Magic No.1: Songbird

I've been meaning to talk about one of my heroes...Ricky Jay. He is a brilliant writer, actor ( He was born to do David Mamet), poker player, and master magician. He's the king of "slight of hand" which means...he's THE KING OF HANDS! He has an absolute mastery of getting his hands to do what he wants them to do ( a constant battle for me...). I really encourage everyone to go to Ricky Jay's website and explore. You should also listen to his radio show about "Hands".

I thought I would channel a little Caravaggio into my series of "magic hands".

-magic no.1: songbird, 2007

8" x 8", oil on gessoed panel

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Apple Pi

This is the second of my "Pi paintings". I'm working on a larger version and a little movie of my next one right now. I actually used ALL of the colors on my palette for this painting.

I actually use Pi pretty regularly. Perhaps I put a little too much energy into making a newspaper crown for my dog, but...

if you're gonna do something, you should really give it your all!


-apple pi, 2007

8" x 8", oil on gessoed panel

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lolli, lolli, lolli...

Who doesn't like candy on a stick? Caramel apples, corn ( at any good state fair), cotton candy ( stick is paper, but it still counts), kabobs of any variety, and of course popcicles and ice cream ( yum a dum dum!). This leads me to this equation:

Good thing + stick = REALLY good thing!


-lolli, lolli, lolli, 2007

8" x 8", oil on gessoed panel

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My new name is...

There was a nice little article about Aron Packer in NewCity Chicago profiling him and talking about his current show. Here's a little excerpt from it:

"The anniversary show, which runs through October 13, also includes single works by many of the twenty or so core artists Packer represents—some emerging, others now mid-career. There’s a hilarious big pastel self-portrait by Otto Lange South as Flash Gordon brandishing a Wonder Bread instead of a ray gun. Renee McGinnis surreally places a London power plant amid luscious topiary. The sculpture "Shark Girl" by Casey Reardon Millard, which reared her ludicrous head at Art Chicago, is back, along with a smattering of folk pieces reminiscent of Packer’s beginnings twenty years ago."

From now on, I will only answer to...

Otto Lange South ( when I'm in the South)

When in Canada, I will only answer to...

Otto Lange North

When in London or France, I will be called...

Otto Lange Europe

I hope that this new plan will go smoothly for everyone and not cause too much confusion.

Thanks,

Otto Lange South - Midwestern ( I'm on the phone with my Uncle in Ohio...) Pin It Now!

banana

FUN FACT: Did you know that after you've peeled a banana, if you push your finger into the very tip of the end...it will split into three identical slices.

-banana, 2007

6" x 6", oil on gessoed panel

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batman '66

See? Even as a child I knew that if you had a bunch of money and were super smart...it could totally happen!



-batman '66, 2007

8" x 8", oil on gessoed panel

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Also, check out my little movie of this painting.

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acorn & b-corn

I have a wonderfully wicked little niece named Lilli. She has spent the weekend with us every week since she has been born ( my sister and I live within 4 miles of each other). To be honest, I can relate to her better than just about anyone. The immediate needs and the unwillingness to let a joke DIE!

Lilli: "Hey, what are these?"

Me: "they're acorns."

Lilli: "Why are they green?"

Me: : "Well, those are different. They're B-corns"

Lilli: "Hey, I'm seven...not stupid!"

Awesome! However, I do miss the ability to "engage in mis-information" with her.

-conjunction junction, 2007

6" x 6", oil on gessoed panel

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self-portrait with Mickey & cherries

I paint with the Mickey Mouse shirt a lot. I think I consider it a "painting shirt". the funny this is that I NEVER get any paint on it. The other funny thing is that I ALWAYS get paint on my clothes when I don't put on my "painting shirt". I went to bed the other night, and when I went to brush my teeth I realized that I had Mars Black all over my face. I looked like Dick Van Dyke. Well, I suppose there are worse "looks" ( Gavin McLeod, Marvin Hamlish...)

-self-portrait with Mickey & cherries, 2007

8" x 8", oil on gessoed panel

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conjunction junction

I sing involuntarily. Grocery store, cutting grass, funerals... whenever. George Carlin makes the distinction that some people are "musically talented" and some people are "musical". This often being pointed out by those who are "musically talented". His description of those who are musical:

" If you hit me in the head with a lead pipe...I make a noise!"

"Conjunction Junction" is a biggie for me. Although it goes through some "changes" on occasion, I try to stay faithful to the spirit of the thing.

-conjunction junction, 2007

6" x 6", oil on gessoed panel

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Entertainment Weekly and me...kinda

My buddy Benjamin Holcomb out in L.A. has written a wonderful book about my favorite toys! This book is Mego 8" Super-Heroes: World's Greatest Toys! , and I have had the distinct privilege of contributing my paintings of these toys to this book. This week's Entertainment Weekly ( aug 31, 2007, #951) has a feature about Benjamin and his book.

I cannot say enough about the amount of effort and artistry ( and time...he's been working on this for over 4 years) that has gone into the creation of this book. This will become the hallmark of what other collectible books will be measured by. Here are some of the comments of praise about this book:

"...a stunning visual experience that will leave you weeping like a nine-year old who just misplaced Robin's removable mask."
— Chip Kidd, author of Batman Collected

"I've waited thirty years for this magical, beautiful book. And now, Benjamin Holcomb has given it to us."
— Brad Meltzer, author of NY Times Best-Selling The Book of Fate and
DC's Justice League of America

"This book, so full of fond memories both personal and professional, could be improved only if it included footy pajamas and a Christmas tree."
— Ken Abrams, son of Marty Abrams and
grandson of Mego founder D. David Abrams

I loved these toys as a kid. I love them now as a semi-adult, and I am immensely proud to be a part of this project. This book is available for pre-sale at Amazon and I would encourage everyone to check it out.




This is a portion of one of the paintings included in this book. Pin It Now!

peaches records and tapes

I grew up in two cities. Cleveland, Oh and Atlanta, GA. All growing up there was an emphasis in my home on music and...the pursuit of records. The super rare soundtrack to Bullitt ( Japanese pressing) or some really cool Elvis outtakes or...

Either way, both cities had a great record store chain called Peaches Records and Tapes. Cleveland had one in Parma up until the early 90's I think. Atlanta had really cool ones in the 70's and 80's that were multi-leveled and filled with huge crates of great albums. I remember that most new albums ( you know like Yes' 90125...new stuff) were $6.99.

Opening the shinkwrap on a new record isn't the same as a CD. The 12" gatefold with some kind of poster or insert made it feel like you were getting more. Size matters...when it comes to music formats.

-peaches records and tapes, 2007

6" x 6", oil on gessoed panel

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little chocolate donuts

"Little Chocolate Donuts. They taste good, and they've got the sugar I need to get me going in the morning. That's why Little Chocolate Donuts have been on my training table since I was a kid."

-little chocolate donuts, 2007

6" x 6", oil on gessoed panel

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sky king

I used to ride this thing in my gramma's basement on the parkway in Parma Hts., OH. We had it repainted, but it has one wheel thats not completely round. Its better when something ( or someone for that matter) you really cherish has a flaw in it. That way when I ride my tricycle to the big rally in Sturgis, I'll know which one is mine.

-sky king, 2007

8" x 8", oil on gessoed panel

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happy birthday to me... again

This is my 100th 6" x 6" painting! I love this size!

BY the way, I apologize for any additional notifications on this blog ( Blogger was acting screwy, but it seems okay now).


-happy birthday to me, 2007

6" x 6", oil on gessoed panel

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Victor Cherry

Elvis used to use Dr. John Carpenter as his pseudonym when he checked into hotels and public places.

Fun Fact: Elvis' karate name was Tiger!

Okay, the Victor coffee cup is my favorite, but add cherries and...you have the perfect:

A. Bond villan name

B. Male lead adult film star

or C. Six Million Dollar Man Steve Austin's contact in Chile name

Either way...its a cool name.


-Victor Cherry, 2007

6" x 6", oil on gessoed panel

Click HERE to bid on this painting or to see my other work listed on ebay. You can get on my mailing list by subscribing to my google group above ( I send out a note when I list a new painting) . Also, check out ottolange.com to see more work and get more info. Pin It Now!

cherry glaze

Here's a painting for my Gallery Piquel in PA. Also, I made a little movie too.

cherry glaze, 2007

24" x 24", oil on gessoed panel

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slip

I've been listening to a fantastic book on tape ( yes, on tape...) by David Niven called "Bring on the Empty Horses". This book is read by Niven and is FANTASTIC! He tells the story of his career path in old Hollywood and the really big freinds that he made along the way. Fred Astaire, Bogart, Cary Grant, and Errol Flynn to name a few. He tells little cool stories about these stars and the impact they had on his life and career ( the Errol Flynn stuff is great).

One really good story is about Charlie Chaplin and an after-dinner drinks discussion about filming the famous banana-peel-fall-on-your-ass scene. The discussion was about how to make a tired and old bit funny. Chaplin's method was a scene-by-scene narrative of how this could play out effectively on film.

First, shot of large woman in high-heels carry a load of packages.

Second, shot of banana peel

Third, woman approaches banana peel...Walks around it...and falls into an open manhole.

-slip, 2007

6" x 6", oil on gessoed panel

Click HERE to bid on this painting or to see my other work listed on ebay. You can get on my mailing list by subscribing to my google group above ( I send out a note when I list a new painting) . Also, check out ottolange.com to see more work and get more info. Pin It Now!

watermelon and fork

I'm working to get some big work done for my gallery in PA ( I'll post some pics this weekend). I've been listening to some real "gems" too. Beach Boys "Sunflower", the new Rush album, and an old favorite Seals and Crofts "Greatest Hits". I get into a situation where I'll listen to a group of albums through a painting OVER and OVER again.

Here's the weird thing ( well two weird things). First, and I do this without really thinking about it, I'll keep many paintings going at once, but I'll only listen to a certain group of albums for each different painting. Weird! Like, I'll get up and change the album ( LP or CD...Hey, I can't be limited by availablity).

Second, when I hear certain songs I get a little touch of deja-vu of a particular painting ( I'll remember painting it or a portion of a painting). Also weird!

In the beginning of a painting, I'll be working along thinking that "Hummingbird" is AWESOME! Cut to day three, and I start to think ,"Man, this really sucks! Who is this mellow?"

Doesn't matter. I'll go back to Seals and Crofts eventually. I always do. It really is AWESOME...isn't it?

-watermelon & fork, 2007

6" x 6", oil on gessoed panel

Click HERE to bid on this painting or to see my other work listed on ebay. You can get on my mailing list by subscribing to my google group above ( I send out a note when I list a new painting) . Also, check out ottolange.com to see more work and get more info. Pin It Now!

Red Rock Rose

Tonight is for big fun! The second season of "The Incredible Hulk" come out. David Banner ( Bill Bixby) is actually the entertainment part of that show. It seems every week that David gets some REALLY crappy job ( or even better...they make up jobs just to make him lose his cool...poison taster...bullet catcher...whatever), and gets REALLY involved with the lives of his co-workers ( by "involved" I mean he meddles...). If I turned into a big green monster everytime I got mad, I would probably turn down the job of snake wrangler.

-red rock rose, 2007

6" x 6", oil on gessoed panel

You can get on my mailing list by subscribing to my google group above ( I send out a note when I list a new painting) . Also, check out ottolange.com to see more work and get more info. Pin It Now!

Mom's toasters...

My Mom is a collector of many things. She has a HUGE collection of vintage chrome kitchen items. The great thing is that all of these cool things look and work like new. When we've been out on the prowl for things she ALWAYS gets the best stuff. She has got "the eye". What's funny is that it seems very normal growing up in a kitchen with 40+ chrome coffee makers that she used in a rotation style. There's one that I found ( and she bought) that is chrome with a glass body with LIGHTS INSIDE that show all the percolating action.

-toast, 2007

8" x 8", oil on gessoed panel

Click HERE to bid on this painting or to see my other work listed on ebay. You can get on my mailing list by subscribing to my google group above ( I send out a note when I list a new painting) . Also, check out ottolange.com to see more work and get more info. Pin It Now!