"The Johnston Community College Presents: Eric McRay’s “Pulse: Pieces of Life”

2pm Tuesday afternoon, I have a speaking engagement with the staff & students of Johnston Community College during the opening of my new exhibition, "Pulse: Pieces of Life".  The exhibition is open to the public.  Hope to see you there.

http://theredroom103.wordpress.com/2011/01/

"How to Establish Yourself as An Artist"

Just found a reference to my career on a blog about establishing yourself as an artist. This is unusual for me to do this but, I'm gonna give a personal shout out to some of my students. Jenni, Lydia, Clara & David, check this out. This guy hits the nail directly on the head. He put it all into a simple formula. Take note and make it happen!!!! Much success!!!


How to Establish Yourself as An Artist

"The Johnston Community College Black History Committee Presents: Eric McRay’s “Pulse: Pieces of Life”

Tuesday afternoon I will attend my reception/art talk with student and staff at Johnston Community College. This will open a month long exhibition of my works in Smithfield, NC. If your schedule permits, hope to see you there.


http://theredroom103.wordpress.com/

McRay Studios: "Welcome to the Creative Process - 100 Hearts"

McRay Studios: "Welcome to the Creative Process - 100 Hearts": "'Welcome to the creative process. I'm always conceiving new ideas which I document in my extensive library of art journals. I'..."

"100 Hearts Questions & Answers"

Q&A: The two most common questions I've been asked concerning the 100 Hearts are...


(1) Do I have to wait until the Friday February 4th event to buy my heart paintings? 


Nope, It's first come, first served. Several have sold already.


(2) How much do the Heart paintings cost?

$75 each and two for $100.


http://mcraystudios.com/abstract/default.htm

"100 Hearts (Coca-Cola) Testimonial"

"I LOVE my heart! They are so beautiful. OMG I absolutely adore my coca-cola heart! So so excited when I got home from work today".

"You're Invited to 100 Hearts"

"A 100 Hearts Preview"

"Chocolate Swirl Heart"

"Cosmic Heart"

"Coffee Heart"

"Diet Coke Heart"

"Cinnamon Heart"

"Pink & Green Heart"

"Snow Leopard Heart"

"Strawberry Swirl Heart"

"Flag Heart"

"Granny Heart"

"Peace Heart"

"Sky Heart"

 Here's the first fifty of one hundred paintings to complete my "100 Hearts" series. Each piece is a 6x6 inch acrylic painting on canvas. The paintings will officially be debuted Friday February 4th at a special studio reception. 


http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=264782&id=546392636&l=77a8b545eb

"What & Where is Artspace?"

This video link is for all my non-artsy friends and associates who have wondered, "What & where is Artspace?" The last time you visited downtown, perhaps you had to go to court for a speeding ticket or maybe dined at Big Ed's.  Have you considered visiting Artspace?  We’re next door to Big Ed’s and two blocks from the Wake County Courthouse. Artspace has been the home of McRay Studios for the past twelve years.  It's my home away from home and I love this place.  Please stop by and check us out. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kqu5eIijHOg&feature=player_embedded

"Welcome to the Creative Process - 100 Hearts"

"Welcome to the creative process.  I'm always conceiving new ideas which I document in my extensive library of art journals.  I've continually maintained a journal since 1984.  Ideas are plentiful; time, energy and resources are limited.  So I selectively choose the works I create.  Next, I empty myself of images.  My art comes through a process of ideas, documentation, planning, organization, and systematic creation.  As you can tell, intellect and passion fuel the creation of my work."

"As each piece was close to completion, I'd line them up on the floor to get a quick overview of what's been done and where this body of work must go.  I'm a conceptionalist, thus my art is created in themes and variations on themes."

"See the cardboard?  Often I'm down there on the floor laying on paint.  Boy, sometimes that really hurts my knees."

"Can you see my Heart self-portrait among the group?  I was inspired by Warhol, Van Gogh and Rembrandt who often painted self-portraits as they addressed new styles or series."

"I've been asked are these little boxes of chocolate?  Wishful thinking, but only 6x6 inch acrylic paintings with collage on canvas.  See the brown, red and white piece in the middle?  I was striving to make it look like a little cake and applied the acrylic paint as if it was cake icing."

"In this series of hearts, I've paid homage to some of my earlier themes and subjects such as coffee, portraiture, flags, cakes, coke, diet cokes, jazz, and pop art."

"Each canvas is signed on the bottom right and also on the back."

"All my work, regardless of style or subject is about abstraction.  Even in this photo, I'm addressing the issue of abstraction."

"Being a successful artist in my opinion is about discipline and process.  The muse and irrational zeal is over rated.  I try to systematically create my work quickly and efficently.  That's the secret to being prolific."

"The white pieces on top were inspired by molasses cookies and cake icing.  Yummy yum yum!"

"As of today, I've finished close to 60 canvases.  I've got a lot of work to do to complete this body of work.  I look at the series or theme as a singular piece of art.  The pieces stand as individuals and as a unified whole."

"What can I say other than I'm having a lot of fun.  I'm not working hard, but working steadily.  Another secret to success as an artist is to keep it fun.  Be imaginative and keep excited.  When being an artist feels like a job, you're screwing up.  This should be like a kid in a candy shop."

"Art of Eric McRay Debuts on Zazzle.com"

create & buy custom products at Zazzle