FAIRFAX ARTWALK ON SATURDAY

Come out for an evening of Art and Fun on Fairfax.
Be sure to stop by the gallery to check out the latest and Greatest.

Norm Maxwell Studio Gallery
430 N. Fairfax Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90036

More info:
http://www.normmaxwell.com

SMOKIN GEORGE

There's never a dull moment in the studio. In between workin on my latest masterpiece, side doodles, and shootin the shite with the good folks droppin in from God knows where, I found time to have a lil fun with George. This image came to mind last night and I just couldn't stop laughin to myself. So in order to not be completely crazy I had to let the rest of the world in on the joke. I know I've got a twisted sense of humor, but consider this one being nice :)

The Piano Lesson

Isa Maxwell and Piano Teacher Jasmine Keolian

My son has been taking piano lesson for the past 2 1/2 years. He hates it. What he doesn't realize is how good he is at it. So I've decided that he doesn't have the option of quitting. That said, He's been working on the Blues song "A Neat Beat" for his next recital. Last night I interrupted his practice and suggested that he "Scat" while he played. He looked at me like I was crazy. I encouraged him to make the piano fun. A great way to do this is to not take it so seriously. Scatting takes the edge off and can make a song humorous.

He laughed at me at first. Then I remembered my old friend Youtube. I made my son and daughter sit down and watch. I wanted to show them the variety of scatting styles. I also pointed out how each artist used scatting as part of their signature sound. From Ella Fitzgerald, Al Jerreau, George Benson and let's not forget the great "Satchmo" Louis Armstrong.

My son really got a kick outta Satchmo. I think he finally got what I was trying to show him. When he sat down at the piano he started scatting along. He sounded just like a little Louis Armstrong. Not to mention that his playing was so much better.

God bless my little girl. She can sing her little heart out, but the the musical comedy act her brother's pushin is gonna kill 'em dead.

BTW- The image above is going to be my next painting. It will be entitled "The Piano Lesson"

NOMZEE

Street Gallery

I JUST COULD HELP MYSELF!!! I just couldn't stand it any longer. For months they've been doing construction at the old Club Largo next door. They put up a barrier wall and painted it black. Now you know how I love a fresh black canvas. I tried to restrain myself. Then along comes Tom, Dick and Harry with the whacky wheat pastes and scribbling their names, ruining a perfectly great opportunity. Okay, I lunched. Today I had to satisfy the urge. Fairfax has been LIBERATED. These walls are reserved for real art.