Bel Air Artist Stephen VERONA

Picture of the Week #166 "Dead Poultry Society"

2012-01-29T23:14:00.000-08:00

Picture of the Week #166 " Dead Poultry Society" New York City 1967 Signed and Stamped

I can't believe it was 45 years ago that I took this picture. I was living in New York at #2 Fifth Avenue then and was probably just roaming the streets with my camera, which I had a tendency to do, and still do. Only now my camera is strapped to my hip or in my iPhone. Anyway, I found a 35mm transparency of this when I was going through my archives and for some reason it brought a smile to my face. I was going to call it "Cluck No More"; But Ann, my beautiful wife just looked at me and said: "Dead Poultry Society" Here it is. Thanks Ann.

Picture of the Week #165 "Afternoon Stroll"

2012-01-22T22:33:00.000-08:00

Picture of the Week #165 "Afternoon Stroll" Paris, France 1972 Signed and Stamped

I have always dreamt of living in the 6th arrondissement in Paris. When money was no object and the exchange rate was great for Americans, I always stayed at L'Hotel on rue des Beaux Arts. The ultra chic former home of Oscar Wilde, Mistinguett and countless other legends. One day on one of my many walks about the city I saw this old woman passing a gallery with a fashion drawing in the window. She could care less about the picture, all she wanted to do was get where she was going. I have stood on rue de Seine looking down rue Visconti so many times over the years and this image always comes to mind. I have a painting I did from this photo hanging for years in my bedroom. Every morning when I wake it's the first thing I see and the last vision at night.

Picture of the Week #164 "Still Hung Over"

2012-01-15T17:52:00.000-08:00

Picture of the Week #164 "Still Hung Over" New York, NY 1967 Signed and Stamped

What an appropriate image for this time of year, even if I took this photo in New York back in 1967. As many of the images I post here, this was shot on film and printed digitally. There is something funny looking at the pigs wearing masks, which if you've been following this blog then you know that I am hooked on people disguising themselves . But to see pigs from back then doing it, it had to make my picture of the week 45 years later.

Picture of the Week #163 "Visiting"

2012-01-08T20:42:00.000-08:00

Picture of the Week #163 "Visiting" Shanghai, China 1980 Signed and Stamped

I can't believe it's almost 32 years since I took this picture in Shanghai. From what I understand and have seen on the web, it's changed drastically. When I was there everyone still wore Mao outfits. And the city was rampant with bicycles. Now it's western garb and cars. Gone is the uniformity of Mao and the naivete of an oppressed people as Shanghai now heads the charge into the 21st Century. I want to go back and take more pictures.

Picture of the Week #162 "Home Sweet Home"

2012-01-01T19:15:00.000-08:00

Picture of the Week #162 "Home Sweet Home" Venice, Italy 2011 & Versailles, France 1989 Signed and Stamped

When I was working on my Venetian Carnivale Candy images I came across this picture of "Marie Antoinette" getting her hair done and a Dandy in pink holding the dogs. I decided that I preferred a different background than St. Marks Square in Venice. So, I tried placing them in Versailles in France. After all the time period was correct. I had these pictures of the Palace going back years. I began with the one above in the herringbone courtyard. Then I tried putting them in the hall of mirrors. Then the back gardens. And so now you can see part of my manipulation process. I look at these as paintings in photoshop. I couldn't decide which one I preferred so I am posting all four. You choose.

Picture of the Week #161 "Bhutan Boogie"

2011-12-26T13:12:00.001-08:00

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"

2011-12-18T16:09:00.000-08:00

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"

2011-12-12T12:14:00.001-08:00

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"

2011-12-04T19:06:00.000-08:00

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"

2011-11-28T09:48:00.000-08:00

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"

2011-11-20T20:54:00.001-08:00

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"

2011-11-14T00:36:00.000-08:00

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"

2011-11-06T22:24:00.001-08:00

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"

2011-10-30T16:17:00.000-07:00

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"

2011-10-24T10:39:00.001-07:00

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

2011-10-18T10:02:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-16T21:12:00.001-07:00

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"

2011-10-09T20:12:00.001-07:00

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"

2011-10-02T21:50:00.000-07:00

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"

2011-09-25T20:00:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-21T16:12:00.000-07:00

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 !"

2011-09-19T10:39:00.001-07:00

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"

2011-09-11T20:44:00.001-07:00

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"

2011-09-04T17:04:00.000-07:00

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"

2011-08-28T21:51:00.000-07:00

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"

2011-08-21T22:19:00.000-07:00

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"

2011-08-14T20:42:00.000-07:00

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"

2011-08-07T18:13:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-06T16:30:00.000-07:00

Lucy would have been 100 today.

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

2011-07-31T22:24:00.000-07:00

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"

2011-07-24T20:56:00.000-07:00

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"

2011-07-17T23:06:00.001-07:00

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"

2011-07-10T18:52:00.001-07:00

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"

2011-07-03T20:53:00.001-07:00

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"

2011-06-26T19:58:00.000-07:00

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"

2011-06-19T18:29:00.000-07:00

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"

2011-06-12T18:39:00.000-07:00

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"

2011-06-05T18:54:00.001-07:00

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"

2011-05-30T22:37:00.000-07:00

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"

2011-05-22T14:26:00.000-07:00

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"

2011-05-16T12:23:00.001-07:00

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"

2011-05-09T14:09:00.000-07:00

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"

2011-05-01T21:50:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-30T11:21:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-27T11:11:00.001-07:00

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"

2011-04-24T20:35:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-23T22:06:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-17T14:53:00.000-07:00

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"

2011-04-11T15:54:00.001-07:00

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.

Picture of the Week #123 "And The Party Continues"

2011-04-04T11:17:00.000-07:00

Picture of the Week # 123 "And The Party Continues" Venice, Italy 2011 Signed and Stamped

These are some of the many figures that I printed on a plastic called Sintra. It will far out last last paper or the masonite that I usually use for my cut outs. As I had never printed on this surface before I decided to make these smaller than life size proofs and to see if I like the color, texture and overall feel before I sprang for printing the final edition. Well, I love them. These can be hung on walls like any other picture, but they will also be available life size if people wish. They will be in limited editions of 3 to 5. Each will be signed and numbered. I think they are a unique interpretation of a photograph in a very colorful and fun way.

Picture of the Week #122 "Delicious"

2011-03-28T09:33:00.000-07:00

Picture of the Week # 122 "Delicious" Venice, Italy 2011 Signed and Stamped

I have been obsessed with the costumes from this years Carnivale in Venice. I am working on a major series of life size cut outs that I am printing on Cintra, an archival plastic. My goal is to have maybe 20 or 30 of them standing around. Collectors, Museums and Gallerists can place them as they like as they are still editioned photographs. I am printing some only 4 feet high so they can be hung on walls like traditional pictures. These are somewhere between photography and sculpture. The Carnivale as an event is the great equalizer. You don't know who is rich or poor, pretty or ugly, man or woman, black or white. The revelers can pretend to be someone they are not. We as spectators can appreciate them. It's an extraordinary event and one that I will cherish.

Calamity Into Art

2011-03-22T21:49:00.000-07:00

Calamity Into Art - On Sunday March 21st it poured. Ann & I were watching TV upstairs in my studio when I went down to the kitchen for something and was shocked to see that a piece of our living room ceiling had come down. I called for her to see. She let out a startled "OMG". I called our terrific roofer Rene Manzano who said he would be there first thing Monday morning. And sure enough he came with a helper. They went all over the roof but found no broken tiles. So they caulked where the flashing met the wall and said when it dries out to have our painter do it again, just to make sure. So, for the rest of Monday we lived with the hole, but it bugged me. So I took one of my life size cut outs of a nude and the first thing Tuesday I hung her from the ceiling thereby transforming a negative into a positive.

Picture of the Week #121 "WOW"

2011-03-20T23:31:00.000-07:00

Picture of the Week #121 "WOW" Venice, Italy 2011 Signed and Stamped

When I confronted this masked woman at this years' Carnivale, all I could say was "WOW". Her dress matched the mask and as she sashayed through St. Mark's Square, everyone was in awe. Amongst the many fabulous costumes that adorned this year's fabulous masquerade, this was a true stand out.

Cardinal Spellman on St. Patrick's Day 1965

2011-03-17T07:24:00.000-07:00

When I took this picture in front of St. Patrick's Cathedral of Cardinal Spellman and the entire Archdiocese of the City of New York in 1965 , Senator Robert F Kennedy was standing along side me. We joined the Cardinal and Carmine De Sapio the deposed Tammany Hall leader for a group shot that I posted earlier. A Politican, a Clergyman and a deposed Convicted Criminal, all together. Happy St. Patrick's Day.

RARE! Photo of Kennedy, Cardinal Spellman & Carmine De Sapio

2011-03-17T07:20:00.000-07:00

It was 46 years ago today that I took this photo of Senator Robert F Kennedy, Cardinal Spellman and Carmine De Sapio in front of St. Patricks Cathedral in New York to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.

Picture of the Week #120 "Let Them Eat Cake"

2011-03-13T21:38:00.000-07:00

Picture of the Week #120 "Let Them Eat Cake" Venice, Italy 2011 Signed and Stamped

At this years Carnivale wherever I looked there was another extraordinary outfit. I wondered why someone would go to the enormous trouble of walking around all day and posing for tourists who just shove their little point and shoot cameras in their face. But thankfully they did do it, and I for one took enormous advantage. I became very aggressive in fulfilling my goal of shooting full figure shots for my Life Sized Cut Outs that I plan on exhibiting later in the year. "Marie Antoinette" above was mingling through the hoards in St. Marks Square for days. Luckily, I was smart enough to apply for a Press Pass before I left so I was able to get right on the stage. I was amazed that it was granted as I have absolutely no affiliation with a newspaper or TV station or magazine. I had complete freedom and did not have to be squished in the crowd to get my desired images. The entire event was pure joy, and something I will never forget.

Picture of the Week #119 "All Together Now"

2011-03-13T21:11:00.001-07:00

Picture of the Week #119 "All Together Now" Venice, Italy 2011 Signed and Stamped

If I had a "Bucket List" the Venice Carnivale would have to be on it. I had been feeling terribly for weeks and truly thought that I better go now before I was unable. I had been aching and feeling like I was going to come down with something but never did. I also had stomach aches and kept visualizing that I had a blockage, plus my stomach was really extended even though I ate very little. The problem was what I did eat was nutritionally corrupt. Potato Chips, chocolate, tons of butter and in general - crap. My beautiful wife Ann said that I should go as she knew when I go to take pictures I become consumed and it would take my mind off of the aches and pains. She preferred to stay home and work on her writings. Literally as I was about to board the plane when she called me to tell me my Doctor had called and that my cholesterol had skyrocketed and he wanted me to take a double dose of medicine. I made a decision that I would put that off till I came home but that I would behave myself and not gorge on junk food. I focused on fish and salads and sure enough in a few days I felt rejuvenated. I'm incredibly disciplined. Taking pictures and a change in diet saved me. The Carnivale was the most joyous event I had ever attended. People were friendly and posed graciously. And although crowded, the weather shined on us and everything just fell into place. It was in one word - FANTASTIC.

Picture of the Week #118 "O Solo Mio"

2011-02-27T12:20:00.000-08:00

Picture of the Week #118 "O Solo Mio" Venice, Italy 1969 Signed and Stamped

Forty-two years ago, way back in 1969 I was attending the Venice Film Festival where I spent most of my time walking around and taking pictures in between hawking my movies. I was under contract to a company called The Alliance Company who had a house on the Grand Canal where we stayed. The "we" being my Producer Jay Pati and Executive Producer Nick Finnerty. We had two boats at our disposal at any given time. One an elegant Speedboat and the other we used for Water Skiing. I actually received a ticket for driving the boat too fast with Jay Pati on the ski's. I also used to ride down the Canals in a gondola and this picture is of my Gondolier who sang "O Solo Mio" to me as I took in the magic of Venice. In 1976 I made a painting from this image and sold it to a real estate broker down the street from where I live in Bel Air. It hangs prominently in his house and it always brings back fond memories of a city that I cherish. Now I am off to Venice for the Carnivale and thought this would be an appropriate image to post now.

Picture of the Week #117 "Pretty Fresh Faces"

2011-02-20T22:12:00.001-08:00

Picture of the Week #117 "Pretty Fresh Faces" Beijing / Peking, China 1980 Signed and Stamped

These school girls were actually standing on the Great Wall of China outside of Peking, now called Beijing as you see above. But recently I was working on a series of images that I had taken back then and decided to photoshop these fresh faced school girls into a field of sunflowers in the Dordogne department in France. I don't know which one I like better, so here they are, you be the judge.

Picture of the Week #116 "Banksy at the Curb"

2011-02-13T08:47:00.001-08:00

Picture of the Week #116 "Banksy at the Curb" Santa Monica, California USA 2010 Signed and Stamped

Meeting my friend Bob Chartoff for lunch one day last May, I hopped out of my car in a great parking spot right in front of the restaurant. I looked down and there was this "Banksy" spray painting at the base of the light pole. I wasn't sure if it was the real Banksy or a knock off by Mr. Brainwash, another street artist and the subject of the wonderful documentary "Exit Through The Gift Shop". So when I got home I looked up Banksy's work online. There were other images very similar to this one. It resembled the iconic image from Esquire magazine. Now that the Academy Awards are getting near I thought it was time to post this, in hopes that "Exit Through The Gift Shop" wins.

Picture of the Week #115 "Sphinx - Shaken Splendor"

2011-02-06T20:02:00.001-08:00

Picture of the Week #115 "Sphinx - Shaken Splendor" Giza, Egypt 1989 Signed and Stamped

Normally, I don't show political or religious images. But with all that is going on now in Egypt, I thought this image of the Sphinx at night was a fitting tribute to the turmoil of what is happening now.

Picture of the Week #114 "Iconic Ed Ruscha"

2011-01-30T18:28:00.000-08:00

Picture of the Week #114 "Iconic Ed Ruscha" Los Angeles, California USA 2009 Signed and Stamped

Ed Ruscha, art star, and I have known each other for probably 30 or more years. One night at a mutual friends dinner I grabbed this shot of him. I thought it was more interesting to montage his image with one of his iconic Standard Station paintings in the background. I should probably send a print to him, although the last thing he needs is another image of his highly published works. The next time I see him I'll ask if he would like one.

Picture of the Week #113 "Concourse Migration"

2011-01-24T16:56:00.001-08:00

Picture of the Week #113 "Concourse Migration" Santa Monica, California 2010 / 2011 Signed and Cut Out

This is a commission that I just completed for a friend and W/F Classic Cars in Santa Monica, California. His collection of 23 cars includes this beautiful 1956 Mercedes Benz Gull Wing Coupe. The concept was E.T. meets a flock of gull wings. The doors are opened to varying degrees to simulate the flapping wings of Sea Gulls. The back ground image is ten feet high by fifteen feet wide. Then, there are three cut outs coming out of the image on the sides creating a 3D effect. Jack Duganne the photoshop master, helped me on the computer work which included almost 100 layers and weeks of manipulation to finally get the full effect that I wanted. I believe this takes photography in a new direction.

Picture of the Week #112 "Crossing the Line"

2011-01-16T17:51:00.000-08:00

Picture of the Week #112 "Crossing the Line" Beijing / Peking, China 1980 Signed and Stamped

When I was in China over 30 years ago, I was scouting locations and working on the budget for a film I was supposed to direct hopefully with Ingrid Bergman in the starring role, titled "The Footprints of the Pheasant in the Snow". The American title was "Memories". Sadly she became sick and the film financing disappeared. I remained in China as a guest of the Shanghai Art Council. The above images were actually a composite of the famous Mao poster that I brought back home and a photo of General Huong who assisted the Beijing Film Studio in some capacity that I never could figure out. Anyway, last week I attended the Photo LA show in Santa Monica and was very impressed particularly by the Chinese photographers. This prompted me to run home and go through my archives and to create this image. I titled it "Crossing Over" as Communism seems to be falling by the wayside to Capitalism. I hope this picture symbolizes that step in a simple, yet graphic interpretation.

Bonus - Venice Carnival

2011-01-13T12:20:00.001-08:00

Bonus image - Venice Carnivale Venice, Italy 2002 Signed and Stamped

This is a teaser for what I hope to accomplish when I go to this years Carnivale in March. Although the Festival starts in February I decided to just catch the last five or six days. My primary reason is to get full figure images of people Masquerading in 18th Century costumes for life size cut outs. Plus, it would be great to have some more incredible images from one of my favorite places.

Picture of the Week #111 "Proud Masai Woman"

2011-01-09T21:51:00.001-08:00

Picture of the Week #111 "Proud Masai Woman" Masai Mara, Kenya 1997 Signed and Stamped

From our honeymoon safari and our visit to a Masai village, I encountered this proud woman of an undetermined age. She stoically posed for my camera and asked for nothing but respect with her unwavering look. Below the frame her breast was exposed, but she did nothing to conceal it. After a few clicks of my shutter I smiled and thanked her. She smiled back and nodded her acceptance of being a tourist attraction with dignity.

Picture of the Week #110 "Needs $$$"

2011-01-02T21:29:00.000-08:00

Picture of the Week #110 "Needs $$$" Santa Monica, California USA 2010 Signed and Stamped

There are very few places on earth as colorful and bizarre as Venice Beach and the south end of Santa Monica. There must be some sort of magnet that draws all the crazies to congregate. I love it as you can't miss the photo ops wherever you turn. My goal this year is to carry my big Canon camera and start shooting in RAW and find those images that bring a smile to our face and yet at the same time express the desperation of the times. It's a sad but yet funny commentary as we enter 2011.

Picture of the Week #109 "Exercise Time"

2010-12-27T00:00:00.000-08:00

Picture of the Week #109 "Exercise Time" Kathmandu, Nepal 2000 Signed and Stamped

I'd like to say that finding images that are unique and bring a smile to my face are usually hard to find. But in Kathmandu I had a field day. Yes, I manipulated the sky and brought out the color but these Holy Men were just sitting on a corner posing for anyone who happened by with a camera. I don't know how rare this is, but when we were there it was easy. Check out Picture of the Week #15 and #26 for other Holy Men. My cynical side once thought that these men were tourist attractions and this was their vocation, posing and begging.

Santa's Coming - Ho Ho Ho

2010-12-24T17:18:00.000-08:00

Santa's Coming Ho Ho Ho Beverly Hills, California 2010

As Ann and I walked through Beverly Hills today I spotted this guy with his dog, and although we were not going to be sending out Christmas cards or even decorating the house this year, this image was too irresistible to pass up. So, at the last minute before Christmas I emailed this to 500 of our email friends. Merry Christmas.

Picture of the Week #108 "Clean Up at Gagosian"

2010-12-19T20:50:00.000-08:00

Picture of the Week #108 "Clean Up at Gagosian" Beverly Hills, California USA 2010 Signed and Stamped

On my periodic walks through Beverly Hills, I always check out ACE and Gagosian Galleries as well as any one showing my work. One day they were installing this incredible piece at Gagosian. The gallery was closed for the installation but the street door was open. I snapped from my trusted point and shoot that is always attached to my belt and caught the moment perfectly.

Picture of the Week #107 "Window Washer of Vancouver 3"

2010-12-12T18:08:00.000-08:00

Picture of the Week #107 "Window Washer of Vancouver 3" Vancouver, Canada 2005 Signed and Stamped

This is the third image of the Window Washer of Vancouver that I have posted. I love them all for the graphics and possible danger they represent, not to mention the beauty. Each photo that I took was from a different angle and therefore the reflections on the building were different.

Picture of the Week #106 "Johnny Cash in White"

2010-12-05T21:46:00.000-08:00

Picture of the Week #106 "Johnny Cash in White" Nashville, Tennessee USA 1972 Signed and Stamped

I directed Johnny Cash in a number of Music Videos for Columbia Records under Clive Davis starting in 1970. We got along great, and he had asked for me back to shoot this video two years later. The photo was taken in a recording studio where he was working on a new album. We also shot at his house and out and about in Nashville. I didn't get to do his Folsom gig, but wish I had. Although Johnny was known as the man in black, I knew him differently. That's me pointing something out to him while holding my trusted camera.

Picture of the Week #105 "Gursky Glasses"

2010-11-28T17:09:00.000-08:00

Picture of the Week #105 "Gursky Glasses" Venice, California USA 2010 Signed and Stamped

Swiss photographer Andreas Gursky sold a photograph in 2007 for the highest price ever for a single photograph in an auction. It went for 3.3 million dollars. It was of a 99 cent store. The critics say that what makes Gursky's images are his manipulation and enhancements that create spaces larger than the original subjects that he photographs. In my case, I did not have to do that as this rack of sun glasses on display in Venice California was my version of a Gursky print. Now, if only I could match his prices.

Picture of the Week #104 "Call Me"

2010-11-22T09:44:00.001-08:00

Picture of the Week #104 "Call Me" Hong Kong, China 2007 Signed and Stamped

While in Hong Kong waiting for a couple of my paintings to go into an Auction of Chinese images, I had plenty of time to explore the busy city with my camera. Most of where I was staying (Kowloon side) were fairly new non-descript buildings. Wedged in along the busy street down from the famed Peninsula Hotel I saw this intriguing wall. It was a symbol of the city to me, chaotic, colorful, and not easy to understand behind the facade. I ended up loving Hong Kong except for the humidity. But the sophistication and energy were contagious. I want to return for more.

Picture of the Week #103 "Following the Herd"

2010-11-15T10:56:00.001-08:00

Picture of the Week #103 "Following the Herd" Masai Mara, Kenya 1987 Signed and Stamped

On our Safari Honeymoon in Africa we encountered this herd of elephants heading out to the plains. To be that close and be able to photograph them them was truly majestic. An unforgettable journey and one we are hoping to redo one day.

Picture of the Week #102 "Hurry"

2010-11-07T12:15:00.001-08:00

Picture of the Week #102 "Hurry" Tokyo, Japan 1989 Signed and Stamped

On my trip to Japan for a show I was participating in at the Laforet Museum in the Harajuku prefecture of Tokyo, on my little time off I roamed about taking pictures. I have loved Tokyo since my first time there nine years earlier when I was on my way to China to scout locations and work on the budget of a film that never came to be. This time I was flown First Class by J.A.L. and given a large amount of money for per diem and began an around the world trip that I will always remember. Tokyo, I found to be one of the most sophisticated and extraordinary cities I had ever been to. I love it and want to return. This image summed up the hustle and bustle of a working city. What you don't see is all of the people just outside of the camera frame.

Picture of the Week #101 "Bird Watching"

2010-11-01T09:42:00.001-07:00

Picture of the Week #101 "Bird Watching" Nanyuki, Kenya 1997 Signed and Stamped

On our honeymoon Safari to Kenya I came across this school where the students who live among the wild life were still impressed by this pair of Secretary birds. We stayed at first at the Mount Kenya Safari Club, which was very pretty and spacious but the food was lousy. And it certainly was not giving us the "African Safari" experience that we signed up for. Although they treated us wonderfully, there were few big game to see. But once we left there and headed off to private camps like Lewa Downs, and got into the Masai Mara, we got what we were looking for. This was truly one of the greatest and most memorable trips. And surprising, it was very luxurious, even if we stayed in tents with beautiful antique furniture.

Picture of the Week #100 "James Rosenquist"

2010-10-25T11:32:00.000-07:00

Picture of the Week #100 "James Rosenquist" Los Angeles, California USA 1977 Signed and Stamped

I first met Jimmy when he was working at Gemini G.E.L., the number one publisher of limited edition prints by the world's leading artists. We hit it off right away and talked the day away, while he continued to produce a new image, I took pictures. The painting behind him titled "Fahrenheit 1982 was done five years later. I put the two photos together recently for a show I am having at the French Consulate General's here in Beverly Hills. Although the show was to be primarily images from France, they requested to show my suite of portraits of the great American POP artists, Warhol, Lichtenstein, Rauschenberg, Ruscha and Rosenquist. I loved the colors in the painting matching his shirt. And check out the November issue of "SilverShotz" the high end magazine journal of fine art Phootography where they did a 12 page article on my series "Holy Men Medicine Men MAd Men".

Picture of the Week #99 "Neimans Bound"

2010-10-17T22:50:00.000-07:00

Picture of the Week #99 "Neimans Bound" Beverly Hills, California USA 2010 Signed and Stamped

What can I say?

Picture of the Week #98 "Shipwreck"

2010-10-10T21:20:00.001-07:00

Picture of the Week #98 "Shipwreck" Bremerton, Washington 2010 Signed and Stamped

While visiting the Elandan Gardens, I walked out towards the water and caught this boat sitting on the side. With the ominous clouds against the color in the trees, I knew that this would be a very nice picture. Usually, I prefer people pictures, but this landscape just seemed right for today's Picture of the Week.

Picture of the Week #97 "Girl in Station"

2010-10-04T10:36:00.001-07:00

Picture of the Week #97 "Girl in Station" Shanghai, China 1980 Signed and Stamped

This is one of my favorite images from my scouting trip to China when I was working on the ill fated movie "Footprints of the Pheasant in the Snow". This image then became a painting and then became the poster for an exhibition of my work from China a year later. I gave a poster to Bernardo Bertolucci as he was leaving to make his incredible film "The Last Emperor". He left me a voice mail message saying that he hoped his film came out as good as my painting and thanked me for giving it to him. The rest was history.

Picture of the Week #96 "Cradle of Bloom"

2010-09-27T17:34:00.000-07:00

Picture of the Week #96 "Cradle of Bloom" Bremerton, Washington USA 2010 Signed and Stamped

If you are ever near Seattle or Tacoma you must go to the Elandan Gardens. Dan Robinson is a Gardner Extraordinaire. A major artist of monumental proportions. He works with five story high burnt trees, down to little Bonsai that adorn his waterfront garden of 7 acres in Bremerton Washington. We were lucky enough to visit when he was there working on growing a tree. A process that can take hundreds of years. He told us how he became interested in this when he was 7 years old. He was more interested in trees and cactus than baseball. After spending time in the military in Korea he brought home seeds, and worked for years as a fireman until he was able to devote himself full time to this reclaimed waterfront property that he leases from the City. It is an incredible living Museum.

Picture of the Week #95 "The Human Landscape"

2010-09-19T23:30:00.001-07:00

Picture of the Week #95 "The Human Landscape" New York City, NY 1969 Signed and Stamped

After my divorce from my first wife, way back when, I did the usual dating ritual of having lots of girlfriends. This one was someone who trusted me enough to pose when most women would not. We had gone through the uptight fifties to the swinging sixties and this was a remnant of that era. Turn the image sideways and you'll see that it is of a woman from the back in strong silhouette.

Picture of the Week #94 "Blowing Bubbles"

2010-09-12T19:02:00.000-07:00

Picture of the Week #94 "Blowing Bubbles" Thimpu, Bhutan 2000 Signed and Stamped

On our journey through the magic Kingdom of Bhutan, high in the Himalayas. we visited many temples and monasteries. One in particular stuck in my mind. It was here that I saw that the young Monks were no different than other kids, playing games, poking fun, and blowing bubble gum.

Picture of the Week #93 "Following Elliott"

2010-09-06T12:40:00.001-07:00

Picture of the Week #93 "Following Elliott" Dordogne, France 1994 Signed and Stamped

This is my version of the classic Elliott Erwitt black and white image of a man and boy on a bicycle going down a tree lined road in France. I think it was originally published as an advertisement for Air France. I've updated it to a moped, but the driver is still wearing a beret. And the bread is once again affixed to the rack in the back. Much has changed in the world but buying bread in France hasn't. Viva la France! And a Thank You to Elliott Erwitt who showed us how to see.

Picture of the Week #92 "Ladies of the Fair"

2010-08-29T23:38:00.001-07:00

Picture of the Week #92 "Ladies of the Fair" Arrezzo, Italy 1990 Signed and Stamped

Arrezzo Italy has a wonderful antique fair one Sunday a month. When I am there I always try and see what's on view. When I happened on these two Italian ladies waiting for someone to buy their linens. The fatigue and boredom of working a fair seems to hide their anticipation of a sale. The woman on the right I found very beautiful, but even though I was single in those days, I made no overtures to meeting her. But I will say, I didn't forget her. Perhaps having this image in my files for 20 years help keep her alive.

Picture of the Week #91 "Window Washer of Vancouver #1"

2010-08-23T10:53:00.001-07:00

Picture of the Week #91 "Window Washer of Vancouver #1" Vancouver, Canada 2005 Signed and Stamped

This is another image from my architectural portfolio on Window Washers. On this blog I published #2 Window Washer in August of 2008 as part of the Picture of the Week series. I enjoy going back and forth between strong graphic photos like this and classic warm earth tones like my Museum sightings to pictures with a sense of humor. I am always on the lookout for a strong image and this certainly fit the bill.

Picture of the Week #90 "Eternal Enigma"

2010-08-15T22:26:00.000-07:00

Picture of the Week #90 "Eternal Enigma" Paris, France 1971 Signed and Stamped

Before they encased the famed Mona Lisa in a hermetically sealed bullet proof box, she was free to be approached, inspected, and adored. The most famous painting in the world sat vulnerably on a wall in the Louvre when I saw it for the umteenth time. Over the years I have taken pictures of it with onlookers milling about and contemplating her everlasting expression. This particular day became significant for me as the people became a blur, a mystery if you will. A mystery like the painting herself.

Picture of the Week #89 "Style and Grace in Motion"

2010-08-08T20:40:00.000-07:00

Picture of the Week #89 "Style and Grace in Motion" Paris, France 1984 Signed and Stamped

As a people watcher, I love taking pictures in Museums. The Louvre, even before the pyramid, was the ultimate space with enough art and people watching to last ten lifetimes. This image reminded me of a ballet as seen from the first balcony perspective. The spectator in red shoes in a stylized first position stance, to the bronze statue's movement, couldn't have been choreographed any better. But the topper was the single hand pointing in the lower right hand corner. I was so taken by this moment that I painted this image back then, way before Photo Shop allowed me to alter colors. This was and still is one of my favorite images that brings back memories of Paris, the moveable feast. When the Musee D'Orsay opened, these statues were placed on taller pedestals and moved there.

Picture of the Week #88 "Anticipating The Moment"

2010-07-31T17:39:00.000-07:00

Picture of the Week #88 "Anticipating The Moment" Madrid, Spain 1987 Signed and Stamped

I read that Bullfighting is being outlawed in the Catalonia section of Spain. I couldn't help but think that when I photographed the spectacle as Hemingway so aptly titled it, "Death in the Afternoon", that the title I had used for this image, "Anticipating the Moment" would one day come true. When I titled this moment it was more descriptive of what was to come. Like an actor about to go on stage. Or a fighter into a ring. Little did I realize that it would also signify the dimming of the lights of a centuries old tradition. A rite, a ritual, a national pastime. Many arguments have been leveled at the sport, but I for one used to defend it. I remember documenting the confrontations from the Chapel where the Matador would pray, to the spectacle of the procession. To the moment of truth. And finally to the butcher shop where the fresh meat would be sold or given to charity. On the other hand there were times and moments that I did find barbaric. The Picadors always angered me. It was like having someone else punch the hell out of your opponent before you stood toe to toe with them. But the actual mano e mano of man against bull to me was as much a spiritual confrontation as a physical one. It was a dance where certain choreographed moves must be performed before the fatal plunge of the sword can be dealt. I don't know if the stoppage will spread across Spain or if it will be confined to Catalonia. I do know that I would go back to see it, perhaps with a different perspective.

Picture of the Week #87 "Sylvester Stallone & Richard Gere"

2010-07-25T21:22:00.000-07:00

Picture of the Week #87 "Sylvester Stallone & Richard Gere" New York City, New York 1972 Signed and Stamped

I took this picture in my apartment during the early days of rehearsal when Sylvester Stallone and Richard Gere were my original leads in my first feature film, "The Lords of Flatbush". We rehearsed on and off while I was always pausing to run out to find the money to go into production. One day, months later, the three of us went to Coney Island to rehearse at the proposed location, Nathan's Famous. Sly and Richard got into a fight. All I remember was that Sly said something about not getting mustard on him and the next thing I knew I was pulling them apart. From that day on, things went downhill fast and I eventually had to replace Richard with Perry King. I always felt that Sly was outgoing while Richard was internal. They have not spoken since that day, so this charming image is a rarity. It is now on exhibit for the next few weeks at Art & Artifact Gallery in Los Angeles, along with others from my film and video making days.

Picture of the Week #86 "Andrea Bocelli"

2010-07-18T18:35:00.000-07:00

Picture of the Week #86 "Andrea Bocelli" Vatican City, Rome, Italy 2009 Signed and Stamped

When I was honored to be among the 220 artists from around the world invited to the Sistine Chapel to hear Pope Benedict's Address to Artists, I met Andrea Bocelli. I took this image of him and immediately his wife came over and at first I thought I would be scolded, but instead she smiled and asked sweetly if I would photograph them together with their two sons. I did and emailed it to them. But there was something much more haunting about this image, especially the reflection in his mirrored glasses. This photo and others of celebrities that I have taken will be shown this Thursday the 22nd at Art & Artifact Photographic Center here in Los Angeles. It should be a blast.

Picture of the Week #85 "Pretty"

2010-07-11T23:13:00.001-07:00

Picture of the Week #85 "Pretty" Cheung Chow, Hong Kong, China 2006 Signed and Stamped

In 2006 I was in Hong Kong as two paintings of mine were being auctioned off by Auctions by the Bay of San Francisco. The two paintings were from my 1980 trip when I was negotiating and scouting locations for the first American Chinese motion picture that I was supposed to direct in China. I had hoped that Ingrid Bergman would star in it. While I was there she fell ill and the film was cancelled. I was then invited to stay by the Shanghai Art Council. I did, for a number of weeks. When I returned to L.A. I painted from the images that I had taken. Twenty six years later this auction was the first that I know of where an American Artist painted China and was now selling those images back in China. While I was there for the auction I found out that May 24th was the birth of Buddha and that they were having a "Bun Festival" on an island an hour and half from Hong Kong. Loaded with cameras I went. I don't remember seeing very many caucasians. The people were extremely friendly and helpful. The costumes were magnificent. It was a photographer's paradise. I got tons of wonderful color pictures from that short day in Cheung Chow. Happy Birthday Buddha.

Picture of the Week #84 "After The Parade"

2010-07-04T23:53:00.000-07:00

Picture of the Week #84 "After The Parade" Sun Valley, Idaho USA 1977 Signed and Stamped

What more appropriate image to post after July 4th celebrations of our Nation's Independence than these Norman Rockwell looking American kids waving flags, while their parents smoke in the cab of the truck. I never indulge in Parades, as I prefer to stand on the sidelines and see the reactions from the spectators. These kids were no exception. Last year at this time I posted a typical American family in a red vintage flat bed truck as they drove in the parade and then sitting on the sidelines. This was taken at the same time, only not wanting to repeat myself, I opted for these patriots in the making for this year's posting.

Picture of the Week #83 "Batman of Santa Monica"

2010-06-27T22:38:00.000-07:00

Picture of the Week #83 "Batman of Santa Monica" Santa Monica, California USA 2010 Signed and Stamped

Okay, I manipulated this one. I took the image of "Batman" hanging around and waiting for tourists to pose with him, and then hovered him over the unsuspecting beach goers. He was actually standing by the sand and when I got home to my computer I silhouetted him, rotated him counter clockwise and then inserted him into the colorful beach scene. Maybe I should not reveal all this like a magician with his tricks? Anyway, the picture grabs your attention and that is a good thing.

Picture of the Week #82 "Smile"

2010-06-20T22:52:00.001-07:00

Picture of the Week #82 "Smile" Paris, France 2003 Signed and Stamped

While crossing from the Right bank to the Left bank in Paris I looked across the bridge and saw this Asian couple. She was photographing him and all I could think was "smile". I don't think he did as she clicked the shutter. I am surprised that she didn't shoot across the bridge as it is much more picturesque background. But hey, it's her picture. This is mine.

Picture of the Week #81 "Stolen Moment in Fouquets "

2010-06-14T10:13:00.000-07:00

Picture of the Week #81 "Stolen Moment in Fouquets" Paris, France 1990 Signed and Stamped

While waiting for my lunch at Fouquets on the Champs Elysee I couldn't help but to secretly grab this photo of a couple kissing at the table across from me. Perhaps they were just innocently toasting one another or perhaps they are celebrating an occasion being together or perhaps they are having an illicit lunch? All are possible scenarios. I'll never know the true answer, but the expression of the other people is priceless.

Picture of the Week #80 "Hangin' At The Car Wash"

2010-06-06T23:40:00.000-07:00

Picture of the Week #80 "Hangin' At The Car Wash" Arrezzo, Italy 1990 Signed and Stamped

I rented a villa in a small town called Loro Cuifenna in Tuscany for the month of August. The villa was off the paved road and even off a dirt road and sat in the middle of a vineyard. The vines would brush against my car as I drove home. The owner was an artist and the house was filled with these simple but loving paintings that he had done. Every day he would leave me two bottles of wine. One red, one white. I would sometimes take one on my bicycle along with my cameras and a note pad and be off for the day. I would pedal over to Arrezzo 30 kilometers away for the antique market and to get some wonderful pictures. One day I encountered these guys gossiping while one washed his car. I couldn't help myself, I had to photograph it. There is something eerie about how the car just glowed in the late afternoon light.

Picture of the Week #79 "Attack of the Little Men"

2010-05-30T23:22:00.000-07:00

Picture of the Week #79 "Attack of the Little Men" Rome, Italy 2009 Signed and Stamped

After our historic trip to the Vatican to hear Pope Benedict's Address to Artists in the Sistine Chapel, we hung around Rome for a few days to take in other Museums and sights. This installation brought a smile to all who had the opportunity to see it. I got down on the floor to get this shot as the little clay men are only a few inches high. Sadly, I don't remember who the artist was who brightened my day. But I know that his work will not be forgotten.

Picture of the Week #78 "My Feet, My Po Po Feet"

2010-05-23T22:43:00.001-07:00

Picture of the Week #78 "My Feet, My Po Po Feet" Brooklyn, New York 2006 Signed and Stamped

While my film "Boardwalk" was being screened at the Coney Island Film Festival my wife Ann and I walked on the actual boardwalk where I shot the movie and I took some pictures. Coney Island never fails to dazzle and delight me with the brash colors, the strange people, the intense fun house feeling of my youth and it's unique quality of life. Everyone seems to be relaxed and enjoying themselves versus the hustled and harried businessmen in the City. But even happy people have to rest as this guy did when he kicked off his shoes and laid back to enjoy the bright sun. It reminded me of Pearl Bailey who always used to say, "Oh my feet, my po po feet". It wasn't until I was older that I grew to appreciate the feeling of kicking off my shoes and sitting back to smell the roses.