Author Archives for Brett Callero

Scratchboard Practice

In one of my classes, I ask my students to create a scratchboard self-portrait. I decided it was time I made my own. It’s a great exercise to practice my skills. It’s been about 20 years since I’ve “self-portraited”. Thankfully, I’m pleased with the result.

I enjoy working in scratchboard. Thinking of what else I can create in this medium besides portraiture.

All Systems Go!

Look out, neighborhood. My Acoustic Research (AR) TSW-610 speakers are back in action and kicking serious sonic ass. These speakers sound so damn good! This set, and my AR receiver (also just refurbished), were part of the stereo system that was my high school graduation gift – way back in 1987. At last! Turntable and CD action are underway. My art studio stereo is now running at full speed. I’m excited! All systems go!

Art-a-Nooga

June is already here, this crazy year has moved on by so, so fast. Almost too fast. Doing some housecleaning around the studio as I prepare for my month-long residency at Stove Works (see link below) which starts tomorrow evening.

Here’s something I meant to post about months ago. Last fall I participated in a fun event called Art-a-Nooga. It happens every month, typically at Dry Ice Gallery or Stove Works. It’s a great concept. Each artist makes a seven minute presentation. I decided to talk about the Loyalty Lies Project and the LIES Brand (see link below). It was a good time, however, getting it all done in seven minutes was more difficult than I expected.

https://brettcalleroartist.com/2023/01/05/new-year-big-news/
https://brettcalleroartist.com/2020/07/15/the-loyalty-lies-project-and-the-lies-brand/

Here are a few pictures of my experience.

Boombox Series 2

Today I completed the second series of boombox paintings. It took longer to finish them than I wanted. I’ve been so busy with work and life in general.

All ten paintings are mixed media (acrylic paint, color pencil, graphite, and paper) on canvas mounted on panel.

If You Wanna Draw Maps

Being an artist of any kind is an obsessive kind of lifestyle. To many, it may seem like we’re wasting time, but we’re not. Artists (of every stripe) are consciously, or subconsciously, making something or thinking about making something. It’s a 24/7 type of life. There’s no on or off. Just tuned up or tuned down. Ask any artist, they’ll tell you. It’s an natural born fact.

In that vein, here are some of my recent daily doodles. I’ve been making a lot of these. Small pieces of the larger concept.

It’s a long way to the top, if you wanna draw maps.

New Year, Big News

Hello, and Happy New Year. I know, it’s been a while since I posted. I thought I’d catch up a little while on break but I’ve been quite busy with life in general. I did manage a little time in the studio this week. Not enough, but better than none.

The main reason for this post is the big news. I have been chosen as the local artist in residence for June 2023 at Stove Works, the internationally recognized artist residency in Chattanooga. I am excited about this opportunity and look forward to it with great anticipation.

https://www.stoveworks.org/home