Robert Olsen: Blog

I am trying to avoid sickness like the plague, for example

robertol — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:36:15 +0000

But seriously, here are some new drawings. They’re each 12 X 8.5 inches, black and white pencil on black paper.

Two Models

robertol — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 08:19:41 +0000

As posted a few days ago, I went to San Francisco on Friday. I had a couple of plans while there: taking pictures of a model in a cafe situation, get some oil paint and trade some books at Moe’s—I ended up making a little money (about gas money) because I only got 2 books (I got rid of some Derrida and got some Michel Foucault and Kenneth Koch). I felt pretty productive as I easily navigated all the tasks. I also figured out how I am going to make the gas station models that will become oil paintings. Basically keeping everything as simple as possible. While it is fun to make semi-accurate models, ultimately it is better to leave everything as blocks.

I also went to see a show of Gordon Cook’s (1927-1985) at George Krevsky. It was pretty nice. There were a few watercolors and a pencil drawing that were a little different than the work I was familiar with, which I found interesting. I took them for what they were and don’t know where they fit into his oeuvre.

Older Shell Sign

robertol — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 20:03:35 +0000

This sign once rotated and lit up. Maybe it still does—it looks like it is still in good shape—but not yesterday while I was in Berkeley hoping it would. Or, upon noticing it for the ___ time decided to take a picture of it, and just drove around the block, parked and snapped a few pictures. I guess I could have gone in an asked if it still works. Next time, next time.

Another Attempt at the Writing Video

robertol — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 05:47:12 +0000

This still needs some adjustments, but it is getting closer.

Whitney and Robert at the Armory Show 2010

robertol — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:29:34 +0000

March 4-7 Pier 94, booth 821 Susanne Vielmetter Los Angeles Projects

New Painting by Whitney Bedford, Robert Olsen and what looks like Martin McMurray book paintings on the floor.

Olive Green Bushes Foliage and Business Park

robertol — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 22:37:38 +0000

I am not sure of the total direction these images are going to take. I am working on a very rectilinear set of blocks and was debating about breaking up the ground lines into a more “natural” field, so I went to my local train hobby supply store and bought some foliage to try it out. My leanings would be to make the foliage a silhouette.

There is little to no chance I would paint the image above—not limited to the need for some parking areas—but I am interested in corporate headquarters and business parks.

I should also add, and this is a very important aspect of my interests, I am not interested in scale models (thus the hesitation of embrace the second image), but of simplified forms and a way to work around these large objects that when it is done is a scaleless depiction.

Another model of a Gas Pump

robertol — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 07:20:31 +0000

I made this last night. I haven’t made anything to go with it yet, so I just set it up in front of one of my city skyline arrangements—which I kind of like.

House Keeping

robertol — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 10:04:37 +0000

I cleaned up and updated the images on my website, including the new paintings I made for the Armory Show.

Eamonn is back in Practice in NYC

robertol — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 10:01:36 +0000

Returning from a stint with Doctors Without Borders, Eamonn is opening up his new office March 1st.

For the location and other information click through to Doctor Vitt’s website.

An Actual Image

robertol — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 11:44:49 +0000

As earlier reported, I sent of some paintings to the Armory Show for Susanne Vielmetter to display. Here is the colorful one. It is of a gas station in LA that is suppose to be “green” which basically means it doesn’t use much energy to run it and possibly utilizes solar power. I was told it was built by Carlson, fabricator for Koons, Oldenburg, Therrien, etc.