Finally got decent photos of the first three Makeup (transformation) portraits in their finished states. So these, along with a few other new paintings will be added to the Gallery page within the next few days.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by The Distillery last Sunday for open studios. It was my first experience doing this as an artist and all in all, I think it went pretty well. It was good to get everyones feedback and, based on the jump in traffic on the site today, some people have come back for more information and a second look at some paintings.

For those who didn’t make it, here is a preview of the first painting in what should be a new series of works. I have not had a chance to get very much done on this piece yet but, I think it is already shaping up pretty nicely.

Check back soon because as soon as this dries enough to continue working on I will dive head first into getting it completed.

By some stroke of internet magic, I have managed to get my first number 1 result in a google search for “Nick Ward”. Since this internet stardom will surely be short lived, I have decided to immortalize this moment of victory here on my blog.

On an even more important note, my shared studio space at The Distillery building in South Boston will be featured in this weeks episode of “The Phone” on MTV (I think?). So, be sure to watch MTV this Tuesday (May 11th) and keep your eyes open for possible Distillery artist sightings.

For anyone interested, my roommate’s band has a new CD out and we are having a release party for them at the studio. Good music, Free beer, what else can you ask for? Anyone who is around Boston this Friday should stop in. Email me if you need directions.

Silver Arrows
Release their new album,
Arpeggionassis
Also playing,
The Divorced!

This Friday, May 8th starting at 9:30 at The Distillery in South Boston

Check out the page for this event on Facebook

Here is a look at what I have gotten painted so far on the panel one of the fourth painting in this series.

With even the best laid plan, so much of life is left to chance (or maybe that is just my life?). With that in mind, it is hard not to see the value in having some routine that is all your own. The little things that you do daily that help you feel your best. Every morning I sit with a cup of coffee, as I am sure many others do, and do nothing but sip. It is not the caffein that gets me moving (not that it doesn’t help) but, the 15 or 20 minutes of head clearing that accompanies it.

Everyone has their own rituals that, however trite they may seem, help them mentally prepare for what is ahead. I started this series of paintings with other ideas in mind but, it was my fascination with other peoples routines led me to keep creating them.

The other day I read this:

Life is mostly made up of routines and patterns. Every day we act them out and they are what make up the bulk of our lives. Many of us live according to a socially acceptable template, within the realm of safety, while living repetitively and dreaming of ways to escape.

I used to revolt against these routines. I saw them as the enemy of adventure and of living a spontaneous life. However, I’ve found that routines can be quite blissful. I’ve realized that every day events and what we would commonly classify as “normal”, is often extraordinary if you just take a closer look.

I’ve discovered that even if you’re not exactly where you’d like to be, that doesn’t mean that life right now can’t be beautiful or enjoyable. And the best part is, you don’t have to do anything to make it beautiful. It already is beautiful.
All you have to do is open your eyes.

The rest of this post is not necessarily related to what I am talking about (it is still an interesting read) but, that opening paragraph sent me running to my sketch book to create more studies of other peoples rituals. In retrospect, maybe that was where these paintings were taking me all along?

The Distillery Building in South Boston, where I have a studio, is preparing to have its annual spring open studios event. Everyone is opening their doors and letting you in to see their newest work and give you a little more insight into how their art is created. So, if you have ever wanted to check out some of my paintings first hand, or maybe you want to support some Boston artists, or if you just want to drink all my wine eat all my food, come on down to South Boston on Sunday June 7th to The Distillery (at 516 East Second street). I look forward to seeing everyone here!

Spring Open Studios @ The Distillery & King Terminal 60+ Artists / 2 Locations.
Sunday, June 7, 2009 Noon - 6pm 516
E 2nd St & 570 E 1st St, South Boston.

Free and Open to the Public. For more information and directions, visit the Distillery website. You can also help us spread the word by inviting anyone who may be interested to join the Facebook event page or reposting this information.

Today’s progress on this painting:

Today could be the day, tonight could be the night…

After a nice sunny Sunday morning here in Boston, I locked myself in the studio and got back to work on this painting. Warm spring days are such a motivator for me and I managed to get a good amount of work done.

Also, I have reached an all time high in internet stardom as my website showed up on page two of a google search for Nick Ward. So, I have decided to celebrate by loading this post with references to the fact that, I am the most important Nick Ward in Boston, and deserve to be on page one of your search.

(edit.. The Google Gods already punished me for this blatant self promotion and I am back to page three where I belong.)