Enjoyed painting this large-scale toy-themed painting – this one ties the themes of all the other toy paintings together. Originally wanted to paint a super realistic close up of the “Pinpression” push-pin toys. But, wasn’t pleased with any of the photography. So, I incorporated in to a larger still life. I love peoples’ reaction when they view this painting in my studio. Like the other toy paintings, there’s a lot of detail and a number of nostalgic toys and ones with personal meaning. This arrangement includes Star Wars figures, Mr. Potatohead, various superheroes like Wolverine and Spiderman, Rock’em Sock’em Robots, Barbie dolls, a James Brown doll (had to figure out a way to shoehorn “The Godfather of Soul” into one of my paintings), various dinosaurs, toy soldiers, Hot Wheel cars, and a slew of others.

Please note – original painting is 36″ X 48″. Enjoyed painting this large-scale toy-themed painting – this one ties the themes of all the other toy paintings together. Originally wanted to paint a super realistic close up of the “Pinpression” push-pin toys. But, wasn’t pleased with any of the photography. So, I incorporated in to a larger still life. I love peoples’ reaction when they view this painting in my studio. Like the other toy paintings, there’s a lot of detail and a number of nostalgic toys and ones with personal meaning. This arrangement includes Star Wars figures, Mr. Potatohead, various superheroes like Wolverine and Spiderman, Rock’em Sock’em Robots, Barbie dolls, a James Brown doll (had to figure out a way to shoehorn “The Godfather of Soul” into one of my paintings), various dinosaurs, toy soldiers, Hot Wheel cars, and a slew of others.

Started working on this painting in early September and put the final touches on the painting in April. Had a lot of fun painting this – the large G.I. Joe soldiers were similar to ones I used to play with when I was a kid. The blond-haired ones in the center and top-center of the painting are the ones with “real” crew cuts. And some of the soldiers are the ones with the special kung fu grip. My brother and I used to play with similar soldiers for hours. And, I’ve included comic books with covers painted by Frank Frazetta, my boyhood idol and early art inspiration. Frank Frazetta is the guy who, among other things, invented Conan’s look. Prior to Frazetta, Conan looked more like Flash Gordon – short hair and squeaky clean. In fact, the cover near the right-center of the painting, the one with the grimacing soldier shooting a gun while holding a wounded comrade is a Frank Frazetta painting I copied when I was in high school. Brought back memories recreating it here. Special thanks to my Uncle Joe for lending me some of his vintage comic books. Also, the red-coat soldier pins are part of a bowling set my wife played with when she was a kid. And, couldn’t resist including and posing the little green army men, another childhood favorite. Hope you experience similar nostalgic feelings viewing this painting.

Note – original painting is 48″ X 60″. Started working on this painting in early September and put the final touches on the painting in April. Had a lot of fun painting this – the large G.I. Joe soldiers were similar to ones I used to play with when I was a kid. The blond-haired ones in the center and top-center of the painting are the ones with “real” crew cuts. And some of the soldiers are the ones with the special kung fu grip. My brother and I used to play with similar soldiers for hours. And, I’ve included comic books with covers painted by Frank Frazetta, my boyhood idol and early art inspiration. Frank Frazetta is the guy who, among other things, invented Conan’s look. Prior to Frazetta, Conan looked more like Flash Gordon – short hair and squeaky clean. In fact, the cover near the right-center of the painting, the one with the grimacing soldier shooting a gun while holding a wounded comrade is a Frank Frazetta painting I copied when I was in high school. Brought back memories recreating it here. Special thanks to my Uncle Joe for lending me some of his vintage comic books. Also, the red-coat soldier pins are part of a bowling set my wife played with when she was a kid. And, couldn’t resist including and posing the little green army men, another childhood favorite. Hope you experience similar nostalgic feelings viewing this painting.

Completed this painting to complement “Jam” and “Crash.” When on a family vacation in California, went to this candy/50’s nostalgia store. Found a few toy cars with candy logos on them – liked the colors and decals – thought they would be fun to paint. Wanted to pull in a little closer on the cars. And, wanted an abstract composition. My favorite – love the icecream truck.

Was in New York City with some friends. Had some time to kill and stumbled upon a parade – decided to hang out and watch it. Have always been an incessant people watcher – decided to take a bunch of shots of various characters in the parade that caught my eye – was inspired to create a series of “Parade” colored pencil drawings. Since the NYC trip, have happened upon a few other parades at the Jersey Shore – have taken shots of characters at these parades as well. This character is from the NYC parade – liked the color and repetition of the Chinese lanterns in the headdress.

Was in New York City with some friends. Had some time to kill and stumbled upon a parade – decided to hang out and watch it. Have always been an incessant people watcher – decided to take a bunch of shots of various characters in the parade that caught my eye – was inspired to create a series of “Parade” colored pencil drawings. Since the NYC trip, have happened upon a few other parades at the Jersey Shore – have taken shots of characters at these parades as well. This character is from the NYC parade – guy seemed to be having a blast.

This painting is of our good friends Dave and Christine Carswell. Dave was my roommate in college, is the designer of this website (he owns Limestone Business Web – check out his website – Limestonebusinessweb.com – he’s a genius), and remains one of my best friends to this day. We take a weekend trip to New York City once a year. We usually catch a show and eat our way through the city. I laugh more during those weekend trips than I do the rest of the year.

Took the reference photo for this painting at the end of a pier near one of my favorite restaurants in Sea Isle City, New Jersey. Loved how the setting sun saturated the sky and water in vibrant oranges and pinks.

Painted this portrait of my daughter, Sarah, from a reference photo taken at our church. Enjoyed painting the contrast of the cool shadows and warm highlights. Yes, her hair is naturally that curly. Was happy with this painting because the painting really does capture her – the look in her eyes, the crossed arms and ballerina-straight posture – definitely her. She’s 13 in this painting.