A few years ago, felt like my style was tightening up a bit too much. So, I created a series of 8″ X 10″ paintings of various scenes and still lifes to try to loosen up. This was one of the first paintings in that series. This apple arrangement is similar to the one in “Sarah and Emily’s Still Life” – used a photo from that same photo shoot to create this piece.

Les Deux Magots – great spot for some Foie Gras on toast and a bowl of Chocolate Mouse. Loved how all the warm and cool light sources – the Holiday lights in the tree, the neon of the restaurant signs – melded into the awning in this composition. Reminded me of this restaurant – served a little bit of everything and welcomed a little mix of everyone.

Was taking some reference photos of an amusement pier along the Jersey Shore. Liked the play of the lights and colors of the rides. Caught a moment where my son, Cole, laid his hand on my wife’s face. Was fascinated how he could be so focused on her with all the noises and blinking lights around him.

If you ask my father for the location of this, one of his favorite fly fishing holes, he’ll tell you a place that’s about an hour’s drive from the actual spot.

When I composed this still life, the afternoon light was perfect, but something seemed missing. When I wasn’t looking, our middle child, Emily, slid in the photo of her and her sister, Sarah. Said she wanted to be in the painting. It was just the touch this composition needed.

When I composed this still life, the afternoon light was perfect, but something seemed missing. When I wasn’t looking, our middle child, Emily, slid in the photo of her and her sister, Sarah. Said she wanted to be in the painting. It was just the touch this composition needed.

Every September we load the kids in the van and pick apples at this local orchard. And, every September I come home with armfuls of stuff. Apples (multiple kinds – Fuji, McIntosh, Staymon Winesap – and multiple forms – apple dumplings, apple butter, apple cider, dried apples), pumpkins (and pumpkin bread and pumpkin butter), honey (the kids especially like the live bees behind glass in the back of the store), Indian corn, various gourds, squash, turnips – you name it, I buy it, much to my wife’s dismay… Wouldn’t have it any other way.

Every September we load the kids in the van and pick apples at this local orchard. And, every September I come home with armfuls of stuff. Apples (multiple kinds – Fuji, McIntosh, Staymon Winesap – and multiple forms – apple dumplings, apple butter, apple cider, dried apples), pumpkins (and pumpkin bread and pumpkin butter), honey (the kids especially like the live bees behind glass in the back of the store), Indian corn, various gourds, squash, turnips – you name it, I buy it, much to my wife’s dismay… Wouldn’t have it any other way.

Was taking some reference photos of an amusement pier along the Jersey Shore. Liked the play of the lights and colors of the rides. Caught a moment where my son, Cole, laid his hand on my wife’s face. Was fascinated how he could be so focused on her with all the noises and blinking lights around him.

Never had more fun taking a reference photo. Took this while floating on inner tubes with my wife, brother- and sister-in-law, on the ocean, drinking some fruity rummy drink. All was well.