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.

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!

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!

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...

A Pause for Reflection

20 x 16 oil on canvas

Me. My life. Right now.

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! 

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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! 

Important announcement coming soon...

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!

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.

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.