I’m a big fan of the Philly boxing scene. A few years ago, the venue changed to a club in South Philly, right under a major highway. A block away from the club is a famous local cheesesteak place – Tony Luke’s. Captured a reference shot for this painting after the fights. Was midnight, but the place was still hopping. If you want to truly experience Philly, a cheesesteak at midnight from a walk-up stand is a great way to do it.

Any Penn State grad from my generation has burned a few hours over grilled “stickies” at Ye Olde College Diner. The place has changed ownership and menus over the years and shut down a few years ago, but the grilled stickies have remained – can buy them through The Penn State Creamery. Loved the neon in the diner’s entrance against the dark, cool colors of the evening sky.

This painting is a view of The Corner Room Restaurant as seen from Old Main Lawn at Penn State University (“Go Big Blue!”). My oldest daughter encouraged me to snap a photo of this corner. She was drawn to the variety of colors and glow of the restaurant windows.

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.

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.

Painting of Orange County Choppers that Airgas had built for an anniversary. Early on, prints were used to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis.

Take a few trips to New York City every year. Love the way the buildings seem to close in over your head. Have always been facinated by the Empire State Building – wore out a King Kong comic book reading it over and over again as a kid. Tried to capture elements of the city that I love in this painting. The guy in the front is my buddy Dave.

Painted this quickie off of a reference photo taken on a work trip.

For me, nothing beats a Jersey Shore boardwalk – Mack & Manco’s Pizza (now Manco & Manco’s), Johnson’s Popcorn, hitting a few rides, catching a movie at the strand… Could be content people watching on the boardwalk for hours.

Wonderland Pier – any kid who’s been to Ocean City, New Jersey has blown some time on their rides. My favorites are the carousel and giant swing. Never tire of watching the time-honored tradition of kids scrambling to track down their flip flops when the Giant Swing slows to a stop.