Billy Cowan: the Angel with a halo

California Angels Billy Cowan with a halo over his head

This 1972 Topps baseball card, with Billy Cowan of the California Angels, has always been a favorite in my baseball card collection. The photographer must have had a good sense of humor, to have Cowan pose in this exact location, allowing the halo in the background to be perfectly positioned over his head! Curious about … Read more

Why does everyone want to paint a Basquiat Crown?

Basquiat crown painting at a thrift store

The art of Jean-Michel Basquiat has become a cultural force, everything from the Brooklyn Nets using Basquiat as inspiration for basketball jerseys, to countless artists impersonating his style – or elements of his style, in their own art. For example, Basquiat was known for putting a crown in his art works, and I swear I … Read more

Giving Art Away for Free

public art by Mark McKinney

I was reading an old article from the NY Times about an artist who gives away his art, secretly … and it was both fascinating and thought-provoking. The artist, Fred Cray, has hidden over 32,000 works of his art throughout New York City over the past 12 years. He has a totally different approach than … Read more

An artistic appreciation for Poisonous Dart Frogs

black and yellow poisonous dart frog at Jenkinson's Aquarium

I saw this Poisonous Dart Frog at the Jenkinson’s Aquarium at Point Pleasant Beach in New Jersey, and was struck by the beauty of the bright colors and patterns on its body. I think I could get some ideas from these patterns for a painting, it’s certainly a striking look. They’re not just good-looking for … Read more

An empty sign looks like a potential art billboard

empty sign seen on Franklin Avenue in Belleville, NJ

I was walking home from some errands when I noticed this empty sign along Franklin Avenue in my town of Belleville, NJ. I can see a very faint trace of the former sign for one-time men’s hair replacement center, but it looks like they turned it inside out so that the blank back side would … Read more