New Work

Maquettes, take two

2006-12-03T08:56:00.001-08:00

O/b. 5x7". © 2006.
I've been doing a small painting daily. It helps my eye and hand stay fresh & loose.
My larger canvases benefit from this too.

Rooftop

2006-11-22T19:54:00.000-08:00

Rooftop, originally uploaded by msokolis.

O/c. 30x40".
© 2006

Black Gown

2006-11-22T19:30:00.000-08:00

Black Gown, originally uploaded by msokolis.

O/c. 24x18".
© 2006

Maquettes

2006-11-13T23:42:00.000-08:00

Maquettes are sketch renderings in paint.
The literal translation of this French word is "mock up".
In addition to larger works I've featured on this site, I paint small as well.
Creating art in a small format is an opportunity to work quick and fresh, with a direct
response to what's being painted.
Sometimes small paintings are studies. Sometimes they're stand-alone.
After finishing 15 planned, detailed canvases for my current one-man show, I'm painting some small works
on panel. Mixing it up keeps the process fresh.
More to come on this...

Sketch For Rooftop

2006-11-09T23:02:00.000-08:00

Sketch For Rooftop copy, originally uploaded by msokolis.

Graphite On Paper
© 2006

The Bough & The Balancing Act

2006-11-02T15:33:00.000-08:00

The Bough & The Balancing Act, originally uploaded by msokolis.

O/c. 20x16".
© 2006.

Statement For Balancing Act Exhibit

2006-10-25T23:11:00.000-07:00

Here's the statement for the one-man-show which opens 11/4/06 at Sullivan Goss Gallery. Thanks Nancy.

Michael Sokolis “Balancing Act”

With an eye for elegant form and graceful line, Michael Sokolis creates dreamlike scenes of contemporary life far above the cityscape. The viewer shares the aerial perspective of characters in precarious circumstances. Echoing the dramatic flair of a film still, we glimpse the inner psychological terrain of these mysterious men and women. The realistically painted figures hold aloft briefcases, shoes, or perhaps a bottle of wine as they traverse a tightrope above the urban environment.

Like a high wire acrobatic act, an element of mystical performance suffuses these compositions. A master of the subtleties of glazing, this artist creates a sense of mystery in the shifting pastel colors of sunset and sunrise. Sokolis focuses on the ability of individuals to find the magical inner resources that enable them to cope with the challenges of achieving balance in the carnival of modern life.

Michael Sokolis studied art at California State College-Long Beach, and he lived in the South for many years before returning to the West Coast in 1998. His paintings are exhibited in Nashville and Atlanta as well as the Los Angeles area, and his work is represented in significant collections throughout the country. His “Balancing Act” series offers complex and beautiful paintings that reflect our collective psyche.

Nancy Clare Caponi, Director of Contemporary Art,
Sullivan Goss, An American Gallery

Neighborhood Sunset

2006-10-18T12:34:00.000-07:00

Neighborhood Sunset, originally uploaded by msokolis.

O/c. 34x24".
© 2006

One Man Show

2006-10-04T09:21:00.000-07:00

Sullivan Goss Gallery in Santa Barbara will exhibit my work.
Paintings from the Balancing Act Series will hang in their Montecito
gallery from November 4, 2006 through the first week in January, 2007.

Hop Louie

2006-09-22T09:06:00.000-07:00

Hop Louie, originally uploaded by msokolis.

O/c. 40x30".
© 2006.

Deep Sunset

2006-08-30T23:09:00.000-07:00

Deep Sunset copy, originally uploaded by msokolis.

O/c. 24x36".
© 2006

Lady With Baby

2006-06-29T08:26:00.000-07:00

Lady With Baby, originally uploaded by msokolis.

I've been wanting to paint a pregnant woman for the Balancing Act Series. So I approached someone on the streets of Venice about modeling. Jolie was a great choice. 1) She didn't call the cops on me. 2) We got to know each other a bit and she's delightful. 3) As she balanced on the platform, her form was impeccable. It turns out she's been a gymnast for years. The way she arched her feet and poised herself brought a new flavor to the mix.
Before long there will be a painting of a kind of balancing act for two.

Site Upgrade

2006-06-20T18:26:00.000-07:00

The Sokolisart Web Site has been upgraded. It was quite an endeavor, not for the faint of heart.
The entire success of the site can be distilled into two words...Mike Griess.
The Mighty Mike Griess is my web designer, and he rocked the joint. His skills, patience & tenacity made it work.
Mike hung in there through all the twists and turns...he modified site ergonomics, tripled the amount of
viewable art, added new categories and updated artist information. Thanks MG.
p.s. if you ever meet him, ask him what he thinks of clowns.

At The Easel

2006-06-06T19:45:00.000-07:00

At The Easel, originally uploaded by msokolis.

My friend Jake visited the studio. He brought his friend Chastity with him and they hung out quite awhile. Jake took photos while I painted. Then Chastity modeled for the Balancing Act series. I took over 200 pics and got some great shots. She was a natural...she'll be showing up on canvas soon.
Here are 3 of Jake's photographs from their visit.
P.S. he's the model in High Anxiety and other paintings.

Paint

2006-06-06T14:18:00.000-07:00

Paint, originally uploaded by msokolis.

Chastity

2006-06-06T14:17:00.000-07:00

Chastity, originally uploaded by msokolis.

Construction

2006-06-01T08:27:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers: Sokolisart web page modification and construction is nearly complete.
Through the Timeline feature, you'll be able to go through images of paintings from
2000 onward. We've been scanning, cleaning and archiving slides
of paintings. We hope to post the altered site in the next few days. Fingers crossed.
Other features are being enhanced or added.
If anyone has feedback, please drop me a line. Thanks. Happy viewing. Michael

26 Again

2006-05-26T16:45:00.000-07:00

26 Again, originally uploaded by msokolis.

26 Again. O/c. 30x40".
© 2006
Having a studio in Venice, Ca., I continue getting commissions for lifeguard tower paintings. This is a commission for Pamela Thompson, who has been collecting my work for years. If you look closely, you can see an homage to her parents in the far left of the painting.

Off Balance #3

2006-04-19T00:13:00.000-07:00

Off Balance #3, originally uploaded by msokolis.

O/c. 12x9".
© 2006.

Off Balance #2

2006-03-24T17:41:00.000-08:00

Off Balance #2, originally uploaded by msokolis.

O/c. 9x12".
© 2006

Work In Progress

2006-03-16T11:56:00.000-08:00

Work In Progress, originally uploaded by msokolis.

Here's a look at a painting in progress.

Jennifer Balancing Act

2006-03-04T18:06:00.000-08:00

Jennifer Balancing Act, originally uploaded by msokolis.

Graphite On Canson Paper. 17x14".
© 2006

From Inabsentia

2006-02-19T15:52:00.000-08:00

Much has happened since last blog entry. The reaction to the "Balancing Act" painting series has
brought about changes.
1) I'm painting new works in more detail & spending more time on each piece. So the Work A Week
blog has been changed for New Work.
2) Sokolisart web site will feature Balancing Act works on the front page. We're working on that now.

Off Balance #1

2005-11-23T22:48:00.000-08:00

Balancing Act Study #3, originally uploaded by msokolis.

O/c. 12x9".
© 2005

Jake On A Phone Line

2005-10-29T22:09:00.000-07:00

Jake On A Phone Line, originally uploaded by msokolis.

Graphite On Canson Paper. 14x11".
© 2005

Back From Santa Fe

2005-10-25T11:00:00.000-07:00

Trip to Santa Fe, N.M. was cool. The gallery scene is large...the second biggest art center in America, 2nd only to NYC.
We also checked out Scottsdale, Az.; another robust gallery scene.
A new blog art post is coming soon.

Erin

2005-10-13T22:04:00.000-07:00

Erin, originally uploaded by msokolis.

Graphite on Canson Paper. 11x14"
© 2005

Woman In The Mirror

2005-10-07T11:39:00.000-07:00

Woman In The Mirror, originally uploaded by msokolis.

O/c. 30x40"
© 2005

Balancing Act

2005-09-30T08:48:00.000-07:00

Balancing Act, originally uploaded by msokolis.

O/c. 40x30".
© 2005.

Sketch of Face

2005-09-24T21:29:00.000-07:00

Sketch of Face, originally uploaded by msokolis.

This is a quick sketch after a photograph.

Candace

2005-09-15T21:05:00.000-07:00

Candace, originally uploaded by msokolis.

Graphite On Canson Paper. 14 x 11".
© 2005

girl walks dog

2005-09-09T13:35:00.000-07:00

girl walks dog, originally uploaded by msokolis.

i took a drawing pad on my road trip.
here's a sketch from a photograph.

Road Trip

2005-08-27T16:20:00.000-07:00

I'll be out of town for a week or two.
More blog posts on the backside.

Looking Out At 25

2005-08-25T14:38:00.000-07:00

Looking Out At 25, originally uploaded by msokolis.

O/c. 24x30".
© 2005
This painting was interesting.
I finished it. Then a week later I repainted most
of it...better painting.

Man's Feet On Rope

2005-08-18T16:35:00.000-07:00

Man's Feet On Rope, originally uploaded by msokolis.

Graphite On Canson Paper. 14x11".
© 2005.

26

2005-08-11T21:33:00.000-07:00

26, originally uploaded by msokolis.

O/c. 24x36".
© 2005

Same Street, Different Time

2005-08-04T20:36:00.000-07:00

Same Street, Different Time, originally uploaded by msokolis.

O/c. 60x48".
© 2005

Light At The End Of The Tunnel

2005-07-29T11:23:00.000-07:00

Light At The End Of The Tunnel, originally uploaded by msokolis.

O/c. 24x16".
© 2005.
Forgive my day-late entry.
The Gallery C opening went late last night.
Cool opening.
Thanks to Michael, Nancy, Maggie & Allison.

Phoneline Tightrope

2005-07-21T16:44:00.000-07:00

IMG_0025 copy2, originally uploaded by msokolis.

O/c. 30x40".
© 2005.
This is one of the paintings I've done for the Gallery
C Exhibition opening 7/28/05.
I've tried some new things on these works.
A higher quality photo of this painting will be posted to the web site soon.

Sea And Sky

2005-07-14T17:07:00.000-07:00

Sea And Sky, originally uploaded by msokolis.

Silver River

2005-07-08T16:24:00.000-07:00

Silver River, originally uploaded by msokolis.

Urban Evening

2005-07-01T09:36:00.000-07:00

Urban Evening, originally uploaded by msokolis.

Golden Wing

2005-06-23T23:23:00.000-07:00

Golden Wing, originally uploaded by msokolis.

Night Landing

2005-06-16T09:44:00.000-07:00

Night Landing, originally uploaded by msokolis.

Tightrope Walker

2005-06-13T22:37:00.000-07:00

molly 2_1_1_1, originally uploaded by msokolis.

Molly Mahoney modeled for an upcoming painting of a dancer tightrope walking on telephone lines.

Night Sky Over Penmar

2005-06-09T20:49:00.000-07:00

Night Sky Over Penmar, originally uploaded by msokolis.

LA Sunrise

2005-06-07T15:08:00.000-07:00

I went downtown LA last Sunday to photograph the city at sunrise. Good reference material for paintings.
p.s. the homeless get up early

LA sunrise

2005-06-07T15:02:00.000-07:00

LA sunrise, originally uploaded by msokolis.

Studying Masters

2005-06-03T10:29:00.000-07:00

Spent a couple hours at Hennessey & Ingalls Art & Architecture Bookstore, studying books on technique.
I'm trying a few new things for the July 31st exhibition at Gallery C.
Rembrandt's glazing approach was deep. No surprise there.

Joe & The Bunny

2005-06-02T14:02:00.000-07:00

Joe & The Bunny, originally uploaded by msokolis.

14x11" Graphite Drawing
on 90 lb. Canson Paper

Underneath 25

2005-06-01T20:13:00.000-07:00

Underneath 25, originally uploaded by msokolis.

Images

2005-06-01T19:39:00.000-07:00

Looks like we should have Blog photos posted in the next day or two.
Keep the faith.

A Work A Week

2005-05-27T16:30:00.000-07:00

Dealing with photos, etc. for the weekly work-a-week entry is a bit trickier than expected.
We're working on it & we'll get it right asap.

A Work A Week

2005-03-31T13:37:00.000-08:00

I'll post a new painting or drawing on Thursdays