Wednesday, November 4, 2009



deerfield river
5"x10" oil on gessoed masonite

I painted a series of landscapes inspired by happy memories of my time in Deerfield, MA. After teaching all day, there was nothing so refreshing as laying on your back in the river flanked by fragrant woods and above you a strip of cloudless sky.



deerfield
5"x10" oil on gessoed masonite

macks and tucker
private collection


First canine portrait I had done. I was surprised at how much human expression I found in their faces.

by the river
private collection

Portraits

Portraiture has been a favorite topic among artists since the beginning. For me, there is little wonder why. It is a thorough examination of human life. Not only does the artist attempt to capture the physical texture of the body but also the certain light within the human vessel. The relationship between the model and the artist is at once intimate and detached. As a painter I find myself initially breaking my subject down into bits but once the pieces are arranged on canvas I return to my model with tenderness. The portraits that I am drawn to in museums and galleries inspire a feeling of recognition that I find compelling. Whether it's the way the light falls on the face, a look about the eyes, or the way the hands are folded, there is some element, however subtle, that is acutely familiar. Portraits are fascinating because they are timeless and personal. No matter how many centuries have lapsed the conditions under which the painting was created are physically present and real. Portraits contain mystery and magic that will continue to fascinate us.

self portrait
oil on gessoed masonite


Tuesday, November 3, 2009

top: in study
10"x14" oil on gessoed masonite

bottom: study
5"x51/2" oil on gessoed masonite







top: klimpt's lady
9"x12" gessoed masonite
bottom: noah
9"x12" gessoed masonite


pops
8"x12" oil on gessoed masonite

A portrait of my father. Inspired by a trip out west with my old man, I set about commemorating the journey by painting this piece.

the blue lady
12"x14" oil on gessoed masonite

The Blue Lady began as an exercise to get back into the swing of painting. I had been studying portraits by Ingres and was clearly influenced when making this piece. An ode to Ingres if you will.