broken Pattern, 1990, oil on paper, 22.5 x 17.5 inches, Private Collection

Balance, 1990, 15 x 15 inches, oil, charcoal, graphite on paper, Collection of John Richardson

Paintings from 1990

2010-02-24T14:44:00.000-08:00

These are all oil and graphite on paper. I scanned old 35mm slides of these paintings. Image quality is rather poor (blurry). Thank goodness for all-digital photography we have now.

Black Dancer #168, 1990, 15 x 10 inches, Collection of Ed Rubin

Three Lands Junction, 1990, 7 x 6 inches, Collection of Joan Hinshaw

TSC (Triangle, Square, Circle), 1990, 16 x 17 inches, Collection of Paul Lepiane

Sediment in Motion, 12.5 x 15 inches, Collection of Patrick Cain (I think this is in Ireland now?)

Rainbow After Zack, 1990, 12 x 10 inches. This was lent to a law firm as part of an exhibit sponsored by L.A. Artcore. I never got the painting back. ;-(((( Oh well. L.A. Artcore is a wonderful organization and I enjoyed being an artist member many years ago.

R.D. (Richard Diebenkorn) Study, 1990, 9 x 7.5 inches. Diebenkorn is one of my "Painting Gods". He was a cartographer while he was in the army. Collection of Beryl Rosenbaum Shore

Organic Departure, 1989, 9.5 x 7 inches, Collection of Greg Smith

North-South Primary Expression, 1990, 19 x 10 inches, Collection of Ron Walters

North-South Expression, 1990, 14 x 6 inches, Collection John Beezley & Steve Moore

Legs, 1990, 7.5 x 7 inches, Collection of Ed Wilson

Billows, 1990, 11.25 x 6.75 inches, Collection of Nicholas Entrikin

Some experimenting with inserting text into compositions:

Metro, 1990 15.5 x 12.5 inches, Collection of Chuck Irwin

Arch, 1990, 15.5 x 12 inches, Collection of Justine Giles

Active, 1990, 20 x 15 inches, Collection of John Richardson

From Satellite Images of Hurricanes

2010-02-20T11:10:00.001-08:00

Click on the images to see larger & more detail.

Here's a detail of one of the nodes, 10 inches across. The largest one is about 24 inches. Are the nodes flowers? I see them as purely abstract forms but the inspiration is from satellite images of hurricanes.

Pasadena Showcase House 2010 "Before Pictures"

2010-02-16T13:53:00.000-08:00

For the third show in a row hot shot Los Angeles designer John Cole has asked me to create art for his showcase room (2007 was at Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills and 2009 showcase in San Marino). Teaming up with us again, Francie Kelley of Paragone Gallery will provide her expert art advice and a bevy of great artists to choose from. Fueled by Pie & Burger of Pasadena, nothing will stop this amazing trio. ;-)

This year's Pasadena Showcase will be at the American Red Cross house which was originally the Cravens Estate on South Orange Grove Boulevard. This 20,000-square-foot estate was built in 1929 (oops, can we say bubble?). The Red Cross will move out of this rather dingy, neglected institutionalize manse and the designers and all their magic will move in. Top designers are invited to transform the showcase house and John Cole's masterful rooms are always highly anticipated.

Art is just one component of many that John has in order to transform his rooms. He's having custom furniture (from Panache Designs), drapes, wallpaper, etc made for this room. ....and by custom I mean: truly-custom-one-of-a-kind-never-made-before. I don't know how he does it.....I'll stick to painting.

Here is a 'before' picture of this year's room with Francie who is not short but sure looks it with the high ceilings and oversized fireplace:

The Pasadena Showcase House will be open April 18 - May 16, 2010.

John & Francie in the living room of John's Beverly Hills home that is currently undergoing an expansion and extensive remodel.

Gallery Artist Group Show on now at Bryant Street

2010-02-11T11:08:00.000-08:00

On now until February 28th, I'm in a group show at Bryant Street Gallery in Palo Alto. (532 Bryant Street just south of University Avenue).

Starting from left: Silver Sea Point painting, a Paul Bloch sculpture, 3 paintings by Jenny Nelson and Nova Scotia.

Bahia Santiago 2, with sculptures by Paul Bloch

Revisiting Seacliff Road

2010-02-04T09:18:00.000-08:00

I had completed Seacliff Road (oil on canvas, 38 x 72 inches), let the paint dry, photographed it, sent images of it to my art dealers but then I just could not help myself to work on it some more. I wanted to have the palate harmonize more, take out some of the cool greys and replace with warmer yellowish-whites and just simplify the entire composition, a la "less is more".

Below is the first version followed by the revised:

Private Collection, Courtesy of Bryant Street Gallery

A Visit to Richmond Reflected in Paintings

2010-01-28T09:49:00.000-08:00

A recent visit to a friend's business in Richmond, California influenced what happened next in my studio. Robert Fung is an event designer at Hartmann Studios. He gave myself and my sister Jeannene Langford a tour through the vast warehouses filled with everything you'd need for a big slashy affair. The prop warehouses were the most impressive with many Coit Towers, Golden Gate Bridges and so on.

Richmond One, 2010
oil and bronze metallic paint stick on canvas
30 x 24 inches

Richmond Two, 2010
oil and oil paint stick on canvas
30 x 24 inches

Richmond Three, 2010
oil and aluminum oil paint stick on canvas
30 x 24 inches

Richmond One, 2010
oil and aluminum oil paint stick on canvas
30 x 24 inches

Opening Night Gala @ LA Art Show

2010-01-21T09:06:00.000-08:00

The torrential rain did not keep the crowds away from the big opening night gala at the LA Art Show at the convention center. Actually the skies parted and the freeways free-flowing just in time for the opening.

Bryant Street Gallery is showing some of my paintings....stop by and say hello. The show is on through Sunday, Jan. 24. I know I will go back once or twice before it closes.

This picture shows about half of the Bryant Street Gallery booth.

Karen Imperial, Mary Ellen, Chase and Jeanne Vadeboncoeur

KCRW art critic Edward Goldman

Cork Hetherington and Lars Hansson. It was great to see them and the many other friends I bumped into that night. Spotted a few celebs and I was told I just missed Eli Broad. Here we are in front of High Level Road.

Bryant Street Gallery takes Chase to the L.A. Art Show

2010-01-12T13:00:00.000-08:00

Bryant Street Gallery of Palo Alto will be in the international art show at the Los Angeles Convention Center next week. The director of the gallery, Karen Imperial, has asked to include some of my paintings in the show. This is a milestone for me, the first time to be represented at a major international art fair. Look for booth #D136.
The 15th Annual Los Angeles Art Show 2010 is sponsored by the Fine Art Dealers Association (FADA). The show runs January 20-24. (just 8 days away!) Art dealers and collectors from all over the world will converge in LA for this event.
Bryant Street Gallery is a premiere gallery in the Bay Area representing some amazing artists such as Bill Barrett, Paul Bloch, Amber Bookerman and Jean Vadeboncoeur, just to name a few. Many major Bay Area collectors, including some famous names in high tech, are patrons of Bryant Street. Be sure to look for them at the fair.

It is really an honor and thrill to have Bryant Street represent me at the show.

Stop by the booth and say hello to Karen, Mary Ellen & Jeanne.

"Transformative" brings in the New Year

2010-01-11T10:45:00.000-08:00

Transformative, 2010, oil on canvas, 84 x 72 inches

What I thought would be my last painting of 2009 turned out to be my first of 2010. No matter how long I've been painting it always takes me longer to complete a painting than I expect. There's always additional revisions, inspirations, revelations and even technical considerations that keeps the paintings on the easel.

Here is Transformative, (above) the next step in my ever evolving Morphic series. The idea here was to extract out only the circular nodes, leaving a simple background. The result is a much less complex and more immediate painting. My goal was to capture a mood, not interpret geographic forms or landscape as I usually do. I was trying for.....health, happiness & well being. Did I succeed?

Detail

......and another detail...a hot pink node

Here is Transformative lounging poolside. (ha ha) In the process of shooting the painting I thought this 'reflection' shot would be fun to show. Thanks to my partner Steve who holds the large paintings for me while I photograph them.

Notice the cameo of Steve in the glass refection at the far right.

Wishes for an Amazing 2010 in a Painting

2009-12-30T16:33:00.000-08:00

This painting came to me as I contemplated thoughts of good health, optimism, boundless light, fresh air, and a nurturing environment.

These are also good themes as we ring in a new year and a new decade. It has been a hard time for many and I hope everyone has an amazing 2010.

The canvas is 84 x 72 inches. I started with giving it about 5 heavy coats of gesso. Then 2 coats of lamp black oil paint. Next came the real painting; below is the painting in its pubescence.

Here it is a few days later.

A detail of the painting the next day:

And here it is nearing completion. I should have the painting completed soon.

Always Experimenting

2009-12-21T10:06:00.000-08:00

I have been working on these two canvases over the last month. They are inspired by the most personally influential show of 2009, the Conrad Marca-Relli show at Knoedler & Co. I was awestruck by Marca-Relli's collages, which I have long admired but never saw such a huge grouping of his extraordinary work until the Knoedler show.

My approach was to explore the resonance of his work, not through collage but through oil painting. Below is the result in-progress. I'm not sure if I will continue this exploration or destroy the work and get back to my morphic series which is screaming at me for attention. I have only begun to tap the potential of that series.

Often I do these forays off my path to keep my work fresh, challenging and personally gratifying. I never, ever want to be an artist who came up with one series, aka "a recognizable and consistent brand" and did that until the day they died. Painting for me is an ongoing, ever-changing discovery.

Below are the same two canvases a day later.

The sun is low in the southern sky

2009-12-07T16:35:00.001-08:00

Even in sunny warm Los Angeles there's a 'change of seasons'. It gets cooler, sometimes even cold (okay, cold by our standards) and wet. Water falls from the sky. This is called "rain", a term that almost falls out of memory until winter sets in and we overreact with collective hysteria at the first sprinkle.

But the biggest impact of winter is the shorter days and the low angle of the sun. I have to turn my studio set up 180 degrees to catch the light coming from three south facing windows. Even so by 3pm the light has dimmed and by 4pm I have to stop cold. I only paint using natural light. I used to work til late at night using special white light but I've really grown to only trust natural light, there's just no replacing it, no matter what the light bulbs are called.

Two chroma paintings in the works.

Two New Paintings Inspired by Point Arguello

2009-11-29T19:59:00.000-08:00

Point Arguello 3, 2009, oil and metallic on canvas mounted on panel, 25 x 60 inches

Point Arguello 4, 2009, oil and metallic on canvas, 32 x 78 inches

Painting on Turkey Day

2009-11-26T11:35:00.000-08:00

Blue skies, nearly 80 degrees, and painting in the studio before heading off to a wonderful Thanksgiving gathering. I have so much to be thankful for. Love to all.

New painting..........Crosby (Street)

2009-11-21T09:03:00.000-08:00

Here's a morphic painting that borrows the warm rich colors of Crosby Street near where I stayed recently in New York. Crosby, 2009, 48 x 36 inches, oil on canvas

Update: Collection of Michael and Susan Dell Foundation

More People in Front of My Paintings

2009-11-16T09:20:00.000-08:00

As a follow up to the previous post, here's more people in front of my paintings. lol! These photos are from a book signing event for photographer Pat York's new book "Fame and Frame" at David W. Streets gallery in Beverly Hills. I missed this event (I was in Palm Springs). Here they are standing in front of (blocking!!! ;-0 ) Strawberry Peak, 2009, oil on canvas, 72 x 108 inches. David's gallery is over 6,000 sq ft and I am thrilled to have four large paintings hanging there.

David Streets (art dealer), Jesse Metcalfe (Desperate Housewives), Barbara Lazaroff (designer, Spago), Michael York (loved him in Cabaret)

Paintings on new FX show "The League"

2009-11-13T16:45:00.000-08:00

A very, very funny and clever show just premiered on FX called The League. Here's a few of the many paintings of mine on one of the sets. Wish I had better shots but the actors kept getting in the way! lol Thanks to Jackie & Jeff Schaffer and Gary Kordan for this fun opportunity. I took these pictures of my tv.....that's why they look so funky. I love the show...even if it didn't have my paintings in it.

Point Dume in background center, from my "big brush series".

Beach Road, a morphic painting behind John Lajoie who plays "Taco"

Polylith, a "form scrape" painting behind Katie Aselton playing "Jenny"

Today in the Studio.........

2009-11-13T10:18:00.000-08:00

Scrapes are Back

2009-11-09T13:58:00.000-08:00

It has been several years since I created any "Scrape" paintings. Here's a new one. I'm really enjoying revisiting this technique.

Corniche 3, 2009, oil on canvas, 48 x 36 inches

Marais Trio

2009-11-03T14:15:00.000-08:00

Here is a new triptych from the Marais series: Marais Trio, 2009. Each panel is 40 x 24. Oil on linen.

The Unseen Langford Paintings

2009-10-15T09:16:00.000-07:00

Once in awhile I create a painting that never makes it in a show. Either it was commissioned or acquired before it could be included in an exhibition. Here are some that never got their 'day in the limelight'.

CLICK ON THE PAINTING IMAGE TO SEE A MUCH LARGER & BETTER QUALITY IMAGE

AVIGNON 3, Collection of John Sealy

This painting, like the two that preceded it (Avignon and Avignon 2) were inspired by an old stone wall in Avignon, France that had bits of bright paint in their cracks. Presumably the remains of unwanted graffiti.
Avignon 3 now hangs in a brand new luxury high rise in Long Beach by the sea. The painting is bathed in a flood of light reflecting off the ocean igniting the metallic paint.

Avignon 3, oil and metallic on canvas, 44 x 36 inches

Detail of Avignon 3:__________________________________________________

CAPE BRETON, Collection of Edward Samek

This was a commission arranged by Francie Kelley at Paragone Gallery, Los Angeles. The painting went right from the studio to the client's Los Angeles home. Cape Breton was created in the early stages of my morphic series but certainly is a fully realized morphic. It is inspired by the colors and landscape of Cape Breton in Nova Scotia.

Cape Breton, 2008, oil on canvas, 72 x 84 inches

Detail of Cape Breton:
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BOTSWANA, Collection of Robert & Gail Smith

This painting was suppose to be in my show at Gensler in 2007 but was acquired and shipped off to Park City, Utah before it could be seen by the over 500 people that attended that show. Botswana was inspired by going on safari in Botswana, particularly from the Jacana camp. Ironically Robert & Gail that acquired this painting had visited the same area staying at a camp close by.

Botswana, 2007, oil on canvas, 36 x 96 inches

Detail of Botswana:
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EARTH, SEA, & SKY, Collection of Linda Kollar

This was a commission so again it went right from Studio to installation in a home. No art show for this painting. This is one of my "scape series" paintings which have very, very thick layers of paint. It was still wet when we transported it to Westlake Village a couple years ago and I'm wondering if it is dry now...? The commission was arranged by Robert Bentley of Classic Artforms in West Hollywood.

Earth, Sea, & Sky, 2007, oil and metallic on canvas, 32 x 90 inches

Detail of Earth, Sea, & Sky
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LAUREL CANYON, Collection of Scott Oshry

This morphic painting represents a movement toward painting that hints at representation. It is still abstract and no specific representation is intended but a more determined structure lends these new works to resembling something in the real world. So, is it dangerous for an abstract artist to flirt with representation? I think it is okay.... ;-)

Laurel Canyon is a very recent painting created this summer. It was acquired by someone that was moving to New York the next day so this painting was barely dry when it went from the studio to the shippers to a new ultra modern high rise in Manhattan.

Laurel Canyon, 2009, oil on canvas, 28 x 22 inches
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POINT ARGUELLO 2, Collection of Ron & Amy Ossip

At least I got to enjoy this painting in my home for a couple months. Los Angeles designer Linda Elkman acquired this for her clients. Point Arguello is near Point Conception on the California coast. This painting evokes the maritime fog, coastal mountains and seaside native flora. The silver metallic represents the shimmer of the ocean when the fog bank breaks.

Point Argeullo 2, oil and metallic on canvas, 32 x 78 inches

Detail of Point Argeullo 2:

Commission completed.........

2009-10-13T17:38:00.000-07:00

Arcadia Panel 1, 72 x 38 inches

Arcadia Panel 2, 72 x 38 inches

The Commission Progresses.......

2009-10-12T17:23:00.000-07:00

As you can see I switched the panels from the previous post. I didn't realize the photo was inconsistent with the previous post, oops. That makes it a bit harder to compare.

Commission in Progress

2009-10-03T12:10:00.001-07:00

New Morphic Paintings

2009-09-28T08:33:00.000-07:00

Morphic Bouquet, 2009, oil on canvas, 40 x 30 inches

The following three morphic paintings are related to my Sea Point painting which is named after Sea Point, South Africa. Each of these have been named after streets in that beautiful seaside town. There is a forth painting that goes with these but I had to stop painting it to work on a commission.

Victoria Road, 2009, oil and metallic on canvas, 38 x 72 inches

Beach Road, 2009, oil on canvas, 38 x 72 inches

Seacliff Road, 2009, oil on canvas, 38 x 72 inches

Marais Series Continues

2009-09-21T17:42:00.000-07:00

When I wasn't throwing back a latte in Paris or kick'n the sand Malibu this summer I was in my studio. Here's a peek of what I've been up to. I'm still captivated by working with these intricate compositions inspired by the narrow maze-like streets of the Marais.

Marais 8, 2009, oil and ink on canvas, 44 x 68 inches

Marais 9, 2009, oil and ink on canvas, 24 x 72 inches

Marais 10, 2009, oil on canvas, 30 x 68 inches

Marais Lumiere, 2009, oil on canvas, 24 x 60 inches

Triptych: Morphic Trio

2009-09-21T10:26:00.000-07:00

This three paneled piece, Morphic Trio, I created over the summer. Each panel is 48 x 36 inches, oil and metallic paint on canvas. I have posted each panel individually (above) and then all 3 assembled together (see below). As always, click on image to see it much larger.

Sea Point is by the Sea

2009-09-16T11:50:00.000-07:00

Sea Point, 2008, oil on canvas, 40 x 108 inches

I miss this painting! Sea Point is definitely a seminal piece that is the cornerstone of my then emerging morphic series. Here it is with Nick King in his Corona del Mar home, a very cool mid-century architectural.

"The Map as Art" Includes Two Chase Langford Map Paintings

2009-09-09T11:17:00.000-07:00

To be published in October, the new book "The Map as Art, Contemporary Artists Explore Cartography" includes two of my map paintings in this very handsome tome by Katharine Harmon and published by Princeton Architectural Press, New York. Katherine has done an stellar job pulling together a shockingly extensive and impressive collection of works by artists that work with maps. I just got an advance copy which has 256 pages of gorgeous color plates. Cover art above by Jules de Balincourt.

Left: Denmark on Fire, 2001
oil on paper, mounted on panel
45 x 32 inches
Collection of Catherine Ormerod Bander

Right: Red China, Yellow Sea, 2001
oil on paper, mounted on panel
38 x 28 inches
Collection of Bettina Weiss

As long as I'm on the subject of Map Paintings I'll show a few more that are not on my website:

***CLICK ON PAINTINGS TO SEE WITH MUCH BETTER QUALITY***

Manhattan Red, 2003
Collection of Bruce & Adam (per Corey Mundwiler)

Paris, about 2001
I destroyed it by painting over. Someone out there has a map of Ile Cité & Ile Saint-Louis underneath their painting.

Japan, 1990
Collection of Bradford Briggs

BH, about 2002?
I destroyed it, which I regret. I painted over it. Someone out there has a map of Beverly Hills underneath their painting.

Cape Cod, 2002
Collection of Eric Hammerlund and Terry Villines

British Isles, 2003
Collection of Sheryl Hinshaw Peterson

Golden Gate No 6., 2003
Collection of _____ (need to check who has this)

*** Click on the paintings above to see them bigger and with WAY better quality and detail.

Let There Be Light

2009-08-30T19:01:00.000-07:00

Another skylight was just added to my studio. This one measures a huge 30 x 84 inches, creating a glorious pool of natural light in the studio. Now my sweetspot for painting is on the opposite side of where I used to paint. Henry Erasmus did all the superb work (framing, electrical, drywall, etc) installing the skylight.

These paintings are works in progress.

The Painting Marais 7 Transformed

2009-08-10T09:50:00.000-07:00

The painting Marais 7 was taken back in the studio and reworked. Below is the original version and then following is the new version. It is now lighter, more simple....but not sure if it is better. After many long days of working on it I wish I was more certain of the transformation.

Marais 7, 2009, oil on canvas, 72 x 48 inches

In the Studio..... Continuing the Marais Series

2009-08-07T08:03:00.000-07:00

Painting in Paris

2009-07-26T01:28:00.000-07:00

I just had to paint while on this wonderful trip to Paris. Our apartment we are staying in overlooks the plaza by the Pompidou Museum. Oils are too messy and take too long to dry so I used gouache, a water-based paint I haven't used in many years. These paintings were an exercise in getting to know the medium again and an experiment in painting outside my Los Angeles studio.

Paris Gouache 1, 2009, gouache on paper, 29.7 x 21 cm

Paris Gouache 2, 2009, gouache on paper, 29.7 x 21 cm

Paris Gouache 3, 2009, gouache on paper, 29.7 x 21 cm

Modern Home by Thomas Landry Associates

2009-07-07T09:10:00.000-07:00

Designer Thomas Landry has created a gorgeous contemporary home in Santa Monica. Two of my paintings were selected for the project seen here in the Living Room and Bedroom. More pictures of this project and others are on the Thomas Landry Associates website.

Murphy, 2005, oil on canvas, 62 x 44 inches. This painting is named after a golden retriever that comes by my house every morning for treats and affection. Most of my paintings are inspired and named after geographic placenames, so this is a rare exception.

Malibu, 2005, oil on canvas, 48 x 60 inches. This painting is from my "Big Brush Series" which was only about six paintings.

New Paintings as Summer Unfolds.....

2009-06-30T10:37:00.000-07:00

New paintings created after my May show:
(click on images to view larger)

Umbria 3, 2009, oil on canvas, 60 x 56 inches

Umbria 4, 2009, oil on canvas, 60 x 56 inches

Silver Sea Point, 2009, oil and metallic paint on canvas, 84 x 60 inches

Emerald Bay 2, 2009, oil on canvas mounted on wood panel, 25 x 60 inches

Arcadia 3, 2009, oil on canvas, 36 x 24 inches

My mom says this looks like compressed wrecked automobiles.

"The Many Japans" painting on the cover of "Intimate Encounters"

2009-06-17T09:54:00.000-07:00

My 2003 painting, The Many Japans, is on the cover of the newly published book Intimate Encounters, Filipina Women and the Remaking of Rural Japan by Lieba Faier. This is the first time I have had the honor to have one of my paintings grace book cover. I am looking forward to reading the book as soon as I get my copy.

Here is a description of the book from Amazon:
This groundbreaking study explores the recent dramatic changes brought about in Japan by the influx of a non-Japanese population, Filipina brides. Lieba Faier investigates how Filipina women who emigrated to rural Japan to work in hostess bars-where initially they were widely disparaged as prostitutes and foreigners-came to be identified by the local residents as "ideal, traditional Japanese brides."Intimate Encounters, an ethnography of cultural encounters, unravels this paradox by examining the everyday relational dynamics that drive these interactions. Faier remaps Japan, the Philippines, and the United States into what she terms a "zone of encounters," showing how the meanings of Filipino and Japanese culture and identity are transformed and how these changes are accomplished through ordinary interpersonal exchanges. Intimate Encounters provides an insightful new perspective from which to reconsider national subjectivities amid the increasing pressures of globalization, thereby broadening and deepening our understanding of the larger issues of migration and disapora.

The Many Japans is oil on paper mounted on a panel, 53 x 60 inches, Collection of James R. Harlan.

Reflections on the Morphic Show

2009-06-08T14:36:00.000-07:00

It has been over a month since my studio and home swarmed with 200-300 people over a six hour period. It was an extraordinary afternoon as friends, collectors, designers, art consultants and a lot of new people came to see my art that had been created over the last 18 months; just 6 hours of viewing time to see 18 months of work. Hmmm...that's 3 months per hour?!

I want to thank everyone for coming. I am so blessed to have so many people show up. Everyone has such busy lives and there are many, many other art openings going on LA --- I can't emphasize enough how much I appreciate people coming to mine. I certainly don't take it for granted.

I was a bit shell-shocked by the kind words and enthusiasm of everyone that day. It was a lot to take in and I only regret not being able to spend more time with each person. There were even close friends I saw from a distance that I never even said hello to. Or worse yet, I didn't even know they came until I spotted them in a photo from that day. Maybe the next show I'll add a couple hours.

I am beyond grateful for all the help I had in making this exhibition happen. I think about my canvas maker, the folks at art stores, shippers, framers, catering, food servers, printers, web designer, and so on. Thanks to so many that helped with the curation (hanging the show). Thanks to many photographers: Jay Jorgensen, Vince Tamariz, Kim Shermer, Brain Won, and Tom Naldoza. Derek Matteucci and Doug Segers were most kind to handle all the "business" part of the day. They did a great job and were flawless at getting everything right and being so helpful to everyone contemplating important decisions. I was so glad to have the venerable art critic Edward Goldman at the show. My partner Steve Ziel contributed and sacrificed the most by being there for everything. Without him there would not have been a show.

Chase & Steve Ziel in front of Baker Beach 2 (now in Houston). This photo was taken moments before the opening started. (Photo by Jay Jorgenson, copyright 2009)

I am never without inspiration in the studio. Ideals pour out faster than I can explore them. Time is the most elusive thing. Never enough time. The last few years have been very intense for my painting and art. I'm either doing a commission on preparing for a show -- or both. Many works are acquired between shows by visitors to the studio or placed by art consultants, architects, and designers. I also had other shows to create work for during this time: Gensler (Santa Monica), Ambient Art Projects (Las Vegas) and Fresh Paint (Culver City). Last Fall I had 3 commissions at the same time while my May show was already pressing me to intensify my efforts.

Many people think my show is every year but only once was that true. My last show was 18 months after my Oct 07 show. I think my next show will be in May 2011 which will be two full years after this last show, giving me a little more time and a little less intensity.

Derek Matteucci and Doug Segers (photo by Tom Naldoza)

Video of Morphic show

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

Video of the paintings installed in the show a few days before the opening. Low resolution video is not really well-suited to show paintings but this at least gives one a sense of how the show was curated. It is 13 minutes long.

Pictures of the Morphic Show by Jay Jorgensen

2009-05-06T10:50:00.001-07:00

More people picture from the show. These are copyright Jay Jorgensen, 2009. You can see all 284 images on Snapfish. Thank you Jay!

Mariela, Chase, Francie, and Marcelo. Mariela & Francie are art consultants from Paragone Gallery.

Alyce LaLiberte, Chase, Steve Ziel, & Adam LaLiberte in front of two Galapagos Islands inspired paintings

Steve Skuris (with Marais 4), Chase, and Steven Aaron (Borrego Sands at center)

Philip de Canio, Chase and Steve Skuris (with Marais 4)

Paul Michaelsen, Tom Early, Steven Araon, Jim Harlan, Kennon Earl, Philip de Canio and Steve Skuris

Jenna & Robert "Smitty" Smith

Tom Landry, Jim Linhart, Chase & Chip McKinney

Krishna and Bobby Daly

Gordon Kurtis hamming it up, with Scott Hunt and body blocking Bill Maxwell

Paul Doble and Randy Perrin with Trevi Cobalt

Emma, Annaka, and Sam Harris

Tim Cowell & Dan Vandenbark with Marais 5

Tim Cowell & Dan Vandenbark in front of Baker Beach 2

With Linda Kollar & friends

Linda holding court....

Chase & Kim Michalski in front of Montauk Point

Larry Smith & Abbie Tingstad

Donna Ziel, Steve Ziel, Kathy Angers, Chase, Michael Shermer and Devin Shermer

With Devin Shermer

With Jay Houser & Kim Michalski

Doug Segers & Derek Matteucci in front of Umbria 1 & 2

Robert Corzo & Rodrigo Goncalves, in front of Santa Barbara (the blue painting)

Derek Matteucci protecting Felice Culter's painting Rhone

Tom Naldoza, Steve Ziel, Chase, and Doug Segers

Pictures of the Morphic Show by Vincent Tamariz

2009-05-05T14:10:00.000-07:00

All pictures by Vincent Tamariz, copyright 2009. Thank you Vince for taking these. More pictures to come soon.

Tom Landry and Jim Swan

Chase with the Dixie Chicks (Arlene, Naomi, Gail, Linda and Lisa) in front of Montauk Point

Richard Nelson & Chip McKinney, Quebec in background

Alyce LaLiberte & Chase, Umbria 2 at left, Arcadia paintings at right

Derek Whitefield & Gary Dahle wth Chase, Point Arguello in background

Sunday is Looking Perfect

2009-04-28T12:03:00.001-07:00

The furniture is gone

and the art is hung

It won’t be long

til Sunday comes

The menu is set

the corks about to pop

We’ll have a fun time I bet

on a Mulholland mountain top

Chase's Studio Shows....a Look Back

2009-04-15T10:32:00.000-07:00

I have been hosting my own art shows since the late 1980's when I lived in Santa Monica. The shows moved on to Hollywood in the early 1990's to the tenth floor of Franklin Towers. In my current studio and home off Mulholland Drive I have had shows in October 1997, October 2001, May 2003, April 2005, May 2006, October 2007 and now on May 3, 2009.

These shows require a complete shutdown and packing up everything in the studio (shutting down the studio and stop painting is the hardest part of all of this). The studio & house are completely transformed into gallery space. Most of the furniture is removed to the garage.

The shows strive for a minimal/uncluttered environment to view the work. I won't even let music play or allow a vase of flowers. The only distraction might be the food, drink, the view and the crowd that gathers.

The studio exhibitions allow me to create a show in the environment in which they were created. Seeing the work in this context seems to work well. I have had successful professional gallery shows (such as my recent show at Ambient Art Projects in Las Vegas) but I really take to doing these shows on my own. I suppose it makes me a bit of an 'outsider' -- by not relying entirely on galleries. I do enjoy working with art consultants, galleries and designers.

All the paintings hanging in the upcoming show were created after my last studio show in October 2007. This show will include paintings from the following series: Scrapes, Arc, New York Placenames, Otavalo, and most represented will be my newest series "Morphic" which draws upon many previous series, both in terms of technique and concept, morphing into this new work. Also the Chroma series, which I think I will always actively paint, will be in the flat files.

This show is private by invitation only since space and parking is limited.

My next studio show might be in 2011, however no plans have been made yet.

Here are some images from past shows:

October 2007:

May 2006:

April 2005:

May 2004:

The Geography of Marais District Translated in Two New Paintings

2009-03-30T12:46:00.000-07:00

The irregular blocks, tight narrow streets, and gritty palate of the Marais District in Paris were the inspiration for these two new works.

Marais 1, 2009, oil and metallic paint stick on canvas, 52 x 42 inches

Marais 2, 2009, oil and metallic paint stick on canvas, 52 x 42 inches

"The Guest" in Marina del Rey at Steel Lofts

2009-03-17T15:51:00.000-07:00

This "Form Scrape" painting was acquired by a collector in the Fall of 2007. But before he could have the painting it was hung in my October 2007 show and then went to the Greystone Mansion Showcase House for a few weeks before he got to hang it in his home. Now it hangs in the collector's penthouse loft in Marina del Rey's Steel Lofts but not for long as the collector is selling the loft and moving.

The Guest has sure traveled a lot for such a young painting. I suppose the title of the painting was even more fitting than I originally envisioned.

So where will The Guest travel to next?

Here it is hanging in my October 2007 show.

Above: The Guest in the dining room at Greystone Mansion, Beverly Hills. It was specifically painted for the Dining Room at Greystone in designer John Cole's dining room. The painting's dimensions fit neatly into the dining room's wood panelling design.

Press & Images of the Ambient Art Projects Show in Las Vegas

2009-03-17T09:53:00.000-07:00

The show got noticed by Las Vegas Home & Design magazine (see upper right corner):

Stunning space to show art...wonderful light, high ceilings, clean architecture.

The Evolution of 'Strawberry Peak'

2009-03-02T11:41:00.000-08:00

This shows the evolution of painting Strawberry Peak (72 x 108 inches) for the upcoming Pasadena Showcase house in San Marino. It is named after the mountain that is directly north of where this painting will be hanging.

Silver metallic paint added....oh the fumes!

The completed painting:

Ambient Art Projects Opening Night

2009-02-24T15:33:00.000-08:00

Ambient Art Projects in Las Vegas had its inaugural opening February 20th at their prodigious gallery space. Ambient partners pictured above: Milo Miloscia, John Nelson, Anne Mennealy, and Ryan Mennealy. They are flanked by two of my oils: Whitney 2 and Whitney 3.

It was a great night. I was quite pleased by the other artist work in this show. Ryan Meanealy did a superb job curating.

Here I am with Paul Groepler who came from Texas for the show.

With Steve Ziel. Behind us is the east wing of the gallery, probably about 25 percent of the gallery space to give you an idea of its size.

Mitchell Antisdale, Joe, Laura, Linda Antisdale

Here I am with Steve Antisdale, stone broker to the mega hotels around the globe. (also my bro-in-law) Behind us are two Chroma paintings.

Here I am with Mitch, aka "the Facebook Hacker". Note the guy above Mitch's shoulder is legendary Las Vegas performer Frank Marino.

***CLICK ON ANY IMAGE TO SEE LARGER***

Chase in Group Show in Las Vegas - Feb 20

2009-02-09T08:04:00.000-08:00

Ambient Art Projects inaugurates its new gallery space with the show "Pairs" on February 20, 2009 in Las Vegas.

Ambient Art Projects is an Art Advisory Firm and Private Gallery Space. The founding partners are Anne Mennealy, Ryan Mennealy, Milo Miloscia, and John Nelson. With over 20 years of experience in Art Consulting, Art History, and Art Collecting the Ambient partners possess an unparalleled passion for art.

I have worked with Anne for many years. She is a very highly regarded art consultant. Whenever I mention her name around town people gush with adoration. Take a look at some of Ambient's projects and you will see why.

I hope you can join us in Las Vegas on the 20th and please pass this announcement on to any Vegas-bound friends.

Ambient Art Gallery Inaugural Show "Pairs"
Opening Reception, Friday, February 20th, 2009
5:00 - 8:00pm
RSVP by Feb. 15 to: info@ambientartprojects.com
February 20 - May 2, 2009
Featuring:
Chase Langford, James Hough, Katy Stone, David Fokos,
Marcy Freedman, Willy Richardson, Rosalyn Schwartz,
Bill Armstrong, Nancy Braver, Carrie Ungerman, Hilary Baker

Ambient Art Projects
7432 Silver Palm Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89117 702.233.3777

Chase with Anne & Ryan Mennealy, May 2006.

The Big Canvas

2009-02-02T11:03:00.000-08:00

This canvas is for the upcoming Showcase House. Before I actually start the painting I will gesso (prime) the canvas with at least 5 heavy coats. Lightly sanding between each coat. The gesso will protect the canvas from the oil paint and obliterate the coarse canvas texture.
I hand brush the gesso on in irregular stokes instead of using a roller. This gives the surface a more unique and organic texture rather than the regular manufactured feel of the woven canvas. I alternate between white gesso and gesso that I have tinted grey which makes it easier to see what I'm doing rather than painting white over white.
My large canvases are heavy 14 1/2 oz. cotton. I have my canvases made with extra cross bars that I spec out, ususally double the amount of bracing found in most canvases. I also have the joints reinforced with extra metal bracing. My canvas maker thinks this is a bit of overkill but I figure it can't hurt.

Designer John Cole Invites Chase to Paint for Pasadena Showcase House 2009

2009-01-22T09:27:00.000-08:00

In November 2007 I contributed three paintings to John Cole's amazing Dining Room at Greystone Mansion Showcase House in Beverly Hills. Now we'll be 'slumming it' (ha, ha) in San Marino for the 2009 Pasadena Showcase House. The house will be open to the public April 19 - May 17. Again John has asked for three paintings. This time he will redesign the grand living room. It is looking pretty deary right now as you can see but John will work his magical talent to transform this room. Yes, I'm doing this project AND preparing for my show on May 3rd.

I hope you can come to the Showcase House but if you miss it I will post the 'after' pictures here so you can compare them to these 'before' shots.

The home is in San Marino on Oak Grove Avenue near Virginia Road. The house is currently abuzz with workers (hence the trucks ruining the photo!). When we had our art meeting there they were drilling into concrete. It was the loudest meeting I have ever attended.

Here John and Francie Kelley are discussing some incredible paintings and sculpture that her gallery, Paragone, will contribute. Note the smallest of the three 'Langford' paintings at 68 x 44 will be between a set of French doors that lead to the spectacular terraces.

A mammoth 72 x 108 inch painting that will grace the main wall.

ADDED NOTE feb 26 2009: The markings are not spray painted on the walls. They were drawn on these images in photoshop. I've had several comments about what appears to be spray painted walls. ;-)

A long horizontal 36 x 84 inch painting here.

Here is the property from above. I can't resist thinking about the geography of where my paintings will hang. The street pattern, topography, palate of the landscape....I find all this intriguing and take it in as I contemplate these new canvases.

Artist Summer Langford

2009-01-21T08:30:00.000-08:00

My niece, Summer Langford who just turned 10, sent this wonderful drawing. I love her attention to detail, dramatic graphic quality and creation of a storyline in her images. Summer is the daughter of my brother Jon and his wife Helen. They live in Jackson, Michigan.

I love all the details....pattern on skirt, braids with bows, lacy sleeves, etc.

This person looks fierce. Note the whistle and boots!

'Morphic' Show May 3, 2009

2009-01-15T12:40:00.001-08:00

'Morphic' is new work born out of a fusion of Chase's previous geographically influenced work such as Map Paintings, Scrape, Mulholland, and Coldwater.

The Morphic series uses both brush and scrape techniques combined with the influence of geography and draws on over twenty years of Chase's intense abstract exploration in the studio.

Please mark your calendars for Chase Langford's show at his home & studio on May 3, 2009. This is a private show. Invitations with full information will be sent in April. All art in this show was created after his October 2007 show. Probably the next show after the May 2009 show will be in 2011 or 2012.

Painting in graphic at top: Emerald Bay, 2009, oil on canvas, 24 x 48 inches

Scenes from the Studio

2008-12-25T07:54:00.000-08:00

Excuse me for being unwashed, unshaven and very unprepared for this impromptu photoshoot courtesy of Steve.

Here I'm putting final touches on a 'morphic' painting.

This 'scrape' with geometric forms is pretty much complete. Just a little tip here, tuck there.

Here is the completed painting, 48 x 36 inches, yet to be named.

I've been working on this canvas since late summer. It has gone through many stages. Here is it's latest at about 10% complete if this round is successful.

Yolanda, aka "Studio Cat" weighs in on my efforts although the dispensing of Wisker Lickins treats might hold sway over her opinion.

Thomas Landry Masterpiece Featured in Robb Report Vacation Homes

2008-11-19T15:24:00.000-08:00

Los Angeles-based designer Thomas Landry's sensational Paradise Valley project has just been published in the Robb Report Vacation Homes, December 2008/January 2009 edition. It just hit the newsstands. Starting on page 67 the feature, "Pared-Down Paradise".

Thomas is -- without a doubt -- one of the most brilliantly talented designers there is and on top of that he's a true gentleman, perfectionist and consummate professional. It is rare to find such inordinate creativity without the associated drama and craziness that often plagues create types. ;-)

I have been very fortunate to work with Tom on several of his projects. For this residence Tom asked me to create a two-panel Chroma painting for the living room (in picture below). Also included in the project were some of my very first Coldwater and Mulholland series paintings.

What strikes me about Tom's rooms is that they are gorgeous - AND - you can imagine yourself actually feeling comfortable and at home in them.

On the right in the picture above: Mulholland Circuit, 2004, oil on canvas, 72 x 48 inches

Commission for Dykema Installed on 21st Floor of Wells Fargo Tower

2008-11-17T10:27:00.000-08:00

Jeff Deane, Nancy Adams, and Derek Whitefield of Dykema. Craig Hentschel was instrumental in the commission but was in a meeting when it was 'picture time'. I'm sorry we did not get a picture of Craig by the painting.

Dykema is in the Wells Fargo Tower (tallest building at right center) on Bunker Hill in downtown Los Angeles.

The Los Angeles office of the law firm Dykema commissioned me to create a large painting for their lobby. From it's website: "Opened in 2003, the Los Angeles office [of Dykema] includes experienced litigation, intellectual property and transactional lawyers who provide trial counsel, regulatory guidance and business advice to the core industries fueling the California economy, including the automotive, banking, entertainment, consumer finance, technology and real estate industries. From entrepreneurial ventures to Fortune 500 companies, Dykema clients rely upon the firm's Midwest work ethic and value-driven approach."

Inspired by my Boulder Beach and Borrego paintings ...hence the name for the new commissioned painting: Borrego Beach. The painting references our inland deserts and the beaches of Southern California, framing the setting of Dykema here in Los Angeles.

Borrego Beach, 2008, oil on canvas, 66 x 60 inches. Collection of Dykema Gossett PLLC

Below are three detail images of Borrego Beach. (click on images to see them larger)

Dykema also added a painting from my recent Otavalo series (below).

....and two chroma paintings Chroma "J" series for their "Point" conference room which is in the jutting wedge part of the tower.

West Hollywood Loft Gets Hung

2008-11-12T11:02:00.000-08:00

Award-winning The Lofts at Laurel Court in West Hollywood were designed by 'Public', a small architectural firm out of San Diego. The lofts are quite expansive and light-filled with soaring ceilings and windows, the perfect setting for art!

At Richard Podolsky's (at right) loft hangs the only multi-piece chroma painting I have ever created and a newer painting from my 'morphic' series.

In the living room space hangs Bodega Bay, oil on canvas, 30 x 40 inches

In the dining space hangs Chroma Trio, 2007, oil on canvas, each panel is 40 x 30 inches.

'Nova Scotia' Inspires 'Cape Breton'

2008-10-01T20:47:00.000-07:00

Nova Scotia, 2008, oil on canvas, 42 x 72 inches

A collector liked Nova Scotia but the painting was far too small for the large premiere wall in his living room. So I was asked to create a new painting much like Nova Scotia but about four times the size. Thus I painted Cape Breton. This commission was arranged by Francie Kelley at Paragone Gallery.

Cape Breton, 2008, oil on canvas, 72 x 84 inches, Private Collection

New Paintings as Fall Begins

2008-09-29T14:09:00.000-07:00

The painting below was first completed early this year. It originally had a gray background but I recently changed it to a vibrant phthalo blue. Paintings like this with isolated circular forms are a part of my "Morphic" series.

Quebec, 2008, oil on canvas, 72 x 42 inches

Detail of Quebec

Below is another "Trevi" with a silver metallic background

Trevi Metallica, 2008, oil & metallic on canvas, 60 x 24 inches

Detail of Trevi Metallica

Below is a new addition to my "Scrape" series

Mojave, 2008, oil and metallic on canvas, 40 x 108 inches

Detail of Mojave

Here are two new Chromas.....this is a series I do when I want to mediate and relax in my studio.

Chroma August 2008, 2008 oil on canvas 48 x 36 inches

Chroma September 2008, 2008, oil on canvas, 48 x 36 inches

'Sahara' to London

2008-09-09T15:38:00.000-07:00

Sahara is off to London to grace the office of Ken Baker, the head of Gensler for Europe. Here are pictures of the painting crate courtesy of Emily Puentes at Crate Design Professionals who are handling the entire door to door delivery. Thanks Emily! I hope Sahara brings some extra sunshine to London.

Here you can see the painting in the crate with a plastic cover over it.

Sahara, 2008, oil and metallic paint on canvas, 62 x 92 inches, Collection of Ken Baker

A Painting "Remodel"??

2008-09-02T10:59:00.000-07:00

A painting completed in 2007, "Scrape Taking Form" has been altered a bit. Rarely to I change a painting a year later but this one seemed to need some tweeking. Compare the "Before" from 2007 and the "After" just recently done in August 2008. This painting has never been in a show although I have hung it in my home quite a bit.

The original painting completed on 2007:

The altered painting in August 2008:

Wexler + Ortega + Chroma Paintings

2008-08-06T08:26:00.000-07:00

The Aug/Sept 2008 issue of Interiors magazine features the dazzling design work of Luis Ortega on a Donald Wexler house in Palm Springs. This is the second home of Eric & Jon...aka "The House of Otis" (their handsome & adorable yellow lab). Ortega kept the house hip & architectural while making it warm & comfy...traits often diametrically opposed. You gotta love all those swank curves in much of the furniture framed by the rectilinear lines of the house.

I am honored to have four of my Chroma paintings (one is out of camera view, see picture below) gracing their walls. Eric & Jon acquired these works at my May 2006 show.

Above: Chroma S31, 2005, oil on bristol paper, 18 x 13 inches, Collection of Eric Carlson and Jonathan Eaton

You can view the entire article online or pick it up at your better newsstands. Bravo to Luis!

Putting my stamp on It

2008-08-04T09:38:00.000-07:00

Often I've amused myself by putting my fingerprint on the backs of my paintings as a sort of extra signature. Sometimes the fingerprints are accidental as I handle the paintings.

C ontroversy over recently discovered Jackson Pollock paintings and questions about their authenticity has led to using some of what might be Pollock's fingerprints to establish that they are indeed created by the 20th Century master. There is no official record of his fingerprints but one was found on a paint can in his studio that matches one on the newly discovered paintings.

Now I'm putting my print on the back side of all works. Perhaps it is silly but I enjoy doing it. I'm using my left thumbprint because I am left-handed and the thumb makes for a larger print than any of the fingers.

Sea Point Green in Palm Springs

2008-07-30T09:31:00.000-07:00

Sea Point Green was acquired at my Gensler show in Santa Monica and recently installed in a Palm Springs home. Okay...I know this painting fits so perfectly in its setting that you might think it was a commission or that the wall was painted to match the painting? No, it was just a 'harmonic convergence' of the artistic sort.

The immediate connection of the wall with the same green color in the painting is obvious and immediate. But what creates intrigue and tension is the other 40 or so other shades of green that defy the wall. It is this that gives the painting holding power to grip you longer to make your eyes dance from the multitude of greens as they play against and with one another.

The rusty oranges serve as a counterpoint (they are from the opposite site of the color spectrum) to the greens; they accentuate and help the greens 'pop'.

Sea Point Green, 2008, oil on canvas, 36 x 84 inches, Collection of David Stamper

Sea Point Green (Detail)

Sea Point Green builds on the same color theory and compositional concept as Sea Point (below), named after a community on the Atlantic coast near Cape Town, South Africa.

Sea Point, 2008, oil on canvas, 40 x 108 inches, Collection of Nicholas King

Otavalo Paintings

2008-07-28T14:48:00.000-07:00

More paintings inspired by my recent trip to Ecuador. These are oil on paper, about 26 x 22 inches. They remind me of some of my paintings from the late 1980's that had an abstract expressionist feeling. They also draw on my Mulholland series (the looping lines).

Otavalo 1

Otavalo 2

Otavalo 3

Otavalo 4 Collection of Dykema Grossett PLLC, Los Angeles

Otavalo 5

Otavalo 6