"Baby Steps"

5 x 7"
oil on masonite
sold

Unlike the norm, I've labored over another painting for 3 days. At some point, my stubborn side turns into exhaustion and I think the next day will magically take care of my failures. Most days have flow - few don't. It comes with the job. A lesson I learned a while back was to check on the rest of my life, see what's out of sorts - like a house that needs cleaning or laundry that needs washing. Simple things like that can preoccupy the mind and clog up the creative process. And most importantly, I shelved the 3-day failure, squeezed out a new palette of oils and I'm moving on.

This painterly piece was taken from the beaches of Hilton Head Island - a new mother introducing her child to the best playground, the beach.

New York City Workshop 2010

My first workshop is now official and open for registration - a field expedition held at the National Academy of Design in New York City and organized by Vince Fazio, the director of the Sedona Arts Center.

This 5-day workshop will take place May 24-28, 2010, details can be found here.

To inquire or register, please call Vince Fazio at 928-282-3809 or 888-954-4442.

Update - This workshop is full. Please add your name to the waiting list if you are interested in filling in cancellations or future workshops. Thank you.

"St. Philip's"

4 x 12"
oil on masonite
sold

The St. Philip's Church, in Charleston, is a thing of beauty, resembling a tiered wedding cake reaching into the sky. Established in 1680, there's incredible history to this building - surviving through 300+ years and several hurricanes and tornados.

This is taken from an early evening stroll, with the warm, summer sun bathing onto the earthy brick.

Please click here for a larger view.

"Cruise Control"

8 x 8"
oil on masonite
sold

I'm back in the studio - relaxing from a few days on the road. The lecture by Dan McCaw was inspiring. If you're an artist, and you find yourself stumped or bored or stuck - surround yourself with art for a couple of days. It's good for you. Talking with other painters will enforce the many things we all go through - and looking at art will sometimes fill in the gaps of a creative brain. I usually go off somewhere and see new images and ideas and can't wait to get back to painting.

This scene is taken from an early evening walk on the beach of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

"Perry Man"

8 x 10"
oil on masonite
sold

Some of my favorite paintings have that element of disappearing lines - more emphasis on the face and the hands. Notably, the studies by Degas of dancers and musicians. It gives me great pleasure painting this way.

A gentleman I spotted at a state fair in Perry, Georgia.

"Claire"

6 x 6"
oil on masonite
nfs

Occasionally, I play with this technique - flooding a white gessoed board with a rich wash of brown - then subtracting from that layer. It's completely opposite of applying color onto color. It's fascinating what occurs - each and every stroke will matter - and there's no planning the outcome. It is a great exercise in getting values right, but more important, it teaches you how to handle the brush with direct, intentional strokes. It's great fun too.

"Farmer"

4 x 4"
oil on masonite
sold

A new painting - adding to a series of glimpses into the Lancaster countryside in Pennsylvania.

"Guide"

4 x 4"
oil on masonite
sold

A very quintessential scene from Lancaster, Pennsylvania - an Amish horse and buggy trotting through the countryside.

"Mother"

4 x 4"
oil on masonite
sold

In the next few days, you'll see several new paintings inspired from my road trip thru Lancaster, Pennsylvania - where the Amish call home. This young mother and her children stand beside their new spring garden.

"Tiny Dancers"

12 x 12"

oil on masonite
sold

Degas' 'Little Dancer' is always a chick magnet in any museum - the Philadelphia Museum of Art has an unobstructed view of the sculpture, which is quite pleasing. The painting behind the little patron is Monet's 'The Sheltered Path'.

Please click here for a larger view.

Have a great holiday -

"Juicy Fruit"

6 x 6"

oil on masonite
sold

Sometimes I'm just in the mood to paint bold, vivid, quick and loose - especially when it comes to food.

"Early Birds"

8 x 10"
oil on masonite

I was up at the crack of dawn this morning - wanting to finish up this painting before the heat was on. These two were spotted at an air show at the Peachtree-Dekalb Airport - they claimed their prime viewing spot early. About 3 hours early, which tickled me.

Please click here for a larger view and purchase information.

"Pool Pom"

4 x 4"
oil on masonite
nfs

My swimming buddy, Ferris. I mistakenly thought it was Ginger, Ferris's little sister. They both love the pool. No animals were harmed during the making of this painting.

"Row Versus Wade"

12 x 6"
oil on masonite
sold

This is one of those paintings that I would urge one to see in person - you will see more of the brush strokes, interesting edges and subtleties of color changes. That really can be said for most art.

From Lake Michigan, a ways out from Oak Street Beach in Chicago.

Please click here for a larger view.

"Do Well & Prosper"

5 x 7"
oil on masonite
sold

A quiet evening in Charleston, South Carolina - where the porch light is still on and the red door, according to Feng Shui, brings success and prosperity to those who reside here. Perhaps we should all paint our front doors red to get this recession over with.

"Construction Site"

4 x 4"
oil on masonite
sold

The joys of playing in the wet sand - from the beaches of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

Please click here for a larger view.

An Interview with Artist Jeff Hayes

Jeff Hayes is an artist I have followed for several years - he paints very elegant, sensitive still lives, so distinctively his own. I particularly love his smoky edges on some - very dreamy, very sweet touch.

'Teacup No. 2'
by Jeff Hayes

Jeff is featuring a different artist every month on his blog State of the Art - including his personal thoughts as well as an interview with each painter - and I was his pick for the month of June. He and I share a mutual admiration for each other's work - and I'm very proud that he chose me for his current article - which you can read here. Thank you Jeff - I appreciate this very much.

"Planning Stage"

4 x 4"
oil on masonite
sold

This is the first summer I've been in a gallery that is located on the coast - and I'm excited to have this opportunity to paint more beach scenes - which I thoroughly love to do. They're casual, colorful, happy moments - perfect subject for using oils because of the vivid range of deep blues and aquas and warm skin tones.

This little guy was seemingly planning out his next move on the beaches of Hilton Head Island.

Please click here for a larger view.

My Brother

6 x 6"
oil on masonite
nfs

It is nice to just paint for the sake of experience - no pressure - without reason. This is my big brother - who, for years, has been mistaken for Dustin Hoffman. These days, I see a little Jack Bauer in him and a lot of my dad's dark, handsome looks.

Artist Dan McCaw

For painters out who might be interested - artist Dan McCaw will be giving a lecture & presentation on July 17th, in Charleston, South Carolina. That evening is The Palette & Palate Art Stroll - held in several Charleston art galleries. If you are in need of inspiration, I think both of these events are well worth the trip. For more information, click here or contact Ben Whiteside at the Morris & Whiteside Galleries at 843-842-4433. Hope to see you there.

A Benefit For Animal Lovers

The Howard/Mandville Gallery is hosting Art To The Rescue - a Benefit for Pasado's Safe Haven, an animal rescue outside of Seattle. This organization saves and rehabs dogs, cats and farm animals, most who have been neglected or abused. Three of my paintings will be included in the show - a portion of the sales will be donated to those animals in need. Hats off to them.

Companions For Life
sold

Rescued For Life
sold

Pampered For Life
sold


For a larger view of these paintings,
click on the title below each image.

For information regarding this Benefit Event - please click here.

"Peephole"

4 x 4"
oil on masonite
sold

Also from the Delaware Art Museum, a woman hones in on a tiny etching. I think you'll find anyone who views this painting will be doing the exact same thing.

"Little Women"

4 x 4"
oil on masonite
sold

I've had nothing but frustrating days with my paints - so I've decided to put my ambitions of doing larger work aside, for a while, and do some small pieces.

A woman enjoying an afternoon in the Delaware Art Museum in Wilmington.

Chris Stott

" 1:00, 2:00, 3:00"
by Christopher Stott

I want to wish my friend Chris Stott a great show - opening at the Elliott Fouts Gallery in Sacramento - his paintings are spectacular. I picked one of my personal favorites to show you his skill and precision - you can see all of the paintings included in the show here.

"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.