Picture of the Week #161 "Bhutan Boogie"

Picture of the Week #161 "Bhutan Boogie" Thimpu, Bhutan 2000 Signed and Stamped

What a fitting image to go out of 2011 and into 2012 than this celebration in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. This is the land where happiness reigns. Although the expression on many of these faces doesn't exactly reflect that. But in their defense, it was extremely hot, humid and as you can see densely crowded. It was and always will be one of my favorite places, with a serene feeling and majestic beauty.

Picture of the Week #160 "Carl Perkins"

Picture of the Week #160 "Carl Perkins" Nashville, Tennessee 1972 Signed and Stamped

I took this picture of Carl Perkins, the man who wrote "Blue Suede Shoes" for Elvis and was a member of the Tennessee Three that worked with Johnny Cash when I was making their music video back in 1972. A true country legend. Here he was laying down a track for a new album. I always thought this was the iconic image of a country star, with guitar in hand, a cigarillo perched on his lips and an obvious toupee topping off his head. Say what you want, but don't step on his blue suede shoes.

Picture of the Week #159 "Medicine Man of Kenya"

Picture of the Week #159 "Medicine Man of Kenya" Masai Mara, Kenya 1997 Signed and Stamped

On our honeymoon safari back in 1997 we encountered a few Medicine Men that graciously posed for pictures. Obviously that was their vocation, taking tourist's dollars for having their pictures taken. You give them a small amount and they hold still. The same was true of the Masai warriors who did the same thing. They are the costumed "Mickey Mouse" of the Masai Mara. Or the super heroes of their Hollywood Boulevard. None the less, I have this picture to share with you.

Picture of the Week #158 "My God Is Not Money"

Picture of the Week #158 "My God Is Not Money" New York City 1972 & Los Angeles 1984 Signed and Stamped

When I was producing and directing music videos back in New York in 1972, I was doing one for a group called Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show. The song was called "Carry Me" and was about alcoholism. Not knowing how to portray that as a music video I went down to the Bowery on the lower East Side and photographed the homeless who roamed the street. Years later in Los Angeles I came across a brick wall with "My God Is Not Money" sprayed across it. Around that time I was working on life size cut outs as an art form. I had done cut outs of everyone from the Reagans to Sylvester Stallone and even Humphrey Bogart & Clark Gable. I branched out from celebrities to Matadors, Frenchmen playing Boule in the South of France and the homeless. I made a maquette of an installation that I wanted to place in a gallery. I blew up the image of the brick wall and placed the maquette in front of the wall. I took this picture and then I dropped the color and enhanced the black & white. This is the result.

Picture of the Week #157 "Love For Sale"

Picture of the Week #157 "love For Sale" London, England 1971 Signed and Stamped

While antique shopping in the Shepherd's Bush area of West London back in 1971 I happened on these semi discreet whorehouses. From the sidewalk you would have no idea that this was going on. But as you can see on closer inspection it becomes quite obvious. There were no pimps or hookers or even "Johns" milling about. It just appeared as a quiet residential group of row houses.

Picture of the Week #156 "Boys of Bhutan"

Picture of the Week #156 "Boys of Bhutan" Thimpu, Bhutan 2000 Signed and Stamped

I came across this image from our trip to Bhutan. As I might have said previously, I loved Bhutan. The people were friendly, the landscape was like Eden and the small kingdom had one goal, and that was happiness. What an extraordinary place. But since we were there 11 years ago Bhutan has discovered television. And from what I have heard is that the kids are now taking drugs and trying to imitate American youth. A shame as this country was ahead of the curve in so many ways. Crime was almost unheard of, and all plastic was banned. And everyone was educated and health care was a given. I'd love to return now and to see what other change has wrought.

Picture of the Week #155 "Praising Carpets"

Picture of the Week #155 "Praising Carpets" Cairo, Egypt 1989 Signed and Stamped

Most tourists in Egypt take pictures of the Sphinx and the Pyramids. I like people. Don't get me wrong I have many pictures of the Sphinx and probably even more of the Pyramids, but people are what interest me the most. I am not sure if this guy was yelling at me not to take his picture or he was praying or just giving me a welcome sign. Either way, here he is.

Picture of the Week #154 "Bottoms Up"

Picture of the Week #154 "Bottoms Up" Ventura, California 1986 Signed and Stamped

I was going to title this image as my tribute to politics today. Back in 1986 during the "Hands Across America" event, everyone decided to drop their pants as an additional statement on the rise of homelessness and poverty in America. Who knew it would only get so much worse.

Picture of the Week #153 "Boo-tiful" & Bonus "Chagall Fiddles"

Picture of Week #153 "Boo-tiful" & bonus "Chagall Fiddles" Venice, Italy 2011 Signed and Stamped

As it's Halloween I thought one of the masqueraders from this years Venice Carnivale was perfect for the Picture of the Week and as a bonus I added this image of an 80 year old woman dressed as a "Chagall". Trick or treat.

Picture of the Week #152 "Three D Clown"

Picture of the Week #152 "Three D Clown" Santa Monica, California 2009 Signed and Stamped

Walking along the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, I happen to pass this street performer. What I found interesting was the portrait of the kid wearing 3D glasses behind him. Somehow together, they work.

Correction: Picture of the Week #151 "Kennedy, Spellman & DeSapio

Yesterday's Picture of the Week should have read Kennedy, Spellman, Screvane. Paul Scevane was President of the City Council. For some reason I thought he was Carmine DeSapio. Hey, it was from 1965.

Picture of the Week #151 "Kennedy, Spellman & DeSapio

Picture of the Week #151 "Kennedy, Spellman, & DeSapio, What a Trio" New York City, NY 1965 Signed and Stamped

I spent some time with Senator Robert Kennedy on St. Patrick's Day in 1965. He was meeting Cardinal Spellman and the Archdiocese of New York in front of St. Patrick's Cathedral. They were joined by Carmine DeSapio the youngest leader of the old Tammany Hall. DeSapio was later convicted of conspiracy and bribery and served 2 years in a Fed prison. To have this trio in one image is quite unique. The most powerful Catholic in America, the President's brother and a convicted criminal who had once led the Democratic Party. And I was lucky enough to catch the moment.

Picture of the Week #150 'Time Out"

Picture of the Week #150 "Time Out" Cadeques, Spain 1987 Signed and Stamped

When I was traveling through the north of Spain I came across this weathered fisherman with a face that told a thousand stories. I photographed him sitting outside along the waterfront and later in this cafe where he was taking a time out. He never showed any reaction to my loud shutter impairing his peace. I often wonder if any of the people that I have photographed over the years have any idea that I still have their pictures on file?

Picture of the Week #149 "Pool Resurfacers"

Picture of the Week #149 "Pool Resurfacers" Bel Air, California 2011 Signed and Stamped

After years of procrastinating we finally broke down and resurfaced the pool. Years ago I built the red bridge to go over the pool to take your eye off of the unsightly flaking of the plaster. Now it's all filled and looking clean and bright. I actually put my feet in last night just up to my knees as it was very cold. Any deeper and I would have had my balls in my throat. When I took this image it reminded me of Sebastiao Salgado's great images of miners only on a smaller scale and in color.

Picture of the Week #148 "For The Love of Shoes"

Picture of the Week # 148 "For The Love of Shoes" Venice, Italy 2011 Signed and Stamped

I just had to take this picture in the middle of the Venice Carnivale earlier this year. With everyone in exotic costumes parading through the canal lined streets, I must have needed a respite from the festivities. This image is so simple, clean and sexy all at the same time. Stylish too.

Walter

One of the saddest days in the neighborhood. Our LOVED mailman of 25 years is retiring. Mail will never be the same and he will be sorely missed. As he once said: "I don't have a job, I have friends". Best of everything Walter.

Picture of the Week #147 "Don't Even Think About It !"

Picture of the Week #147 "Don't Even Think About It!" Arcadia, California 2011 Signed and Stamped

Yesterday my wife Ann and I were taking her 99 year old mom Clara out to lunch. Clara lives in an assisted living facility run by her Church. When I was looking for a spot to park while Ann was getting her, I saw this unique image. I have no idea if whoever placed those statues was aware of the No Parking sign, but I found it funny. Once again, I couldn't help myself as I am drawn to humorous pictures.

Picture of the Week #146 "Ticking Artist"

Picture of the Week #146 "Ticking Artist" Tokyo, Japan 1989 Signed and Stamped

I had a show at a Museum in Tokyo. Other artists from all over the world joined me at the Harajuku Festival. The artist shown above was named Neil. But sadly I don't remember his last name. He also came from America. We never stayed in touch. I used this show to launch a trip around the world. The Museum and Shiseido gave me $10,000 for per diem and J.A.L. gave me a First Class round trip ticket from L.A. to Tokyo and back. I traded it in to go in one direction around the world. It was $500 cheaper so they gave me that money as well. Remember it was 1989 and a different world. But those two latin words, "per diem" are still my two favorite words in any language. I so miss flying on someone else's dime.

Picture of the Week #145 "Wooden Shoes of Vollendam"

Picture of the Week #145 "Wooden Shoes of Vollendam: Vollendam, Netherlands 1966 Signed and Stamped

I was producing & directing a series of commercials back in 1966 for Ogilvy & Mather Advertising. I don't remember the product but I know I traveled around the Netherlands on my own after shooting with Joop Gesink who was considered a dutch legend. He had built a scale model miniature version of Amsterdam and was known as the Walt Disney of Holland. I think it is still in existence today. I went to Vollendam and Marken on my time off and felt I was transported back in time as not much had changed in centuries. These wooden shoes were very much in use by the locals and not something I ever saw back in New York doorways.

Picture of the Week #144 "Carnivale Candy Cuties"

Picture of the Week #144 "Carnivale Candy Cuties" Venice, Italy 2011 Signed and Stamped

How can you not love these two Carnivale goers? They are among over 300 people that I photographed full figure at this years festivities. I have no idea if they are men or women. I was walking back to my hotel when I encountered them. As soon as I picked up my camera they stopped and posed. A true delight.

Picture of the Week #143 "Misty Morning in Versailles"

Picture of the Week #143 "Misty Morning in Versailles" Versailles, France 1972 Signed and Stamped

I was asked for some photos of Versailles by an art dealer in Northern California. I went through my slide files and found this picture. I scanned it in to my computer and was taken by the mystery of the fog infested landmark that I love to visit. There was no manipulation except for removing some hairs around the edge of the slide. This was really how it was. I love this image even if I am extremely critical of my own work. This one is a natural beauty.

Picture of the Week #142 "Bugs Be Gone"

Picture of the Week #142 "Bugs Be Gone" Beverly Hills, California USA 2011 Signed and Stamped

On my ritual walk through Beverly Hills I happened on this shop that was wrapped for termite extermination. I grabbed my hip point and shoot camera and clicked just one time and then I moved on. When I came home I saw how graphic and colorful this was and immediately added it to my Picture of the Week folder and now all can enjoy.

Picture of the Week #141 "Geishas"

Picture of the Week #141 "Geishas" Venice, Italy 2011 Signed and Stamped

I was going to title this image "Don We Now Our ..." and then I thought of "Gay Geishas" but in the end I thought a simple direct title would be best. So, it's "Geishas". I encountered these two flamboyant characters at this years Venice Carnivale. They bring a smile to my face when I look at their expressions.

Lucy

Lucy would have been 100 today.

Picture of the Week #140 "Basket Carrier of Hang Chow'

Picture of the Week #140 "Basket Carrier of Hang Chow" Hang Chow, China 1980 Signed and Stamped

My Chinese photographs are becoming more sought after, but not just because China has money, but that I captured the "Old China". Today Shanghai is a booming Metropolis. This image was taken when I was there to scout locations for a proposed movie. It never was realized and all I was left with was the wonderful memories of a time now lost.

Picture of the Week #139 "Meditative Monks"

Picture of the Week #139 "Meditative Monks" Thimpu, Bhutan 2000 Signed and Stamped

There are a few series of photographs that I feel extremely proud of. My portfolio of images from Bhutan is one of them. These young monks had such dignity and calm about them. And the way they sat at a religious festival that I attended caught my eye. They sat motionless as I recorded them for posterity.

Picture of the Week #138 "Man And His Best Friend"

Picture of the Week #138 "Man And His Best Friend" Gassin, France 1981 Signed and Stamped

When I was living in the South of France for the summer, I would roam all over taking pictures. Most of the time I would become obsessed by mostly men playing Boule, otherwise known as French Lawn Bowling. And once in a while I'd come across a cafe with unique characters either inside or out in front. This was one of them. His best friend, bared his teeth but didn't bark as he watched me doing what I love to do, take pictures.

Picture of the Week #137 "Straw Drawer"

Picture of the Week #137 "Straw Drawer" Los Angeles, California 2008 Signed and Stamped

A most colorful still life.

Picture of the Week #136 "Americana in Sun Valley"

Picture of the Week #136 "Americana in Sun Valley" Sun Valley, Idaho 1977 Signed and Stamped

Sun Valley Idaho was the quintessential place to be for the Fourth of July back in 1977. Parades, Fireworks, and a reflection of what America used to be. I have no idea if they still carry on this tradition. My heart says "yes". But the economy and the political divide have turned many things sour. I do hope that this Americana ritual still lives. I decided to post these four images as my small contribution to America's day of Celebration of it's Independence. Happy 4th of July.

Picture of the Week #135 "Magritte's Shoes"

Picture of the Week #135 "Magritte's Shoes" Ramatuelle, France 1980 Signed and Stamped

Coming upon these worker's shoes in the forests of Ramatuelle in the South of France had reminded me of the great Surrealist painter Rene Magritte's work. There is something ominous about the chalky white tips that almost morph into toes. I have no idea whose shoes these were and why they would be sitting so meticulously side by side. Perhaps who ever they belonged to had finished clearing the hillside and forgot to take them. Or was it something else?

Picture of the Week #134 "Classic Versailles"

Picture of the Week # 134 "Classic Versailles" Versailles, France 1994 Signed and Stamped

Magnificent, majestic and magical is the way I have always viewed Versailles. Going there many times, my favorite time is the winter when there are no tourists. It's hard not to take great pictures when you are surrounded by such overwhelming beauty. You can only stand there and imagine what it must have been like when this was the summer palace and everyone was here who we later read about in our history books. Bravo, Versailles.

Picture of the Week #133 "Life in the Fast Lane"

Picture of the Week #133 "Life in the Fast Lane" London, England 1969 Signed and Stamped

In 1969 I was under contract to The Alliance Company that was supposed to make movies. I was the director and I was 29 years old. The Producer who was also a friend and had been my cinematographer on a film that was later nominated for an Academy Award was 28. And the President of the company was 27. We went to the Venice Film Festival to show my films and to promote our company which also had a majestic house on the Grand Canal. We had a small Yacht, a speed boat and of course a gondola at our disposal. After our incredible time in Venice we went to London where we were put up at the Dorchester Hotel and were whisked about in a Chauffeur driven Rolls Royce. Those were the days.

Picture of the Week #132 "Gigolo Revival Bar"

Picture of the Week #132 "Gigolo Revival Bar" Verona, Italy 1986 Signed and Stamped

What can I say? I found this picture I took in my files and it brought a smile to my face and I wanted to share it with all of you. Simple, graphic and humorous. I love these kind of images.

Picture of the Week #131 "Before Lunch at Brasserie Lipp"

Picture of the Week #131 "Before Lunch in Brasserie Lipp" Paris, France 1996 Signed and Stamped

One of my favorite haunts of Paris. The ambience hasn't changed, only the prices have. Here the waiters are waiters, not actors. The trio of Cafe's, from Cafe Flore, to Aux des Magots to Brasserie Lipp, on this one famous corner of the world. J'adore Paris, my second home.

Picture of the Week #130 "Bravo"

Picture of the Week #130 "Bravo" Venice, Italy 2011 Signed and Stamped

Living in Los Angeles rarely offers us weather or occasion to wear gloves. So, to find this store in Venice totally devoted to gloves amused me no end. I always realized that Italians are far better dressers than laid back Angelenos. This just confirmed it. Maybe it's old world thinking but there seems to be a dignity to dressing up and gloves are just part of the icing on the cake.

Picture of the Week #129 "Almost Silent"

Picture of the Week #129 "Almost Silent" Beverly Hills, California 2011 Signed and Stamped

Zen like, was the first impression I had when I entered ACE Gallery in Beverly Hills. The Master showman Doug Christmas is one of the few dealers to have the passion to devote this much real estate to the minimalist sculpture that stands in the center of the main gallery. The meditative piece as well as the setting made a very powerful statement.

Picture of the Week #128 "Red Umbrella in Hong Kong"

Picture of the Week #128 "Red Umbrella in Hong Kong" Hong Kong, China 2007 Signed and Stamped

When I was in Hong Kong for a painting of mine to be in Auction I took most of the time there to run around and take pictures. As you can see, rain or shine I was out there. Hong Kong is a modern metropolis so there was very little "old world character" for me to shoot, so I focused on graphics.

Picture of the Week #127 "Descending The Temple Stairs"

Picture of the Week #127 "Descending The Temple Stairs" Thimpu, Bhutan 2000 Signed and Stamped

I spoke today and previewed my cut outs from the Venice Carnivale at the Wayfarer's Chapel in Rancho Palos Verdes. It went beautifully. The setting was great, the audience attentive and really enjoyed seeing these unique photographs. Now that I'm home and doing my picture of the week I thought maybe I wouldn't reveal too many images from the Carnivale just yet. Then I racked my brain thinking what should I show? I went through my potential list and came up with this picture from Bhutan. Clean and simple after the extravagance of the Masquerade in Venice.

Preview Exhibit "Carnivale Candy" at Wayfarer's Chapel

Sunday May 1 at 1 I will be previewing some of my Cut Outs from the "Carnivale Candy" exhibit at the Wayfarer's Chapel in Rancho Palos Verdes. I will speak for a half an hour then take Q & A from the audience. It should be fun, and I hope to get a feel as to how people react to these colorful cut outs.

Auction

These two photos of mine of Andy Warhol will be up for auction May 7th & 8th at Julien's Auctions in Beverly Hills. You can bid online at: http://juliensauctions.com They are lot #499 & 500. Good luck.

Picture of the Week #126 "In Her Easter Bonnet"

Picture of the Week #126 "In Her Easter Bonnet" Venice, Italy 2011 Signed and Stamped

Last week a dear friend and top private art dealer, Eliane Gans, came over to see what I was working on. When she saw a book I made of 309 photographs of the costumed participants of this years Venice Carnivale masquerade, she remarked that the fabrics of the costumes were extraordinary and that I should encompass them somehow into the photos. Eliane is an abstractionist while I'm the realist, but I thought about what she had to say and figured I would try a few images and see how I feel. I took a small portion of the colorful costume and blew it up and created the background then dropped the full figure over it. I was pleasantly surprised. They became more interesting pictures than those silhouetted against white. I am on to something.

Preview "Carnivale Candy" Cut Outs at home

I'm gearing up for my next exhibit that I am calling "Carnivale Candy". There are Cut Outs shown here at my home,

as well as photographs and I might also add some paintings from Venice that I did years ago. One things is for sure,

it will be very colorful. I'm previewing a couple of these Cut Outs and some photographs at the Wayfarer's Chapel in

Rancho Palos Verdes on May 1 at 1 where I will speak for a half an hour and then answer questions. Should be fun.

Picture of the Week #125 "Chorus of White" You select

Picture of the Week #125 "Chorus of White" (You select which one) Venice, Italy 2011 Signed and Stamped

I couldn't decide which one should be this Week's Picture of the Week, so you decide. Just shoot me an email and tell me your favorite.

Picture of the Week #124 "Sitting This One Out"

Picture of the Week #124 "Sitting This One Out" Venice, Italy 2011 Signed and Stamped

I went to this year's Carnivale in Venice primarily to get full figure pictures of the Costumed revelers for my Cut Outs. But every once in a while I would see an image that even though it didn't fit in with my specific goal, I still had to capture. This was one of them. I found it funny, even the yellow chairs seemed to be grinning.