the menagerie

Would you look at that? Chris done did and done himself some new paintings.


This one is for a group show at Grass Hut Gallery in Portland, which is in February, I do believe.


And these two are going to Roq La Rue in Seattle for "A Cabinet Of Natural Curiosities", an animal themed group show, also in February.

Hot in Topeka

Reason # 4675 why it' awesome to have kids:

I have a perfectly good excuse to watch this:

Split focus

I have some shows coming up next month that I'm wrapping up a few pieces for as we speak, unfortunately I have to keep the images hush hush for the moment.

SO while you're waiting you should head on over to DARKENED FOREST, which is a new art/design/inspiration blog that I'm working on with my co-conspirator and friend, the uber-talented Mandi Spayd. Look for updates daily...is for fun.

2007: the year in review

So another year in the bag. Once again a lot of stuff went down in the world of Old Man Ryniak, and as emotionally trying as 2007 had proved to be, I was sad to see it go.

My love/hate relationship with art and my art career had some serious ups and downs which left me saying I was quitting art altogether, only to jump right back in when things started looking up. Art is a funny thing, if you're an artist you know what I'm talking about, you're born with it and it never leaves you. Sometimes it's sunshine and rainbows and other times it's like an abusive relationship, but it's always there. But things are moving forward, there are some exciting things coming up, including some international shows. But I'm looking to scale back and concentrate on the quality of the work , rather than the quantity and not worrying so much about seeing my name everywhere, that's not what it's about for me.

My kids keep growing and continuing to astonish me with their ever increasing intellect. I keep getting reminders every day that they are indeed little versions of me, especially my son, who will be 7 in a month, who is nuts, but a creative genius...sorry for the curse Ben, I was hoping that it would skip a generation. Chloe is 2 now, is getting cuter every day, which makes me glad that she has an older brother to lay the wreck-down on potential pimply-faced suitors in the years to come.

My wife still puts up with me and my insanity, from my hatred of Christmas to my love of Halloween and my ongoing battle with the messy pantry, somehow she still talks to me, thanks Trish.

I've learned that sometimes Family is just a word for people who just happened to be related to you, and does not necessarily mean they won't stab you in the back because of greed or pettiness. And I've also learned(or have been constantly reminded) that my friends are some of the best family I could ever ask for.

So on to another year, I want to say I have plans for it, but this time I think I'll just go with the flow, it seemed to work for me last year. I'll set some loose guidelines, but who knows what's going to happen tomorrow, I'd rather be ready to change my mind if I'm wrong.

Keep it movin everybody, go get a hug from somebody.


now, some photos:
Chloe knocking back her second candle, this time with a little more restraint. Happy birthday stinker!

My niece, Princess Brinley Hana of the Cliff people.

If you look close you can make out the three stitches on Chloe's chin from her battle with the entertainment cabinet. I wouldn't say she lost, she just has a better story to tell.


Some art from some of my favorite people. Melissa Forman banged out a couple of beautiful portraits of the kids for my wife for Christmas. And the ever so proper walleyed bunny from the uber-talented and inspiring Mandi Spayd.

Sometimes, you have to put your hand in a fish's mouth, sometimes.