First there was "The Hat" (January 2016) and then, three months later, I tempted fate with "No Hat" wondering if there would be shock waves and public outcry. There was not! Whatever it is that propels this sweet spot of sales (a size+price+quality equation) is able to withstand detours into themed series within the 11 x 14″ series of contemporary portrait paintings.
When I do a painting that is a departure from my typical subject, I'm not really thinking about whether it will be a series or not. Surprisingly, reaction doesn't play much of a role in whether I want to paint the same subject again. In fact, sometimes when a painting gets a lot of reaction when I post it on FaceBook, I don't want to do another one like it. There's something about having a unique, stand alone painting that's very appealing. Also, after 30+ years as the singer and lyricist in a band that didn't set out to be universally liked, I find it easy enough not to do what people seem to want me to do.
Most of the series seem to finish up around 10 or so, but "Ruff Collar" is currently up to 18 and "Sunday Morning" is at 4. I have no idea whether I'll add to either at any point.
I know people want more astronauts ("Affirmative"), but unless I feel like painting astronauts there won't be any!