Art by David McKeag
The artist choses many different materials to use in these abstract paintings in order to give them texture and life. Using cheese cloth, string and acrylic paint in freeform and unstructured manner is what gives life and excitement to each piece.
Acrylic on canvas 2011
24”x62"
I wanted to stretch my imagination and create a canvas full of energy and life. With the Sun half I wanted it to exude the feeling of heat by using only hot colors. With the moon I did the opposite. The story behind this subject choice is not only the pull that each of those heavenly bodies has on Earth, but but what they have on our imaginations.
Acrylic on canvas 2010
48”x30”
Carpe Diem, a Latin phrase, meaning "Seize the Day". That's what this piece reminds me of. I wanted to capture the excitement of being in the moment. Pure and simple.
Acrylic on canvas 2010
48”x30”
I wanted a vibrant feel with lots of red and other hot colors to give the painting a sense of movement and festiveness almost like it's dancing.
Acrylic on canvas 2010
48”x30”
Using same technique as "Carpe Diem", I wanted a dynamic rich look just like the country I named it after. The colors are rich and deep with a playful nature.
Acrylic on canvas 2011
47”x35”
SOLD
In this piece I wanted to convey movement by bringing in three separate panels and combining them into one story. I wanted to show how water gives life to land and combined they create our world rich in resources of all kinds.
Acrylic on canvas
12”x40”
I wanted to create a sense of movement and excitement with underlying structure. All while using a limited color palette.
Acrylic on canvas 2011
36"x24”
Just as the title says (which came first), I wanted to create nothing short of pure "Malevolence". Hence the colors and shapes. I wanted the ultimate in such, and a volcano like theme turned on its side was the answer.
Acrylic on canvas 2011
36"x24”
Originally was meant to be purely abstract, but it took on a life of it's own, and before I knew it HALO had become a surreal vision of a medieval time gone by. Quiet serenity was my goal.
These portraits using acrylic medium were painted with care using lighting to amplify the subjects story. Careful attention was used to create luminosity in the skin and detail in the facial features and backgrounds to tell a story and to evoke emotion. Each piece pulls the viewer in as one sees more detail and subtleties not expected upon first viewing.
Acrylic on canvas 2012
30”x48”
This painting is the first full color acrylic portrait I have painted. Having been a fan and admirer of SADE’s for over 30 years, I’ve been wanting to paint her as a way of showing her humanity and inner beauty.
Acrylic on canvas 2019
20”x16”
NFS
This is a portrait of my mothers husband Garron who passed away in 2012. I chose to do this for her 75th birthday and to include a poem by Emily Dickenson that they both loved. NFS, but commissions welcome.
Acrylic on canvas 2012
30”x48”
Painted for a show themed around political satire/comment. The image of me with an American flag blindfold represents how we wrap ourselves in patriotism while our rights are systematically taken away by such things as the "Patriot Act".
Acrylic on canvas 2011
30”x40”
I was inspired to do this concept for a show called "Urban Grit" at a local gallery. Since no other model was available I chose myself. By doing black and white in foreground and color through the window, I wanted to impart the sense of separation we often feel from others.
These are older pieces using different media from watercolor to color pencil to a mixture of gauche, acrylic, color/graphite pencil. Extreme detail was the order of the day then. Tight, concise and exacting detail was what I used to get my point across.
Watercolor 1992
22"x17”
This study in watercolor was a challenge as I had never done a portrait in the medium. I like to use watercolor paints opaquely at times because the colors are so rich and velvety.
Watercolor on paper 1996
30"x22”
I used only four tones for this painting with the exception of his loin cloth which is deep blue. I wanted to give him the look and feel of a sculpture that is coming to life. The emphasis is on quiet contemplation.
Color pencil and gauche on board 1992
20"x30”
I used color pencil because it's waxy base allows it to perfectly mimic the softness and depth of human skin. It also allows for the luminosity that would compliment the exquisite beauty of Grace Kelly.
Graphite pencil/chalk/acrylic on board 1992
30”x20”
$2,000.00
With this piece I wanted to take my favorite image of the legendary screen goddess and keep the colors muted and almost to the point of being faded. With that in mind I wanted to impart the sense of her diaphanous existence. Delicate and fleeting.
Color pencil/acrylic on board 1993
30”x20”
Again I used color pencil for it's luminous qualities. Ms. Foster is such a striking beauty, I could not resist capturing her at this moment in time.
Watercolor on paper 2007
22”x30”
After a nearly ten year period away from creating art of any type, I wanted to start again with an examination of self. I used the hot colors to exemplify my burning passion to create.
Mixed media on board 1992
30"x20”
Daughter of Ingrid Bergman another stunning actress, they look very much like mother and daughter. I couldn't resist trying to do her beauty justice. In this painting, I chose to do everything in shades of blue (after the movie that made her famous, "Blue Velvet") except for her lovely hazel eyes.
These paintings sometimes blur the lines between two dimensional art and three dimensional art. By using materials such as molding compound and wire mesh, creating surface excitement, they are set to life. Magnifying this is the careful use of color to enhance positive/negative space.
Acrylic/mixed media 2018
32”x30”
Originally created for a gallery show called ‘Home’. I wanted to bring to life the feelings of how home can bring the feelings of safety and warmth. The center element, the heart, represents the self, gently cradled and the vertical and horizontal elements inner/outer walls further protecting the occupants within. The colors of blue and green represent life and calm. All what ‘home’ can represent.
Acrylic/mixed media on canvas 2011
20"x20"
Taking a few steps out of my comfort zone, I decided to incorporate a wire mesh element for a 3D effect. I wanted a sense of movement and volume.
Acrylic/mixed media on canvas 2011
20"x20"
SOLD
As a follow-up to "Reaching" I wanted to go under water so to speak. Not being to literal, but wanting to give a sense of the movement and shapes of under sea life with color, texture and shape.
Acrylic/mixed media on canvas
24"x18”
Using 1/4" wire mesh and molding paste, I went for a real 3D look for this new painting. I wanted to give the feel of the confusion of creation with deep colors and organic shapes.
Acrylic/mixed media on canvas
24"x18”
With this piece I wanted to have the feeling of movement as in the way all life and geology evolves through time. I also infused lots of bright color to emphasize the shapes and more 3D effects.
Acrylic/mixed media on canvas
24"x18”
SOLD
With "Direction" I was looking to give it the sense of the future with severe shapes and angularity. The screens give off the feeling of monitors or portals to outer space.
Using no more than molding compound and acrylic paint, the artist creates depth, emotion and visual interest. The colors used are rich and luxurious using jewel tones and metallics to tell a story. The closer you look the more you see.
Acrylic on canvas
11”x14”
With this one, I decided Lux was what I was shooting for. So nothing but the most rich and deep colors would do. I wanted a very texture rich surface that would open it up for all kinds of spaces that could hold bright and deep color on a sumptuous background. I was hoping to achieve a finished piece that would look at home in the most elegant settings.
Acrylic on canvas
14”x11”
This is the first of four paintings in a series based on well known streets in Hollywood. They were done for a show called "California Culture". In this particular piece I wanted to give the feeling of the layered and darker more underground nature of the Melrose Ave I remember.
Acrylic on canvas
14”x11”
In this painting I wanted to exhibit the richness and color of the gay culture that has made this street so famous.
Acrylic on canvas
14”x11”
Ah the iconic and world famous street of dreams. I felt the desire to insert a few images of what makes this place so noteworthy. I also wanted to impart a sense of glamour and irony just like it's namesake
Acrylic on canvas
14x11”
SOLD
The glamorous old Hollywood is part of this street with it's rich history in both film and legend. So I decided to use bold classic shapes and colors that give one a sense of the old movie theatres and movie legends of yesterday.
Acrylic on canvas
20”x30”
This was a fun yet challenging one. I wanted it to have a sense of playfulness and dimension. I chose to add the geometric shape regardless of surface texture to give it a feel of power and impact.
Acrylic on canvas
16"x20”
SOLD
With this one I was going after a feel of softness and movement through flowing texture and more blended colors.
Acrylic on canvas
16"x20”
This is a study in contrasts. With a hot red/orange background and a slash of brilliant sky blue I wanted to give the eyes a treat that will stir the mind.
Acrylic on canvas
16"x20”
SOLD
I've wanted to do a painting with yellow as a dominant color for a long time. With this one I wanted simplicity to rule and and the focus area to be strong.
Acrylic on canvas
16”x20”
The opposite of Serenity in both color and name. I was looking for a Yin/Yang feel when you saw these two paintings together.
Acrylic on canvas board
11”x14”
SOLD
A study in just the essentials of color light and movement into one place while keeping the feeling of the subject.
Acrylic on canvas
30"x22”
Done for a show called "Pop of Color". I experimented with a technique of texture while mixing in the illusion of more depth with shading.
Acrylic on canvas
11"x14”
SOLD
Working with more geometricall shapes in texture, I wanted it to have the feeling of the franticness of the big city where everybody seems to have a place to go in a hurry.
Acrylic on canvas
11"x14”
SOLD
Working from what was nothing more than rough triangles overlaid on each other as a texture, I found a quiet scene that leaves enough to the imagination to tell a different story to each viewer.
Acrylic on canvas
11"x14”
SOLD
This is a whimsical painting using unconventional objects to depict flowers. I wanted nothing more than to make a feel good painting.
Acrylic on canvas
11"x14”
SOLD
This is a follow-up of "Poppies at Dusk". I wanted to impart a more cheerful and vibrant feel by using lighter colors and a bit more whimsy.
Acrylic on canvas
11"x14”
SOLD
Continuing to work with texture and dry brush technique. This time I chose to do more graphic shapes to ramp up the impact.
Acrylic on canvas
48”x12”
SOLD
First in a series of four paintings. With this image I wanted to capture the fluidity of the deep and the power of the Greek God Poseidon using color and texture to dramatic effect.
Acrylic on canvas
48"x12”
SOLD
Second in this series. Hephaestus is the God of fire and the underworld. So not just the usual flame would do. I chose to bring in a flame of different color to bring a sense that there is something special going on. I also bring in dramatic texture to give him the complexity he deserves.
Acrylic on canvas
48”x12”
SOLD
Third in the series is a group of Gods called the Anemoi. They represent several different winds. In this piece I wanted to show the sense of different winds colliding in one space through different colors and shapes.
Acrylic on canvas
48”x12”
SOLD
The fourth and final of this series is the most complex. Gaea is the God of Earth and the mother of most of the important gods of the Greek Pantheon. Therefore I wanted to show a great amount of complexity of color and texture. I also wanted to show the many layers of Earth through these techniques.
Having had a degree in automotive design, I created a series of photorealistic renderings of sports cars from the 1980’s and 1990’s. Four of these were published as posters.
Mixed media on board
20"x30”
This is the last of my sports car series and the most intense. Shot in the middle of the day, I play a trick by putting it in a night scene. I always like to play with reality, leaving one guessing what is different about this painting. The detailing is so intense that each running light took one month to paint.
Mixed media on board
20"x30”
The Corvette is a legendary automobile worth documenting in a painting. It is a rolling work of art in and of it's self and its ever evolving hood flags sybolize the times each Corvette is built in.
Mixed media
20”x30”
Nothing is more exotic than a Lamborghini Countach, with it's hard edges and brutal cab forward shape, it looks like nothing before or since. This painting had to be done!
Mixed Media
20"x30”
I wanted to convey the sensualness of the car with a night scene to highlight the deep burgandy color of this particular automobile.
Mixed media on board
20"x30”
Taking a static vehicle and creating the illusion of movement by creating a dynamic background.
Mixed media
30"x20"
This is a very elegant and graceful automobile from a company with a rich and storied history. So what I did was keep the subject in a simple foreground only.
In this folder are paintings that go from abstract to surreal to real. Each painting was instrumental in my growth as an artist. Everyone I hold dear as honest representations of my abilities and skillset at the time.
Acrylic on canvas
48"x30”
I wanted to create a surreal image incorporating the elements of earth, fire and water. In this image earth is represented by the foreground of a stylized oak leaf and planets. Fire of cousre is shown as the small sun. And water is the iceberg field. All this in one place as if in a dream.
Acrylic on canvas/mixed media
24"x30”
$875.00
I wanted to create the feeling that you the viewer are seeing the lily through a window giving one a sense of being an observer of great beauty.
Acrylic on canvas
40"x30”
SOLD
In this painting I wanted to bring the feeling of fluidity and movement. The colors represent water earth and life and thier constant flow of change.
Acrylic on canvas
30"x48”
SOLD
Bringing the strength and movement to what is necessary to cast aside fear. I wanted to show how each word plays a role in this process. Cast, is shown as strong and defined. Aside is the action, and so it moves. Fear being the red monster that haunts all of us at some time, I wanted to show it small and distant, as it should be.
Acrylic on canvas
36"x36"
SOLD
Colors and shapes inspired by Tibetan payer flags. Words inspired by the struggle for religious freedom in Tibet.
Acrylic on canvas
36"x36"
SOLD
The English translation is "The Red Room". I wanted an intense image that would retain your attention. Using red as the dominant color I then brought in the element of a bright slash to give it suprise.
Acrylic on canvas
48"x60”
SOLD
Original version of a commissioned peice. I wanted to give the sense of a city in the distance.
Acrylic on canvas
48"x60”
SOLD
The final version of a commissioned work. I changed the sky to a cool blue with more graphic buildings and less fuss in the sky. I feel the mood of this piece really imparts a sense of calm.
Acrylic on canvas board
17"x20”
Having fun with texture and color pretty much sums this one up.
Acrylic on canvas board
17"x20”
Just having fun with creating the textures and charactor of a dragonfly.
Acrylic on canvas board
22"x17”
$600.00
I wanted to bring in elements of color, texture and shape that would be as chaotic is the world must have been upon it's creation.
Watercolor
31"x22”
Whimsical, whimsical, whimsical. A bird of paradise flowing in a world of shapes, texture and space.
Watercolor
30"x22”
Just a playful look at the inner workings of my mind at the time.
Watercolor
22"x31”
SOLD
This one is very personal. It represents a time of emotional rebirth after a near depression from dealing with a long term illness that was finally over. It is not religious perse, but rather spiritual. As praying is as much an activity done to commune with a god it, is also, to me a way of expressing through meditation, attaining spiritual clarity.
Watercolor
18"x18"
A rectangle or square is all about boundaries. A circle in this case represents no limits in all directions. I look to this painting as a window into her world.
Acrylic on canvas board
11"x14”
A simple study in texture and color.
Acrylic on canvas board
22"x17”
Having fun with creating a hybrid moth/butterfly of my own invention.
Color pencil on board
24"x18”
Just as the title implies, I wanted to create nothing more than a statement. The Cross is broken like the promises of religion through the ages. The face stares in cool ambivalence seemingly distant from the foreground images.
Acrylic on canvas board
30"x20”
In this painting I wanted to bring in elements of spirit and enlightenment. As the focal charactor crouches in a beam of light eminatiing from a cone shaped membrane that is seemingly made of water and earth, I give him a sense of being watched over and protected as he sits there naked and vulnerable.
Acrylic on canvas
36"x48"
I saw a picture like this of the Eagle Nebula taken by the Hubble telescope. I took that image and embelished it with my own style and detail. I wanted to show off the grandeur of space if that is at all possible.
Acrylic on canvas
22”x28”
This piece was painted for a show using old photographs as inspiration. This couple just looked so much like Hollywood stars from the early talkie era that I left them alone and surrounded them with images of that bygone time. I imagine the original photo was from about 1932, so I picked a title of a movie from that year that just happened to describe the Hollywood culture to this day.
Acrylic on canvas
14"x32”
Done for a show of old Hollywood black and white. I wanted to capture the feel of the Art Deco period and all the glamour associated with it. I also wanted to use the juxtaposition of black and white the way the Art Deco masters did in their time by using opposite background colors while keeping the paintings the same temperature.
Acrylic on canvas
14"x32”
Done for a show of old Hollywood black and white. I wanted to capture the feel of the Art Deco period and all the glamour associated with it. I also wanted to use the juxtaposition of black and white the way the Art Deco masters did in their time by using opposite background colors while keeping the paintings the same temperature.
Color pencil/acrylic on board
32"x20”
The macaw is such a majestic and beautiful creature, it had to be recorded in all it's glory. Full color and full size.
Watercolor on paper
22"x30"
I was moved by the hunger and poverty of so many of us in this world to create a moment with paint of one of the few riches that has no price...the love and protection of a mother for her child.
Graphite pencil/chalk on board
15"x20”
SOLD
I was commissioned to do a duel portrait of Matt Damon. On one side is Matt as most see him and the other is a side my client wished to see. All tongue and cheak.
Mixed media on canvas
30”x20”
SOLD
This one was a challenge to develop a fluid design that incorporated the two elements I wanted. I chose a yin&yang approach showing how we humans can use the creatures of the deep in harmony. This painting was done as an entry to an art festival for the Long Beach Aquarium.
Acrylic on canvas
30”x20”
SOLD
This piece was a commissioned followup to the “Blue Equation”. In this painting I wanted to take the theme a bit further by adding more intense colors and bolder texture. I wanted to capture the fluidity of movement of both the diver and the Orca.