During summer camps at One River, I have a chance to meet new students who are here for the first time and I often walk away completely inspired by them. Sometimes it is their energy, sometimes it is the artwork, sometimes it is their intellect and sometimes it is all of the above. I walked…

Now that I am post 50, I find myself starting to think more about how precious time is.  Part of the problem is the litany of choices are excruciating: do I watch the game or get caught up on Season Four of Breaking Bad (yes only 4), do I do some work or sort my…

Uh oh, I have a subtle feeling that the winter blues are around the corner.  How do I know?  Well, it generally starts with a few signals: sleepier in the AM, drinking way too much coffee, nesting at home on Sundays and finding ridiculous chores to accomplish, sitting in the man cave and watching too…

I saw the movie about Brian Wilson’s life and it is really worth seeing.  There are lots of stories built into the overall theme that shares the struggle Brian Wilson faced dealing with mental disease. It is fascinating how many people with exceptional brilliance also deal with overcoming exceptional personal challenges.  There is something about…

I am often asked “what is the best way to create a great portfolio?” To which my typical answer is “make great art.” It may sound trite but the fact of the matter is, whether it is for high school (Bergen Academies), college or the professional level, the process of creating a portfolio ultimately comes…

Ok, here is a little quiz. Name three important artists. Generally when I ask this question, people reply with Picasso, Van Gogh and Rembrandt. Sometimes they throw in Matisse or others like Rothko, Jackson Pollock and some other post war American artists. Isn’t it amazing when you contrast this question by asking about important musicians? Imagine…

I grew up in Queens and have spent a lifetime tying to deal with my New Yawkeese accent. Summer was pronounced “summa” but no matta how you said it every kid knew what it meant.  School was over!!!! OMG—let the fun begin! My summers were largely spent upstate New York and they were undoubtedly amazing….

Our student show is this Friday night from 5-8PM and I want to tell you a little story. In a world of distraction and constant noise, it is gratifying to watch our students come here and create with their heart and soul. This Friday, One River students of all ages share their work with the world at One River Gallery and…

OK, I’m about to get on my soapbox.  We have the coolest new exhibition opening this Saturday. Amy Lincoln and JJ Manford are two accomplished, young artists going against the grain…they are doing still lifes and landscapes with a totally new, hip flavor. If you follow contemporary art, today’s trend is all about abstraction. Many of New York’s top galleries…

Not sure what comes to mind when I say “Abbey Road,” but my gut is that 99.9% of Americans think of the epic Beatles Album.  Interestingly, Abbey Road may be their most well known record but most Beatles fans suggest it was not their best…Sgt. Peppers and Revolver tend to flip-flop in the top position. Since I write…