Does This Sound Crazy To You?

 What if I did 100 paintings in 100 days and sold them for $100.00 each? Yesterday I was pondering what my new goals for the coming year would be when that crazy idea drifted into my head. I had done a 31 Paintings In 31 Days for Halloween of 2010 with great success. What if I pushed the envelope a bit further in 2012?

 Now, because this is a major commitment on my part I'd like to know in advance how many people would be interested in this huge undertaking and want to see this as it unfolds or would consider buying one due to material costs. The $100.00 price would include shipping in the U.S. Overseas sales might have to add a small extra shipping fee. I'd also take personal requests for pieces during that time as well and possibly offer a two month payment plan for those who can't afford to drop the $100 all at once. This would allow practically anybody to own an original of mine.

As friends, fans and collectors, what are your thoughts on this?

Stop! What Grabs Your Attention?

   Would you mind if I just asked you, just for the sake of helping me to understand better, what is it that really grabs your attention?

   You know, some people find, as they look at a painting which is very fascinating, that they can feel very attracted to it. Wouldn't you agree? You can feel your eyes tracing over every stroke, admiring the subtle changes of color, mysteriously creating forms which captivate you. As you look deeper and deeper, you begin to realize the mastery of the piece and you finally come to understand that it's value runs deeper than you can imagine.

   Have you ever wondered about how it would be if you owned a masterpiece like the Mona Lisa? Just think about that for a moment, the masterpiece in your possession, the way it makes you feel knowing that it's yours, that sense of wonder which turns to awe which turns to complete and total joy because you know it's priceless and beautiful beyond description. It feels good doesn't it? If I was a betting man, and I am, I'd say that you are smiling right now. That your heart may even be racing a little because you're excited at the idea of owning something so marvelous. At this very moment you have a grin on your face don't you? Or maybe you feel a little warm in the cheeks. I don't blame you, I mean I feel it all the time when I look around and view my paintings.

   There's just something about having something so thrilling and exciting that it makes you feel giddy inside. I'm sure you've felt that way too about some of my pieces. It's like the art has connected with you and is sharing it's secret. It's as if there's a cord of light going from you to it. And as that cord began to glow with the warmth of that connection, maybe you could imagine a time in the future, say a few weeks from now, while still feeling that deep connection and looking back to today and that artwork as having been the start of it?

   See, some people feel it just like that, like a snap of the fingers, and they let that connection happen instantaneously. With me, it sometimes takes a little longer. During the course of a viewing you really start to pay attention to those little details and you start to recognize those values and joys in it that fascinates you so much...with me and my work, it's the same connection and can really feel that growing bond.


You can leave a comment where you tell me what grabs your attention in the box below or you can email me your thoughts and ideas, if you'd prefer to be private.

What is Toys For Tots ~ HORROR style?

 

 Cruising through cyber space at a break neck speed I stopped on a dime. I came across a heartfelt contest that was created as an effort to get people to donate toys to the Toys For Tots charity. The idea was brilliant. Get a bunch of horror authors and the like to donate a signed book or whatever into a package and one lucky Winner will get the whole kit and kaboodle! Entering is simple. Just take a photo of you holding a brand new toy (priced at $5.00 or more) standing in front of a Toys For Tots drop off. Then take a second shot of the toy in the box (so that they know it was donated). Post both pics on the Toys For Tots Horror Style profile and you're good to go.

   I didn't even have to think twice. I wanted to add to that ever growing pile of creepy goodies that someone could win. So I contacted the person in charge of the profile and said how I wanted to donate a signed copy of the limited edition of The King In Yellow that has two of my paintings gracing both the front and back covers.

  You should see the ever growing pile of things the winner can get! It just keeps getting larger and larger and larger...with any luck, there will be a LOT of children (who normally wouldn't get anything) getting something under the Christmas tree this year.

   Remember when you were a little one? Think of the way your eyes would light up when you were given a present for the holiday. That feeling of pure excitement and joy washing over you. Making you giddy with excitement. Now's your chance to give that feeling to another little one.

  Read the note and rules yourself over at the Facebook profile of Toys For Tots Horror Style and give. 

 Please donate a toy. I'm a big softie when it comes to kids and feel that every child should have a toy for Christmas. Don't you feel the same way?

Could This Really Lead To Happiness?

   You probably already know that art has a pleasing effect in your home. Did you know that art also affects your health? Now, as you continue to read my words, you'll feel a confidence that you rarely feel. What if you knew that happiness is at your command? What if you realized that just by investing in an original piece of art you can can avoid the pitfalls of negativity which prevent you from living a happy life?

   Now, just imagine the joy of seeing a fantastic painting that you've always wanted, on your wall. Feels great now doesn't it? The smile coming to your lips knowing that you've made a solid investment. Knowing that, not only did you do something for yourself, but that the piece will be worth more than you originally paid for it. Take a few moments and let that feeling sink in.

  You are now wondering how you can afford to own an original work of art because great art can be really expensive. This is where I tell you that you're wrong in that assumption. I take on commissions quite regularly and came up with a simple solution to that problem. What is it, you ask? Well, I offer a payment plan. I've always felt that you should own an original, no matter what your budget is. As you think about it, you realize it makes sense doesn't it?

   I recently discovered that the famous actor Vincent Price bought his first original work of art at the age of 12. He saw it in the window of a gallery and walked in and inquired about it. The owner of the gallery could tell that Vincent was serious and told him the cost. Being only 12, Vincent couldn't afford it, but ended up working out a deal where he made small payments over the course of time. He eventually owned that piece, which made him happier than ever and it started him on the path of  owning one of the world's finest art collections by the time of his death.

   And now you're beginning to realize the true value of an original painting and are thinking about owning one yourself, aren't you? Studies have shown that:

• Art increases joy in the viewer. Joy has led to longer and more fulfilling lives.
• Art appreciates in value. Sometimes skyrocketing in value right after the death of the artist, which makes it a strong investment which ultimately could lead to financial happiness.
• Owning art increases your respect and gains respect in the eyes of others. And most people know that a sense of self respect is key to personal happiness.

    Obviously, when you commission me or purchase a painting you'll feel a sense of excitement and happiness because you know that you're getting the absolutely best care and consideration from me and a fantastic painting that I am creating just for you.

   You don't have to email me at Artist@taylor9.com and commission a painting from me now, but I want you to know that as a very special Thank You, I'll give you a special signed and personalized copy of the Limited Edition printing of the King In Yellow which features my art on the front and back cover. This unique offer of thanks expires with the end of the Limited Edition which is only available now through the end of January 2012.

Don't commission a painting if you can't afford it, but you will think about my easy payment plan. Won't you?

An Interview With Miss Death

  As an Artist, I'm always on  the prowl for art that captures my attention like a beast locking it's jaws around the throat of it's prey. I came across Vicki Death's art while following her on Twitter and was instantly enamored. Here was an old school Low Brow style that jumped off the screen and commanded me to look, and of course, I did.


   I felt it fitting that she should be my very first interview of someone whose work I admire. So without further ado I give you a peek inside the mind of the drop dead gorgeous and extremely talented Miss Death!

Me:   Would you care to tell everyone a little bit about yourself? What ingredients make a Vicki Death?

Vicki Death:   I’m a traditional free-lance artist from the North West of England. I’ve been painting, drawing and creating for as long as I care to remember. The ingredients that make up a Vicki Death are lots of horror, tattoos, cigarettes, tea and a variety of random weird shit. 

Me:   What is your earliest memory of loving horror and how do you think it shaped who you are and what you do today?

Vicki Death:   One of my earliest memories of loving horror was from when I was about 4 or 5 years old. I was sick and both my parents had to work so I went to spend the day at my Nans. She had a huge box of various videos and asked me if I wanted to watch any. Whilst rummaging through them I found a video of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Something about the image on the front made me want to watch it. Surprisingly my Nan put it on and let me do so. I watched in both horror and awe. Something about it fascinated me and when the end credits started rolling, I just wanted to watch it again. My Nan was pretty much the one who got me into horror, she loved all the old Vincent Price films and we’d have film nights where we’d watch a load of them together. I was always drawing monsters and weird stuff that I’d see in these films so the love of drawing monsters comes from there. There are far many other aspects that shape who I am today, both in horror and otherwise. 

Me:   In regards to your art, what made you decide to combine classic horror films and old school tattoo design?

Vicki Death:   They’re two of my greatest loves in life! (Apart from tea, of course) I didn’t necessarily decide to combine the two, it just sort of happened. The traditional western tattoo style is so fun to work with, it’s simple, dark, bold and you can draw pretty much anything in that style. I think the darkness of the style works beautifully with horror, both classic and modern. 

Me:   What kind of preparation do you do for any particular painting?

Vicki Death:   It varies on the painting itself, what mediums I’m using and what the actual image it is that I plan on creating. If it’s a subject I’m not too familiar with I like to do research to go behind it, and make sure I can get the piece as accurate as possible. But a lot of the time I’ll just have a general idea in my head and go from there. A lot of stuff is ‘make it up as I go along’ sort of thing. 

Me:   What medium do you prefer to work in and why?

Vicki Death:   Acrylic is my favourite and most used medium. I love how it can be used in it’s more natural state where you can gain lots of texture or it can be used more like a watercolour, but it’s still bold and bright. It’s also perfect to use with multiple materials, not just paper or canvas.

Me:   Who are some horror icons and artistic greats that you greatly admire and why?

Vicki Death:   I love a lot of the Universal Monster actors, Lugosi and Karloff of course, apart from being handsome chaps, they had this mystery to them that to this day I still find fascinating, as well as performing some of my favourite horror scenes. Also, Bruce Campbell. Who doesn’t love that guy? He’s a genius! I don’t feel I need to explain why or how. 
On the art front, most of the artists I admire are lowbrow and tattoo artists. People such as Vince Ray, Johnny Ace, Johnny Crap, Angelique Houtkamp, Allan Graves, Mattie Macabre plus various others. 

Me:   If you weren't painting horror, what do you think you'd be painting instead?

Vicki Death:   Probably more traditional tattoo related stuff, pin-up girls and vintage inspired goodies. I paint these anyway. I like to mix things up now and again. I go through phases were one week I’ll paint nothing but horror stuff, then the next will be more traditional/vintage tattoo based. I love the vintage era of the 30’s/40’s/50’s, it was glamorous, beautiful and stylish. It makes for good art subjects and works perfectly with the traditional tattoo stuff.

Me:   Do you have a dream project or painting that you've always wanted to do? If so, what is it?

Vicki Death:   I do, but I tend to be greedy and not share ideas. So you’ll all just have to hold tight and see what creations I come up with in my laboratory next. Bwahahaha!

Me:   And Lastly, just for a bit of fun...What's your all time favorite horror film and why?

Vicki Death:   I've been asked this question on numerous occasions, and each time I can never choose just one particular film. As I mentioned earlier, I love the Universal Monsters, in particular The Bride of Frankenstein and Dracula. Both were beautifully made films and told brilliant stories. The character of the Monster in TBOF is superb to watch, I can relate to his character in the film. More modern horror that I love is Texas Chainsaw Massacre for introducing me to the world of horror and The Evil Dead series for being fun, creative and having a brilliant sense of humour.

To see more of Vicki Death's works please visit: http://www.vickideath.co.uk

You can also follow her on Twitter: @VickiDeath

All artwork is ©2011 Vicki Death and has been used with permission.

Curvilinear Musings

When I mention 5 point or Curvilinear perspective, I get asked by quite a number of people to explain it since it's an advanced technique and requires familiarity with One, Two and Three Point Perspective first. Instead of explaining it, I'll let this little video which I found on YouTube demonstrate it. Hope you enjoy the learning experience!

If you have a question concerning art please don't hesitate to ask in the comment section below!

Who Is The King In Yellow?

 I know that some of you have been curious as to what I've been hiding up my sleeve so here it is...

  Imagine a collection of Gothic horror fiction that was first published in 1895. Now imagine a very limited edition of that book in your hands. Thrilling isn't it?

   Originally published in 1895, The King In Yellow went on to inspire the writings of H.P. Lovecraft, who thought of the stories in the book as fantastic Weird Tales. As you read it, you will see a correlation between the fictitious play "The King In Yellow" and Lovecraft's own creation, the dreaded Necronomicon.

   There is now a time limited edition of Robert W. Chambers masterpiece The King In Yellow which features my painting, "The Arrival Of The King (King In Yellow II)" as the cover. Published by Underworld Amusements, this very time limited edition of the classic horror and Victorian Gothic fiction stories became available for sale on Amazon on October 29th, 2011 and will end on January 31st, 2012. No more will be printed after that date.

   This very special limited release coincides with Gallery Provocateur's 'Things That Go Bump In The Night" exhibit for which I painted my King In Yellow trilogy.

You can order your copy now at Amazon!

Front and Back cover of Limited Edition with paintings done by me.

Halloween Weekend Shenanigans

   This weekend was a non-stop hectic blast of pure excitement. On Saturday night, the Opening Reception for Gallery Provocateur's "Things That Go Bump In The Night" exhibit was a crowded success. You can see a little glimpse of it in the video.

   On Sunday, while still recovering from the previous night, I attended the Vincentennial (honoring the 100th Birthday of the marvelous actor Vincent Price). Was able to meet his daughter Victoria Price, who was kind enough to personalize my first edition hardcover of her 1999 book, Vincent Price: A Daughter's Biography.

What did you all do over the weekend? Tell me about it in the Comments section below!

My Top 10 Truly Satanic Films: Part 2

Alright kiddies! Here's the last half of my list. I've been told by so many that my choices were quite surprising for those not in the know. Read on and be prepared for more.


5.ZELIG (1983)
   Woody Allen's comedy masterpiece about a man with a chameleon like mental condition which causes him to consistently conform in an effort to win approval. From the Satanic viewpoint, one should just be yourself. Non-Conformity is one of the best attributes one can have. (Unless it suits a particular goal of yours, which then it makes sense to conform temporarily in order to achieve it.)

4. WESTWORLD (1973)
   This film embraces the idea of Artificial Human Companions and the idea of living in a Total Environment which are Satanic ideals. Imagine living in the time era of your own choosing instead of being stuck in an environment of what a lackluster society dictates. Directed and written by Michael Crichton (of JURASSIC PARK fame) and starring the always talented Yul Brynner.

3. WISE BLOOD (1979)
  Based on the novel by Mary Flannery O'Connor, this film stars the talented Brad Dourif as the character
Hazell Motes, who despises preachers on street corners and sees them as nothing more than frauds. After numerous comments on how he looks like a preacher in his hat, he decides to become one himself but preaches the truth as he sees it and starts up the Church Without Christ.

2. INHERIT THE WIND (1960)
   Based on the real life event of the Scopes Monkey Trial where a teacher was arrested for teaching evolution in the classroom, this award winning film stars Spencer Tracy as Henry Drummond, a well known  atheist lawyer who comes to defend him. Frederic March plays Matthew Harrison Brady, A Hellfire and brimstone lawyer who's determined that the teacher is found guilty for teaching against the Holy Bible. Gene Kelly plays E.K. Hornbeck (a character inspired by H.L. Mencken), a newspaper reporter that sees to it that the teacher is defended by the best lawyer in the business.

And now the moment you've all been waiting for! I give you my top Truly Satanic Film...


1. DUMBO (1941)
   Dumbo is an elephant with an abnormal condition, he was born with incredibly huge ears. The rest of the animals poke fun of him and make him an outcast. A mouse befriends and convinces him that with the aid of a "magic feather", Dumbo can put to great use of his deformity and literally soar above the others. Eventually, Dumbo comes to realize that the feather is just an ordinary feather and that the magic is actually within him and uses his deformity to his best advantage, by rescuing those who at first belittled and mocked him. By the end, Dumbo is praised by the rest of the animals and is treated like royalty.

   This ends my quick list of films that I consider to be truly Satanic. I'm sure you've been surprised, and even shocked by some of my choices, and I hope this list has made you think.
   I've taken the liberty of not including the two most obvious Satanic films, SATANIS and SPEAK OF THE DEVIL. Both of which are documentaries on LaVey and the Church of Satan.
 For more information on this philosophy, always go to the source: Church Of Satan


   Please feel free to comment and discuss these films. I'd love to hear your own opinion!


(Didn't read the first part? Here's a link! My Top 10 Truly Satanic Films: Part 1)

My Top 10 Truly Satanic Films: Part 1

   I've seen so many lists of so-called Satanic films which never hit their mark. Just because a movie references Satan or some demon doesn't make it Satanic. What makes a film truly Satanic goes much deeper below the surface. It embodies ideals and elements of the philosophy which were codified as Satanism by Anton Szandor LaVey in The Satanic Bible and the Satanic philosophy of the Church of Satan.

   With that being said, here is the first half (I'm doing this in two parts so I can keep the length of the post shorter) of my top 10 truly Satanic films and what makes them Satanic in my eyes.

10. THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI (1920)
    This silent German horror classic embraces the Law of the Trapezoid through it's use of the German Expressionistic harsh angles and dominant mass in it's set design. Angles can control human behavioral responses and harsh angles when used correctly have been known to illicit a change in the viewer. Through the use of angles, the mind can be sent into fear, rage and despair. The Satanic Law of the Trapezoid can capture attention or repel it, depending on the individual. (I explored this Law in my earlier artwork.)

9. MARJOE (1972)
   Winner of the 1972 Academy Award for Best Documentary feature, this film chronicles the life of a tent revival evangelist. In it, Marjoe explains and demonstrates his tactics for scamming a small fortune out of his congregation and others. Marjoe also talks and illustrates how the whole televangelist business is nothing more than hypocrisy and a scam.

8. ROSEMARY'S BABY (1968)
   While this horror film directed by Roman Polanski does indeed deal with Satanism overtly, it shows how Satanists truly are which is life loving and full of spirit while in pursuit of their own goals and ambitions. Ruth Gordon won an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress in her portrayal of Minnie Castevet.

7.  SERIAL (1980)
   A delightful and quirky film starring Martin Mull with a special appearance by Sir Christopher Lee, this comedy concentrates on the zaniness and lack of common sense which is so prevalent in society today. The underlying theme is that the only way to be truly happy is to find it in yourself by doing what makes you happy and not what others dictate what happiness should be.

6. THE BOY WITH GREEN HAIR (1948)
   Starring Dean Stockwell in a very early role, this film explores what society and it's ills look like from a child's point of view and concentrates on the message of non-conformity and using your individuality and specific talents to your own advantage.

   This ends the first half of my list.

(*EDIT 10.27.11: You can now find Part 2 of this list right HERE!)

The Art Of Dr. Seuss!

   As I was combing the internet looking for reference images for an example painting I was about to do, I came across a delightful site containing the art of Dr. Seuss. Imagine my surprise upon seeing fully painted works and sculptures that had been created by Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss' real name). I always thought of him as a children's author, but never a visual artist. I now stand corrected in that mode of thinking, and am happier for it.

  His use of color and composition in his art are just as rich and exciting as his written works and both compliment each other wonderfully. Look at his painting titled, "Tower Of Babel". It really gives joy and lifts the spirit no matter how high or low it happens to be.


   I hope you decide to check out the wonderful site of The Art Of Dr. Seuss and have fun. Maybe even relive a little bit of your childhood in the process, and walk away with a newfound sense of wonder.


I know I did!

Tower Of Babel

36.25 x 24.25

Things That Go Bump In The Night Part II: Gothic Beauty

I've always been a fan of Gothic Beauty magazine. Their covers have always caught the eye and it's slick pages were always a delight to read. So you can imagine the delighted look on my face when I found out earlier that they would be attending the opening reception for Gallery Provocateur's annual Halloween and Dark Arts show. They have plans on writing a feature article about the exhibit (which I have seven paintings available for sale in).

I've always wanted to have my artwork in Gothic Beauty. I realize that a lot of my art isn't quite appropriate for this kind of publication, but I do have some paintings that would fit in perfectly.

Here's hoping that one of my paintings, or myself, gets mentioned...It would make the rest of this year utterly fantastic. I keep thinking of a G. Edwin Taylor original piece being in the magazine's pages, and it gives me a razor blade smile.

What's something that you want to happen which could add to your happiness and just make you feel completely ecstatic?

Thoughts On Master Fantasy Artist Frank Frazetta

 Of all the artists that were born last century, Frank Frazetta (February 9, 1928 - May 10, 2010) was one that inspired me the most. His command of form and color, his excellent composition, as well as being able to instill a life-like tension in each piece are unequaled in my opinion. Capturing a perfect moment with his brush, he leaves the viewer in a state of "What happens next?", or sometimes, "What happened before?"

Almost a year and a half later, it's still hard for me to believe that he's gone. No more new creations to ever come into existence from his hand. That's ok. He left a legacy behind that will continue to be a source of inspiration until the day I die.

Even though I never met Frazetta in real life, he was one of the few who reached deep inside me and gave me the conviction to keep painting. To never stop.

 And of course, to be myself.

Remember The Monster Classics?

   Think back and remember that feeling of when you were a little kid and the excitement you got when the classic horror and monster movies came on. Feeling that thrill and sense of wonder waiting for even just a glimpse of the creature. That was a time full of unknown surprises.

   I remember it like it was yesterday. I'd stay up late on Saturday night and watch Son of Svengoolie and Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. Creature Features never let me down either. They were a huge part of my childhood and the monster movies that aired on those programs are still part of my life to this day. This is why I've started up a Facebook Group called Classic Movie Monsters. With the proper amount of love, test tubes, goggles and madman passion it can be a short trip in time travel.

   This same passion has leaked into my art recently, more so than ever before. This childhood passion has influenced me to start an entire series of paintings all celebrating the monsters and villains of yesteryear.

I hope you'll come along for the ride. Trust me, you'll be safe.

   Maybe.

What Scares Me

As an artist whose work leans towards horror more often than not, I get asked what scares me. Since it's now the first day of October, and in an abstract spirit of Halloween, I'll let you in on it.

It's not spiders (I had tarantulas as pets for over a decade of my life), and it's not clowns. I will admit that I'd be creeped out if I saw a clown lurking on my porch around 2am though, but it's not something that truly terrifies me.

 What truly terrifies me is fanaticism. Religious and political fanatics to be precise. The thought that these people are so crazed and follow the doctrines so blindly and devoutly sends a shiver down my spine. If you don't believe and support their cause then you're the enemy and should be put to death. Now, that scares me. I imagine what would happen if these people came into power and could dictate my life and it has me hiding and shivering in the closet. The idea of these extremists wielding any form of power gives me goosebumps.

Eli Roth once made a comment on this in Time Magazine. He said, "...I see it happening now in America with religion and political parties more than anything. If you're not with us, you're against us, and if you're against us then you're against all that's good and decent and must be destroyed."

The thought of that happening has me quaking in my steel toe boots and is enough to make any sane person run for cover.

Things That Go Bump In The Night

Gallery Provocateur October 2011 Exhibition:

For quite some time now, I've wanted to be in a gallery show but never felt that my art was good enough until recently. Over the last two years, my technique and style has grown by leaps and bounds. I noticed that Gallery Provocateur was looking for artists to fill it's roster in their annual three month long Halloween show and a voice inside my head whispered to me, "Do it. Now."

So I submitted my work.

I received an email from them several days later. They had chosen four of my paintings to be included in the show and asked me to paint an additional 2-4 more specifically for the exhibit "Things That Go Bump In The Night". I was thrilled beyond belief at my acceptance. A few weeks after I was accepted it was announced that Gallery Provocateur had been named "Best Established Art Gallery In Chicago" for 2011 by The Chicago Reader (a publication with a very large circulation). So there's me, still beaming from the acceptance and then having the added pride of being in the #1 gallery as my first gallery show. Not a small feat by any stretch. Of course, this naturally led to my not being able to come up with any good ideas for subjects to paint.

Several months later, it clicked. I was going to do a series of paintings based on The King In Yellow, published in 1895 and written by Robert W. Chambers. Tying these paintings together is The Yellow Sign, so they're not only just a series of pieces with a similar subject but also have an identifying mark connecting them all together. You could say it was a plot device (much like the fictional play "The King In Yellow" which Chambers created and had his stories based around), if there really is a plot.

I'll leave that up to the viewers when everything is unveiled at the opening, which you are invited to if you happen to be in the Chicago area come Halloween time.

Oh, and just so that you know, The King In Yellow isn't quite finished with me. He has some very definite plans which are to be revealed soon enough.

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