Artist's Statement

A quote from Grant Wood describes a condition from which he and many of us suffer: taking too much for granted. Wood said, "...To my great joy, I discovered that in the very commonplace, in my native surroundings, were decorative adventures and that my only difficulty had been in taking them too much for granted." Woods' words ring with truth. My goal as an artist is to capture the wonder of the often overlooked ordinary, the commonplace beauty around us, those little details that make all the difference in our daily lives. The rough hue of rocks, lush blue woodlands, weathered wood grains, and distant meandering dirt roads never cease to appeal to me. I attempt to share the beauty from which routine blinds us. My work can be purchased on ebay or by contacting me personally.

Sunday, August 17, 2014

Reflections 30x40

This painting was worked up this summer during those waning days when the realization hit me that these days of bliss would be over for a while. No more time for daydreaming, profound thoughts, or flights of whimsy. I MUST RETURN TO WORK. Sweet, long, lazy summer afternoons...

Sunday, August 10, 2014

Copper and Company 11x14 80.00

This study was painted at Sarah Carlisle Art Colony at Lake Martin, an annual workshop for those interested in honing painting skills. Because the visual arts tends to be a solitary activity, networking with others with "like-mind" is extremely important. Being with those who gather there is extremely encouraging and informative. I love it.

Saturday, August 9, 2014

Bernard 16x20 175.00

My son-in-law is quite the amateur photographer with the ability to see good photo opps at which I never take a second glance. This painting was  from a photo taken in Jamaica, a close-up of a rooster that I simply couldn't resist. Thanks, Seth for the inspiration.

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Jonquil on Wood 6"x6" $55.00

This 6"x6" solitary jonquil is painted on a 12"x12" panel which forms a frame, nice touch and handy. No worries about a frame. Such a delicate bloom makes for a dramatic effect on a dark background.

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

View from Pasture Gate 16x20 175.00

Today has been a tiring day and this painting depicts a place in which I want to be. Peace is what I think of when I see this painting. Home...

Grazing Time $150.00 16x20

I have had a life-long love for horses ever since my childhood friendship with a girl whose family owned, rode, and showed horses. My parents were not interested in doing the same, and I couldn't understand why. Even though they owned no appropriate place to stable a horse, I spent a great deal of time persuading them, if they truly loved me, to make that investment. I was consistently refused, so I resigned myself to drawing horses in all postures. This scene was inspired by a trip to South Dakota where these two were grazing in the morning stillness near our campsite. I still think they are beautiful animals.

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Scout 11x14 80.00

For the past weeks, my painting has taken the form of flower or animal life. I plan on riding the wave until it "reaches the shore." Lately, I have been in a creative flow that I wish could last, but life/work tends to leach the urgings, draining the creative pool. Books have been written on maintaining that flow. My intentions are to take advantage of those books, etc., but life and a job seem to distract. Producing a constant flow of work is HARD WORK, but I can't help myself. I love it.

Sunday, August 3, 2014

Big Red Pear 24x36 450.00

I've had this painting for some time, but she has undergone a facelift. I worked on the color and softened hard lines, and I like her better. In fact, I have this displayed in my dining room which is not something I ordinarily do. I have very few of my paintings in my home. I display the few until they sell or I replace them. There is no rhyme or reason, just a random procession of images that capture my whimsy. The Big Red Pear and companions continue to appeal to me.

Yard Man 11x14 $130.00

My son-in-law has become the family photographer and when he travels, he takes some great shots that I never fail to look at for painting opportunities. Yard Man was painted from a photo taken in Jamacia. This guy definitely has an attitude and deserved a portrait. I am working on a full bird painting at the moment.