From Headline to Canvas
"Pay Attention... Tomorrow Is Being Written Today."
Every painting in Chronicle of an Unquiet Age begins with a headline. Long before the first brushstroke touches the canvas, hours of research, observation, and careful selection determine which headlines and events best capture a defining moment in history. Created in real time as history unfolds, each painting transforms the news of today into an original oil painting—
preserving the moments that will become the history of tomorrow.
What began in January 2020 as a single painting documenting the headlines of the day quickly evolved as the COVID-19 pandemic and worldwide lockdowns changed history in ways few could have imagined.
As one historic event led to another, it became clear that one painting would never be enough. What started as a single idea gradually grew into an ongoing visual chronicle that now spans six years and continues to grow—one original oil painting every two weeks.
Today, Chronicle of an Unquiet Age serves as a living historical archive documenting the defining people, events, and turning points of our time as they unfolded. Every completed painting is photographed, cataloged, assigned a permanent TRTA archive number, and preserved as part of a chronological visual record reflecting the belief that "The News of Today is the History of Tomorrow."
The following images illustrate the journey every painting takes—
from researching the headlines to becoming a permanent part of the archive.
Stage One
Research & Composition
Every Chronicle of an Unquiet Age painting begins long before the first brushstroke. News is followed daily, facts are verified, and the events that best define a moment in history are carefully selected. Once the historical narrative is established, the composition is planned by hand, with portraits, headlines, handwritten observations, symbols,
and humorous phrases and graphic elements are sketched directly onto the canvas before painting begins.
Stage Three
Initial Refinements
With the first layers complete, I begin painting the background and strengthening the overall composition. As each layer dries, portraits are refined, handwritten observations are enhanced, colors are adjusted, and details are added to create greater depth, balance, and visual impact. By the end of this stage,
the painting has taken on its full personality.
Stage Two
Building the Historical Record
With the composition complete, I begin laying in the first layers of oil paint across the canvas. Portraits begin to come alive as color is added, headlines and handwritten observations are painted, and the first elements of humor and symbolism begin to emerge.
At this stage, the painting starts to reveal its personality while the story continues to evolve in real time. Humor, satire, and symbolism are woven throughout the composition, inviting viewers to pause, smile, and discover something new with every viewing.
Stage Four
Final Refinements
With the composition established, attention shifts to refinement. Portraits are strengthened, handwritten observations are reviewed for clarity, colors are balanced, and every element is adjusted to create harmony across the canvas. Small corrections often make the greatest difference, as each detail contributes to the painting's historical accuracy and visual impact.
Careful What You Wish For
TRTA-2026-146 | June 2026 | Oil on Canvas | 31" x 26"
Stage Five
Completion & Documentation
The final stage marks the completion of both the artwork and the historical record. After a careful review, the painting is photographed, titled, dated, assigned its permanent TRTA archive number, and entered into
Chronicle of an Unquiet Age. What began as today's headlines
has now become a documented moment in history.
The snapshot in time is now complete.
