Benjamin Billingsley   

Left Column

Scroll down to view:                                                                                                Right Column - Still LIfe Paintings by Benjamin Billingsley
Paintings by my maternal grandfather Robert Schellin
Sculptures by my father Carl Billingsley
and Weavings by mother Catherine Billingsley

Robert Schellin

Carl Billingsley

Below: Barbara Allen Feb. 2008
Prism Arc III at UNCW Feb. 2008 & 2 earlier works

Catherine Billingsley

 Catherine’s recent work was featured at Payne Gallery at Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania in September-October 2008 – including “Twist and Shout Color” 16’x4.5’

(Other recent pieces include medical scans to create a highly personal "body" of work!)

2008

1999

1998

1998

1997

1997

1997

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 Some recommended reading on Bay Area Figurative Painting - click on titles for hyperlinks to Amazon.com -

Bay Area Figurative Art: 1950-1965 by Caroline A. Jones

Elmer Bischoff: The Ethics of Paint by Susan Landauer

The Art of Richard Diebenkorn (Ahmanson-Murphy Fine Arts Book) by Jane Livingston

Theophilus Brown: Paintings, Collages & Drawings by John Arthur (originally recommended 4/22 see below)

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CONTINUING FIGURE DRAWING GROUPS!
Cameron Art Museum - Tuesday evenings from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.  COST: $70 per 6 week session    

The group will meet in the museum's Reception Hall.  Easels and tables will be provided.  Participants will need to provide their own drawing materials.  Only dry drawing materials and watercolors (no oils or solvents) can be used in this space.  To register for the group please call Georgia Mastroieni at 910-395-5999 ext. 1019.  http://cameronartmuseum.com/

Bottega Gallery - 2nd Sunday of each month from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.  COST:  $10 per artist per session.

208 north front street
wilmington nc  28401
phone:  910.763.3737

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The Passing of Robert Rauschenberg - (Oct 22, 1925 - may 12 2008)
Although our styles and approaches differ significantly, I have always been fascinated by Rauschenberg's work.  I admired his ability to encorporate various elements of his daily life and visual environment in his paintings.  He was passionate about breaking down the barrier between art and real life - anything he saw or touched could find its way into the work.  He overcame numerous obstacles (including dyslexia) and he will always be a hero to the gay art community.  Rauschenberg also followed his own path (as did the Bay Area Figurative painters) in the face of the dominance of the Abstract Expressionist movement - and his work, in turn, led to the advent of Pop art.  A remarkable talent - a well-lived life - he will be missed.

Below are two of the best pieces to come from my Rauschenberg influenced series... clearly not my forte but it's always good to try new things...

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There's a brand new (02/08) book out on the career of a great Bay Area Figurative painter - Theophilus Brown.  An amazing body of work - good reproductions - and for those of us obsessed with Bay Area Figuration (or even just expressive figure painting in general) the book is a revelation!

OTHER BOOKS I'M READING AT THE MOMENT