Sep 14, 2012

Cameron and Cliff


24 x 36 oil on canvas

Today I was happy to deliver this painting of these two charming dogs to their owner, Eric Bettelheim. They were a joy to paint and Eric was a perfect gentleman throughout.

Aug 2, 2012

Northern Exposure

16 x 20 oil on canvas

Once a year in June, I go with friends to a place in Canada called Red Horse Lake. This painting is the view facing north from the island we camp on. Enjoy!

Jul 31, 2012

River at Batsto

11 x 14 oil on canvas panel

Last November I camped near the river in Batsto in Wharton State Forest. This painting depicts the view I saw in the morning as I enjoyed a cup of coffee. Enjoy!

Jun 21, 2012

Into the Night

14 x 11 oil on canvas panel

This painting was originally painted in the daytime.  One day, I was looking at it and thought it may be better as a night scene. So, the sun became the moon, the sky darkened, and I decided to add a stream running through the woods.  I like it better.  Below is the original...


May 1, 2012

Winding River

11 x 14 oil on canvas panel

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I am now in a series of landscapes that features water.  This one is called "Winding River", an upper section of the Toms River.  As you stand at this place, the water gently glides by calming your soul.  Enjoy! 

Apr 7, 2012

Plein Air at Batsto



Today I participated in a Plein Air painting competition in Hammonton, NJ.  This was a first for me and I learned alot about what it takes to finish a painting in adverse conditions.  Yes, the sun was shining brightly all day at Batsto Village where I chose to paint the sawmill with the water flowing over the dam behind, but the problem was the unending wind which kept up at 15 mph all day.  My canvas left the easel no less than four times and once landed face down in the sand.  Between paintstrokes it was all about holding the canvas to keep it from flying away.  And what took me by surprise was how quickly the time went by. At the start I felt like I had all the time in the world to get the piece back to Hammonton Art Center by 4pm.  But then suddenly it was 3:30 and I had to rush to get it done.  Overall, I think the painting was a miss; close, but a miss nonetheless.  However, I did enjoy the day; and I was happy to be accompanied and assisted by Joan.  She made sure I was fed, rested and encouraged.  Plus, she was quite good at chatting with passerbys; something I'm not that good at when I am painting.

Apr 4, 2012

Pennsylvania Headwaters

16 x 20 oil on canvas

For me this is a painting of great significance. It marks the beginning of a series that is centered around water.  Also, it is the first time I have used a limited palette that includes only yellow, blue, red, black and white.  Interestingly, when faced with less color choices out of the tube, I have been forced to get what I need by mixing what is on the palette.  Somehow, I found it more liberating. Enjoy!

Mar 13, 2012

Puffer and Zipper

11 x 14 oil on canvas panel

I am now available to do pet portraits.  If you have a favorite dog, cat, or any animal at all, there is no better way to honor this special member of your family.  Contact me if you want see your pet captured on canvas.

Stephen and Rhonda Newport agreed to having their two dogs, Puffer and Zipper, painted.  Sadly, Zipper passed away last August, but his memory lives on.  Enjoy!

Feb 27, 2012

English Countryside

16 x 20 oil on canvas

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This one has been on and off the easel since October.  Today, it is done.  It is scene in southeast England, behind the school where my daughter Anna works.  Not far from here is the famous Hundred Acre Wood. Enjoy!

Feb 26, 2012

Shenandoah Valley - Reworked

16 x 20 oil on canvas

I decided to take this painting off the wall and rework it just a bit.  It was signed and completed months ago, but I always had intentions to get back to it and make some changes.  Now, the trees in the middle ground have opened up and the view of the valley is much better.  Also, I added rocks on the foreground for some more appealing variety.  Enjoy!

Feb 4, 2012

Middle of the Woods

14 x 11 oil on canvas panel

For this one I went to Jakes Branch Park in Beachwood and went off the path into the woods.  I came upon a small clearing and was surrounded by pine trees that stood quietly there as the falling sun peeked through their branches.  It is peaceful and comforting in the middle of the woods, and when I need to be re-centered, this is where I go.  Enjoy! 

Jan 22, 2012

Packing House

11 x 14 oil on canvas panel

This is my second plein air painting, started on site at Double Trouble State Park and then later completed in the studio.  This is the packing house nestled amidst the cranberry bogs.  It was a warm January day and the sun was melting away the ice.  The sky changed several times, but I decided to go with the clear blue which is how it was when I first got there.  Enjoy!

Jan 10, 2012

Cedar Creek at Double Trouble


11 x 14 oil on canvas panel

This is my first completed plein air work.  It was started on location at Double Trouble State Park and then finished in the studio from a reference photo.

Jan 9, 2012

Plein Air 1 & 2

On location at Double Trouble State Park.  We've been blessed with a very mild January here in NJ, which makes for great plein air opportunities.


Dec 30, 2011

Plein Air 2012


I took my art box and added some pieces and now I have a homemade pleinart easel. The last time I painted outside was when I was in the 5th grade. I plan on getting out there as much as possible in 2012.

Dec 27, 2011

Dec 2, 2011

Why Not?

A lady at the church asked me to paint a deer on an antique sled she is giving as a Christmas present. Hey, why not?

Oct 28, 2011

First Show


These old friends have been framed and will be appearing in my first show ever:  Small Works 2011 at LBI Foundation for the Arts and Sciences; Nov 4- Dec 19.

Sep 7, 2011

"Barnegat Wetlands"

 
16 x 20 oil on canvas
 
Please enjoy this video showing the stages of the painting "Barnegat Wetlands".

Apr 4, 2011

#6 Geronimo- Apache


10 x 8 oil on canvas panel

I decided the best way to end this series was to paint the most infamous Native Amierican of all--Geronimo.  It is from a photograph Edward S. Curtis took in 1905, 4 years before Geronimo's death.  He was a ferocious Apache warrior who did all he could to fend off the encroaching settlement of land by outsiders.  Eventually, he succumed and surrendered.  Late in life he was reduced to travelling around to fairs making what he could off of his celebrity status.

Mar 22, 2011

Footbridge at Double Trouble


8 x 10 oil on canvas panel

Took a break from the Native American series to work out this little landscape.  Not far from where we live you'll find a serene place called Double Trouble State Park.  Deep inside the woods you'll come across this wonderful footbridge that makes its way over a gently flowing river.  The sound of the water and the glow of the sun will put you into a calm trance that will capture you and not let you leave the forest...ever.

Feb 24, 2011

#5 Eagle Elk-Ogalala (Sioux)



10 x 8 oil on canvas panel

Eagle Elk was a warrior and hunter from the Ogalala tribe, a division of the Sioux, originating from Bad River in the South Dakota region.  He was a cousin to Crazy Horse.

Feb 14, 2011

# 4 Apsaroke Mother


10 x 8 oil on canvas panel

Behind every great Native American there is a great Native American woman; and behind every great Native American woman is the next generation.  The Apsaroke tribe was a matrelinear culture whose generations were traced through the mother's side.  It was also traditional upon marriage for the man to move in with his wife and mother-in-law.  They were a northern plains tribe that eventually settled in the Montana region.

Jan 31, 2011

Assiniboin Man


10 x 8 oil on canvas panel

Here is the third painting in the series; a man whose name we do not know.  He was from the Assiniboin tribe that was located in Montana and southern parts of Canada.  This tribe was known for its hunting prowess and fur trading.

Jan 23, 2011

New Chest-Piegan (Blackfoot)


10 x 8 oil on canvas panel

This is my second painting in the series of Native Americans based on the photographs of Edward S. Curtis.  This striking figure had the interesting name of New Chest and was part of the Piegan Nation (Blackfoot) in the Montana region.