"Thursday Nighthawks"

12 x 11"
oil on masonite
sold

Probably the most-beloved painting in the Art Institute of Chicago - Edward Hopper's 'Nighthawks' - being viewed closely by a patron on the museum's Free-Thursday night event held every week.

This painting will be included in the 19th Annual Invitational Small Works Show at the Howard/Mandville Gallery, opening November 14th. Please click here for a larger view.

"Forwarding"

6 x 6"
oil on masonite
sold

I'm back home and back at it - warming up with this new painting of some fast-paced walkers on the corner of North Michigan and East Chicago Avenue, part of the city's Magnificent Mile.

Chicago is my favorite city, hands down - always filled with energy and always friendly. I must mention, if you haven't been to the Art Institute to experience the new Modern Wing, it is a must-see. You'll notice works of art that have been in storage for too long and a well thought out rearrangement of the collection, proven to be a great way to spend a day or two. Make the trip - you'll absolutely love it.

"Romanticizing"

12 x 9"

oil on masonite
sold

For the Annual Invitational Small Works Show at the Howard/Mandville Gallery, I chose to paint my favorite subject including two of my favorite paintings in the Philadelphia Museum of Art. To the left is 'Arab Chief' painted by Mariano Fortuny y Carbo - a striking portrait that just floors me and in front of the young couple is the very romantic 'In the Luxembourg Gardens' by John Singer Sargent.

Please click here for a larger view.

"Botanical Study"

5 x 7"
oil on masonite
sold

You probably know by now, I can't walk by a person on a bench without thinking of painting them. When I was a teenager, I spent hours sketching people on the train, the Amtrak lounge in Union Station - pretty much everywhere I'd go. I couldn't get enough. Good practice, I just didn't know it at the time.

From the National Botanical Gardens in Washington DC.

Neil Hollingsworth

'Blocks'
by Neil Hollingsworth

My good friend Neil Hollingsworth is showing new work at Anne Irwin Fine Art, here in Atlanta - opening reception is tomorrow evening. His eleven paintings include a variety of objects that are beautifully placed and lit, then painted with such precision and sensitivity. Please stop in the gallery and treat yourself to viewing this gorgeous work in person.

Also worth mentioning are Neil's smaller paintings, currently on eBay - an opportunity you can't miss out on.

"Roofscape"

6 x 6"
oil on masonite
sold

I try to offer a variety of subjects on my Different Strokes From Different Folks challenges - the most current being the multi-level, multi-colored rooftops of downtown San Francisco. It is truly a subject that I'm in love with - mostly from witnessing how other artists transform 'just a bunch of buildings' into beautiful works of art. As I said on my blog, when I see city rooftops I understand Richard Diebenkorn. It's also an image that can swing from totally abstract to super realism - and I'd love them all. When you have a minute, take a look at what other artists have contributed.

"Ballet Company"

5 x 7"
oil on masonite
sold

A dapper, young man taking a long look at Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec's 'Ballet Dancers' - from inside the Art Institute of Chicago.

"Out Break"

5 x 7"
oil on masonite
sold

From the sunny front steps of the National Portrait Museum in Washington DC.

"Ladylike"

6 x 6"
oil on masonite
sold

A beautifully poised subject to paint - from the lobby bench in the Art Institute of Chicago.

"Sounds of Silence"

8 x 10"
oil on masonite
sold

A vacationing couple enjoying nothing but the sounds of silence - from the beaches of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

Please click here for a larger view.

"Facing the Music"

8 x 12"
oil on masonite

With a lot of abstract expressionism, I see or feel music. Especially with large paintings. This woman was viewing Cy Twombly's 'Winter', part of his 'Four Seasons' series in the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

Please click here for a larger view and purchase information.

"Lost At Sea"

14 x 9"
oil on masonite
sold

You can really get lost in a good book - especially on a summer's day in a beach chair. One of life's simple pleasures. What I love most about this new painting is the three generations of women - each with their favorite read. From the beaches of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

This painting is included in the upcoming Charleston Art Auction, taking place November 7th.

Please click here for a larger view.

also worth mentioning...... I have recently joined The Sylvan Gallery, located on King Street in Charleston. Please stop in when you're in this wonderful, southern city.

"Out Matching"

12 x 12"
oil on masonite
sold

A couple, with a mutual love for yellow pants, browsing the galleries in the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This painting is one of two that will be auctioned in the annual Charleston Art Auction, taking place November 7th - my second year participating in the event and I'm very excited.

Please click here for a larger view.

"Hat's Off"

6 x 6"
oil on masonite
sold

I am back home and picking up where I left off - enjoying these smaller, more-painterly pieces of bench sitters. I made it to my 30th high school reunion - a weekend I won't likely forget. It was incredible.

More new paintings to come - I'm back in the game.