June 5, 2008
Gone for 6 weeks on tour with the band!!!

Hi everyone, before I leave for tour tomorrow morning I wanted to tell you about a couple of commission pieces I just finished (check out the "Commissions" page) and tell you about a show at the Beebe Estate tomorrow night in Melrose. I was suppose to show at this exhibit with my friend Chris Mullins but unfortunately I had to back out because my band is going on tour during the whole length of the exhibit. Chris was able to find 5 other fellow artists to fill in for the show who I am also good friends with, and I am encouraging everyone on my mailinglist to try to make it out tomorrow night for the opening. All of the artists are very talented and the show includes not only paintings, but sculputre and photography as well. It is a highly anticipated event and you don't want to miss it like I am :( But thank you everyone for your support, and this will be the last news entry I make for the next 2 months. I'll still be able to check my email on the road, so feel free to shoot me a note or call the cell.

Cheers,
-J.J.

May 26, 2008
My Artwork at Artist Row in Salem and a New Portrait Painting!!!

You can now find some of my paintings and prints at the Artist Row Gallery on 24 New Derby St. in Salem, MA. Artist Row is a seasonal enclave of local and regional artists sponsored by the City of Salem. Artists Row features ongoing free art exhibits, retail galleries, workshops, performances and other activities. The exhibit will be up from May 22 through November 2. Store hours are from Thursday through Saturday 10AM to 6PM and Sunday, 12 Noon to 6PM. To learn more about Artist Row and the Salem Arts Association please visit http://saa.onefireplace.org/Default.aspx?pageId=108869

Also, I am leaving for tour on June 6th, so if you have any last minute paintings you'd like me to finish for you, or you are intersted in purchasing prints or original paintings, please get in touch with me ASAP as I'm leaving in less than 2 weeks and won't be returning to my studio until July 19th. Speaking of commission work, I just finished another portrait painting in oils called "The Ahlin Children" that you can find on my "Commissions" page. Thanks for the support everyone. Hope everyone had a great Memorial Day Weekend!

Cheers,
-J.J.


May 19, 2008
Sowa Recap, UNH discount on artwork, & Commission work!!!

Thank you to everyone that was able to make it out to the Sowa Artwalk this past weekend and check out my art show, I truly appreciate the support. It was a gorgeous weekend weather wise, with tons of foot traffic and a lot of talented artists. I hope everyone that was able to make it out had a good time. I'd also like to welcome newcomers to my mailinglist and I appreciate you taking the time to check out my display and taking a card. I've updated my website/myspace with a bunch of pictures from the show, so check them out when you get a chance.

I'd just like to remind you that if you were thinking about hiring me to do a commission painting in the near future, please get in touch with me ASAP as I'm leaving for my full U.S. Tour with the band in the next 3 weeks. I'll be away from June 6th thru July 19th. If you'd like me to do a portrait painting of your loved ones, your pets, your house, etc., please shoot me an email or call the studio line at 617-803-7804. I won't be doing any painting on the road, so if you don't get in touch with me before hand, your painting will have to wait until after July 19th. Thank you so much for the support!

Cheers,
-J.J.

May 12, 2008
Sowa Artwalk THIS Weekend May 17th & 18th!!!

Hi everyone, the Sowa Artwalk is already this Saturday and Sunday May 17th & 18th. I'll be showing at 460 Harrison Avenue in the South End of Boston most likely on the 2nd floor from 11 - 6pm both days. I'll be showing with 100+ artists in this old mill building including my close artist friends Chris Spuglio (abstract paintings) and Adrienne Belyea (photography, shirt designs). I'll have a wide array of original oil paintings as well as giclee prints of all styles. The Sowa Artwalk is a market place style setting encompassing the whole South End community throughout several mill buildings in the area offering fine art, jewelry, pottery, sculpture, photography, and other handmade crafts. The whole event is FREE and please bring the whole family to enjoy a fun filled day of art in Boston's thriving South End.

Cheers,
-J.J.

May 6, 2008
Mother's Day Gift Giving Ideas!!!

Hi everyone, Mother's Day is already THIS Sunday 5/11 and if you haven't thought of something to give your mother, why not the gift of art? I have plenty of original paintings still available off of my website and of course a wide array of prints to choose from, including framed photo prints for only $40. Also remember, I do take installments and I also accept MC, Visa, & Discover. Let me know if I can help you out and I hope everybody is enjoying the beautiful weather!

Cheers,
-J.J.

April 24, 2008
3 New Portrait Paintings in Acrylic!!!

I just finished 3 new portrait paintings in acrylic. You can check them out on the "Commissions" page. Let me know how you like them. Also, Mother's Day is already around the corner, May 11th! If you've ran out of gift giving ideas this year or are tired of giving the same gift over and over again every year, try giving the gift of art and doing something unique and long lasting. I have plenty of original paintings still available off of my website and of course a wide array of prints to choose from. Let me know if I can help you out. I hope everybody is enjoying the beautiful weather!

Cheers,
-J.J.


April 17, 2008
Thank You For Coming Out Last Night!!!

Sorry for the double email this week everybody, but I just wanted to quickly thank all those that came last night to the Dockside in Malden in support of the American Liver Foundation. I had fun hanging out with all of you and thanks for buying dinner betwen 6-9pm, purchasing prints, and entering in the raffles we had.

I also want to remind you that you have until next Wed. April 23rd to purchase artwork from my studio and if you mention "The American Liver Foundation" or "Anthony Chen", I will still donate 50% of the sale to the American Liver Foundation. That way, you walk away with an original piece of artwork and at the same time you have the satisfatction of knowing that half of your money is being donated to benefit a great cause! This goes for ALL art sales bought through my studio or off of my website including original oil paintings, photo prints, canvas giclee prints, commission work, etc!!! To learn more about this great cause please visit Anthony Chen's link below!

http://www.active.com/donate/liverteam08/AnthonyChen

Cheers,
-J.J.

April 14, 2008
Fundraiser for the American Liver Foundation @ Dockside in Malden THIS Wed. 4/16!!!

Before I talk about the AMAZING fundraiser that will be happening at the Dockside this Wednesday, I wanted to quickly thank my friends and family for coming out and supporting me at the Melrose Arts Festival this past weekend. I had a great time displaying my work and got a chance to meet and connect with some amazing artists in the area. I'd like to thank the MACA committee for doing such a great job putting the festival on and hopefully next year I will be lucky enough to show again. I just finished updating my website with my newer work that was displayed at the arts festival this past weekend, and you'll be able to purchase all of these originals and more at the Dockside fundraiser in a couple of days. I also updated my website with pics from the festival this past weekend, so make sure you check those out as well. In addition, prints are now available for the newer work, so if somethings strikes your interest, please order online via Paypal or shoot me an email.

INFO ABOUT THE DOCKSIDE FUNDRAISER!!!

The fundraiser will be hosted by Dr. Anthony Chen who will be running the Boston Marathon this year in honor of those who have died from Hepatitis or Liver cancer. I will be displaying my artwork at The Dockside Restaurant in Malden, MA on 229 Centre St. where 50% of ALL art sales will be donated in support of Anthony's race to prevent, detect, and cure hepatitis and other liver diseases. The benefit is from 6-9pm. There will be raffles for artwork and merchandise as well as a 50/50 raffle.

I'd also like to note that for this "Run for Research" benefit, I'm opening up a window of time from April 9th to April 23rd where if customers buy something from me and mention "The Run for Research" or "Anthony Chen", I will still donate 50% of the sale to the American Liver Foundation. That way, you walk away with an original piece of artwork and at the same time you have the satisfatction of knowing that half of your money is being donated to benefit a great cause! This goes for ALL art sales bought through my studio or off of my website including original oil paintings, photo prints, canvas giclee prints, commission work, etc!!!

Also, The Dockside is graciously donating 10% of ALL of their dine in or take out sales that night from 6-9pm to the cause. Even if you can't physically make it down to the Dockside to enjoy the art and food, you can still call or order online from Dockside Restaurant at 781-321-3000 or www.docksiderestaurants.com, and if you do so from 6-9pm, 10% of their sales will be donated to the American Liver Foundation. So please come down, have a bite to eat, and take in the artwork! To learn more about this great cause please visit Anthony Chen's link below!

Cheers,
-J.J.

March 31, 2008
UPDATE WITH MY ART CAREER & UPCOMING GALLERY SHOWS FOR THE SPRING!!!

Hi everyone, so I have some very exciting news to share with you all and a lot of it is life changing for me. As many of you know, my other passion in life is my music and along side my painting career, I've been pushing my music career with equal force. Well I'm happy to announce that I've finally found a new band from Boston, MA called "HELL WITHIN" (Yes...they are a heavy metal act...hahaha) and they are signed to the international record label Lifeforce Records. The guys are really down to earth and have a tremendous work ethic that dictates excellence. I've only been in the band for the past 3 weeks now, but the chemistry at practice is undeniable and I see a long fruitful relationship with these guys. They are a professional band that tours the country for atleast 6 months out of the year and do this almost primarily for a living. Please check them out on their official website at www.hellwithin.com or on their myspace page at www.myspace.com/hellwithin.

Obviously from the sounds of their name, our music isn't for the faint of heart, but for those of you that know me, know that I've always had a "Sith" side to my personality. While I paint my "Happy Trees" during the day, at night I turn into a demon like spectre that screams and spits fire on stage. Well hey...there's got to be a balance in the force right? Also, for your information, the band's name wasn't created to downplay religion and our message isn't "anti-God" or anything like that. We respect other peoples beliefs and the word "hell" is just a synomonym for the "chaos" within us. We talk about the mental anquish and frustrations of everyday life in the world around us, and we convey those feelings through our heavy hitting music. I just didn't want most of you thinking I was joining a cult or something like that...hahaha.

So having this said, what does this mean about the future of my art career???

Well, now my music and painting is split down the middle 50/50. I still plan on painting when I'm home from tour to supplement my income from the band, but this just means that I'll be restructuring my commission work for customers and art exhibitions to accomodate the band's schedule. I can assure you, while I'm on the road I'll be refining my art skills by drawing and staying creative, and I'll even have the opportunity to incorporate new landscapes and scenery from all over the country into my new body of work. So I hope you all continue to support my painting career with the same level of intensity that you have in the past and I hope you all understand the decision I've made to take my music career to the next level.

And having that said, please check out the 3 HUGE art exhibits I have coming up in the Spring that will be the last exhibits I have until probably August/September. I'd also like to note that for the "The Run for Research" benefit on April 16th at the Dockside in Malden, I'm opening up a window of time from April 9th to April 23rd where if customers buy something from me and mention "The Run for Research" benefit, I will donate 50% of the sale to the Liver Foundation. That way, you walk away with an original piece of artwork and at the same time you have the satisfatction of knowing that half of your money is being donated to benefit a great cause! This goes for ALL art sales bought through my studio including original oil paintings, photo prints, canvas giclee prints, commission work, etc!!!

Thanks for tuning in everyone and try to make it out to some of these art shows if you can since they'll be the last ones I have til probably the beginning of the Fall.

Cheers,
-J.J.


March 21, 2008
"JOHNNIE'S ON THE SIDE" IS NOW OPEN!!!

Hi everyone, the long anticipated opening of "Johnnie's on the Side" has finally arrived. The restaurant opened it's doors today to the public for the first time and you can now see 5 of the paintings I did for the restaurant while you enjoy a drink and some fine dining! The restaurant looks really classy and I am honored that I was chosen to be a part of this project. The "West End Lounge" which is the downstairs part of the restaurant is still being renovated and should be done in a month or so. I will have 2 more paintings installed in the downstairs section. But the upstairs is fully functional and you should definitely try to make it down there to have a delicious brunch, lunch or dinner some time soon. The menu is like no other that you've ever seen and of course the interior design is "breathetaking"...hahaha. To learn more about the restaurant or book a reservation, check out www.johnniesontheside.com. You can see some of the artwork I did for the restaurant by visiting the "Commissions" page on my website. Thanks for tuning in!

Cheers,

-J.J.

February 21, 2008
2 New Portrait Paintings in Acrylic!!!

Hi everyone, I just finished 2 new portrait paintings that I did in acrylic for the first time ever. You can check them out on my "Commissions" page. They are both members from the well known East Coast local band LOURDS. If you've never heard them before, check them out on myspace...they're pretty rockin. Thanks for perusing and let me know what you think!

Cheers,

-J.J.

February 8, 2008
Portrait Painting of Leah Elizabeth DeCoste!!!

Hi everyone, I'd like to tell you about a very special portrait painting I just finished for my friends. My friends Jenn and Kristen hired me to do a portrait painting of their best friend Leah Elizabeth DeCoste that tragically passed away in a car accident this past Fall. The painting was made as a gift to give to Leah's parents on what would have been Leah's 28th birthday this past January. I also knew Leah from going out to local music shows and what not, but I didn't know her as well as most other people did which I regret to this day. She was only 27 years old when she passed, and in her short time on earth she touched the lives of so many people. Two of her favorite pastimes in life were her music and the Red Sox, so we made a striking pose of Leah rocking out a "Hatebreed" tank with a backdrop of Lansdowne St. behind her. I was truly honored to do the painting and I'd like to thank Jen and Kristen again for allowing me to be a part of something so special. You can check out the portrait painting by going to the "Commissions" page of my website. Also, if you knew Leah and you'ld like a print of the painting, I'm selling 8.5x11" prints to her friends and family at a discounted rate (believe me...I'm not trying to make a profit off of this one).. Just get in touch with me and I'd be more than happy to whip up a print for you =)

Also, Valentine's Day is already next Thursday, so what better way to show a loved one you care than by buying them a unique artwork print from yours truly =) (I know...I sound like some Zales commercial). I have plenty of prints in stock ranging from photo prints to canvas prints, and I also have some originals still available as well. If you'd like a tour of my studio, let me know and we'll arrange a date and time. Also, I can frame any of my photo prints for $40 and gift certificates are still available as well if you can't decide what to get a loved one. So there's some food for thought and I hope everybody has a Happy and safe Valentine's Day. Thanks for tuning in everyone.

Cheers,

-J.J.

January 14, 2008
2 New Commission Paintings and STARBUCKS Show ending soon!!!

Hi everyone, hope you're all enjoying the freezing, cold, snowy New England weather out there....AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!! Was it just me or wasn't it like 60 degrees outside last week? Anyways, I just finished updating my website with 2 commission paintings I just finished last week called "Amist the Green Sea" and "Woburn Artillery", let me know what you think. Also, my solo exhibit at STARBUCKS in Woburn is coming down on Jan. 31st, so definitely try to make it down there in the next 2 weeks or so if you haven't already. I have about 10 original oil paintings in the show and the feedback has been great. Hey, it's a good way to escape from the cold weather for a while and sit back and relax with a hot cup of joe. Thanks for tuning in and I'll also keep you posted when "Johnnie's on the Side" opens up....very soon I hope!

Cheers,

-J.J.

January 8, 2008
Mural Paintings at the CHA Medical Facility!!!

I just updated my website with the 2 large mural sized oil paintings I did for Tufts Family Medicine at Cambridge Health Alliance on 195 Canal St. in Malden, MA. These paintings are two of the largest I've done to date. I stretched the canvases myself and they are both compositions from pictures that I took in Malden. The one of "Malden Center" is 48x96" and the one of "Fellsmere Pond" is 36x72". I'm pretty pumped that they are finally finished and out of my studio. Let me know what you think and have fun perusing. Please visit my "Commissions" page to check them out.

Cheers,

-J.J.


January 3, 2008
Check out all the New Holiday Commission Paintings I did!!!

Hi everyone, I hope you all had a safe and happy New Years. I finally just finished updating my website with the 9 new commission paintings I did for customers this past Christmas. See...there was a reason I stayed in hibernation most of November and all of December...hahaha. Also, I just finished the 2 large mural sized paintings for the CHA medical facility in Malden this past week, and I'll have pics of those sometime next week. Lastly, the paintings for "Johnnie's on the Side" are coming out amazing and I should be finished with those hopefully sometime within the next week or so. I'll keep you all posted. Thanks for the support everyone and I hope everyone's 2008 is starting off on the right foot.

Cheers,

-J.J.

December 17, 2007
Last Minute Gift Giving Ideas! - I'm leaving this Thursday!!!

Hi everyone, I just wanted to give you a last minute reminder that if you planned on buying a particular painting, print, or gift certificate from me as a gift giving idea, you only have until this Thursday to do so. I'm leaving for vacation on Dec. 21st and won't be arrving back home until late Chrismas Eve, so my last day of deliveries will be Thursday, Dec. 20th. Let me know if I can help you out with an order and thanks to everyone that has already gotten a hold of me for gift giving ideas.

Happy Holidays!

Cheers,

-J.J.

December 12, 2007
8 Days Left!!!

Hi everyone, I hope you're all having a sane holiday shopping season thus far. I just wanted to let you all know that if you planned on getting in touch with me to buy a particular painting, print, or gift certificate as a gift giving idea, you only have 8 days left to get in touch with me. I'm leaving for vacation on Dec. 21st and won't be arriving back home until late Christmas Eve, so my last day of deliveries will be Thursday, Dec. 20th. Let me know if I can help you out with an order and thanks to everyone that has already gotten a hold of me for gift giving ideas.

Also, don't forget, I currently have an art exhibit up at STARBUCKS in Woburn, MA with 9 originals on display, so check it out when you get a chance. Enjoy a cup of joe and the art show. Thanks for the support and happy holidays =)

Cheers,
-J.J.

November 29, 2007
December STARBUCKS show starts this weekend & more!!!

Hi everyone, I just wanted to remind you that my last exhibit for the year will be at STARBUCKS in Woburn, MA on 376 Cambridge Rd. for the month of December. I'll have a mix of original oil paintings and limited edition giclee canvas prints for sale. I'll be hanging the show sometime this weekend. Store hours are 6am - 8pm daily.

NO MORE COMMISSION WORK BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE HOLIDAYS:

So I think I have reached the limit for holiday commission paintings this season. If I had a third hand, I'd try to turn out some more commission paintings, but unfortunately there's just not enough hours in a day to add anymore projects to my list. I'd like to thank everyone that has hired me to do a painting for this holiday season and thanks for getting your orders in early so I can pump the work out in a timely fashion.

JOHNNIE'S ON THE SIDE:

I was just at the restaurant today, and the way the space is developing is AMAZING! I can't wait to finally hang these paintings on the wall and show you all what I've been laboring over for the past month. Johnnie just got interviewed on TV Diner and you can check out a video clip of the interview by copying and pasting this URL in your web browser:

http://www.boston.com/partners/worldnow/necn.html?catID=80776&clipid=1938485&autoStart=true&mute=false&continuous=true

The video shows the restaurant under construction and some of Johnnie's priceless sports collectibles. The opening looks like it's going to be pushed back til after the holidays, so sometime in mid January now. You can also check out Johnnie's official website at http://johnniesontheside.com.

GIFT GIVING IDEAS:

I know I've already jammed these gift giving ideas down your throat, but I just wanted to quickly remind you that I have many framed photo prints of "The Ball of Glory" painting available including the original and limited edition canvas prints and individual photo prints as well. Also, I can now frame any of my other photo prints that you like on my website for $40. Lastly, I also have JJARTWORKS gift certificates available. Let me know if I can help you out with an order.

Thanks for tuning in everyone and I hope everyone has a sane holiday shopping experience this season. Talk to you soon!!!

Cheers,

-J.J.

November 20, 2007
STARBUCKS Show coming up in December, Holiday Commission work, and framed photo prints!!!

Hi everyone, I would sincerely like to thank those people for coming out to my art show this past weekend at the 4th Annual Holiday Marketplace Event to benefit the Christopher P. Dunne Foundation in Wakefield. There was a wide array of crafts tables this year and I had a blast meeting new faces and talking with new vendors. Pics from the arts festival are now up on my website, go check them out when you get a chance.

LAST EXHIBIT FOR 2007:

My last exhibit this year will be for the month of December at STARBUCKS in Woburn, MA on 376 Cambridge Rd. I'll havea mix of original oil paintings and limited edition giclee canvas prints for sale. The show starts December 1st. Store hours are 6am - 8pm daily.

CURRENT COMMISSION PROJECTS:

So I've been insanely busy in my studio the past couple of weeks pumping out the work for holiday commission paintings, but I wanted to take the time to tell you about a couple of "big sized" commissions I've been working on for the past month and am almost done completing.

The first one involves 5 large sized paintings I'm doing for a new upscale restaurant on Portland St. in Boston (one block away from the TD Banknorth Garden) called "Johnnie's on the Side". The owner, Johnnie Caron, is spending $1.5 Million dollars to renovate the old "Anthem" restaurant that use to be there and I'm honored to be doing some artwork to jazz the place up. There is an upstairs and downstairs to the restaurant, with the upstairs being more "sports" driven and the downstairs being more of a lounge type atmosphere reflecting the historic West End community. Both levels will have live music and entertainment, and the dining menu will probably be the most diverse you've ever seen. The subject matter I'll be focusing on are Ted Williams at bat, Bobby Orr (when he scored that winning goal in the Stanley cup), JFK, "Pineapple" Stevenson (an old West End boxer from the early 1900's), and Joe & Nemo's (an old hotdog diner from the West End). All of these paintings will reflect a modernism feel, and will be like nothing you have ever seen me paint. I have been working very closely with Nationally renoun interior designer Dave O from Long Island, NY and his creative mind is like no other that I have come across. I'm looking forward to the completion of the project and the opening of the restaurnat which is scheduled to open sometime between Dec. 3 - 10. For more information on "Johnnie's on the Side" please visit http://johnniesontheside.com/aboutus.cfm

The 2nd large scale commission project I'm involved in is doing 2 large sized mural paintings for the Cambridge Health Alliance Malden Family Medicine Center located at 195 Canal St. in Malden, MA. I'll be doing 2 of the biggest paintings on canvas I've ever done to date, both reflecting the Malden community. The first one will be a 48x96" painting of Malden Center that will be placed in the main hallway and the 2nd one will be a 36x72" serene painting of a popular pond in Malden that will be placed outside the patient waiting area where blood is drawn. I'm excited to be taking on this challenge and I'll email pictures once the project is finished. I'm shooting to finish these paintings before Christmas.

So with both of these large scale commission projects in the works and a handful of other smaller commission paintings I've already taken on, I'll probably only have time to do maybe 2 more commission paintings for the holiday season. So, if any of you were planning to hire me to do a painting for the holiday season, please email as soon as possible because I think I'm booked pretty solid until Christmas.

AND LASTLY...

I just finished updating my website this afternoon with new available print options on my website. Now, when you visit my website you'll be able to order 11x14" framed photo prints for any of my work with just a click of the button. Paypal is the secure shopping cart for all web orders on my website and you can also call my studio at 617-803-7804 if you'd prefer to place an order over the phone. Also, JJARTWORKS gift certificates are available and you can purchase them off of my website as well.

Thanks for tuning in everyone and I hope everyone has a safe and happy THANKSGIVING!!!

Cheers,

-J.J.

November 12, 2007
Americal Civic Center Arts & Crafts Show THIS Sat. 11/17 !!!

Hi everyone, I just wanted to remind you that my next art show is THIS Saturday, 11/17 at the Americal Civic Center in Wakefield, MA. I'll be showing there along with a bunch of other crafts people to benefit the Christopher P. Dunne Foundation. The day runs from 10-4pm and consists of food, raffles, and a bunch more. This is a good chance to get started on your holiday shopping and to take a look at some of those "Ball of Glory" prints I know you're itching to get your fingers on...hahaha. Also, I now have some pretty cool prints of the Wakefield Bandstand that I am going to have framed as well as some canvas prints and photo prints that will be available.

Also, my exhibit at the Aberjona River Gallery is coming down this Friday morning, 11/16, so if you haven't had a chance to check out the 30+ paintings at the show, then you have til this Friday to do so. Gallery hours are 10am - 6pm daily. Thanks for the support everyone and hopefully see you this weekend =)

Cheers,

-J.J.

November 1, 2007
STARBUCKS Show postponed til December!!!

I just want to let you know that my STARBUCKS show on Cambridge Rd in Woburn, MA meant for this month will be postponed til December 1st. I went down to setup my exhibit last night at 7pm and low and behold, another artist's artwork was already on the walls. The manager double booked the month with myself and another artist and neglected to tel me that the other artist was already showing for November. I just figured I'd let you all know since some of you had emailed me planning to make it out to the show at some point this month. I'll admit, I was a little bummed, but now that gives you all more incentive to go check out my show at Aberjona in Winchester before I take it down on Nov. 16th =) Hope everyone had a Happy Halloween!

Cheers,

-J.J.

October 30, 2007
New Paintings, New Prints, and a New Exhibit!!!

ABERJONA SUCCESS:

First off, I'd like to thank all of my friends and family that were able to make it to my show in Winchester this past Sunday. I'd like to sincerely thank the Aberjona Nursing Home staff for their great preparataion for the show and Chef Dee for doing an amazing job on the spread of food and drink. I had a great time at the opening and I'm glad some of you got to come out and see the new work that I've been laboring on for the past month. Also, I've updated my website with pics from the show, so definitely check it out when you get a chance.

NEW PAINTINGS:

For those of you that weren't able to check out the 8 new paintings at the show, here they are now updated on my website. I have one new painting in the "Still Life" section and 7 new paintings in the "Landscape" section of my website. The show is still up through Nov. 16th, so definitely try to make it down and see these works live in person if you get the chance. I have 33 works total in the show. All of these originals are currently available for purchase and you can contact me if interested in a piece since I am handling all sales for the show. Also as a gentle reminder, I now take credit cards (MC, Visa, Discover) over the phone and can do installments if need be. Also, canvas prints and photo prints are now available for all of these pieces, so if something catches your eye, let me know and I'll whip up a print for you. And speaking of prints...

GO SOX!!!

I know every New Englander is psyched that the Red Sox won another World Series and I have the perfect gift giving idea that will satisfy any Red Sox fan for the Holiday Season rapidly approaching. I am now selling canvas prints and photo prints of "The Ball of Glory" painting I did last month. What better way to celebrate the success of the Red Sox this past season than buying a special Red Sox print for a loved one. The orignal of "The Ball of Glory" is also on display at Aberjona if anyone is interested in purchasing. You can buy the original and or prints of the painting by contacting yours truly =)

STARBUCKS SHOW

Also I have another STARBUCKS show on Cambridge Rd. in Woburn, MA coming up this Wednesday. I'll be setting up the show on Halloween night and it will be up through the month of November. The show will consist of just canvas prints since all of my available original oil paintings are currently on display down the road at the Aberjona River Gallery in Winchester. I will also be showing at STARBUCKS for the month of December as well, but I'll be swapping out new work for that show.

COMMISSION WORK FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Lastly, the Holiday season is rapidly approaching and I am currently available to take on commission work for gift giving ideas. If you are interested in hiring me to do a painting for a loved one for Christmas, please give the studio a call or drop me an email and I'll be more than happy to work on a custom painting for you. If you have a special photo you'd like me to recreate, I can do that, or I can do a conceptualized painting as well. My subject matter is anything and everything (ie. landscapes, sunsets, cityscapes, still lifes, pets, houses, portraiture, cars, your lawn mower, a spoon....whatever). I am making Nov. 30th the cut off date for hiring me to do commssion work because I want to have an adequate amount of time to finish your gift for the Holidays and be dry (I don't think you want your family to open up wet paintings on Christmas..yikes!). I hate turning away business, but if you ask me a week before Christmas to make a painting as a gift for somebody, I'll probably say no....sorry. Plus I'm leaving on vacation for Christmas this year, so I need to have everyone's paintings finished by the end of the 2nd week of December anyways. And another gentle reminder...I can now take credit card orders for commission work. And also gift certificates for that matter.

So thanks for reading yet another one of my novels and I hope everyone has a safe and happy Halloween tomorrow!

Cheers,
-J.J.

October 22, 2007
Aberjona Exhibit THIS Sunday 10/28, credit card transactions now accepted at live gallery shows, and 3 NEW paintings from the minds of 3 different artists!!!

ABERJONA RIVER GALLERY:

Hi everyone, before I start blabbering about some wacky new paintings I've been doing with some very cool tattoo artists, I wanted to remind you that my solo exhibit at the Aberjona River Gallery is already THIS Sunday, Oct. 28th, 2007 from 3-5pm. I will have a handful of new paintings to show you and there will be refreshments served, some light jazz music for some ambiance, and a raffle for "The Great Climb" limited edition canvas print. Raffle tickets are the same price as always, 1 for $5 or 3 for $10.

Also, I'm really excited to let you all know that I will be able to process credit card transactions at my art show this Sunday and every other show in the future for tha matter. I've invested in a credit card service program that I will be able to use at all of my trade shows/art festivals and it is very safe and secure. Credit card types accepted are Mastercard, Visa, and Discover. Sorry NO Amex. Not only will I be able to process credit card transactions at live gallery shows, but now I can also take credit card orders for other types of transactions at any other place and time such as commission work, the purchase of an original painting outside of a gallery show setting, gift certificates, photo/canvas prints, whatever. No matter if it's a $10 order or $500, I can now make purchasing artwork more convenient, easier, and safe for everybody. I will still be using Paypal as my primary shopping cart for web orders on my website, but for those people that don't like Paypal or are not too Paypal savvy, you can now call my studio line and I can process credit cards over the phone.

FROM THE MINDS OF 3 DIFFERENT ARTISTS:

For the past 5 Wednesday nights in a row local North Shore MA artists Jon Saulnier (www.myspace.com/ amorphousform), Matt Macguire (www.myspace.com/21stcenturyfunfactory), and myself have been collaborating on 3 paintings that we've all created from our imaginations. You can view the 3 paintings by reading the blurb on the home page of my website. All paintings are acrylic on panel and are 16x20". Our process was very simple. Grab a bunch of beers for some creative fuel, grab whatever paints and brushes we had available, and run wild with whatever our artistic minds desired.

The first session we just drew on the panels with pencil, hashing out some ideas and staying loose with our sketches. We'd each draw for about 10min on one panel, and then swap to the next artist, draw for another 10min, swap to the next artist, and so on and so forth. We agreed from the beginning to have as much artistic freedom with the paintings as we wanted, meaning we wouldn't take it personal if someone erased something another artist had done or added something another artist didn't like. We just ran with it and had fun, feeding off of each others artistic inspiration. After the first drawing session, we started right in on the acrylic painting with some sharpie to create some bold outlines and sculpt certain areas. We kept the same process throughout the 4 painting sessions we did, but instead of 10min intervals we shifted to 30-45min. intervals because painting takes a bit longer to render with. As our paintings progressed, so did our alcohol consumption and our creativity…hahaha. Who would have thought Tequila shots and wine were such great artistic stimulators?

Both Jon and Matt are tattoo artists at the Purple Scorpion and Lightwave tattoo parlors respectively with stellar portfolios in flash and illustration, so I wasn't sure what to expect from myself heading into this project being an oil painter with none of their artistic background. I'm glad to say it was a humbling experience being in their presence and I think we all learned a lot from each other artistically. Also, it was just a cool way to chill with friends and forget about the stresses of every day life for one night, which I haven't experienced for a while. All 3 of these paintings are currently available for purchase at the Artist Row Gallery on New Derby St. in Salem, MA through Nov. 4th. We're selling them for $200 a piece and you can contact me or the gallery if you are interested in a purchase. Prints are also available for these paintings off of the home page of my website. We'll be doing some more projects in the near future (probably on a bigger scale) so stay tuned, and let us know what you think.

Thanks for tuning in everyone and I hope to see many of you out in Winchester this Sunday afternoon. It's a good opportunity to get a head start on your Christmas shopping. Don't forget to bring the plastic...hahaha.

Cheers,
-J.J.

October 15, 2007
Success at Arts Central, another write up in the Free Press, and Aberjona right around the corner!!!

Hi everyone, first off I'd like to say thank you to all my friends that were able to make it out to my art demo this past Sat. at Pearl Arts & Crafts Store in Central Square Cambridge and show some support. I know some people in particular travelled all the way from AUGUSTA, ME to come see my exhibit, and I am forever greatful. I'd also like to thank my friend Heather Fiedler for taking a bunch of photots of me painting inside Pearl and I've posted a bunch on my website and myspace for your perusal.

Also, last Thursday, I made the front page of the City Scope section of the Melrose Free Press regarding the recovery of my stolen painting. I'd like to personally thank Daniel Demaina, reporter for the Melrose Free Press, for doing a terrific write up on the whole ordeal. I have the article posted online on my website or you can also visit it on the Town Online website at http://www.townonline.com/melrose.

Lastly, my solo exhibit at the Aberjona River Gallery is already next weekend, Oct. 28th, 2007. I should have a handful of new paintings to show you and there will be refreshments served, some light jazz music for some ambiance, and another raffle I'm sure. I didn't get a chance to raffle off "The Great Climb" print at the Rolsindale Open Studios, so I think I'll be raffling that off at Aberjona next weekend. Also, you should be getting your postcards for the Aberjona show in the mail this week if you already haven't. If you'd like one mailed out to you, please give me your physical address and I'll mail one out ASAP.

Thanks for the support everyone, and hopefully I'll see you all at the end of the month.

Cheers,
-J.J.

October 10, 2007
Arts Central in Cambridge, MA THIS Sat. 10/13/07!!!

Hi everyone, first off I just want to say thank you to all my friends that were able to make it out to my art exhibit this weekend at the Roslindale Open Studios. I know it was a far drive for most of you and I can't thank you enough for coming out and showing some support. I think the show was very successful for many of the artists, as well as myself, and the exposure was amazing. I'd also like to personally thank the ROS staff that did an amazing job promoting the show and drumming up the traffic that we artists enjoy. Pics from the show are up on my website, so check them out and see what you missed.

So without skipping a beat, this Saturday, 10/13/07, I have another art show from 12-6pm in Central Square in Cambridge, MA. "Arts Central" is an all day outdoor festival with music, dance, food, theater, film and fine arts. Artists from the community will spend a few hours working on their craft in a local business, answering questions, and promoting their work. I'll be showing at PEARL ART & CRAFT SUPPLY STORE located at 579 Massachusetts Ave. I'll be doing a live demo of me painting in my normal medium of oils and I'll also have a display of my artwork behind me, along with prints, available for purchase. I'll be featured on the first floor of PEARL near the stairs that lead down into the basement level. One or two of my pieces will also be featured at the YMCA at 820 Massachusetts Ave throughout the day, along with all the other artists that will be participating in Arts Central. These pieces are also available for purchase. There will be a special Artist's Reception and closing ceremonies at the YMCA from 6-8pm. To learn more about Arts Central please visit www.centralsquarecambridge.com.

Some Other Updates...

Everyone on my mailinglist should be getting postcards in the mail within the next couple of weeks for my art show at the end of the month for the Aberjona River Gallery. Keep your eyes open in the mail and let me know when you get them. Also, if you haven't given me your physical mailing address and you'd like to get these postcards in the mail, just email me your mailing address and I'll send one out to you ASAP. Also, please inform me if you have a new mailing address so I don't waste postage mailing them to your old homes.

Lastly, my painting "Underneath the Purple Haze" is still available for purchase through the Hourglass. A couple months back a customer put the painting on layaway at the Hourglass, but after a couple of months, they realized it wasn't in their financial budget. The painting is still selling at the Hourglass for $300, so if you were interested before, now is your opportunity to buy.

Thanks as always for the support everyone, and I hope to see many of you out in Cambridge this Saturday.

Cheers,
-J.J.


October 5, 2007
I FOUND MY LOST PAINTING!!!

It wasn't in a garbage heap or carried away by raccoons, but an honest "art loving" family from Melrose held on to it for safe keeping.

The Reardons on 56 Leonard Rd. saw the painting leaning up against a telephone pole on their street on Sunday evening after the Victorian Fair. Gail Reardon's young daughters Erin & Victoria were outside playing in the neighborhood with their cousin when they spotted the painting. Erin and Victoria, who are young aspiring artists themselves, fell in love with the painting and asked their mom if they could take the painting since it appeared to be an item that was going to be thrown away with the morning rubbish anyways. THANKFULLY their mother agreed, and as a result, the daughters actually let their cousin from New Hampshire take it home with her that they had been playing with that day. It wasn't until weeks later that Gail Reardon was reading an old Melrose Free Press (the one with my article in it) and her daughter Erin screamed "THAT'S THE PAINTING MOM...WE NEED TO GET IT BACK!"

I can't thank the Reardons enough for being genuine people and seeing value in something I created. Their strong family values has once again restored my faith in the Melrose Community. I would also like to thank all the kind residents on Leonard Rd. who I spoke to the week before that were very sympathetic and helpful regarding my painting heist. Lastly and most importantly, I would like to thank the Melrose Free Press for their hard work putting out my City Scope article in the Free Press a couple of weeks ago, because if it wasn't for that article, I probably would have never found my painting.

So, after this whole fiasco, my painting is now, once again, available for purchase. I'll be trying to sell it tonight and the rest of the weekend at the Roslindale Open Studios. If you'd like to see a piece of history, defintitely try to come and see the painting before something else happens to it...hahaha. Thank you to everyone for your support regarding this incident. I think your karma brought my painting back!

Cheers,
-J.J.

October 3, 2007
Roslindale Open Studios THIS Weekend and Michaela's Message Supports Autism Speaks!!!

ROSI OPEN STUDIOS

Hi everyone, so this is a pretty busy weekend for me none the less. First off, the Rosi Open Studios is already THIS weekend, Oct. 6th & 7th, 2007 from 12-6pm both days. I will be showing at the Longfellow House located at 885 South Street. There will also be a FREE opening on Friday night at the Longfellow House, Oct. 5th at 6pm with refreshments served and a chance to meet the artists. All together there are 75 artists in 27 locations all over Roslindale. This is your chance to purchase paintings, drawings, prints, photography, sculpture, fiber arts, jewelry, and more. I'll also be raffling off a "Great Climb" limited edition canvas print over the weekend, and I'll pull the drawing on Sunday at the end of the show. Tickets are per usual, 1 for $5 and 3 for $10. To learn more about this event please visit www.roslindaleopenstudios.org.

MICHAELA'S MESSAGE SUPPORTS AUTISM SPEAKS

Also this weekend, I'll be raffling off another one of my limited edition canvas prints called "Reflections in the Liquid Wall" at a benefit show presented by Michaela Mackin and her family for Autism Speaks. The benefit will be happening on Oct. 7th from 3 - 7pm at the VFW on Chipman Ave. in Melrose. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend because I'll be at the Roslindale Open Studios, but if you are local to Melrose, please try to make it out to the VFW to support a great cause. Tickets are $15 at the door or you can order them in advance by calling Danielle Saulnier at 781-724-9575. The admission price gets you a potluck dinner, dessert, and live entertainment. Plus there will be a slew of other raffle prizes on the tables, and all the raffle tickets (including the one for my print) are only $1. If you'd like a complete list of all the raffles offered or you would like to purchase a raffle ticket for the "Reflections in the Liquid Wall" canvas print, please again contact Danielle Saulnier at the above number. All of the proceeds from the benefit go to Autism Speaks.

Thanks for the support everyone, and I hope you are all enjoying the beautiful Fall weather. See you at an art show soon!

Cheers,
-J.J.

September 28, 2007
Update on the stolen painting, 4 New paintings under $100, and the Roslindale Open Studios next weekend!!!

STOLEN PAINTING UPDATE

Hi everyone, so I've been frantically busy the past couple weeks painting for my October exhibitions and at the same time trying to be Angela Lansbury in Murder She Wrote. First things first, I know many of you have been asking about the where abouts of my stolen painting and now that I have some better hard evidence I'll let you know the probability of its survival.

As many of you know, I put an ad in the Melrose Free Press last week talking about my stolen painting and it actually made the front page with a color photo of the painting. In the article I asked that if anyone had any clues to it's where abouts to please contact as soon as possible. Well last Saturday I got an anonymous phone call from a woman that lives on Leonard Rd. (about 2 to 3 blocks from where I showed at Artisan's Alley). She said that Sunday morning around 11:30am she saw the painting leaning up against a telephone pole on her street between 42 - 45 Leonard Rd. She said she thought it was strange that a painting was leaning up against a telephone pole but thought maybe it was an old canvas or something that someone was throwing away with the trash.

After receiving this anonymous tip, I marched down to Leonard Rd. with a copy of the Free Press in my hand and knocked on EVERY SINGLE DOOR in the neighborhood. A couple of families confirmed with me that they had INDEED seen the painting leaning up against the telephone pole outside and that they thought it was wierd as well, but figured someone was just throwing away an old canvas or something (even though it wasn't even a week old....aaaahhh!). Even more unsettling after talking to many of the residents on Leonard Rd., Monday on their street was TRASH DAY! Another couple also confirmed with me that when they arrived from work on Monday night, that the painting was no longer there.

Soooooo...my next plan of attack was to contact the Melrose Public Works Department and see if I could talk to the trash man on duty that day that did the route for Leonard Rd and see if he remembered seeing a painting. I was crossing my fingers hoping that maybe the trash man was an art lover or something and took the painting home for his own personal value and didn't trash it, but unfortunatly (or fortunately however you look at it), after my sources got back to me from City Hall, they said that the trash people that day didn't have any recollection of a misplaced painting.

Soooooo...there are a couple things we can deduce from these facts. First off, my painting was definitely stolen. It wasn't like I was joy driving around Leonard Rd. that Sunday morning before the Victorian Fair and miraculously my painting fell out of my car with the windows and doors shut and landed perfect leaning up against a telephone pole. I think what may have happened was the culprit may have felt guilty or something for stealing the painting, and just planted it against the telephone pole and walked away. The other thing is there is a 50/50 chance that my painting may still be alive. Someone else just walking by may have thought the painting was up for grabs before the trash was even picked up on Monday morning. And of course the other crappy alternative is that my painting was tossed away with the trash and the trash guys honestly have no recollection of throwing away a painting.

So that is the status of the lost painting in a nutshell. I'm still going to be optimistic and consider the painting MIA, but I'm not going to beat a dead horse to death so to speak. My hope is that someday when I'm long and gone my painting might end up on the Antique Road Show and we can all point and say "IT WAS YOU!!!". That'd be pretty sweet. Needless to say, I've decided to finally make prints of the painting and you can do so by visiting my website. If you want to buy canvas prints or photo prints of the painting, it would be much appreciated since I don't have the cabability of selling the original, plus you can have the satisfaction of owning a print that has a story behind it, a piece of history if you will.

4 NEW WORKS FOR UNDER $100

Go to the landscapes page of my website and check them out. They are all 5x7" or smaller. Some were painted from my imagination too!

NEW PAINTING POLICY

So I've come up with a new policy when it comes to selling my new paintings. In the past whenever I completed a new painting, I would immediately put that work in a gallery to be sold because my whole philosophy was that my work needed to be exposed to the public as soon as possible in order to sell. To be fair with the galleries I deal with on a regular basis, and also to myself, I've decided that any new paintings that I produce will exclusively be available through me for the first 2 weeks that they are created. The reason I'm doing this is because customers tend to contact me directly to purchase a piece of artwork that they see on my website or newsletter (which is a good thing), but sometimes I have already placed that particular painting in a gallery.

In the past, if I knew a customer definitely saw my painting on my website/newsletter and wanted to purchase it from me within the first couple of days it was available, then I'd graciously ask the gallery for the painting back so it would be my own private sale. Unfortunately, when this happens, I feel like an"indain giver", and I don't think it's fair to the galleries even though they understand that I made that sale through my own promotional efforts. I think 2 weeks is long enough for serious art buyers to contact me directly if they want to buy something they see online, but after 2 weeks, those paintings are free game and they may be selling for a higher price in a gallery somewhere else. On my website, anything that is 2 weeks old or under will have a "NEW" icon underneath it, that way you will know that those paintings are still available exclusively through me.

ROSLINDALE OPEN STUDIOS

Lastly, the Roslindale Open Studios are already next weekend. An opening reception will be held on Oct. 5th from 6-8pm at the Longfellow House on South St. Also, don't forget, this weekend is your last weekend to see my work at STARBUCKS in Woburn, MA. Check it out before I take down the show Monday afternoon. Ok, well I think that's it. I hope everyone has a great weekend and thanks for tuning in.

Cheers,
-J.J.



September 17, 2007
Success AND Depress at the Victorian Fair!!!

Hi everyone, so this was a very unique Victorian Fair for me this weekend in more ways thans one. Whenever there's good and bad news, I like to hear the bad news first, so here it is...in a nutshell I lost my first painting ever this Sunday, and more unsettling, I believe it was stolen. I'm not sure if I should be flattered or abominably irate that someone possible stole one of my paintings, but either way I'm trying to be optimistic over the whole situation. You can read about the details about the lost painting on the home page of website.


NOW THE SUCCESS...

Other than that obvious setback, the weather was gorgeous out Sunday, sales were great, and many of you showed up and said hi. I sold an original, a handful of canvas prints, and a bunch of photo prints. The raffle got some good attention and I met many new art lovers that have never seen my work before. It was an all over good vibe on Sunday and although I was exhausted and a bit depressed at the end of the day, it was definitely worthwhile.

So now that the Victorian Fair is behind me, October is coming up...the month I like to call "THE MONTH FROM HELL". I'm not sure what I was thinking a couple months ago when I booked these shows, but I booked 3 art shows in the same month. You can read about my upcoming art exhibitions below on my home page. Also don't forget, I still have a solo show going on at STARBUCKS in Woburn, so definitely check it out before I take it down on Oct. 1st. There's only about 6 pieces up on the walls, but it's a good excuse to grab a cup of joe, right? Lastly, I just updated my website with some pics from the Victorian Fair and also my newer work. Thanks for the support everyone and remember, prints are available for the newer work.

Cheers,
-J.J. (the aspiring Sherlock Holmes)

September 6, 2007
Last Minute Show at STARBUCKS in Woburn, MA!!!

Hi everyone, I just wanted to let you know about a last minute solo show I just hung at STARBUCKS this morning. The location is on 376 Cambridge Rd., in Woburn, MA 01801. I have 3 large sized original oil paintings and 3 canvas prints hanging. The show is running from Sept. 6 - Oct. 1, 2007. Store hours are 6am - 8pm daily. Try to make it over there in the next 3 weeks if you can. Thanks for the support!

Cheers,
-J.J.

September 5, 2007
A New Portrait Commission and the Victorian Fair Next Weekend!!!

Hi everyone, check out a new portrait commission I just finished last week titled "The Kohler Kids" on my commissions page. Also the Victorian Fair is already next weekend, Sunday September 16th from 11-5pm. For those of you that aren't local to Melrose, The Annual Victorian Fair is held on Main St. in Melrose for a jam packed day of food, rides, raffles, and live entertainment in general. There are numerous booths set up along both sides of the street and I will be showing in "Artisan's Alley" which is a small alley way right next to Hugo's Appliance Store. I'll also be raffling off one of my "Enchantment" limited edition canvas prints which is a $100 value. You can buy 1 raffle ticket for $5 or 3 for $10. I'm also going to have a handful of new paintings as well as some freshly stretched canvas prints and photo prints. Thanks for all your support and I look forward to seeing you all next weekend.

Cheers,
-J.J.

August 15, 2007
JJARTWORKS Now on Myspace!!!

Hey Everyone, I just finished making a new myspace page called JJARTWORKS that is soley dedicated to my artwork. Please check it out at www.myspace.com/jjartworksbiz. My wish is that this new profile can be a place for artists to network and also a place where customers can contact me to purchase paintings and prints. I have banners and other cool stuff on my page, so please help spread the word and let me know what you think.

Cheers,
-J.J.

August 12, 2007
JJArtworks Gift Certificates NOW available, Mini canvas prints at the Hourglass, My Artwork in Salem, and 3 NEW commission paintings!!!

Ok, so needless to say I've been a very busy bee. I apologize before hand for the long winded news entry, but there are a lot of new exciting things going on with my art career that I'd like to share with you.

GIFT CERTIFICATES

First off, the first ever JJARTWORKS GIFT CERTIFICATES are now available. JJArtworks gift certificates can be redeemed for any of my artwork including original oil paintings, giclee prints of any style, commission work, and other merchandise that is copyrighted by yours truly. Gift certificates can ONLY be redeemed privately through me and not through any gallery where my art is on display. There are NO expiration dates when purchasing these gift certificates. You can purchase gift certificates online by going to the home page of my website. When purchasing GC's online via Paypal, denominations are offered in $25 incriments. A more specific amount (ie. $60) can also be purchased if desired by contacting me.

MINI CANVASES

Now at the Hourglass in Melrose, you can purchase the first ever "Melrose Gazebo" canvas print in a mini 5x7" size for $50. The normal canvas print of the Melrose Gazebo has been one of my best sellers to date, and as a result I was getting a lot of requests to make a smaller version of it, something a bit more affordable that came in a souvenir size. If you stop by the Hourglass let me know what you think, and who knows, maybe I'll offer mini canvas prints for all of my paintings if the demand continues to grow...

THE SALEM ARTS ASSOCIATION

I am also very happy to announce that I just recently became a member of the Salem Arts Association and you can now purchase my artwork at "Artist Row" on 24 New Derby St. in Salem, MA right in the heart of downtown Salem. I have a couple of originals there and of course a slew of photo prints and a few canvas prints. "Artist Row" is a seasonal gallery and will only be open through November 4th, so please do your best to get down there before the cold front comes in. To learn more about the Salem Arts Association, you can check them out online at

http://www.salemartsassociation.org/experience/sassc.html

NEW COMMISSION WORK

Lastly, I have 3 new commission pieces I just completed this past week. The one titled "Into the Distance" is a very unique commission that is the first of it's kind. My mother hired me to do the painting, but wanted me to make it look like an actual window view, because her new work office that she was moving into didn't have any windows and she didn't want to feel claustrophobic. After I finished her landscape, I enlisted the help of our good carpenter friend Joel Nordberg who did an excellent job making a custom red oak frame for the painting that mirrored the old Victorian molding in our Melrose home. I had a lot of fun doing the project and maybe it won't be the last...who knows.

Well thanks for making it through the lengthy read, and I hope you like the new work. Let me know what you think.

Cheers,
-J.J.

August 2, 2007
Last chance to see my artwork at the Middle East Restaurant!!!

Hi everyone, this is your last weekend to check out my art work at the Middle East Cornerside Restaurant in Cambridge, MA. I'm taking the exhibit down Sunday morning, Aug. 5th, so you'll have through the whole day Saturday to see the show. Thanks to all of you that attended the opening earlier this month and I plan on showing again in Cambridge during their Central Square Arts Festival in October.

Also, I have some new city scenes that I just finished and you can check them out on my website under the "Cityscapes" link. The 3 new paintings are available exclusively through the Charles-Baltivik gallery in Provincetown, so please contact them if you are interested in purchasing. Photo prints of the new city scapes are also available through me if you are interested. Hope everyone is having a fantastic summer!

Cheers,
-J.J.

July 2, 2007
Opening Reception at the Middle East Tonight!!!

Hi everyone, the opening reception at the Middle East Cornerside Restaurant in Cambridge is tonight from 7 - 9:30pm. I'm having FREE wine and food at the show and live performances by my friends Christian Samatis on acoustic guitar and Madelin Craw on cello. I'm also going to be raffling off one of my Limited Edition canvas prints at the show called "Timelessness" (a $100 value) and you can buy 1 raffle ticket for $5 or 3 for $10. I'll also have a slew of prints for sale and other cool stuff. So come on out and try to unwind from your Monday with some food, drink, music, and art.

Cheers,
-J.J.

June 26, 2007
Less than a week til the Middle East Art Exhibit!!!

Hi everyone, the opening reception at the Middle East Restaurant in Cambridge is next Monday night, July 2nd, from 7 - 9:30pm. There'll be plenty of art, wine, food, and music to go around. Hope to see you all there!

Cheers,
-J.J.

June 7, 2007
My Artwork in P-Town and the Middle East Show around the corner!

Hi everyone, I'm happy to let everyone know that my artwork is being featured in the Charles-Baltivik Gallery on Commercial Street in Provincetown, MA. I'm very excited about this opportunity and I hope if some of you visit the Cape this summer you'll try to swing by the gallery if you can. Currently I have 4 pieces down at the gallery and I should have a few more cityscapes there by the beginning of July. Unfortunately I'm not listed on the their website yet, but please take a look at the website and let me know what you think.

Also, the opening for the Middle East show is less than a month away on July 2nd. All of you should have gotten your postcards in the mail by now, but if for some reason you didn't get yours, let me know and I'll mail one out asap.

Lastly, I have about 9 new landscape paintings on my website so make sure to check them out. And as always, prints are available for the newer work. Thanks for the support and I hope to see many of you at the Middle East on July 2nd.

Cheers,
-J.J.

May 20, 2007
Thank you to everyone that came to the Sowa Artwalk this weekend!

Thank you to everyone that braved the cold rainy weather this past weekend to come to Boston's South End and support the arts. Although it was cold and rainy, I think we all made the best of it and still had fun. I gave away a ton of magnets and postcards, and you should be getting your postcards in the mail later on this week. My next art exhibit is July 2nd at the Middle East in Cambridge, MA. There will be an opening that night from 7 - 9:30pm with live entertainment and food. I should have a handful of new paintings by then and lets pray for good weather on that show. So thanks again for those that made it out this weekend and those that purchased some of my artwork. Your support is AMAZING!

Cheers,
-J.J.

May 11, 2007
Who wants a FREE postcard for the Middle East Exhibit? How about a FREE new JJArtworks Magnet?

I know for most of you I already have your mailing addresses on file, but I always like to double check in case people move and have a change of address or something of that nature (there's nothing worse than getting a dozen returned postcards in the mail...arggghhh). I'll probably send them out sometime next week and if I don't already have your mailing address, please send it along.

Also, I just got a bunch of new JJArtworks magnets in the mail today. If you'd like one, get in touch with me or just come to one of my art exhibits where I'll have them on display. They look sharp and I'm sure they'll look great on all your regrigerators...haha.

Lastly, I have the SoWa Artwalk coming up next weekend May 19 & 20. I'll have a handful of new paintings at the show and of course plenty of giclees for sale. Start off your summer right by indulging in the flourishing art scene in Boston's South End. I'll send out another gentle reminder next week.

Ok, that's all I got for now. Thanks for tuning in and see you soon!

Cheers,
-J.J.

April 25, 2007
New Paintings at the Hourglass!!!

Hi everyone, I just finished 3 of the tiniest paintings I've ever made and you can check them out in person at the Hourglass Art & Gift Gallery in Melrose. Also, my Middle East Restaurant show is still up and running through May 6th, so make sure you swing by Cambridge in the next couple of weeks to check it out. In addition, my show at the Redbrick Arts Center in Beverly is still going on through May 10th, so if you're in the Beverly area, please stop by and take a look. Lastly, the Sowa Artwalk is right around the corner coming up this May 19th & 20th, so be prepared for a bunch of new work and prints. Thanks for the support and see you soon.

Cheers,
-J.J.

April 9, 2007
The Middle East Restaurant Show is a Go!!!

Hi everyone, I just wanted to let you know that my solo exhibit at the Middle East Restaurant is up and running. I have about 8 original paintings in the show and 10 limited edition giclee canvas prints. The Middle East Restaurant is located at 472 Mass Ave in Cambridge, MA and the show will be up through May 5th. Many of you night owl's that go there to see local music may know it as the entrance to the Middle East Upstairs Rock Club. I will also be showing at the Middle East Corner Side Restaurant (entrance to the downstairs rock club), but that art show won't be happening until the beginning of July. If you didn't get a chance to go to the Melrose Arts Festival (where I had a lot of these pieces), you should definitely stop over at the Middle East for lunch or dinner sometime in the next month and check out the new paintings. Thanks for the support and talk to you soon!

Cheers,

-J.J.

March 20, 2007
Recap of the Melrose Arts Festival, 2 more Exhibitions this month, and newer paintings/prints updated on my website!!!

Hi everyone, I would sincerely like to thank my friends, family, and art lovers in general for coming out to the Melrose Arts Festival this weekend and supporting myself and all the other local artists. It was a fun filled weekend with lots of art, plenty of food and drink, and exceptional live music. I hope everyone had a blast as much as I did.

Just a reminder for you all, I currently have another art exhibit up at the Red Brick Arts Center in Beverly, MA. The opening reception was this past Friday, but if you missed it (like i did) you can still check out the show through mid May. I have 5 pieces total in the show along with other fellow Melrose artists Tom Sutherland and Eva Cincotta.

Also, my solo exhibition at the Middle East Restaurant in Cambridge, MA starts up this Saturday. There will unfortunately be no opening reception for this show and it will encompass a lot of the same artwork that was featured in the Melrose Arts Festival. If you didn't get a chance to see my newer work at the Melrose Art's Festival, please stop by the Middle East Restaurant sometime in the next couple of weeks and enjoy your self a spectacular lunch or dinner (try the grape leaves...they are exceptional!).

Lastly, I just finished updating my website this evening with the newer paintings that were featured at the festival this weekend such as the NY city scenes, figure studies, and marblehead sea scapes. Prints are NOW available for those particular paintings, so for those of you that couldn't pick up a print over the weekend, you can now do so via the website. Also, if you go to the home page of my website and click on the Melrose Arts Festival thumbnail under "Previous Exhibitions" you can check out some pics from the show. Thanks for tuning in and see you soon.

Cheers,

-J.J.

March 20, 2007
Melrose Arts Festival Next Weekend!!!

Hi everyone, I just wanted to remind you all that the Melrose Arts Festival is already next weekend. Here is all the info from one of the press releases that was sent out. Hope to see many of you there as it's one of the biggest local art's festivals of the year! I'll send out another gentle reminder next week. Here's the info, Cheers,

-J.J.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

PRESS RELEASE

The Melrose Arts and Cultural Association (MACA), thanks to major funding from Comcast, will once again host its annual Arts Festival at Memorial Hall on Sat. 3/31 and Sun. 4/01. Doors open to the public from 11-5pm with free admission.

The Festival will showcase the work of over 38 regional painters, photographers, and sculptors. The two-day event will offer continuous live music throughout the day and the opportunity to relax in a decorated café setting while enjoying catering by Turner Fisheries of Melrose. This year there will be a new feature for families from the Museum of Fine Arts brought by the organization "School Smarts". The MFA will be there on Saturday with their outreach program called "Art on the Move" that is geared for children.

On Friday evening March 30th MACA will kick-off the Festival with a Preview Party also to be held at Memorial Hall from 7:30-10pm. Guests will have the opportunity to view the exhibitors work prior to the weekend show. All the art will be available for sale that evening. There will be a fund-raising Silent Auction as one of the features of the evening. The event includes music by Tony Gallo and his band. (www.tonygallo.com) . This is being sponsored by Music 101. Food and beverages will be catered by Cedar Perk of Melrose. Tickets for the Preview Party are $15. each and are available for sale at Hourglass, Miter Biter, and Cedar Perk. They will also be available at the door that evening.

The Melrose Arts Festival is made possible by the generous contribution of Comcast and additional funding by East Boston Savings .This program is supported in part by a grant from the Melrose Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. For more info. go to www.melrosearts.com .

February 22 , 2007
FREE Coffee Anyone???

Hi everyone, I just wanted to remind you all about my Melrose STARBUCKS opening reception this Sunday 2/25 from 3-5pm. The first 20 people that come to the show get a FREE grande Starbucks coffee of their choosing (this is my little ploy to actually get people to come down and look at my artwork for a change...hahaha.) Unfortunately I won't have a ton of new paintings for this Starbucks show because I'm saving a lot of the newer stuff for the Melrose Arts Festival in March, but I will have one of my largest paintings to date hanging at the show (36"x48") along with the usual canvas prints and NOW commission prints! The large painting is a figure study and I've yet to come up with a name, but I think it's one of my strongest paintings of the human form to date.

Lastly, I've just joined a new art association in Beverly, MA called RED BRICK ARTS and I'll be having an art show with them from March 30 - May 11, 2007 along with a slew of other artists. Since I've already committed to the Melrose Art's Festival at Memorial Hall, I won't be able to attend the Red Brick Arts opening that same Friday on March 30th, but please stop by if you are available to look at the wonderful gallery space and other local artists. As an added bonus they have a cafe and gift shop in the main lobby area!

Thanks for tuning in, and I hope to see many of you caffeine addicts out at Starbucks this Sunday afternoon.

Cheers,

-J.J.

January 29, 2007
One Week Left at Glenridge!!!

Hi everyone, I just wanted to tell you that you have until 10am this Friday 2/2/07 to catch my show at Glenridge Nursing Care Center in Malden, MA before I take it down. I'd like to sincerely thank Glenridge for allowing me to show my artwork on their walls and the exposure has been tremendous. I posted a couple of pics from the exhibition on the site so check them out. Thanks for all the support as always, and remember my first Starbucks show of the year is right around the corner on Feb. 24th. I'll have plenty of new original oil paintings to show you and of course prints up the ying yang.

Thanks for tuning in!

Cheers,

-J.J.

January 7, 2007
Pics from the Governor's Reception & My Artwork on the South Shore!!!

I just wanted to say thank you to all my friends and family for coming out to Merrimack College this past Friday to support me at Deval Patrick's inaugural reception. I also want to give a sincere thank you to the Melrose Free Press for making a surprise visit and snapping some photos of my artwork. I have pictures from the reception on my website, and you can view them by going to the home page and clicking on the inaugural reception icon.

Also, I'm spreading my artwork all over MA as far as the South Shore now. You can now view some of my canvas prints at my friend Jenn Miller's BRAND NEW hair salon called "KARMA SALON" at 340 Front St. in Marion, MA. The salon just opened up this past Saturday and it's the most spatial salon you'll ever see with a massage room, manacure room, drying room, a comfortable lounge area, and much more. You can see plenty of pics of the salon for yourself on their myspace page at http://www.myspace.com/karma_salon.

Thanks for tuning in!

Cheers,

-J.J.

January 3, 2007
Art Show at Deval Patrick's Inaugural Reception at Merrimack College THIS Friday!!!

Hi all, I hope everyone had a safe and Happy New Year. This Friday I'll be showcasing one of my paintings along with 25 other artists at the Merrimack College in the Sakowich College Center for the inaugural reception of incoming governor Deval Patrick and Lt. governor Tim Murray.
I am honored to be a part of this historic event and I'll be displaying my original oil painting "Enchantment". The event is open to the public and you can purchase your tickets for $20 online at the www.jan4th.org website. It is a fully catered event from 6 - 10pm and it is black tie optional. Please come down to meet the new Massachusetts governor, check out some local artwork, and witness history in the making!

Cheers,

J.J.

December 28, 2006
SELECT COMMISSION PRINTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE!!!

Check out some new commissions I just finished for Christmas. The one called "Beyond the Realm" I did directly from my imagination drawing inspiration from various sources. I even incorporated Yoda into the painting, so for you STAR WARS lovers out there, definitely check it out. I'm also starting to make prints of commission paintings that customers allow me to use, so if you're a customer that has hired me in the past to do a painting and you don't mind letting me make prints of your painting, please let me know as soon as you can so I can make that painting available. I'll be offering the same selection of prints for Commission paintings as I do with all my other paintings. Happy Holidays everyone!

Cheers,
-J.J.

December 12, 2006
Really Last Minute show at STARBUCKS in Melrose!!!

My exhibit at Glen Ridge Nursing Care Center is officially setup and ready for your viewing pleasure. The artwork is actually only hung in the main lobby and corridor as you walk through the main doors, and not amongst the first 3 floors as anticipated. Also, make sure to check out the Melrose, Malden, and Medford local papers, as Glen Ridge is being kind enough to send out a press release.

Lastly, I'll be hanging a last minute show at STARBUCKS in Melrose later today and it'll be up for the rest of the holiday season. The show will only include Limited Edition Canvas Prints that will all be priced at $100. If your looking for a tiny affordable gift of art for the holiday season, now's your chance. Also there will be no opening reception for this show.

So thanks for tuning in, and I hope everyone is having a safe and happy holiday season thus far.

Cheers,

J.J.

December 6, 2006
Last Minute Art Show at Glen Ridge Nursing Care Center!!!

Well a couple of quick updates before the New Year comes barreling through. I have 3 new original oil paintings at the Hourglass in Melrose. They were featured in the last Starbucks show, but if you never got to make it down, just drive a bit further down Main St. and there you are. They are three boat paintings from Marblehead scenery called, "Afloat in the Harbor", "Marblehead Marvel", and "Solitude at Sea". Check them out if you get a chance.

Secondly, I have a last minute solo exhibition at the Glen Ridge Nursing Care Center in Malden, MA starting this coming Monday afternoon 12/11 through the New Year. I'll have plenty of original oil paintings and canvas prints for sale and the artwork will be spread amongst three floors of hallway space. There will be no opening reception.

Thanks for all of your support this past year and have a Happy Holiday Season!

Cheers,
-J.J.

November 22, 2006
Have a Safe & Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Hi everyone, thank you for those of you that got a chance to make it to my showing at the 3rd Annual Holiday Marketplace this past Sunday in Wakefield. I had a lot of fun and someone even got to walk away with one of my canvas prints, "Christmas Coffee", as a raffle prize. All of the proceeds from the raffle went to the Christopher P. Dunne Foundation. Click on the gallery icon for the show and check out a few pics I took from the festival. Thank you for particpating.

I also just took down my Starbucks show in Melrose this morning. That about wraps up my exhibitions for 2006 and I'd like to sincerely thank everyone for their constant support throughout the year. My first exhibition in 2007 will be yet another Starbucks show on Feb. 24th with the opening on Feb. 25th from 3-5pm. Same drill, good vibe, great coffee.

Lastly, I'm all booked until Christmas time for commission work, so I will not be taking anymore painting projects on at this time. After the New Year, I'll be open for plenty more projects, so please keep me in mind for the next big holiday...possibly Valentine's Day I guess...I know I know, I'm getting way too far ahead of myself. Neways, thanks for all the continued support and I hope everyone has a safe and happy Turkey Day.

Cheers,

J.J.

November 13, 2006
3rd Annual HolidayMarketplace Show this Saturday in Wakefield, MA!!!

First of all, thank you so much for those of you that made it out to my opening reception at Starbucks this past Saturday. I know many of you travelled a far distance to come out to the show and I truly appreciate it. I even think it may have been more successful than the showing last month! Please continue to spread the word and you can expect another Starbucks showing sometime in the beginning of the New Year. Hey...if I can continue to hang my paintings there and you can continue to get free coffee once every other month, why not right???

Secondly, if you haven't had a chance to shop for the holidays yet or you atleast want to get a head start before the rush after Thanksgiving, I'll be showing at the Americal Civic Center in Wakefield, MA this Saturday from 10am - 4pm along with a slew of other artisans and crafts people. For those of you that have been to the Melrose Victorian Fair, this festival is like the Victorian fair of Wakefield only it's indoors.

Thirdly, one of my old college friends from UNH has a new art website he just completed. His name is Matt Patterson and he is an amzing painter and illustrator. Please check out his website at http://www.mattpattersonart.com and if you like what you see, please join his mailinglist.

Lastly, please check out my new commissions and landscape paintings on my website. I think you'll like what you see. Thanks for tuning in and remember...give the gift of art this Holiday Season...us starving artists appreciate it =)

Cheers,
-J.J.

November 11, 2006
STARBUCKS Opening Tomorrow Night!!!

This is just a last minute reminder of my STARBUCKS Opening tomorrow night from 5-7pm. Unfortunately I couldn't finish the large figure painting in time for the show, but I'll still have a handful of new paintings for you to check out along with a couple of commissions that I just recently finished. So come down tomorrow night for the show and drink some FREE coffee!

Cheers,
-J.J.

November 3, 2006
New STARBUCKS show coming next weekend!!!

Hey everyone, I believe the last STARBUCKS show was very successful and you can expect the same warm cozy sociable vibe this show coming up. I should have a handful of new original oil paintings ready to be hung next weekend (including one of my largest paintings to date, 36"x48" figure study scene) and also some different canvas prints that weren't featured in the last exhibit. New paintings means new prints, so I'll have a bunch of photo prints ready to be sold at the opening reception. The opening reception will be held on Sat. Nov. 11th from 5 - 7pm. So come down before you head out to your evening dinner or your night on the town, and have a FREE coffee with yours truly.

Also, I wanted to remind you all of the 3rd Annual Holiday Marketplace show on Sat. Nov. 18th. It's a great chance to get a jumpstart on your Christmas shopping and there will be a wide array of artisan booths featured.

Lastly, I think I'm going to make Nov. 30th the last day I am going to except commission work for the Holiday Season until after the New Year. So, if you'd like me to make a painting for your loved one, please get in touch with me before the end of the month so I can plan out your painting accordingly. Thanks for the support everyone and I hope to see many of you at the shows coming up. Much love and respect!

Cheers,
-J.J.

October 14, 2006
STARBUCKS Show Extended for 2 Weeks!!!

I just wanted to let everyone know that my current Starbucks show is going to continue through Oct. 27th, so if you couldn't rush to make the last couple days of the show, you now have 2 more weeks to catch a glimpse. See...my paintings are sympathetic to you procrastinators...hahaha.

Cheers,
-J.J.

October 12, 2006
Only 2 Days Left for STARBUCKS!!!

I just wanted to remind everyone that my Starbucks show is coming down this Saturday morning, so if you haven't gotten a chance to check it out you only have another couple of days to do so. Also, I just joined a new art community online called "Deviant Art". The interface is much like a myspace feel, but a community solely for artists. Please check out my profile at http://jjartworks.deviantart.com and leave me some love. Thanks for the support everyone and get ready for a whole new wave of paintings within the next month including some dynamic figure studies and boat scenes.

Cheers,
-J.J.

p.s. - The holiday season is approaching, give the gift of art!

October 5, 2006
Success at STARBUCKS!!!

Hi everyone, I just wanted to say thank you to those of you that came out to my STARBUCKS opening reception in Melrose last night. I think it was a great success and I hope everyone liked their FREE Tall beverage of choice. Thank you to everyone that bought prints, the support is much appreiciated. Get ready to do the same thing next month and tell your friends! I should have a new mess of paintings by then. Til then.

Cheers,
-J.J.

October 2 , 2006
STARBUCKS Opening Reception THIS Wed. Night!!!

Hi everyone, I just wanted to remind you all of my opening reception at STARBUCKS COFFEE on 521 Main St. in Melrose, MA. this Wednesday night, Oct 4th, from 5:30 -7:30pm. I'll be selling original oil paintings and prints at the opening, and for an incentive, the first 20 people that walk through the doors to see the art show get FREE Starbucks Coffee. That's right, FREE!!! So unwind after your stressful day at work and come chill with us at Starbucks to enjoy some art and a well deserved coffee. This is a solo show running for only 2 weeks from Oct. 1 - 14th, but I'll be showing at the Melrose Starbucks again in mid November with a whole new wall of paintings.

Lastly, I'm always available for comissioned paintings if anyone wants to hire me to do so. The holiday season is right around the corner and If you have a photogrpah that you want painted for a loved one, I'm your starving artist! Let me know sooner than later because the more time I have to work on your painting before Christmas, the better. Thanks for the support everyone and see you Wednesday!

Cheers,
-J.J.

September 19, 2006
Who Wants FREE Starbucks Coffee!!!

Hi everyone, first off I want to say thank you to everyone that came out to the Melrose Victorian Fair this past Sunday to support me. It was a scorcher down "Artisan's Alley" (I think temps were above 90 degrees!) but we seemed to have fun none the less. Thank you for buying prints and raffle tickets, and even those of you that walked away with a Long original. The support is immensely appreciated.

In less than 2 weeks I have another exhibit coming up at STARBUCKS COFFEE on Main St. in Melrose. It's a solo show running from Oct. 1 - 14, and the opening reception is on Wednesday, Oct 4th from 5:30 -7:30pm. I'll be selling prints at the opening as well, and for an incentive, the first 20 people that walk through the doors to see the art show get FREE Starbucks Coffee. That's right, FREE!!! So unwind after your stressful day at work and come chill with us at Starbucks to enjoy some art and a well deserved coffee.

Lastly, I'm still available for comissioned paintings if anyone wants to hire me. If you have a photogrpah that you want painted, I'm your man. Will work for food....or cell phone bill. Ok, talk to you later.

Cheers,
-J.J.

September 12, 2006
Melrose Victorian Fair THIS Sunday 9/17!!!

Hi everyone, I wanted to remind you all about my booth at the Victorian Fair this Sunday, Sept. 17th. The fair is held every September on Main St. in downtown Melrose from 11:30am - 5pm. The whole street is jam packed with games, rides, food, arts and crafts, raffles, and much more. I'll have a booth set up in "Artisan's Alley" between Hugo's and the VFW Hall. I'll have plenty of original oil paintings and prints for sale.

I am also going to be holding a special raffle for one of my Limited Edition Canvas Prints of "The Bridge of Hope" (a $115 value). I'll be selling raffle tickets at the booth, 1 for $5 or 3 for $10. This is a great chance to walk away with a great piece of artwork for really cheap. You can also buy raffle tickets online right here on the home page using Paypal or you can snail mail me a check pay to the order of "James C. Long Jr." with the appropriate amount of money to (I've gotten a lot of requests from people out of state that want to enter the raffle):

J.J. Long
77 Cottage St.
Melrose, MA 02176

Please email me if you plan on paying by check. If you purchase raffle tickets online or through the mail, I'll send you your ticket stubs in the mail if you request so (just for proof of purchase). So I hope to see many of you at the Victorian Fair this Sunday, supporting me and all the artists in "Artisan's Alley". Try to bring your "artsy" friends with big wallets!

Cheers,
-J.J.

August 29, 2006 End of Summer Shows!!!

Hi everyone, I'm taking down my exhibit at the Melrose Public Library this Thursday morning, so you have until tomorrow evening by 5pm to check out my paintings in the main lobby. Thank you to everyone that came to my show at the MPL and don't forget to check out the Hourglass on Main St. in Melrose to see a wider array of prints and originals. I think I may be taking down that exhibit at some point toward the end of the week too, so make sure you slip in. Thanks for the support and be prepared to see many new works for the upcoming month of September. Support the arts!!!

Cheers,
-J.J

July 18, 2006

New Paintings & Prints!!!

For those of you that visited both the Trident and Aberjona Art Shows this past summer, these paintings are probably not new to you. But for those of yout that didn't get a chance to see any of my exhibits yet this summer or could only make it to one of the shows, than atleast some of these paintings will be new to your eyes. For both exhibits at the Trident & Aberjona I had a handful of new paintings, but because the paintings were so freshly painted, I never got a chance to take photos of them and update them on my website.

Well now here they are! You can check out a handful at the Melrose Public Library show that's currently up and you'll be able to check out a few at the Melrose Hourglass by the end of the week. Now that I have digital images of these paintings all I can say is PRINTS! PRINTS! PRINTS! If you like something you see, don't forget I have prints available on my website. All of my new work are landscapes, so check out the "Landscape" section of my website and take a look at the 9 new paintings featured. I hope you like what you see and happy perusing!

Your Starving Artist Friend,

-J.J

July 5, 2006

Artwork at the Melrose Public Library!

Thank you for those that attended the Aberjona River Gallery show this past June. It was a huge success and if you missed it you missed a good one. Lucky for you though, if you didn't get a chance to see the show, you'll get a second chance to see many of the same works at the Melrose Public Library starting this Thursday. The exhibit at the MPL is a solo show and it's up from July 6th to August 31. There will be no opening reception for this show but prints and originals will still be for sale.

Also, if you haven't had a chance to make it down to the Hourglass in Melrose yet, you should definitely try sometime this July and August because I am one of the featured artists at the store along with other local artist Jeff Hayes. During the 2 months I'll have a handful of new originals on display and a ton of prints.

Lastly, if you haven't had a chance to check out my show at the Trident on Newbury Street you only have 10 days to do so. The last day to view that show will be July 15th. I've had much success with that exhibit as well and again thanks for those that already attended. I Hope everyone had a safe and festive 4th of July and definitely try to visit Melrose sometime this summer to check out one of my shows. Take care!

-J.J.

June 13, 2006

Aberjona Success!

Thank you to everyone who came to my opening reception at the Aberjona River Gallery this past Sunday. I would like to sincerely thank the Aberjona kitchen staff for supplying the palette of food and drink for the afternoon and also Patricia Velasquez (http://www.preparedontdespair.com) for playing her piano for us. The opening was quite a success with a bunch of prints sold and many good laughs with friends and family.

For those of you that couldn't make it to the opening, the Aberjona show is still up until July 5th and hours for the River Gallery are 10am - 6pm daily. Also don't forget, I have a solo show on Newbury St. at the Trident until July 16th. Store hours there are 9am - midnight daily. Thanks again to everyone that attended and make sure you check these exhibits out before it's too late! Thanks for tuning in =)

-J.J.

June 8, 2006

Aberjona Opening Reception this Sunday!!!

My opening reception at the Aberjona River Gallery is THIS Sunday, June 11th from 3-5pm. The Aberjona River Gallery is located on 184 Swanton St., in Winchester, MA. The event will be fully catered by the Aberjona kitchen staff and a live jazz musiciain wil be serenading us into the late afternoon hours this Sunday. The exhibit is already up and I've already sold 2 paintings from the show thus far. So if you've been dying to buy that wall painting above your mantle and want to get a sneak peak before the rush this Sunday, you can visit Aberjona between 10am - 6pm any day of the week. When you get to the Nursing Home, go to the basement level and you'll see the corridor of paintings right in front of you. I have 23 works total.

Also, don't forget, I now have prints for sale at the Hourglass Art & Gift Gallery located on Main St. in Melrose, MA. I also have my solo exhibition at Trident Booksellers & Cafe on Newbury Street that is going really well. Please check these venues out when you get a chance.

Lastly, I had a blurb written up about my Aberjona Show in last weeks Boston Globe and also the Melrose Free Press. Hey...I'm just trying to get famous before I die so you're paintings are worth money some day...ya know =)

Thanks for the support as always and see you this Sunday!

-J.J.

May 25, 2006

Hourglass Art & Gift Gallery!!!

I'm really excited to let you all know that I now have artwork for sale in the Hourglass Art & Gift Gallery located at 458 Main St. in Melrose, MA. The Hourglass represents over 50 Fine Artists and Crafspeople. In addition to original paintings and prints, Hourglass has a great blend of pottery, blown glass, jewelry, pewter, and wood along with a line of Natural or Organic bath items, candles & music. Currently I have prints for sale at the Hourglass including canvas prints, matted prints, and glossy photo prints. Original oil paintings will be featured soon once my summer exhibits wind down a bit. So if your local to Melrose or live close by, check out the Hourglass to see my artwork first hand along with all the other talent in the surrounding towns. Check out the Hourglass online at http://www.hourglassgiftgallery.com. Thanks for tuning in!

-J.J.

May 23, 2006

SoWa Success!!!

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone that visited me at the SoWa Artwalk this past weekend and also those of you that signed my mailinglist. My fellow artist counterpart Chris Mullins and I picked out a nice cozy corner on the 4th floor of 500 Harrison Ave and we both had tremendous success both days. I ended up selling a handful of prints and even an original painting to boot! We had a blast meeting other fellow artists and of course, drinking large quantities of wine. I should have pictures from the show up on the website within the next week or so.

Also I just wanted to remind everyone of my next solo show happening at Aberjona River Gallery June 3 - July 5, 2006. The opening reception will be on Sunday June 11th from 3-5pm. This is going to be an amazing event with live music, refreshments served (sorry no wine but plenty of punch, tea, and coffee), and good company...not to mention some GREAT artwork! I'll also have plenty of prints for sale, including matted prints, canvas prints, and much more. Thanks for tuning in!

J.J.

May 17, 2006

The Trident Show is up and the SoWa Artwalk is this weekend!!!

I hope everyone had a great Mother's Day Weekend. I spent my Mother's Day morning transporting my paintings to the Trident in the torrential down pours. It was probably one of the worst mornings in history to move in an exhibit but it worked out nonetheless. I'd like to thank my friend Nadine Feraco for helping me set my exhibit in record timing and I couldn't have done it without her. I have a total of 21 pieces at the Trident. The show will be up from May 14 - July 15, 2006. Check out their website at www.tridentbookscafe.com. Also....

ALERT...ALERT...If you are on my mailinglist and I sent you a postcard for the Trident show through snail mail, I made a typo error on the back of the card. At the top of the card I put 338 Main St. as the address for the Trident when the address is actually 338 Newbury St. I'm not sure what I was thinking and I apologize for the confusion. If you still follow the directions on the postcard however, you will still end up at the Trident.

Also, this Saturday and Sunday, May 20th & 21st, I will be showing at the SoWa Artwalk again from 11am - 6pm both days. This is a HUGE 2 day arts festival held at 500 Harrison Ave in Boston's South End. Over 100 artists will be exhibiting and it's everthing from painting, sculpture, stain glass, photography, jewelry making, and much more. I'll be on the 4th Floor. Last year was a blast and this year is going to be even better. You should all be getting your postcards in the mail for the SoWa Artwalk in the next day or so. Hey, better late then never right?

Thanks for the support as always and I hope to see you all at an artshow real soon. Let's pray for no rain this weekend!

-J.J.

April 13, 2006

Giclee Prints Are Now Available!!!

That's right! You've read it correctly, prints of my paintings are now available off of the site. Here are the 3 styles of prints that are offered:

1. Canvas Prints (Limited Edtion of 25 prints per painting). Prices range from $75-$150. Accompanied by a "Certificate of Authenticity".

2. Velvet Fine Art Prints (Limited Edition of 50 prints per painting - similar to watercolor paper). Price is $25. Accompanied by a "Certificate of Authenticity"

3. Premium Luster Photo Prints (Unlimited Edition). Price is $15.

All of the prints are created on an Epson Stylus Photo 2200 Printer using archival ultrachrome pigmented inks. All of the papers printed are archival (acid-free) surfaces as well. The Premium Luster Photo prints are the cheapest prints offered and since they are unlimited, will not really increase in value. If you are concerned with a print appreciating in value, Canvas Prints or Velvet Fine Art Prints may be your best bet.

To learn more about my giclee prints and how to purchase them, visit the "Prints" section of my website. If you haven't been able to afford one of my paintings in the past, this is definitely a cheaper way to invest in a valuable piece of art. Thanks for the support as always and hopefully you'll all find a print that suites you. Cheers =)

J.J.

March 23, 2006

Leaving For A Music Tour...

Hi everyone, sorry for the long break between updates but I've been super busy preparing for my first east coast tour with my band. I leave for the road tomorrow morning for about 2 weeks, but before I leave, I wanted to update you all on my future exhibitions and new happenings with the art business.

First of all, I now have pictures from the opening reception I had at the Beebe Estate from February 3rd posted on my website. If you go to the home page of my website, scroll down to the Beebe Estate icon in the "Exhibition History" section and click on it. If you didn't get a chance to make it out for the opening you can see what you missed out on. For those of you that went, see if you can find yourself in the pictures, there's plenty from the show.

Since I'm going on tour through April 8th, unfortunately I won't be able to show at the Art's Festival at Memorial Hall in Melrose. I apologize for the late notice, but unfortunately I'll be out of the state that weekend. Please, however, go down and support all the local artists at the show (over 40 artists) since this is a highly anticipated event. There hasn't been an Art's Festival in Melrose for 6 years now and this is gonna be a weekend to remember.

Lastly, I've just invested in a Fine Art Printer and once I get back from tour I'm going to start making giclee prints of my paintings. I'm going to offer three types of print editions; canvas prints ($75 - $100), velvet fine art paper prints ($20 - $25), and premium luster photo paper prints ($15 - $20). I'll have more information regarding these prints on my website once I get back from the road.

So, thank you everyone for your continued support and don't forget about my next exhibition happening at Trident Bookseller's and Cafe on Newbury St. in Boston. I know it's not til May but i wanted to atleast give you a heads up. Cheers =)

J.J.

February 21, 2006

It's your last chance!!!

If you haven't had a chance yet to check out my art exhibit at the Beebe Estate in Melrose, MA, THIS Saturday (Feb 25th)