Picture of the Week #439 "Operatic" Hong Kong, China 2007 Signed & Stamped

I was asked to place a large painting of mine in a Christies auction in Hong Kong. The woman who asked me was running a gallery in San Francisco and was placing some of their paintings and thought mine would be a good fit. She was wrong. It didn't sell. But I did go around and get lots of photos, had a great time and got this picture of the Opera star. If memory serves me correctly it was at the "Bun Festival". I'd love to describe what the "Bun Festival" is only it's beyond me and would be better served if it was Googled. 

Picture of the Week #438 "The Lords" Brooklyn, New York 1972 Signed & Stamped

These boys helped change my life. Yes, this is from "The Lords of Flatbush" my first feature motion picture that I wrote, produced & directed back in 1972. It was the first film for Sylvester Stallone before "Rocky", and Henry Winkler before "Fonzie". And Perry King, on the right replaced Richard Gere after I was pushed and convinced to replace him. Richard was terrific and responsible for some of the best dialog in the pigeon coop with Sly and thankfully Perry did a wonderful job in reciting what Richard had ad libbed. As "Rocky" & "Happy Days" went on to great heights, it gave my film additional distribution and I for one am very happy.

Picture of the Week # 437 "Guarding Lenin"  Moscow, Russia 1988 Signed & Stamped

With all the talk of Russia in the news these days I thought I would post this image of Soldiers guarding Lenin's tomb. I was in Russia for the first Soviet / American interchange of film makers. They showed our films but didn't have subtitles. So one man sat in the back of the theater and translated all of the parts. Man, woman, and child. I was inspired to photograph wherever I went especially Red Square. Would I return? I doubt it although my dear wife has not been and maybe one day if peace prevails then I would take her. 

Picture of the Week # 436 "Where To Go" Hong Kong, China 2007 Signed & Stamped

I had two paintings in auction at Christies in Hong Kong China. I used the potential sale as the reason to go over there with Sarah Zhu who was responsible for placing the paintings. Sadly they didn't reach my reserve price. On the other hand I still enjoy the images as one is hanging in my living room. Happily the prices have gone way up since, but I am not placing any images into auction in the foreseeable future. I am zeroed in with my photography and have decided to hold off selling any paintings for a while. This photo was taken in the Musuem stairwell. I couldn't have choreographed it any better.