A case for buying original art over mass produced art

people buying mass produced art

I remember visiting a Pier 1 Imports store a few years ago, I was shopping for some items for my kitchen. As I got on the line to pay, I noticed the couple in front of me, holding some mass produced image on canvas, I think it might have been some clouds, or some sort … Read more

Architectural details that aren’t really there in Lambertville

faux painted shutters on windows in Lambertville

I was walking around side streets to get away from the crowds at Shadfest in Lambertville when I noticed this charming little house. But as I got closer, I realized that some of the architectural details that I had seen from afar were in fact not what I thought they were. The front window (seen … Read more

Inspired by Richard Tuttle to use styrofoam

My finished painting on styrofoam, hung on the wall at McKinney Arts.

I saw the Richard Tuttle show of paintings on styrofoam at Pace Gallery yesterday, and I think most people have strong reactions to the work – they either love it or think it’s absurd. I’m somewhere in-between, as I can appreciate the simplicity and beauty of some of the works as art objects, and have … Read more

A potential new gallery space in Newburgh?

Concept for McKinney Arts Gallery in Newburgh, NY

I was looking at real estate listings for properties in Newburgh, NY, and a building caught my attention: it included a storefront space, with a 3 bedroom, 1 bath “duplex” apartment above it. It fits with my idea of living above my own gallery space, and in this case, the price was within my affordability … Read more

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 style thrift store painting

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