landscape - the secret life of painting

Eight years ago I began working on a series of blurred paintings called 20/20. Our vision is measured using the Snellen chart and is scored at what "normal" sees at 20 feet. In my painting process I discovered the drawings and under paintings were interesting in their own right. Under my final blurred works was a “secret” painting that lead to another series. I am attracted to the organic natural forms in thick vegetation and waterways.

( * indicates sold)

Regeneration, acrylic on panel, 70x72 inches, 2024 *

Above and Below, acrylic on 3 panels, 72x70 inches, 2021 *

Walk in the Woods 2, acrylic on paper, 8 1/2 x 12 inches, 2020 *

Portage, oil on panel, 48x36 inches, 2020 *

Calliope, acrylic on paper, 76x50, 2019 *

Higdon Creek, acrylic on panel, 50 x 40 inches, 2019 *

The Earth Beneath Our Feet, No. 1, acrylic on 3 panels, 70x90inches, 2019 *

Blue Willow, acrylic on canvas, 5x6 feet, 2017 *

Neutral Ground, acrylic on panel, 46x46 inches , 2017 *

COOL IT, oil on canvas, 50x40, 2017 *

20/20 #11, oil on canvas, 40x30 inches, 2017 *

20/20 #8, oil on canvas, 30x40 inches, 2017 *

20/20 #12, oil on canvas, 30x40 inches, 2017 *

the architect

The natural world draws us in using its power as the ultimate architect and authority of design. In using a traditional grid transfer technique I discovered another layer that was appealing so incorporated it. The first work was a combination of two grids; one placed correctly and one by mistake. The grid was meant to be the base for a painting but became a more prominent element. It has the feel of graph paper and blueprint lines architects use.

( * indicates sold)

the architect, sealed charcoal on canvas, 5 x 6 feet, 2018 *

the architect, charcoal and acrylic, 60 x 40 inches, 2019 *

drawings

There is no better way to learn to use your "art eye" than by drawing. It is a catalyst in the process of alchemy...transmitting a common visual substance of little value into a substance of greater value. When the eye is working well these wanderings are fresh and spontaneous. Some are a combination of gesture and contour with value study. When using sepia ink I get the warmth from the tone and the dried puddles lend spontaneity. The pen brings back some control.

( * indicates sold)

Figure 5, ink on hemp blend paper , 2024 *

Figure 11, graphite, gouache, ink on tan paper, 9 x 7 inches, 2024 *

Figure 7, graphite and ink on paper, 15 x 11 1/2 inches, 2024 *

7 Head, graphite on paper, 36.5 x 56.5, 2024

5 Head, Charcoal on gessoed paper, 40 × 60 inches, 2021 *

True Grit, ink on paper, 14 x 11 inches, 2020 *

12 Head, acrylic ink on canvas, 80 x 99 inches, 2019 *

“give me some space”, ink on hemp paper, 10 x 7.5 inches, 2019 *

study #3, ink on paper, 11x10 inches , 2017 *

wide open #5, ink on paper, 49x55 inches, 2017 *

study #2, graphite and ink. 9x7 inches, 2015

conte du muy after caffiere, ink on acrylic on paper, 10x8 inches, 2016

sleeping woman, graphite, 7x8 inches, 2012 *

head study, ink on paper, 16 x 12 inches, 2011 *

seated man, ink on paper, 8x8 inches , 2011 *

first impressions

This body of work started with a personal art challenge to see how little information I could present but still recognize the person. It in turn evokes thoughts of the first impressions we form of people sometimes quickly.

( * indicates sold)

wallflower, oil on canvas, 19x15 inches, 2017 *

first impressions #9, oil on canvas, 20x16 inches, 2015 *

first impressions # 12, oil on canvas, 19 x 15 inches 2014 *

seeking solace - solo show - austin - 2023

When I spend time in nature it’s unending details draw my attention away from daily concerns. The expanse of the skies give me a sense of something much larger than myself. Nature is not only the ultimate composer and authority on design but it heals so with this exhibition I pay homage to it. These two John Muir quotes are some of my favorites. “I only went out for a walk, and finally concluded to stay out till sundown for going out, I found, was really going in.” “Nature is ever at work building and pulling down, creating and destroying, keeping everything whirling and flowing, allowing no rest but in rhythmical motion, chasing everything in endless song out of one beautiful form into another.” (* indicates sold)