Studies In Creativity

work, opertunities, etc.

2006-10-26T07:44:00.000-07:00

have been very busy of late and not having my own computer yet so unable to keep anyone here updated (if anyone reads this...lol). work seems to be going well, and I am still unsure ifI will persue further opertunities in Orlando or elsewhere for my culinary endeavors. I see great opertunities outside of here, but have started getting some connectionsfor here that would make it easier to start my business here than elsewhere. add to the fact the bar here is not very high, culturally speaking. so I would very easily be able to make a dramatic impact here both food and culturally speaking.

was off work yesterday and out of it, driving to a poetry reading, and was in an accident (my own fault) thankfully no major damage was done to my vehicle and there was no injury to either party. the bad thing is, my insurance company inadvertently did not send me a cancelation notice for my insurance, so I did not realize I did not have insurance on the truck. thankfully it is not damaged other than cosmetic. so still drivable. anyway, just one of those days yesterday. would have been better staying in bed. lol

Kevin

new job, new opertunities

2006-09-30T09:13:00.000-07:00

well, I have a new job I just started...overseeing operations for a catering company, for now setting up and overseeing the food for a big haloween event they are doing. after that more opertunities for future events as well as starting my own catering company (legally) out of their commercial kitchen. so it looks like at long last things are coming together here in Orlando. they want to focus on quality not quanaty for their caterers....want to be the best available. so that lends itself well to my own skills and desires. personally speaking a girl I know that I moved here with from New Orleans is now available and I feel their is potential for things to work out with her as well. so seems all is coming together nicely.

Kevin

more uncertainty...(training for management? lol)

2006-09-08T11:51:00.000-07:00

well, yet more uncertainty. the collector in Ireland that wishes to purchase two of my apintings is suposed to have funds for it transfered to me in the next day or so. but with international orders especially there are many potential variables. my roommate is still having financial problems (overdrawn bank account), so I am not sure if he will be any help at all in the coming months rent. and the check I was expecting to cover last months rent did not arrive in time (due to the post office mixup) so my rent check bounced, and I need to pay it (with a penalty of $150) by this wends, close of the business day. also my computer died, both the power supply and the motherboard, so I am currently without a computer and using my roommates when I can.

on potentially good news (finally, and long overdue) I am working with my investor/developer on a location in St Louis for my restaurant/lounge, and it is suposed to be in place within the next month. so I should be moving there in the near future (and not have to deal with my roommate).

so I guess yet again all is in flux, looking good for the future, the way I see it when there seems to be this much chaos in my immediate surroundings it can only get better over time. just have to keep working on my dreams and believe they will come true.

Kevin

the more things change the more they stay the same.

2006-08-18T10:04:00.000-07:00

well, went into work today and Kane (my boss?) said not to bother. so I just got fired. in all honesty I am more relieved in not having to deal with the unprofessionalism of the people there than I am worried about the future. I have several opertunities I am working on for the future that are all better than anything I have going there. funds are still suposed to be in place for my starting my own restaurant in about 2 weeks. my financial backer has the legal issues cleared up and there are no more roadblocks of people protesting the will, it should clear probate in 2 weeks. so I guess I just have to buy my time and negotiate on my truck payment to get another 2 weeks extension on it. and use the money I havbe from my last weeks at work for my rent this coming month. funny, but I feel more relieved getting fired and knowing I will not have to deal with the people there than I am worried at all about the future. I know things are going to happen for my place (I am at the point now that I have no choice but to believe in it 100%, put too much time into it to give up now.).

Kevin

current developments

2006-08-13T06:32:00.000-07:00

well, my boss is still an unprofessional clown, but he has at least decided to let two of the people I work (?) with that are virtually worthless go. now he just needs new management and we might be on the road to success. lol. he is going to have a new cook there for mornings and start doing overnight breakfasts on the weekend (a bad business decision I think) not to mention there are many places in less than a mile radious that offer breakfast already (again that are established) he keeps thinking (well, not thinking....thus the problem)...believing, more accurately. that what he did before in a different demographic and setting with a totally different customer base will work (because it worked there, so it has to work here) he has no idea of demographics, or anything like that.

on other notes, the guy from Ireland is suposed to have sent the money to me for the paintings. so that should be done in the near future.

Kevin

new WIP.

2006-08-02T14:48:00.000-07:00

well, here is my latest WIP. thinking I will call it Cielo. sort of resembels an astral shower.

size is 16x20. not sure if it is done yet, have to go back and see how I feel when the paint is dry. things are a bit chaotic the cafe I am working as head chef, the brother that does not know what is going on professionally is the owner and the other one with more xompatible experience to my skills has gone back up north becasue of a disagreement they had. and now my "partner) that is supposed to back my restaurant has had another setback in funds, now the judge was on vecation (they did not know when they scheduled the court date a month ago that he would be taking a vecation?) well, thats neither here nor there. I am focusing on other avenues to get things rolling (right now do not have alot of faith in his credability).

Kevin

sale pending...YIPPIE

2006-07-28T12:15:00.000-07:00

well, got word back from an inquiry of my artwork for sale and they are interested in purchasing FIFA and TECHNICOLOR TORNADO both. have to figure out shiping fees, etc fo IReland but I am more than willing to do that. I am so glad that my work is being recignized all over the world. workinn on a new painting as well, should have something of WIP to show this weekend. looks like the cafe I am working on is not going with a new menu, but they are still paying me fairly well and let me offer input to the recipies, etc. not a bad place to be for now. the brother that came down to get it running is still looking into starting a high end place up north and interested in my either going up there to start it with him or else at least consulting to create the menu, etc on it.

Kevin

finished menu

2006-07-27T19:08:00.000-07:00

here is the finished (other than spellchecking) menu. let me know what you think. afraid I will have to remove the asparagus in parmesan though as it is very seasonal (and not this season).

Let’s Talk Café
Distinctive cuisine showcasing fresh local ingredients

Starters

Florida Orange and fennel salad ~ lemon Dijon dressing with fresh mint, on a bed of radicchio
$7.50

Spinach salad ~ with pomegranate vinaigrette, apple chips, sun-dried cranberries, and blue cheese crumbles.
$6.95

Chicken and Artichoke Panzanilla ~ roasted chicken, croutons, and artichoke hearts with Champagne Vinaigrette.
$7.95

Florida Seafood Salad ~ locally caught lump crab and shrimp with tarragon white wine vinaigrette on a bed of baby greens.
$8.50

Cucumber Dill Salad ~ fresh cucumber and sweet onion topped with fresh dill vinaigrette.
$6.50

*inquire for today’s feature Soups and Salads*

Appetizers

Seviche Platter ~ cured butterfly shrimp and fresh yellow-fin tuna served with lemon dill aioli and fresh Florida citrus compote.
$13.50

Florida Crab Cakes ~ lump local crab meat breaded garnished with remoulade and served with roasted corn relish.
$11.95

Stuffed Roma Tomatoes ~ roma tomatoes filled with Florida lobster salad.
$9.50

Spinach and Feta Soufflé ~ garnished with red bell pepper infused olive oil.
$7.50

Roasted Onion Tart ~ served on puff pastry, topped with gruyere cheese.
$6.95

Asparagus Parma Fritti ~ blanched asparagus spears, wrapped in prosciutto and breaded in parmesan cheese breading.
$8.50

Portabella Gratin ~ grilled portabella mushroom caps topped with fresh goat cheese and garnished with aged balsamic vinegar and ex virgin olive oil.
$6.95

Entrée

Blackened Catfish ~ Florida Catfish fillet with New Orleans style blackening topped with tomato Lime salsa, served with roasted sweet peppers.
$13.50

Salt Crusted Rib eye ~ Tender juicy rib eye, coated with a crust made of salt, pepper, garlic, and olive oil cooked to perfection, served with orange balsamic glazed scallions.
$25.95

Walnut encrusted grouper ~ fresh Florida grouper fillet breaded in walnut breading and served with remoulade or lemon-dill aioli and a side of sautéed spinach.
$15.95

Scallops ~ wrapped in bacon, sauté in burr blank sauce with mushroom medley
$21.95

Chicken Tuaca ~ leg quarter of chicken glazed with tuaca (vanilla orange brandy), served with sour apple mint relish.
$12.95

Pork Chops ~ chili rubbed, with balsamic reduction demi-glaze, served with roasted fennel salad.
$14.95

Veal Rolls ~ veal scaloppini rolled with spinach and parmesan, baked wrapped in filo pastry, served with a leek micro-green salad.
$15.95

Shrimp Creole ~ Creole tomato sauce with fresh Florida gulf shrimp served over a bed of Basmati rice.
$14.95

*inquire for today’s featured menu options*

Sides

Sweet Potato Nest ~
$2.95

Hushpuppies ~
$2.95

Vermont White Cheddar mashed potatoes ~
$2.50

Minnesota Wild Rice Pilaf ~
$3.50

New Orleans Jambalaya ~
$2.95

Let’s Talk Café

~ Inquire to book your private party or wine dinner ~

Kevin

menu finished, and art collectors inquiring.

2006-07-26T14:50:00.000-07:00

well, the menu is finished (other than spellchecking, finalizing prices, etc). will offer a couple of the items as features on this weekends menu to start to see the response and let the public know about it. on other notes, I hot an inquiry from someone in ireland asking if it could be arranged to sell my artwork overseas. so I replied (absolutely) and am awaiting more details. so looks very favorable for selling some artwork in the near future. so anyone interested overseas. yes, I would love to sell my work to those anywhere that are inspired by it. I would love to have my works viewed all over the world. the future is looking very promising and I have much work ahead of me (but all things I enjoy) working now on my next painting. whould have a photo of it tomorow as it developes more.

Kevin

menu (not finished, so far)

2006-07-23T19:17:00.000-07:00

here is what I have so far for my menu I am integrating at the cafe i am now working as head chef. let me know what you think.

Starters:

Florida Orange and fennel salad ~ with honey ginger sauce, topped with sesame seeds.
($3.95)

Spinach salad ~ with pomegranate vinaigrette, apple chips, sun-dried cranberries, and blue cheese crumbles.
($3.95)

Chicken and Artichoke Panzanilla ~ roasted chicken, croutons, and artichoke hearts with Champaign Vinaigrette.
($4.50)

Florida Seafood Salad ~ locally caught lump crab and shrimp with tarragon white wine vinaigrette on a bed of baby greens.
($5.95)

Cucumber Dill Salad ~ fresh cucumber and sweet onion topped with fresh dill vinaigrette.
($3.95)

*inquire for today’s feature Soups and Salads*

Appetizers:

Civeche Platter ~ cured butterfly shrimp and fresh tuna served with lemon dill aioli and fresh Florida citrus compote.
($7.50)

Florida Crab Cakes ~ lump local crab meat, garnished with remoulade and served with roasted corn relish.
($6.95)

Stuffed Roma Tomatoes ~ roma tomatoes, hollowed out and filled with lobster salad.
($5.95)

Spinach and Feta Soufflé ~ garnished with red bell pepper infused olive oil.
($5.50)

Roasted Onion Tart ~ served on puff pastry, topped with gruyere cheese.
($4.95)

Asparagus Parma Fritti ~ blanched asparagus spears, wrapped in prosciutto and breaded in parmesan cheese breading.
($6.50)

Portabella Gratin ~ portabella mushroom caps topped with fresh goat cheese and garnished with aged balsamic vinegar and ex virgin olive oil.
($5.95)

Kevin

new job, new opertunities, new problems.

2006-07-22T13:28:00.000-07:00

well, overall in my personal life things seem to be falling into place. am now working as the head chef in the cafe on orange ave. just outside the downtown area. and am given total freedom to develope a fine dining menu to whatever direction I wish. so overall that is exactly what I want and have always dreamed of. but as is always in life, there is a system ov checks and balances. my roommate is having serious financial problems (has been living beyond his means for a long time, and is finally catching up to him). so I am trying to see if I can find a place I can get into of my own or else with a more financially stable roommate. now that I have a good job previous limitations that made me chose to move in here are not relevent. so I can see about getting into a better postiion. on the plus side, I am working full time enough that I am usually not here when he is.

Kevin

FIFA...finished?

2006-07-16T19:18:00.000-07:00

well, here it is. the finished (?) FIFA painting. 16x20. still have to sign it when it dries, but think it is done otherwise.

Kevin

latest WIP,

2006-07-15T11:30:00.000-07:00

here is my latest work in progress. has to dry for a day or so then add in the drybrush layering for highlights. canvas is 16x20. sort of looks like a foot/leg kicking a soccor ball, so think I will call it FIFA. since the world cup just ended (VIVA ITALIA....world football champions)

Kevin

new job, opertunities, etc.

2006-07-14T21:00:00.000-07:00

well, started the new job tonight and it went very well. working evenings there for now and soon as days pick up work the afternoon as well. untill then work days at my pervious (dead end) job. my investor that has been saying he will back my restaurant is still saying it will happen aug 1, but only time will tell. work tomorow eve at the new job and off sunday (far as I know) so should have tomorow morning and sunday to work on my painting.

technicolor tornado...completed?

2006-07-13T20:57:00.000-07:00

here is the last painting I was woirking on. decided it needed a bit more depth to balance out the grey area on it. so left the grey as an undertone and added a bit more color and texture. so here it is, finished?

Kevin

good news

2006-07-13T14:46:00.000-07:00

the latest news, I got a reply from a gallery in Hollywood FL that has an art gallery, and they want to show my paintings in a future show. have to call them tonight to sort out the details, but the work will be up for 60 days and they will take a 40% comission. also heard a reply from the new downtown arts center here in Orlando they just opened and they want me to bring in some of my work for them to see, and likely show. on another subject, I heard from a small cafe that just started here and wants me to be their head chef, go in tomorow evening and saturday to check things out and see how it goes. so looks like at long last, all is going in my direction.

working on my next painting, but nothing yet to show. should have something saturday or sunday to show, as I work tomorow all day and will not have alot of time to paint.

Kevin

new websight.

2006-07-12T16:06:00.000-07:00

created a new websight for my artwork for sale and display. the link is http://ksmith.artistportfolio.net free from popups, so much better than my previous websight.

latest abstract, finished.

2006-07-12T14:03:00.000-07:00

size is 16x20. not sure yet what I will name it. have the canvas for the next one, but unsure yet what I am going to do with it. all of them are stream of consciousness images and untill I pick up the brush I generally have no idea what it will start as, let alone evolve into.

Kevin

latest abstract, WIP.

2006-07-11T19:30:00.000-07:00

still have to add some more texture and contrast, but here is what I have so far. figure to let it dry tonight and either tomorow or the day after add the final touches to it.

Kevin

progress, finally!

2006-07-10T17:39:00.000-07:00

well, slowly but surely making progress. talked to the downtown arts center they just completed and they are organizing events once a month (third thurs) so I will finally have a monthly art event to go to. talked as well to an artist I know that has a gallery in Arizona and arranging to make a trip there next month. good possability I will be able to get my work in both galleries. also talked to a restaurant that is just opening and I start working there later this week. going to have control over the menu as well as future adding of catering out of the facility. so finally things are looking like they are coming into place.

on the artistic front, I started work on my next abstract and should have something to show tomorow.

stratosphere, completed

2006-07-08T07:59:00.000-07:00

here is the completed painting, 12x16 in. watercolor and oils on canvas. just have to wait for the paint to dry.

stratosphere, (evolution of abstract WIP)

2006-07-07T19:17:00.000-07:00

here is the evolution of the abstract WIP I posted earlier this morning. i figure to go back to it when it is dry to see if I add any more ot it, but think it very well could be done (other than signature) 14x20 image size on canvas. mixed media (watercolor and oils).

new abstract, WIP.

2006-07-07T14:53:00.000-07:00

have to add some layers on top of it after it dries, but so far seems to be taking nice form. thinking I will add some organic shapes layered on top bridging the elements together and perhaps a little more green drybrush to the lower left so it brings it together.

websight up.

2006-07-06T05:28:00.000-07:00

well, nothing formal or anything, for now just on tripod so a freeserver. but i have my websight done (initially) plan on adding more as time allows. http://kjs-arts.tripod.com/ business wise have things in the works, fairly favorable. for getting a commercial kitchen to use and restart my catering business here in Orlando.

cinque terra, today...

2006-07-05T14:24:00.000-07:00

here it is as I have it right now. need to wait untill it dires and add in more texture for the foliage. but think it is shaping up nicely.

Kevin

cinque terra, watercolor (WIP)

2006-07-04T15:50:00.000-07:00

well, here is what I have so far. all the basic artwork is drawn out and the partial structure for the mountain is done, as well as all the color for the houses. I chose this location because when I was in Italy it was a very majestic place, almost like stepping back in time. no cars are even able to access this city.

next painting...reference photo

2006-07-04T06:50:00.000-07:00

have not posted in a couple days because I have been working this weekend helping a guy redo his garage (so I can make a bit of extra cash to help support the necessities and luxuries in my life). off work yesterday (because today is american independance day) and off today as well. found the image I want to use for the next painting, unfortunately am out of canvas so I guess it will be on watercolor paper and not mixed media as the last are. but that is fine with me (allows me to work more on my watercolor technique. the person I have located as my front manager in my restaurant was just laid off from his job, and my pastry chef was just told that her family she is living with are moving the end of this month, and she will not be able to stay there with them. so I guess chaos seems to be around every direction I turn. others seem to have it worse than I do in many ways (just wish the people of this world could get their sh*t together and start taking care of their fellow man/woman and the universe around them). guess myabe that is part of why I did this. to help inspire others.

Kevin

life, ventures, developments

2006-06-30T06:16:00.000-07:00

well, still working on funding for the startup of the restaurant through a couple different sources. and now thinking in the back of my mind with the passion NEw Orleans has always had for art (and the fact there are no good art supply stores close to the studio district) that starting a small art supply store in New Orleans may be a very promising venture. right now there is alot of buildings that are for sale/lease very reasonable because the previous tennants left. thinking about checking with SBA on funding of it as well as several other venues. but thinking it might be a very good way for me to stay working in the arts with a lower stress leval than a restaurant. maybe convert part of the store to a gallery for selling the paintings of the artists I know there (for a less than normal gallery comission).

current development, life, etc.

2006-06-28T05:40:00.000-07:00

decided to name the abstract "Vertigo" as the song came on the radio by U2 just when I was finishing it. and seems to fi t it as well as anything. working now on gathering images for the book I have been proposed to illustrate and trying to get things figured out for my restaurant I have been working on starting up. so far I am having doubts about my "investor" as every time I turn around and the funds are supposed to be in place, something new happens and they are pushed back. with no offers to help me in the time being for my extra time being wasted. talking to a couple other people I know and see what they can do if anything. really am starting to get sick of the lack of culture in orlando. the city is run by the big Mouse, and they do all they can to eliminate anything that might take energy away from that. (anybody know if it has to be a specific season for mouse hunting ?)

abstract completed...

2006-06-27T13:45:00.000-07:00

well, signed it and am calling it finished. think if I mess with it any more it will look overworked and busy.

artist statement/bio.

2006-06-26T17:14:00.000-07:00

realized I do not have a current artist statement so here goes...

Kevin J. Smith
Images in hyper-realism
Kjoel_arts@yahoo.com
(407) 221-5502

I have grown up surrounded by the arts, my dad having a passion for painting and gourmet cooking and my mother being an aspiring (since then published) author and enjoying piano and music. This creative environment provided a strong background for my pursuit of life as an artist. I have been studying the arts for my entire life, but have never been professionally taught. I credit this lack of formal training not as a detriment but instead as a means of inspiration, not having been told what is impossible I set my own boundaries and strive to break down the borders set by convention. I create visual arts with the intention of providing inspiration and showing the beauty of the world around us.
I describe my artwork as hyper-realism (inspired by the writing of Umberto Ecco “Travels in Hyperreality”) the diverse variance of textures, values, and colors is only possible through the combining of oil paints and watercolors. I start by prepping watercolor canvas and applying soft watercolor washes for the sky and diffused elements in the image, these are allowed to dry and then sealed with archival fixative. The subject is sketched in lightly and the necessary areas are covered with transparent gesso. Allowed to dry, followed by oil paints to add detail for the subject. By combining the soft transparent textures of watercolor and the bold colors and textures of oil paints I have created a technique of art that I feel is virtually unlimited in its scope.
· Group Show Cafe Calabria, San Diego CA
· Group show Little Italy Studios, San Diego CA
· Cover illustration, Janet Elaine Hallette.
· Several paintings in private collections nationally.
“I am enough of an artist to draw freely from my imagination, creativity is much more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited, imagination circles the globe.” ~ Albert Einstein.

abstract development...

2006-06-26T05:45:00.000-07:00

well, here is the current development of the abstract. starting to look balanced. not sure if it is done, but think if I add much more to it will start to look busy. figure to go back to it this afternoon and see what it looks like then decide if I add to it.

went abstract....

2006-06-25T11:07:00.000-07:00

well, here is the current development of the image posted before. decided to go abstract in it, just to play with shapes and colors. not sure yet if it is done or not (or even what direction it will be when finished), but I like what I have so far. image size is 9x12 inches.

impressions of nature, WIP

2006-06-25T09:10:00.000-07:00

not totally sure yet what I am going to do with this, but here is the background I have so far for what I am thinking to do along the lines of maybe some wild flowers growing in the dirt and a few sprigs of foliage. not really using a reference image yet just creating from my mind, so we shall see what direction it goes.

Windigo (my doggie)

2006-06-24T21:58:00.000-07:00

here is a pic of my puppy (well full grown, but still a puppy in attitude) she is about 2 1/2 years old. Australian Blue Heeler (or that is my best guess).

Dunnottar castle

2006-06-24T14:49:00.000-07:00

here is the second in the series of paintings with watercolors and oils. of dunnottar castle in scottland, created for my father as he is a descendant of the castle owners from times gone by. painting is 20"x24" on watercolor canvas.

Pembrokshire Castle

2006-06-24T14:45:00.000-07:00

here is the first completed painting I have done using watercolors and oils together. the sky and main water are created with a watercolor wash, then sealed and prepared for oil paints. which were used for the rest of the image. overall size 24"x36" is an image of pembrokshire castle in Whales, originally owned by my ancestors on my mothers side of the family.

first post...

2006-06-24T14:26:00.000-07:00

Finally I have done it, I have started an on line publication as an outlet for my visual and literary arts (and I am sure more than an occasional rant or rambling). I had this idea dating way back when I was in highschool, but never got around to doing it. thankfully the name I wanted was still available (SIC) Studdies In Creativity. recently i have started experimenting with a new concapt in painting visual arts by combining watercolors and oils in the same painting, so I have a much more broad range of colors, textures, and values, than any singular media in visual arts. I am calling the technique Impressionist Hyper-realism. inspired by the writings of Umberto Ecco "Travels in Hyperreality". I have completed two painting so far and will have them posted here very shortly.