ChadForbis.com
ph: 314.680.9701
plowshar
Recent
Works
All works on this page are available for purchase as an original unless marked (sold) and all images are available as a limited edition, signed reproduction.
he doesn't look like us, 2011
Oil, pen, spray paint on panel, 9.5"x7.5"
- - My wife and I have dark brown hair, when my youngest son was born, we were quite surprised by his red hair. Since the day he was born, he has been complemented on his curly red hair, which has now turned a lovely blondish red. As a side note, Joshua had the idea of adding a giraffe in the box...
Professionally framed, $3775
There are Special Glasses for That, 2012
Oil, pen, spray paint on plywood, 9"x 12"
In May 2012 there was much anticipation about the 'ring of fire' where the moon is directly in front of the sun for a short period of time. I talked to my brother that day who had a good view of it in California and he used special glasses to witness this amazing event. I missed it, but later that evening I imagined myself in a place all alone very high up in the atmosphere to view this event without the need for the special glasses. It was incredible!
Professionally framed, $3880
The Letter Unsent, 2013
Oil, pen, spray paint on plywood, 9"x 12"
- - In Romeo and Juliet, Friar Laurence helps the star-crossed lovers throughout the play. He was responsible for marrying the two and giving Juliet the potion which would eventually end her life and Romeo's as well. He wrote a letter explaining that Juliet's death was a sham but Romeo never received it. Romeo is the woodpecker on the left perched high on his ladder to see Juliet at the most critical time, just as he thought she was dead. The monument in the middle represents Friar Laurence and scrawled across the front is the letter to Romeo. The deep red in the background represents their undying love for each other.
Professionally framed, $3750
I Will Keep You in my Pocket, 2012
Oil, spray paint, pen on plywood, 8"x8"
There is always that one person you can rely on no matter where you are or what situation you are in, they are always by your side, on your shoulder or in your pocket.
Professionally framed, $3450
Tabula Rasa, 8"x10"2012
Oil, spray paint, pen on plywood
"Blank Slate", the theory that we are all born without built in mental content and that our knowledge comes from experience and perception. It is intriguing to hear of animals raising other animals of different species, never knowing any other way of going about the world.
Professionally framed, $3925
Joshua and Jude, 2011 10"x8"
Oil, spray paint on panel
- - There goes Joshua, poking Jude in the back, a few seconds later, Jude turns around and attempts to retaliate but Joshua is long gone, I love these two...
Not For Sale, prints still available.
Sisyphus Stumbled, 2012
Oil, spray paint, pen, on plywood
Persephone sits upon his beak, his constant reminder of his trickery and wrong doings. She was the one that condemned Sisyphus to roll a giant boulder up a hill only to watch it roll back down and do this over again for eternity.
Professionally framed, $3780
flicker blundered, 2011, 9.5"x11"
Oil, pen, mixed media on plywood panel
- - I am always amazed when a flicker comes swooping up into the trees around our home, their flight patterns often like the swift fluid motions of a roller coaster - it is quite impressive. They communicate and mark their territory by drumming on objects with their sharp beaks. They are not confused when they drum on metal objects, this louder noise just helps them mark more territory. The bird on the beak is a humorous way of hushing the stoic woodpecker and calming the image for our viewing pleasure.
SOLD, November, 2011, prints still available
Narcissus, 2010, 14"x9.5"
Oil, pen, spray paint mixed media on wood panel
- - In Greek Mythology, Narcissus was a hunter that was very beautiful. He was lead by Nemesis to a pond where he could see his own reflection, finding himself unable to look away from his own image he died alone. This elegant bird has found a perch comprised of reflecting facets, unable to move and spends an eternity motionless for us to see!
Professionally framed, $3975
they watched from a distance, 2012, 11"x11"
Oil, pen, spray paint on plywood panel
- - Our kids see us talking sometimes, not always comprehending what is being said, they watch from a distance, observing non verbal cues, absorbing emotion, trying to make sense of it all...
Sold, September 2012, prints still available.
miniscule, 2011, 8"x6"
Oil, pen, spray paint on plywood panel
- - Something about this painting always feels very small to me. I am not sure if it is the bird or the house. I like that the overall image feels inevitable, chaotic and soothing all at the same time...
Professionally framed, $3435
tears of joy, 2010, 10"x14"
Oil, pen, spray paint on plywood panel
- - and then I smile...
SOLD, November, 2010, prints still available
tag, 2010, 11"x9"
Oil, pen, spray paint on wood panel
- - They are always playing tag in a way. Always learning, making friends, trying to understand and find their way in the world...
SOLD, September, 2011, prints still available
I woke up thinking about you, 2010, 10"x8"
Oil, pen, spray paint on wood panel
- - It is hard to find the words..
Professionally framed, $3575
on the moon, 2010
Oil, pen, spray paint on plywood panel
- - Much like 'night watch', this painting is very much about experimentation with new materials, new techniques. He looks out at the night sky wondering and imagining as he always will. The answers to the questions about the heavens are only speculation but interesting to ponder...
SOLD, November, 2010, prints still available
we are almost too big for this, 2011
Oil, pen, mixed media on plywood panel
Professionally framed, $3475
Palatable rooftop, 2010, 8" x 8"
oil, spray paint, mixed media, on plywood panel.
- - It is a comfortable, familiar place, I always sit there when I need to become centered. Gazing out at the sky just after dusk, fixating on one star in particular - but be warned, just behind you there is the cage of life ready to trap you...
Professionally framed, $3425
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Father, Son, Talk, 2010, 9.5" x 9.5"
Oil, spray paint, mixed media on panel.
- - remembering all the times I spend talking to my sons...
Professionally framed, $3775
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serendipitous interlude, 2010, 8"x8.5"
Oil, pen, spray paint, mixed media
- - opposites attract, kisses happen...
SOLD, November, 2010, prints still available
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I stared too long, 2011, 8"x10"
Oil, spray paint on panel
- - Staring at Medusa too long is never a good thing! I have always imagined looking at this image and after blinking my eyes, the little bird crumbles to a thousand bits of stone and sprinkles down the painting.
Sold, summer 2013, prints still available
Kilimanjaro, 11" x 9", 2011
Oil, mixed media, pen on plywood panel
- - Mt. Kilimanjaro is a metaphor for the compelling beauty of East Africa, this curious oriole grasps tightly to the snow dusted summit as if unaware that we are in awe of the contrasting beauty of his curved fluid shape and the rough mountain on which he stands...
Sold, summer 2013, prints still available.
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Bird, Fan, Blue, Orange, 2011, 7"x11.5"
Oil, pen, secret ingredient, spray paint
- - Sometimes it is hard to blend into your surroundings, often finding one thing that is perfect but all too often another that is not. She sits here quiet, peace filled and exceptionally happy nonetheless...
SOLD, May, 2011, prints still available
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Rodeo (Thetis rides again), 2011
Oil, pen, spray paint on plywood panel, 7" x 6.5"
- - The most notable sea nymph in Greek Mythology was Thetis, she was able to change her shape at will. Here we see her as a bright cardinal wrestling with her future husband Peleus, chosen by Zeus, they would go on to have a very famous son named Achilles and we know the great wrestling battles he has under his belt...
SOLD, May, 2012, prints still available
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Itamae, 2011, 5"x11"
Oil, spray paint on plywood panel
- - My wife and I were in Japan in 2008 and found ourselves eager to soak up the atmosphere around us. We enjoyed some of the finest sushi we have ever had. The background color reminds me of Nori (seaweed used to wrap sushi), the pink color of the stairs is reminiscent of raw tuna and the orange is Tobiko, a sushi caviar - "itamae" means sushi chef.
Professionally framed, $3635
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ice bird, 2011, 11"x8.5"
Oil, pen, spray paint on plywood panel
- - His long lean torso is reminiscent of a sail guiding his giant ice ship to destinations unknown. His tail mimicks a sextant using the dusk sky and celestial objects to guide him to his inevitable future. The journey can be very lonely but he will surely find his primal landscape...
SOLD, May, 2011, prints still available
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the weight of the world, 2011, 6.25"x 9.75"
Oil, pen, spray paint on plywood panel
- - I think we have all been there...
Professionally framed, $3695
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caged, confused, yet good friends, 2011
Oil, pen, spray paint on panel, 11"x 7.5"
- - We all go through tough challenges, sometimes separately and sometimes so close we feel as though the other person is resting on our shoulders - we feel caged, confused, but in the end it all works out and we are good friends...
Professionally framed, $3625
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harmonious reunion, 2011, 8.5" x 12"
Oil, spray paint, mixed media on panel
- - One of my favorite things to do as a father is to give piggy back rides. They are a two way street, any time we are feeling sad, distraught, or in need of a boost of energy a piggy back ride always solves the problem. I will freely give them as long as my knees hold out, I look forward to someday ride on the backs of my children...Professionally framed, $3650
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we know, 2011, 8"x10"
Oil, spray paint, pen, mixed media on panel
- - My wife is an accountant, I am an artist - we know!Professionally framed, $3475
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Cardinal, Ordinal, Nominal, 2010, 9" x 11"
Oil, mixed media on panel
- - I love this title because you would expect to see a cardinal but the title has to do with numbers instead. I painted this bird on the swing with my mom's favorite colors. I tested this painting out on her by showing her many of my paintings and asking her to choose her favorite one, you can imagine which one she picked.
SOLD, September, 2011, prints still available
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just like mom, 8"x11.5", 2011
Oil, spray paint, pen
- - My sons loves to mimic, especially the very funny things my wife does. This is my nod to them!
Professionally framed, $3610
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gift wrap, 12"x 7", 2011
Oil, spray paint, pen, mixed media on panel
- - When I was little, I remember a very special wrapping paper from my grandparents house. This lovely pink background reminds me of that beautiful memory.
SOLD, May, 2012, prints still available
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heavy legs, 8.5"x12", 2011
Oil, spray, mixed media on panel
- - Just when you think you have life figured out and you are above it all, you quickly become grounded as though your legs were made of solid gold. You are soon frozen like a statue and you quickly become a roost...
Sold, summer 2013, prints still available.
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something shiny, 12"x7.5", 2011
Oil, spray paint on panel
- - I am always observing. My wife reminds me sometimes that I never forget a face, I notice this as well, often it gets me nowhere, sometimes it helps. Someday I would like to stop observing - I am working on it...
Professionally framed, $3470
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curious ventures, 11" x 8.5", 2011
Oil, spray paint, pen on panel
- - We have all been adventurous at one time or another!
Professionally framed, $3585
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dad, watch this, 12" x 8", 2010
Oil, spray paint, pen on panel
- - I strongly believe my kids are constantly testing my heart with the things they do. We have two trees in our front yard that they both love to climb in and often get stuck! I am constantly saving them from what appears to be near death experiences. When they are grown, I will miss hearing, "Dad, watch this!"
Professionally framed, $3550
Sold, September 2012, prints still available.
Night Watch, 8" x 7", 2012
Oil, spray paint, pen on panel
- - Some of the best things in life happen by accident (or experiment). The perch he is standing on is a direct reflection from "ice bird" but somehow with the dark brown almost black backdrop and the new spatter technique I had just adopted, I stood back and what I saw was a scene I remember from childhood with my family. We would be out in the most remote places and my dad would have us look up in the night sky. I saw the entire sky aglow. I never knew there were so many stars in the sky! He explained that the long cluster of stars that appeared cloudy in the sky was part of our own Milky Way galaxy. Every chance I get to show my kids the night sky I take it...
Professionally framed, $3450
Sold, May 2012, prints still available.
Giza, 6" x 5", 2012
Oil, spray paint, pen on wood
- - I toured Israel and Egypt the summer after my first year of college. It was my father's gracious gift to our family as well as the last vacation he would take. We were there nearly two weeks and one of the highlights of the vacation was when my brother and I climbed part way up one side of the great pyramid of Giza. This is an image that has been permanently lodged in my brain. When I am very old and have a hard time remembering anything else, I am sure this will be one lovely memory I will recall. Thank you dad for the great memory and to J for being with me that day...
SOLD, May, 2012, prints still available
I dreamt of stelae, 11" x 7", 2011
Oil, spray paint, pen on plywood
- - I am fortunate enough to be with my son when he is first waking up in the morning. A minute will pass and he will begin remembering his dreams and telling me every detail he can remember. These are times that I will hope last forever but I know will pass. I remember one such dream he recalled - it was of him in a field of large broken down monuments (stelae of sorts) and he was looking around in amazement at the vast landscape. I don't dream as vividly as him anymore, but hearing his inspires me...
Currently on gallery loan, $3565
gold shades, 10" x 8", 2012
Oil, spray paint, pen on plywood
- - I did not have a name for this painting at my art show in Belleville in May, 2012. It felt snowy, fresh and as with most of my paintings a sharp contrast between the rough shapes and the fluid bird, but still no name. Several people were interested in the original but the name never came up in the conversations, I finally sold a print of it so I needed a title quickly. My son was with me helping at my booth and I asked him to look at it and he would be able to name it. He very excitedly looked at it and said, "Gold Shades", I did not question, it was his first instinct and I love it. Welcome gold shades, nice to meet you...
Sold, summer 2013, prints still available.
I got back up, 12" x 8", 2011
Oil, spray paint, pen on plywood
- - My father was a construction worker and I always admired how he got back up from the challenges of life.
Professionally framed, $3510
Eureka, 10" x 7.5", 2010
Oil, spray paint, pen on plywood panel
- - In 1885 Edgar Allen Poe wrote an essay titled "Eureka", It was not well received, though he considered it his greatest work, claiming it was more important than the discovery of gravity! This essay was the first known instance of suggesting space and time to be different perceptions of one thing; the beginnings of the space-time continuum theory. This painting strongly suggests an uneasy narrative where two figures could easily switch places in the blink of an eye. The background and the objects on which they stand suggest an aircraft type propulsion, multiple dimensions, time and space - Eureka!
Professionally framed, $3345
Stadelhorn, 7" x 6", 2012
Oil, spray paint, pen on plywood
- - Stadelhorn is the highest and most prominent peak on the Austro-German border between Salzburg and Bavaria, the easiest way to climb up is from the western side where we see this lovely common grackle - he has found a new friend on his way to the breathtaking view at the summit. You never know what you will discover on your way to the top...
Sold, summer 2013, prints still available.
Pompeii, 2012
Oil, spray paint, pen on plywood
- - Pompeii was buried in 20 feet of ash in 79AD leaving any life form frozen in its tracks. In the 1800's researchers filled voids in the ash with plaster and revealed the human and animal remains for later generations to see. Today, nearly 2.5 million people visit this historic landmark, depicted by the three birds on top of the frozen giant going about their days events.
Sold, summer 2013, prints still available.
Walli, 7"x10", 2012
Oil, spray paint, pen on plywood
- - My son loves to build objects out of scraps of wood that I have left over from house projects. When he was six years old he invented the term "Walli", which to him meant a scrap of wood. The house that the bird sits on is an homage to the many projects my son has built over the years.
SOLD, November 2010, prints still available
The Lost Pleiad, 11"x 14", 2014
Oil, spray paint, pen on plywood
$3775, Professionally framed
The Long Goodbye, 12"x5", 2014
It happened in an instant --- One day my son got off the bus and walked up the hill to our home; he walked, he didn't run with that giddiness that I was used to - and he wasn't eager to show me the Meesh phone that he had just made on the bus - his Pokemon cards were not spilling out of his backpack like they did just weeks before. These are tears of sadness but they are also tears of joy because they were and still are the best years of my life!
Oil, spray paint, pen on plywood
Not for sale, prints still available
ph: 314.680.9701
plowshar