Did this drawing of a Lunar Moth while vacationing with the family in Lake Placid, NY the Summer of 2013.  Stayed at this beautiful mountain home – a number of Lunar Moths congregated by the hot tub on the side of the house.  Moths were huge.  Amazing colors.

Did this drawing while vacationing in Molokai, Hawaii the Summer 0f 2011.  Amazing place.  Only a few thousand people live on Molokai.  View was from the hotel patio looking across the lagoon – Molokai has a sea wall about a half mile off the south side beach.  Can tell where the wall is by the vibrant teal line on the horizon.  My son and I both did drawings while sitting on a deck enjoying the island breeze.

Did this drawing of a sunset in Molokai, Hawaii while on vacation the Summer 0f 2011.  Amazing place.  Only a few thousand people live on Molokai.  View was from the hotel patio.

I went down to my basement – saw an old stack of albums.  Was drawn to the garish pink and green of the Sex Pistols “Never Mind The Bollocks” album cover.  Thought it would make a great background for a still life.  I began assembling some of my favorite musicians’ covers – James Brown, Bob Marley, Morrissey, The White Stripes, U2, Elvis Costello – tried to find musicians I liked, but was more focused on finding compelling images.  Many of my paintings include images within images.  I like how the still life can appear as a simple still life or as something more fantastical with the objects taking on a life of their own.  Elvis Costello staring out from behind the camera on the “Last Year’s Model” cover pulled me in.  Had an almost Hannibal Lecter/Darth Vader quality – the camera he’s hiding behind almost feels like a mask.  Used this intense stare as the focal point.  Notice the shadow lines from an outside window lead your eye directly to Elvis.

The little blue monsters – I’m in love with them.  Found them at the Philly Art Museum gift shop.   They’re Russian Nesting Dolls.  Liked the shape and the faces – bought them knowing I would use them in a still life.  Like the repetitive, simple shape.  And, the blue is a nice counterbalance to the stark pinks and oranges. Why tangerines?  Why a pomegranate?  I don’t know – I followed an impulse.  Fruits are fun to paint.  And, I needed a strong pink counterbalance.

A happy coincidence led to the name “Nevermind.”  The Nirvana cover (bottom left) is also called “Nevermind.”  The word “Nevermind” appears three times in this painting – Nirvana cover, Sex Pistols cover, and the reflection on the Bob Marley cover.  I wish I could say this was planned – I always find the best surprises in the details.

Part of the “Parade” Series.  Captured the reference photo for this colored pencil drawing a few years ago at a parade in New York City.  Have had this one on the “to do” list for a while – finally got around to working on it.  Something compelling about a Native American carrying The Stars and Stripes – had to draw this one.  Great sunlight.  Great colors.  Great subject matter.  Have had a real positive reaction to this one – hope you enjoy.

Love Christmas.  Have fond memories of nutcrackers, cookies, Pez dispensers, any of the Rankin Bass specials, The Grinch, classic movies – love it all.  Wanted to play with reflecting light, so included some Christmas lights.  The two Christmas cards in the painting are photos of my children.  And, the Polaroid near the bottom of the painting is of me, my brother, and sister taken when we were little – I’m the one blowing up the balloon – I remember my parents taking that photo like it was yesterday.  Many of the items in this painting have strong personal meaning for me – painting this one sparked many fond memories.  My daughter came up with the name.

Love Christmas.  Have fond memories of nutcrackers, cookies, Pez dispensers, any of the Rankin Bass specials, The Grinch, classic movies – love it all.  Wanted to play with reflecting light, so included some Christmas lights.  The two Christmas cards in the painting are photos of my children.  And, the Polaroid near the bottom of the painting is of me, my brother, and sister taken when we were little – I’m the one blowing up the balloon – I remember my parents taking that photo like it was yesterday.  Many of the items in this painting have strong personal meaning for me – painting this one sparked many fond memories.  My daughter came up with the name.

This print is half the size of the original 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.

Painted this from a reference photo taken along one of the main roads in Lancaster County. Passed an Amish buggy or bicycles every few hundred yards. Find it interesting – the Amish shun most modern conveniences and lead vice-free lives, yet grow beautiful fields of tobacco.

Was at a local produce market. Had a bin of Fairy Tale Pumpkins (yep, that’s the name). Liked the washed out, almost salmon color and deep segmentation of these pumpkins. My pallet is usually pretty bright – liked the neutral, dulled pallet required for this painting. My daughter, Em, named this one.