Awakening for Viola and Piano
Ever since I have heard Rebecca Clarke’s Morpheus, my interest in writing for string instruments was piqued. I have since composed string quartets, a string trio, a piano trio, and … Continue reading
The Climb
Mount Shasta. Out of every three climbers who attempt the summit, only one reaches it. But not before conquering the Misery Hill, which is described as a false summit. You … Continue reading
Pilgrims
We are all travelers, pilgrims, believers in higher purpose, traveling in different directions, but somehow on similar paths. Or maybe on different paths but drawing the same conclusions. Who knows? … Continue reading
Open Spaces
I have heard about the vast spaces of the West and it doesn’t surprise me that people have been drawn by them for centuries. Here anything seems possible. I want … Continue reading
The Grand Canyon
After 12 years, this is my second trip to the one and only Grand Canyon. Its vastness and gravity still pull me in the same way they did before. It’s … Continue reading
Solo
I took a solo hike into the bottom of the canyon and began fantasizing about taking a full solo trip. I crave uninterrupted segments of time when I can fully … Continue reading
Presidential Library
I thought a presidential library was a public library on steroids endowed by a president. A great collection of books, recordings, maps, ultra fast internet access, engaging geography or history … Continue reading
Change
Change is difficult because it confronts me with the impermanence of all things. I must say goodbye to this home, to this friendship, to this idea of where I fit … Continue reading
Goodbye
Dear Asheville, Thank you for everything! The last five years have enriched me with new friendships, scenic natural surroundings, and much inspiration for music composition and art making. I am … Continue reading
Treasured Possessions
Some of the most thoughtful gifts I have received over the years have been music scores by other composers. I have many officially released works, as well as a few … Continue reading
A Patch of Blue – Analysis of the Music Score by Jerry Goldsmith
The following is a scholarly paper I wrote during my graduate studies at the New York University in the Fall of 2009, a requirement for professor Ronald H. Sadoff’s class … Continue reading
End of the Chapter
I will be sad to leave my studio at the end of the year. I spent 4 years in this space composing music, painting, writing, playing instruments, and singing. Creative … Continue reading
Świtezianka
In Polish mythology, Świtezianka is a water nymph living in the lake Świteź, also dragonfly with metallic blue, green, and umber colored wings. Watercolors, acrylics, and ink on paper, 18 … Continue reading
Instant Inspiration
Work in progress. Sometimes I see someone in the crowd and know immediately that I want to paint him/her. There is just something about the face or the eyes, maybe … Continue reading
A Life of a Painting
I cannot go to Washington state right now, but my painting “Ebb and Flow” just embarked on a journey to meet its patron there. I send out my artwork into … Continue reading
No Commitment
Medusa – one of my early paintings. Remarkably, as I look back, I feel myself drawn to the same color palette again; soft grays, blue, black. Maybe I have come … Continue reading
Limitation as Freedom
I am discussing the concept of limitation in the context of artistic freedom. When I am faced with the whiteness of my creative page, I like to set limiting parameters … Continue reading
Quiet Presence – New Watercolor Portrait
Quiet Presence – watercolors and ink on paper, 18 x 24 in (45 x 61 cm) http://www.dosiamckay.com/art/gallery.shtml
DIY Watercolor Palette
Since I have grown weary of fighting the tubes and wasting precious pigments, I have decided to move my watercolors into tiny plastic containers. Hopefully this new system will work … Continue reading
Self Portrait
Self Portrait – acrylics on paper, 18 x 24 in (45 x 61 cm) http://www.dosiamckay.com/art/gallery.shtml
Ingrid – New Painting
Ingrid – acrylics and ink on paper. 18 x 24 in (45 x 61 cm). http://www.dosiamckay.com/art/gallery.shtml
Music as Color
I don’t have synesthesia but I find that different keys (tonal centers) have distinct “flavors”. When I compose, a transposition of a musical passage may or may not make sense, … Continue reading
Watercolors for Symphony Orchestra
When I take a break from music, I turn to painting. My favorite media are watercolors, acrylics, and ink. When the paint is introduced to a wet canvas, it takes … Continue reading
Seven Colors of Love
Seven Colors of Love Love is green Like freshly-cut grass Raw earthy and sour The stiff sharp blades Pierce your bare feet Without apology Love is blue Like mother’s blouse … Continue reading
Endless Immersion Now On Spotify
Endless Immersion is now on Spotify. 2 hours of pure, gently enveloping bliss to wash away all evil and pain from the face of the Earth. https://open.spotify.com/album/1o9kiRc1sn39JSEBTCQRWw http://www.dosiamckay.com/endlessimmersion.shtml “Endless Immersion … Continue reading
Afterglow – New Painting
“Afterglow” – acrylics and ink on stretched canvas. Based on a photograph by Kazimierz Skowron, used with permission. No need to frame, the edges are painted black. 48 x 36 … Continue reading
Glossolalia now on Spotify
I am excited to announce that my album “Glossolalia” is now on Spotify. I recorded the album two years ago with the fantastic string quartet from Poland – NeoQuartet and vibraphonist … Continue reading
Midsummer – New Painting
Winter might be lingering on but I have a springy / summery feeling inside. Do you ever come to a point where you are surrounded by gloom but find this … Continue reading
Quattrocento – A New Abstract Portrait
“Quattrocento” – a new painting, acrylics on stretched canvas, 24 x 36 x 0.75 in (60 x 91 x 2 cm). More exploration of monochromatic hues and restrained color palette. … Continue reading
Fidgeting in the Sacred Space
Where have you done it? So far I have done it on the kitchen counter, in the bathtub, in the basement, in the bedroom, in the bathroom, the living room, … Continue reading
Swimming in the Sea of Invisibility
I didn’t like my arts teacher in elementary school and the sentiment was reciprocated. I did not agonize over the fact as the teacher didn’t like any of her students. It … Continue reading
To Create is to Be Alive
I paint to remember and to forget. To celebrate and to mourn. To rage and to be still. In all of these I want to affirm life and gratitude for … Continue reading
Symbiosis – An Artist’s Internal Dialogue
An artist’s internal dialogue never stops. Isn’t it enough that I have to interact with the outside world? Wouldn’t it be nice to “come home to myself” for the respite … Continue reading
Impression for Piano Solo
Look at what I have unearthed for you! I composed “Impression” in 2007 when I was studying composition at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. At that time I was … Continue reading
What Is The Point Of Art Making?
What is the point of quiet and consistent art making in a world run by those who scream the loudest and who put on a gaudy circus? If I stop … Continue reading
Joyful Surprise
By all calculations I should not have a good day. Yet I woke up with a renewed strength and a desire to face obstacles on my path to creativity. Give … Continue reading
I Used To Know Everything
I used to know everything, some 20 years ago. I wish I could talk to my younger self today so I could gain clarity and perspective on my present life. … Continue reading
Open Doors
I keep having recurring dreams in which I encounter open doors that need closing. I get distracted in the dream, the doors remains open in the basement or on the … Continue reading
Scissors
I have a thing for scissors. I have to have several pairs in the kitchen, in my painting studio, in the sewing kit, and some smaller pairs for grooming. I … Continue reading
Delusion
Art is not necessary. Art is not indispensable. There are more urgent issues such as maintaining peace, feeding the hungry, and protecting the environment. And yet, if we don’t have … Continue reading
“The Muse Planner” for Artists and Creatives – How I Organize My Time and Find Inspiration
This is your brain on productivity software. I should know because I have used many of the time management applications and became good at juggling several of them at once. … Continue reading
The Muse Planner for Artists and Creatives
I am a composer, a painter, a graphic artist, a writer, and a poet. I have been known to play the flute, piano, and cello. I am always in motion. … Continue reading
The Muse Planner – Created by an Artist for Artists and Creatives
I have completed the design of the planner and can’t wait to tell you how I have been using it. I think a YouTube video will be in order. The … Continue reading
New Paintings – New Color Experiments
Here are a few paintings in progress. I am experimenting with new colors and textures. http://www.dosiamckay.com/art/gallery.shtml
Jackpot – New Composition Inspired by a Visit to a Casino
It is odd to imagine that a quick stroll through a casino would become an inspiration for a new composition for a chamber group, yet the surround-sound cacophony of blips, … Continue reading
Title This Drawing
Help me title this new drawing. The portrait is composed of hundreds of words written quickly in a stream of consciousness. Part a disjointed confession, an undecipherable monologue, or a … Continue reading
Women Who Shape Us
I will wish my Mother a happy Mother’s Day on May 26 because that’s when the Polish celebrate it. Today I am posting a photograph of my Grandmother. Not a … Continue reading
Endless Immersion Installation
Endless Immersion Installation – the colors morph, merge, dissolve, and drift away. Just like the music. I’ve had a great response to a private showing of the installation. Each guest … Continue reading
