Clouds Over Butterfly Beach

8 x 10" Oil on canvas
This was from my 1st outing since eye surgery.

Red Sunflowers

8x10”
oil on canvas
starting bid $50.00
Sunflowers have such great presents and make every home a happy home.
Click here for auction

Golden Hour

I'm pleased to say Golden Hour was selected to be exhibited in the Goleta Valley Art Association's November show at the Goleta Valley Library.

The Secret Life of Pears

I'm going to produce a second printing of my book, The Secret Life of Pears. I'll have details about size and price + shipping soon.

This is a review of the sold out series

ESSAY ON THE SECRET LIFE OF PEARS
by Sirrus Poe (VLQ Fiction Editor)

Ah, the ability of an artist to tell us a story with the delicate movement of the bristles of his brush. There is such a thing as not having to say anything to get your idea across, a strange concept for those of us who use words to form lines of poetry, or sentences to help push along a story. Joe LaCorte does this with precision and skill with this collection of oils that portray the human condition through the ability of giving life to inanimate objects such as the pear.

The pears here are of different shapes, colors, and movement and in these human characteristics give the person taking in these works a chance to step back and contemplate the life contained. Not the actual life of these pears, but of our own life and the way we interact with one another. We are able to see the reflection of ourselves and those around us within these brush strokes, and it is not always a picture of perfection. As life shows us each day, through day to day headaches, to war, to lost love and ridicule these pears attempt to let us stop for a moment and consider what choices we make in our own lives.

Let us look at these oils one at a time to see what may be found of us and the world in general.

THE EMBRACE causes the one taking in the piece to feel and experience many different emotions. This is achieved through the use of color and the ability of LaCorte to make us see the pears as humans. Notice the subtle curves of the pears and the way that they both meld into one another. You can see arms extended and wrapping around the other; even though, we know there are none to be found. But it is this sense of extra images that gives the piece its power.
The colors here were picked for specific reasons, to portray even more the image of an embrace and why we dive into this action at certain points in our lives. We can see the light folds of clothe in the background and that which covers the table, giving a sense of sadness, like that of attending a funeral of someone close. The embrace gives comfort here for each pear/person and with that fallen soul in the background we remember the moments that caused us to embrace others close to us, or even those we barely knew.

THE CLIQUE again has the use of color to combine pears together that are different, yet in some way the same because they hang together. And the caption below, which really is unneeded for each of these pieces to understand them, only drives home the sense of wanting to be included, but also wanting the ability to remain to be different.

DANCING PEARS gives us a lighter mood. The mellow greens and faded edges lend movement to a piece that should cause us to want to move. Do not be fooled that this is only about a dance of the every day variety, but that of our lives. Again, the caption enforces the piece by letting us know that there is more to dancing than the action. We have to take the time to savor each step, each swing, each dip and rise of the dance. All of us are dancing in our own way and partaking of the dance is what makes each of us unique, yet again, the same. Life is a dance that one will never fully learn to master.

GOSSIP is yet another aspect of life we cannot escape. Once again, take in the colors of the pears, each their own hue of red and green. They are a mixture of pears talking about others regardless of color, form or ideas. The reality is that each of us will participate in such activities and not think twice about what we say. The "them" in the caption is in the end ourselves.

THE CONFLICT is one that we have to consider a bit more than the others. Notice the group beyond watching the main pears in their issue of conflict. I do not see this as only a conflict that is an all out fight, but more of the conflict of relationship. In other words, the relation of how we feel compared to that of another person. The two pears in front are face to face, yet their stems have not yet come down to blows and their leaning stance not only leads us to think about a fight, but to two people who are butting heads, either in an actual sense or that of the relationship of two people. This relationship does not have to be love, or lust, or even sexual in nature, but the relationship of human to human, the relationship of all humanity. There is also the appearance of the internal conflict presented here. If we look at the two pears in front we see that they are practically mirror images of one another. There is a sense of one being conflicted within and being unable to win that fight on what decision should ultimately be made. We all struggle to decide what we should do in every day situations and in times of general strife, but the conflict is a part of our lives that is needed. Regardless of the outcome, we grow and learn through the final choices that we make.

LEAVING presents itself as the most affecting piece in the collection. There is so much to be taken away from the piece that attempting to explain what it tells us seems unneeded. Each person will bring their own events into the piece and come away with their own story of what exactly the "leaving" entails. A person can see the ending of a relationship that both partners regret letting die, but still cannot hold on to, or a person can also attempt to take away a brighter light of the event as if the act of being together was what counted and those memories will not die after the "leaving". Live in the moment of being one, in bad and good times, let that oneness be the most important thing that binds two people together, do not look toward the leaving, but embrace the time.

POLAR PEARS is the final oil we have a chance to appreciate in this collection, but it holds the chance to reflect on what has come before. As the caption requests, "relax", reflect on the possibility of the images and how each one takes into account some part, some emotion of us as a people. Not only as a lone figure, but the idea that we are connected more than we realize during most days and that regardless of the outcome of our relationships to one another the cycle will continue. Our goal should be to embrace each other, dance through the steps that will always be there to learn and in the end, relax in yourself, and be a part of life.

Art in the Mayor's Office

 My Painting, Coming Storm was chosen for Art in the Mayors office along with seven other artists. I hope to see everyone at City Hall this 1ST Thursday 5 to 6pm.

Mayor Helene Schneider and the Santa Barbara Arts Collaborative would like to thank everyone who submitted work for Art in the Mayor’s Office. We’d also like to announce and congratulate the artists who were selected for this exhibition.

Tami Snow

Joseph LaCorte

Ronald Williams

Pausha Foley

Maureen Murdock

Kyle Allan

Kevin Gleason

Kit Boise-Cossart

 Please join us all at the show’s opening and meet the Mayor this 1st Thursday September 3rd from 5pm to 6pm on the 2nd floor of City Hall.


SBAC

Goleta Valley Art Association

Pleased to say today I was juried into the Goleta Valley Art Association and my painting Joni’s Beach was juried into their current show.

Table for One

I was listening to music and the song "One is the loneliest number" by 3 Dog Night came on. I happen to have taken a photo reference of a table with one place setting. I've asked for a table for one many times.

 

8X10"

Oil on canvas

SOLD

The Moon, Venus and Mars

The Moon, Venus and Mars
8x10" Oil 0n canvas
This is one one of our recent supermoons. The view is above Ledbetter Beach looking towards the Channel Islands, Santa Barbara.
Available at:

Goleta Valley

Goleta Valley
8x10"
Oil 0n canvas
We don't often see clouds here in Santa Barbara. After a rare rain storm the air is so clean and the clouds so puffy.
Available at:

Excuse Me

I often walk down State St. and I like to zip through at a lively pace. Sometimes I come upon a group of people walking or talking and taking up the whole sidewalk. All I can do is squeak through and say "Excuse Me".

8x10"

Oil on canvas

 

Sycamore

I was in Oak Park in Santa Barbara looking for something to paint. The light had just illuminated this sycamore. I like how it came out.

9x12"

oil on canvas

en plein air

Available for auction at

Daily Paintworks

Splash

There was an offshore storm that kicked up the waves at Santa Barbara Marina seawall

9x12" 

Oil on canvas

Looking North

I was taken by the texture in the rocks and the interaction of color. Painting at the beach is challenging at times, but very rewarding.

9x12"

Oil on canvas

$50

Available at auction at Daily Paintworks

Heavenly Sky

On my way to the Santa Barbara Airport I was lucky to come upon this beautiful sunset. I pulled over and took a bunch of photos of different stages of the sunset. This view was the most dramatic.

9x12" 

Oil on canvas 

Available for auction Daily Paintworks 

Mission Creek at Rocky Nook Park

This is painted from a reference photo I took several years ago. It's back when we still and green trees and water flowing in our creeks. What caught my eye was the streak of light shinning across the rocks.

36 x 24"

Oil on canvas

NFS

Super Moon

​I've been on mission to do nocturnal paintings, 

I'm not a morning person so this fits me well. 

This Super Moon was painted from the bed 

of my pickup at Goleta Beach CA

9x12"

Oil on canvas

SOLD

Santa Cruz Island

It was a cloudy day and the prospects looked bad.

 I kept looking for an edge, something that was special. 

That's when I saw the colors of grey

10"x20"

oil on canvas board

$100.00

Mission Figs

As I walk through our local farmers market, I'm struck by all the amazing colors of food. Here I set out to explore the color of the figs. 

9x12"

Oil on canvas

$50

Available at Daily Paintworks

Sunset Magic

People really enjoy a walk when the sky blesses us with such magic of colors.

8"x10"

Oil on board

Available for auction at

DailyPaint Works

Goleta Sunset 3

During late spring and all summer we rarely get clouds and you need clouds for a great sunset. When everything comes together is when you gab the camera and just go crazy taking reference photos.

8"x10"

Oil on board

SOLD

Arroyo Burro Beach

I'm always at a loss for words when I see a sunset. It's easier for me to paint the words.

Oil on board

8x10"

Sold

Goleta Sunset

This evening the sky was on fire, the clouds 

were in perfect position to create an amazing sunset

8x10"

oil on board

available for auction at:

Sold

Gulls of East Beach

Seagulls may not be the the most cutes birds in the world but I really enjoy 

watching as they socially interact with each other

8x10"

Oil on board

available at

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/joseph-lacorte/gulls-of-east-beach/202448

Leadbetter Gold

There are times of the year and times of a day that seem to be special. This was a special evening with a special light.

Leadbetter Gold

9x12"

oil on canvas board
Available at
Available at Daily Paintworks

The Shadow Knows

Another tree study for a future lager painting. You know shadows are never black, next time you see a shadow look at, look again till you see the colors shadows offer.

6x6"

Oil on canvas

Available at

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/joseph-lacorte/the-shadow-knows/190405

Dos Arboles

I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.
A tree whose hungry mouth is pressed
Against the earth's sweet flowing breast;
A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;
A tree that may in Summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;
Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.
Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree. 
-- Joyce Kilmer

6x6"

oil on foam back oil paper

Available at

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/joseph-lacorte/dos-arboles/188181

Red Flowers

This painting is a result of an acrylic workshop I had taken. I generally work in oil but have always wanted to explore other media.

9x12"

acrylic on canvas

$50

Available at Daily Paintworks

Sunflowers

Just their name is happy and fun. I have captured that to my satisfaction in this painting. It's oil paint on an acrylic black toned hard board. I love this one. To Purchase click the Daily Paintworks link.
http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/joseph-lacorte/untitled/185886

6x6"

Oil on board

SOLD

Mission Creek

In the spring life comes to the creek as the mountains thaw. I like to go there and just listen to the water trickling over the rocks. Everything seems to come to life and I feel renewed.

9x12"

Oil on canvas board

$50

To purchase click below

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/joseph-lacorte/mission-creek/185819

Shoreline Park

Shoreline park is a treat for the senses. It sits on cliffs overlooking the 

ocean and Santa Barbara. It's not often we see clouds like these 

so I had the opportunity to paint them.

This painting is available at

Daily Paintworks

East Beach from Stern's Wharf

9x12"
oil on canvas

Should 'ah

Should'ah

I did it this way
maybe I should'ah done it that way

I like it this way

9x12"
oil on canvas board

Andree Clark Bird Refuge, Santa Barbara

This refuse is a blessing. I go there to clear my mind. The birds, the water and the foliage give me a place of self.

9x12"

oil on canvas

2 ticks on a picnic

Golden Fields at More Mesa

12x16"

Oil on canvas panel

More Mesa

I had heard about More Mesa and how it was being considered for McMansion houses. So I went to see this land. It wasn't easy, I had to traverse around all these "Private Property" postings. I found my way inand saw several other painters there. Here's my take on More Mesa with a few more paintings to come.

12x16"

oil on canvas board
$200

Time to get your color on

Spring is here and the wildflowers and trees are blooming. There's color everywhere!

9x12" oil on board

SOLD

Street Scene Series

Yesterdays post was about the Greyhound building and the painting of it. That painting belonged to a series of 3 paintings I did of some obscure landmarks around State Street. Two of which are now gone. This is the series as they had hung on my wall when I was living in Newbury Park.

This one is called Hats

A couple enjoying some martinis at Rocks, Rocks is no longer there and many other businesses have come & gone. But the headwear still exists

The third is the Clock

This clock I believe will continue on for many many years.

Every painting can tell a story as every painting can have it's own story

Sometime in 2008 I saw this wonderful scene, it was the circa 1940's style Greyhound bus station in Santa Barbara and I photographed it. Several years later I found the photo & decided to paint it. A few years after that I showed it in a solo show in Santa Barbara. It sold, the person who purchased it had come as a young man to SB on a Greyhound bus to make his fortune. He made that fortune and the painting brought back memories for him.

Today the Company's sign was taken down and the terminal was re-opened at 

a new location near the AmTrack station.

It put's a smile on my face.

Painting again

Been away from the brushes & palette for awhile, been webinating for one of the nicest client I've ever had. But I need to feel the paint under my brush.

So today I recycled 4 sets of stretcher bars. I came up with this pattern to do a wrap-around.

You get the idea

I turned the studio into a canvas factory, lol

Recycled 4 today. Paint tomorrow.  Be back soon.

Last night was 1st Thursday in Santa Barbara. To an artist it's a magical night no matter if you paint, dance, sing or play music, it's all local art.

My evening started at the Faulkner gallery to see the Southern Californian Artists Painting for the Environment's (SCAPE) reception with a portion of sales going to Surfrider Foundation. The show is there all month so come on & experience our environment in paintings.

On my way to the next venue I stop at the Waterhouse Gallery to see the "Small Gems" show, all 8X8" paintings, Just beautiful work there. if you're in Santa Barbara stop in, they're located in La Arcadia on State street

Then off to the Mayor's Office to see "Art in the Mayor's Office Exhibit". This quarter we are exhibiting Santa Barbara Printmakers offering of Limited Editions, conceived to raise funds for the Santa Barbara Arts Collaborative and now on it's own tour.

Walking back towards the beginning of my evening there is music coming from everywhere, the patio in front of Marshall's store, and several cafes & restaurants. As I past the Santa Barbara Museum of Art there is more music. 

I go around the corner now to see Lockwood DeForest's paintings at Arts & Letters Cafe, a part of Sullivan Goss Gallery, I feel blessed to see this man's work. If you're a plein air painting enthusiast then google his name. Also there was Leon Dabo's drawings, just warms my heart to be able to see all this.

It only took 2 hours of looking at art to end my painting block. So it's off  to my man cave to get dirty. 

Sycamore at Mission Creek

These trees are amazing. They twist & twine, giving them these stress points.  I think I'll paint at Oak Park for awhile.

So while I was painting an unfortunate homeless guy that lives in the park came up to me.

I was a bit annoyed at 1st, but I'd be annoyed if anyone intruded on my painting space.

He turned out to be very pleasant and like the contrast of the foreground. He also was a fellow Veteran.

9x12" oil on Panel

Painted Plein Air

Leadbetter Beach

8x10" Oil on board

I love Leadbetter Beach and have painted it many times. Each time,

 I see it in a different light. This light was a light marine layer. 

Yes Virginia, there is color in gray.

Skateboarder

9x12" Oil on canvas

SOLD