Still life painting of a prickley pear paddle and one of those decorative small pumpkins

Prickley Pear with Small Pumpkin – sold

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Still life painting of a prickley pear paddle and one of those decorative small pumpkinsHave you ever wondered what it is like to go to an artist’s studio and browse through the artwork? Not only on the walls, but in the studio racks that contain all of the artwork not currently hanging. It can be a ton of fun for an art appreciator and the artist too.

This Painting recently sold to a friend who was in Phoenix visiting family. She had simply called to see if Mary and I were available to have a studio visit on a Saturday morning. We said to come by and see what we have in the studio you may like.

It was quite a great experience for us to have a nice opportunity to sit down and spend time with someone curious about our work. Usually at an open studio we don’t get to talk about some of the subtleties of each painting. Last Saturday morning was different in that we had the time to discuss some very specific items that Caroline was interested in.

The warmth of his home and his person seem to manifest in each piece.”

“I first saw Jeff’s work several years ago and had the opportunity to hear him talk about his inspiration and the ‘layers’ he puts into each work of his. Labor, spirituality, everyday objects– he incorporates these into his pieces with such humanity and artistic talent. The warmth of his home and his person seem to manifest in each piece.

I took a liking to a still life of a prickly pear leaf and a pumpkin- somewhat similar to Morandi’s still lifes but with obviously a local uniqueness to it—I was told the prickly pear leaf and pumpkin were found laying around the Del Nero’s desert house one day. Also Jeff described the flat rendering of the background -where the vertical and horizontal planes are indistinguishable- as another distinctive element of the painting. Keep at it Jeff, your work is just awesome!!”

– Caroline Colangelo

Larson Race - original screen capture

Steve Larson – 200 meter race against time

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Larson’s 200 meter race from Jeff Del Nero on Vimeo. This is a video produced my Jeff Del Nero, and many people from Open Door Fellowship. To witness the event of Steve Larson trying to redeem himself after a very poor performance in running the 200 meter dash the year before. This event is specifically … Read more

Judgement Seat - acrylic on canvas

Judgement Seat

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Judgement Seat from Jeff Del Nero on Vimeo.

How do you depict forgiveness? How do you show the regret for sin? I have this painting that has a bird on a chair. In the both the Old and New Testaments there is reference to birds being used as sacrifices for certain types of sin. This painting is a very simplistic way of me showing Christ as that sacrifice. The bird is on the “Judgement Seat” and is free to fly away at any time. But there it is, willing and ready to be the sacrifice.

This painting has features that I love about being an artist. You can put images together, and people can react to them. I have heard the gambit on this one, from “depressing to hopeful.” Another element that I love about a painting is its confined area. In this size of a canvas all there is to consider is what is listed before you. I have a composition that aligns all of the elements towards the center. Definitely inspired by Giorgio Morandi, there’s no hiding that. He had his ways of grouping elements into a very challenging composition – usually it is more aesthetic to place objects in still life’s in a manner that gives rhythm and space to appeal. I like the in-your-face way his compositions say; “this is what I want to show.”

Painting is a great way to tell a story, because the viewer can spend as much time or as little time viewing (investing) to figure out the “story.” Books and Film are not as cooperative with your schedule. They say people spend less than 30 seconds looking at a work of art at any given time. One thing I hope to have in my work is enough to come back to and surmise about on the next viewing.

Twin Hearts concept sketch

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Unframed, but here is a link for framing. A 20″x32″ collage and mixed media drawing/painting on black museum board. This concept sketch is from some time around 1991 when I was working on my ”object series“ which included many works dealing with Volkswagen engines. At the time, we owned two VWs, A 1969 type 2 … Read more

another “art” film

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…here from a long list of favorite films: Box of Moonlight by Tom DiCillo. …or check out some of my other favorites here. Sorry this hasn’t been updated in a long time, and I have many new ones to had to this list. Tom DiCillo, is a director who has provided me with a couple … Read more

Avatar

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…can best be described as “An inconvenient alien.” Seemingly, with Al Gore at the helm of this exciting, yet preachy movie takes its cues from the environmentalists about how bad Americans are and white man’s descent into the lives of indigenous peoples once again – since they never learn.  James Cameron seems to have re-written … Read more

Del Nero Artwork – sells out

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…well, maybe not completely. Click Here for more info about selecting available artwork. At a site called imagekind.com, I just wanted to offer prints of works that are no longer available or have been requested many times over. This is a new feature for me – prints! This includes work from my worker series, object … Read more

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Go See Details CORRECTION – I HAD THE DATES WRONG: see more info at the bottom Virtual Art Show – 2 nights Time:8:30PM – 9:30PM Wednesday, November, 18th: 8:30p (mountiain) 7:30p (pacific) & Thursday, November, 19th: 18th 8:30p (mountiain) 7:30p (pacific) Location:Online – Webinar Style Del Nero Artwork This will be a “virtual art show” … Read more

Slow Motion Video – Burning 50

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This video is a memorial to the celebration tower that Janet made for Mary’s 50th birthday. Since it was designed to be burned, we anticipated a big party to burn it. But we just couldn’t bring ouselves to do it. In fact, this burning took place a full two years later. This is the slow-motion … Read more

Techno-Torture

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after many days of trial and error, and not a few online searches and phone calls – I believe my technical difficulties around here are finished. I think it all started when we had an electrical storm last weekend. Our wireless network has had to be dealt with, my Wacom™ tablet went awry – and … Read more

SMOCA

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I just submitted one of my stereo units to a show at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art – they asked for artists to bring “sound objects” – here’s on of mine, called “Youth Friend”

OK- so there are two Nick Caves!

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I stand corrected. now I know. this one is the one I was most familiar with, the post punk one. …and this one, I just became aware of – the most creative artist and performer/dancer/designerI have a new found respect for the other Nick Cave

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Independent workers look to Gangplank for support Meet-ups offer companionship, motivation 4 commentsby Erin Zlomek – Jul. 31, 2009 12:00 AMThe Arizona Republic Steven Shaffer said starting his own company was a no-brainer when he lost his job in February. But working alone from his Gilbert home office soon felt more like a pity party … Read more

What is Happening to Phoenix?

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There is a new trend starting to happen in Phoenix. And I like it. Some small, non-franchise businesses are sprouting up around here and it’s such a refreshing trend. They each are catering to specific needs around town, and especially making something that we can enjoy as specific destinations in our community. They are all … Read more

School’s Out

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My girls are both out of school now – I picked up Milan at SDCC on Tuesday and we drove back with her roommate Lauren. Mary finished yesterday for Christmas break — as soon as she got home we went to a theater showing It’s A Wonderful Life on a big screen — really a … Read more