"At Ease"

4 x 4"

oil on panel
sold

After working pretty hard on a lot of detailed paintings, I was in need of letting loose with a few small, painterly pieces - no sketching out, just jumping right in.

And because the beach is on my brain ...  you'll see more coming up.

"Patience"

8 x 8"

oil on panel 
sold

The simple pleasure of finding a shady spot with a companion.

"Retired"

6 x 6"

oil on panel
sold

Ah...... the good life.

A new addition to my series A to Z - a man and his best friend enjoying the sun and sand and a good book on Hilton Head Island.

"Final Chapter"

6 x 6"

oil on panel
sold 

I often live vicariously through my paintings.

A woman enjoying the simple pleasure of reading a good book on the beach - from Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

Please click here for a larger view.

"Warm Spot"

7 x 5"

oil on panel
sold

Another reminder of a simple pleasure in the warmth of the sun.

.... and to one of my favorite actors of all times - Philip Seymour Hoffman

Rest in Peace

"Book Club"

5 x 5"

oil on panel
sold

The surface you paint on can determine the outcome or effect.  Personally, I detest canvas.  I feel like I'm pushing the paint into the surface - it's like buttering a cold waffle.  So I prefer smooth, hard boards - like spreading warm butter on a warm pancake if you will.

I had this little panel I had painted black, but there was a bumpy texture, kinda sandpaper-like and I wanted that rougher texture for the steps and it worked out pretty well.

You certainly can't nit-pick with details and it kept me loose.  And I like that.

From Central Park in New York City on a summer day.

"Reading Up On"

7 x 8"

oil on panel
sold

I've been playing with this piece for a couple of days while watching multiple reruns of Cash Cab.  Obsessing really.  Sometimes I finish something and it's just too predictable, color-wise.  Bland.  So I mixed up some unexpected colors and played.  I like it now.  Time to start another one.

I spotted this young woman reading around Central Park, New York City.

 

My New Book 'ATL to NYC and back'

Just so happens, on the same day the auction ended for my last painting in my series ATL to NYC and back, I got my first copy of the new book. And you may notice, the last painting 'Ribbons In The Sky' is on the front cover of the book - I think it looks very cool.

The book is officially proofed and now officially for sale on Blurb - and soon we'll be on our way across the country, to San Francisco, where I have a workshop. I'm very excited. Surely that means a lot of new paintings, several new series and more books in the future.

here's a reminder for a couple of things -

- the workshop in San Francisco still has 3 openings, info is on the right hand column and...
- Brett has just listed 4 brand-new Tabletop Easels, expecting more would be available late May.

Thank you, in advance, for the purchase of my new book - it surely will help fund our big road trip.

~ Happy St. Patrick's Day

"Comfy"

12 x 9"
oil on masonite
sold

There are times when I can't seem to paint anything right - and I know it's because something is distracting my attention - laundry, errands, puppies and the like usually. So I just gave in for a few days and focused on my upcoming workshop in San Francisco. I made all my arrangements, worked on my hand-outs, did my laundry, ran my errands and played with the pups. Nothing like a clear head to get painting again.

This new painting feels so warm and comfy - a big chair, a hot cup of coffee and a good book. So nice.

Please click here for a larger view.

My New Book 'Museum Hours'

I've been working on this new book for a good while and it's finally finished and available on Blurb. Museum Hours features color images of 102 paintings (100 are full page and 2 are smaller included in the introduction). These are paintings I've done in the past several years, of my favorite subject to paint - art lovers and museum patrons. The book is 8 x 10" and available in soft-cover and hard-cover (image wrap) - I also included an index in the back of the book for those who like to know the featured artwork and what museum the scene is from. I wanted this to be just right, and I am so pleased with the entire book. I thank you for considering a purchase, it might be the perfect gift for someone you know.

Please click here to preview a portion of the book and to purchase your copy.

"Away From His Desk"

9 x 12"
oil on masonite
sold

Included in the upcoming group show in October, at the 16 Patton Gallery in Asheville, is this new painting - a gentleman sitting in the warm sunshine with a National Geographic.

Please click here for a larger view.

"Fully Booked"

6 x 6"
oil on masonite
sold

Part of my series ATL to NYC & Back - it was Monday morning, my first day teaching a workshop. Brett helped me set up and went on his way with his camera while I did my thing. This gentleman was spotted reading a good book on a stoop of a brownstone, somewhere in the Upper East Side of the city.

"Sunny Side Up"

7 x 5"
oil on masonite
sold

Included in my upcoming show Just Plain People - opening next Thursday night at the Morris & Whiteside Galleries in Hilton Head - a painting to hang next to your deck as a reminder of just where you ought to be, basking in the sunshine with a good book.

detail

Please click here for a larger view.

"Sweet Spot"

8 x 8"
oil on masonite
sold

Included in my upcoming show Just Plain People - an enviable sweet spot on Hilton Head Island.

detail

Please click here for a larger view.

"Daddy's Little Girl"

8 x 8"
oil on masonite
sold

Included in my upcoming show Just Plain People and a few of their special companions - a seemingly perfect match enjoying an afternoon at Bryant Park in New York City.

I love the hands, so daunting to do.

detail

Please click here for a larger view.

"The Hunt for Red October"

8 x 8"

oil on masonite
sold

I've been getting used to painting on this orange-red ground. Just like with the black ground, I play with the edges showing slivers of what's beneath, and the red is powerful in that respect. Especially with skin. At the same time, I'm working on a spring show - most of the prep requires thinking too hard and not enought painting. But..... I did my first piece which is a bit larger than my usual - quite frankly, just to see if I could - and I love it. Can't wait for you to see it.

This new piece The Hunt for Red October is a scene from the beaches of Hilton Head Island - a man with a good book and his best friend patiently waiting for some playtime.

Please click here for a larger view.

"Out Break"

5 x 7"
oil on masonite
sold

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

"Blond"

12 x 3-5/8"
oil on masonite
sold

I'm back in the driver's seat - my Mac had to be rushed to the hospital and of course I am reminded of how vital this machine is to my existence. The good thing - I had no choice but to get caught up with long-neglected chores. And I've been helping out with plans for an upcoming 30th high school reunion. Yes, 30 years.

Since the summer is coming to an end, I squeezed in this new painting - a young lady enjoying a good book in the sunshine on the beach of Hilton Head Island.

"Hot Novel"

8 x 8"
oil on masonite
sold

This painting went through two wipe-offs, then totally finished, then painted over. It happens. I fall into a too-tight state, get totally sucked in and I step back and hate it. It's good - but uninteresting in the end. So I picked up a wide brush, added fuller swipes of color and simplified the scene. Some painting days flow and some don't. You just have to keep at it.

"Page Turner"

8 x 10"
oil on masonite
sold

A couple of years back, during an opening at Twinhouse Gallery, I spotted Jeff & Leslie Cohen's daughter sitting quietly in a chair, ignoring the conversations and mingling of patrons - totally absorbed in Catch-22. It was one of those moments when I saw a finished painting in my head, I could hardly wait to get home and start it. I have painted her several times, from different angles - I'm just in love with the subject, the light, the personality ... everything.

Please click here for a larger view.