ROSS BLECKNER and his painting buddy Winston

How do you interrupt an artist in the middle of his workday? Well, there’s no easy way, unless you are quite a charming group of individuals. Apparently Jason Schmidt and I were just that as we were lucky enough to get access to Ross's beautiful studio and his adorable dog Winston.  

Ross Bleckner with Mrs. Sizzle

Ross Bleckner has four dogs but only one of them is his constant studio mate. Ross is a man of great discipline and works seemingly uninterrupted daily from 9 to 5.  We had a wonderful tour of the ample work in his studio.  While the fantastic article in Paddle 8 showcased his stunning work, we, of course, focused on the dog!

One of my favorite paintings is part of the BURN PAINTING series and has the word Torschlusspanik painted across the middle which translates loosely to " You better get the work done because you don't have much time left as the gate is closing."

While we were touring the studio Winston was quiet.  As soon as Ross grabbed him and put him in his arms, Winston came to life.  Ross told us he calls Winston “noodle” because wherever you put him he just lays there and stays put.

 And, boy, did he do a good job of that while we were there.

Ross has shows up right now in Dubai at Leila Heller Gallery and in Cologne at the Bohm Chapel.  This summer he is part of a group show that opens July 31st at the Parrish Museum entitled Unfinished Business which includes Ross and also artists Eric Fischl and David Salle.