Split Infinity copyright 2011 by Dave Putnam

After the Miracle of Hope Paintings, which dealt with biology, I became interested in combining art and science. The greatest scientific event ever was the Big Bang. Prior to the Big Bang, everything that would become the universe was compressed into an infinitely small point or singularity. Somehow something or someone (God) split the singularity, which triggered the Big Bang. Some of the first particles created were photons. While this was happening somebody may have muttered, "Let there be light." In any case, infinity was split and if anybody was around to see it there was a light show. In this painting I am trying to depict that light show.

Cubist Impression copyright 2010 by Dave Putnam

This painting in no way has any elements of Cubism. But it is composed of cubes. This is my way of mocking Cubism. Recently a mocking bird has taken up residence in our backyard and I hear it all day long. This has made me think about the general subject of mockery. It seems to me that modern art doesn't do enough mocking. Across all sectors of society you will notice that there is very little good mockery going on. When is the last time you heard some really good mockery? Not for a long time. In my small way I am trying to right this wrong.

Pink Ponies copyright 2010 by Dave Putnam

Pink Ponies was a commission by my youngest collector, a three year-old girl. She has very specific taste in art. She likes balloons, clowns, cows, elephants, and horses. When I showed her the completed work she was so excited she ran in circles, jumped up and down, and clapped her hands, laughing with delight the whole time. I have never had a collector more pleased with a painting. It was gratifying to hit the nail so squarely on the head.

Blue Horse copyright 2010 by Dave Putnam

This painting hangs in the house of a family where the husband loves chaos and the wife craves order. Because the husband is so strong-willed the poor wife doesn't often get the neat and tidy world she so desperately wants. But when she gazes at Blue Horse she sees a stylized version of a peaceful draft horse, calmly trotting toward a field for a day's work. This helps restore a sense of serenity and gives her the strength to face the chaotic challenges of her adventure-loving family.

To depict motion, I borrow technique from the great abstract expressionist master, Marcel Duchamp.

Chocolate Storm copyright 2011 by Dave Putnam

This is part of my water series. I create these paintings when there is a light mist falling in my outdoor studio. Recently my doctor told my I can't eat anything with sugar, which causes me to crave chocolate. Rather than give in to my craving, I channel it into art. Some people look at this painting and are overcome by an insane desire to stuff themselves with chocolate. Other people, me included, will be able to satisfy a choco craving by viewing and contemplating Chocolate Storm. In my last blog I put up a painting that only causes craving, not satisfaction. I am working now on a painting that progresses one step further and is satisfying for everybody, and causes cravings in nobody. This is how absrtract expressionism evolves, one step at a time.

Chocolate Whirlwind 60'' x 48'' copyright 2011 by Dave Putnam

This painting combines the image of a chocolate sunday with rasberry sauce and a whirlwind. The effect is a whirling magnification of the popular dessert treat, an explosion of sweet delight. It should only be displayed in the house of people who need to gain weight because looking at it for any length of time will cause a craving for sugary snacks. Once again we see the power of abstract expressionism over human will power.

Eohippus copyright 2011 by Dave Putnam

The word "Eohippus" means dawn horse in Greek. It refers to the ancestors of modern horses who lived millions of years ago. These were wild and woolly creatures who were eons away from domestication. If I were making a sculpture of an eohippus it would look like a scientific museum piece. But as an abstract expressionist painter I try to capture the spirit of the ancient wild horse, not anatomical accuracy. And I'm trying to make a larger statement about horses in general, namely that within the heart of every tame and docile trail horse beats the heart of a wild beast that would just as soon buck you off its back as do your bidding.