I was recently asked about my life as an artist. The things I have done to arrive at the point to where I am now. How did I become what I am, where I learned things, who I studied under, and how I do what I do. I never thought much about this being interesting to anyone, and therefor have not really put this to much thought. I find it curious, that so many people have asked me, and it doesn't seem to be a random thing. So, I guess, in some of the continuing blogs ahead, I will discuss some these things as well as anything I can think will add interest to the pot. 

  A good art patron and acquaintance of mine, who runs a chain of coffee shops and sandwich shops, prompted this essay into my life. It may help some of you who may wish to travel the life of an artist on their own. So, keep on checking  back every now and then, for updates and additions to this journal I will keep active. Life happens as you do it, and so will this blog. 

I hope, it imparts a picture of the path that I have traveled to be where and what I am.

Three Sails

16 x 20 

acrylic on canvas

sides are painted white

painting is available

I like the loose gestural quality of the brushstrokes and the open feel of the ocean. Its simple yet complete. One of my favorites.

Tidal Creek

16 x 20 

acrylic on canvas

available for purchase

I'm seeming to like the use of a palette knife lately. I'm also, liking other non-brush applications. Somehow, the less in the way between me and the canvas, the more I can get the message through. It's something I am exploring further, and will do so. Texture is also a very compelling thing for me and this technique lets that element live very well on the canvas. I'll include more of these type of paintings in the future, to let you see where I might be heading with them.

It's the season of doing outdoor festival and art shows. Its certainly an all encompassing  activity that consumes up ones time and energy like fire burns up oxygen. Not much time left for the canvas, although at this time, its usually best to keep a sketchbook handy for impromptu scribbles that can be used to turn into paintings eventually. Many of these will go the way of the trash can, but others have been known to blossom into full and mature works of art. 

  I hope I can unwind from some of these shows soon, and take a breather to get back to the easel.

The best time it seems to be fully productive, is the winter. Nothing but nothing to interrupt. And plenty of dead space. 

 As for now, I'll squeak in what I can, and I'm sure I'll certainly get in some paintings, if not in a desired time, then on the fly at least. 

  More later...

for now, that is all.

Sometimes, it's not enough to just have your paintings represent you. Sometimes, I need me to represent me. So here I am. Not my best happy face, but I don't actually recall any photos of me with a big toothy grin. 

  My wife and I were on one of our jaunts into some wildlife refuge, or conservation area, where this photo was taken. She took the pic. I, as most people always think, don't really think the picture really makes me look like me. No matter, I  just thought it was good etiquette to let you have an image of this artist to go with his works. 

IN THE FLORIDA KEYS

15 x 15

acrylic on panel

One of my feel good wish I was there paintings that I occasionally do, probably because I need a vacation.

I love the warm tropical colors in this painting and the inviting boat waiting to be boarded.

The brushwork is impressionistic and the subject visually entertaining. 

This painting is just one of the many beach and ocean paintings that I have recently been working on. I am producing paintings of the New England coast as well as the coastline in the southeast. Georgia, the Carolinas, Florida and the Keys.

This painting is available for purchase

Painting for me can evolve from my response to a subject, a feeling, a mood, a memory, a dream, or the pure act of creativity. Just letting the hand, mind and soul search and explore the canvas, until something emerges. What ever was going through my mind when this came out, I can't really say. What's important, is,... it is, what it is. My art.

This painting is for sale.