On a business trip to Seattle, had to drive past this carwash sign every day. Got a kick out of it. Snapped shots in the morning (on the way to meetings) and at night (on the way back to the hotel) to create this scene. See also “Seattle Pink Elephant – Night.” Found out later that this sign has inspired a number of artists/photographers.

On a business trip to Seattle, had to drive past this carwash sign every day. Got a kick out of it. Snapped shots in the morning (on the way to meetings) and at night (on the way back to the hotel) to create this scene. See also “Seattle Pink Elephant – Day.” Found out later that this sign has inspired a number of artists/photographers.

Used reference photos shot along a Jersey Shore boardwalk to create this piece.

Used reference photos shot along the highway in the Western part of Virginia to create this piece. These flowers were growing in the highway median. Word to the wise – it’s not a good idea to pull off and take shots of these flowers. It’s hard to keep a steady hand when cars are wizzing past a few feet from your rear.

Stacey’s cousin is a great guy. Graduated from college a few years ago and is enjoying single life. He joined me and a couple of other older guys in our family at a bar one night. Needled him about the opposite sex – encouraged him to share some of his pick up lines. Said his favorite is “My name’s Leonard. I’m a rodeo clown.” Probably the worst pick up line I’ve ever heard. Not sure if he’s even seen a live bull in his life. Couldn’t let it rest, and used it as inspiration for this portrait of him.

I call this a “study,” but I created this small painting after I completed the larger “Eiffel Tower Carousel.” Eiffel Tower Carousel took a number of hours to complete. Brushstrokes used to create it were pretty tight, and I paid attention to detail. Wanted to see if I could create a looser, more relaxed version of this scene and do so in a couple of hours. This is the outcome.

One of 3 paintings created for Airgas’ 2006 Holiday Cards (See also “Extra Run” and “The Extra Mile.”) Was going for a Thomas Kinkade/Terry Redlin vibe in these paintings.

Was on a business trip in Seattle. Our hosts took us to a restaurant on the opposite side of the bay from downtown Seattle. Was stunned by this view from the pier. Thankfully, I had my camera handy – was able to get a number of great reference shots.

This painting is of a Berks County, PA farm that no longer exists – used an old photo as a reference. Farm used to be in my wife’s family. Painting is different than most of my other work – limited the palette and kept my brushwork loose. Often asked if this piece is done in watercolor – it’s not. It’s done in oil. But, the loose brushwork, especially in the sky, does give it a watercolor feel.

One of 3 paintings created for Airgas’ 2006 Holiday Cards (See also “Extra Run” and “One More Run.”) Was going for a Thomas Kinkade/Terry Redlin vibe in these paintings.