In May of 2021, when the U.S. was getting vaccinated and beginning to open back up from COVID-related restrictions, my family took a week’s vacation to Bar Harbor, Maine. Rented a great place on the water, overlooking Acadia Park, Bar Harbor, and Cadillac Mountain. House was nestled into a beautiful pine and oak tree forrest. Had a nice bench on a walkway to the front door. Loved sitting on that bench and sketching. Couldn’t bring my full kit as we didn’t have room in the car. So, settled for sketching using the program Procreate on my IPad. All the trees were just beginning to pop – the new leaves were all colors of green. And, some new growth on trees was tinged red/maroon – nice contrast with the greens. Loved the play of light and shadow on the branches, leaves, and tree trunks. Tried to capture the morning sunlight in this sketch.

Part of my “Tastes Of Home” series. Taylor pork roll is a staple in the Jersey/Southeastern PA area. Apparently, there’s a debate – is it called “pork roll” or “ham”? Not sure why there’s a debate as it says “pork roll” right on the packaging. For those not initiated, pork roll is a ham-based breakfast sausage. Comes presliced (the package in the back of the painting) or in a loaf encased in burlap (the package in the front of the painting). Sliced then fried. Locals cut slits in the sides to prevent the slices from cupping and curling up when fried. The other debate – 3 slits or 4 slits (also known as the cross or the fireman’s badge). I’m partial to 4 slits as the packaging gives clues to the cross in the center “o” of “Taylor”. Pork roll, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwiches are a staple in my area. In North Jersey, you’ll find them as well, usually served on a Portuguese roll or bagel. However, when you order a North Jersey sandwich, ketchup is automatic. In South Jersey/Southeastern PA, have to request ketchup. I like the sandwiches with ketchup and will go with the flow when I’m in North Jersey, but I prefer mustard on my pork roll sandwiches. My “Tastes Of Home” series celebrates food brands native to Berks County, Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Dutch Country, and Greater Philadelphia – the area where I live.

Part of my “Tastes Of Home” series. In the area where I live, it’s not a party without ring bologna. Gotta have it – Berks is the best and is “most local” to where I live. Gotta have it with mustard – yellow is traditional, but also like it with Pilsudski mustard, another local brand. I enjoyed painting details into this painting that only locals will understand. When serving ring bologna, have to put a 1/4” deep slit down the side of the bologna so you can peel of the inedible rusty red-colored casing. Can see the slits painted into the slices in the foreground. I especially like leftover ring bologna slices fried with butter and onions, then made into a sandwich. I also make a mean hot bologna (a coal region classic) – I pickle the slices in a boiling hot vinegar mix seasoned with lots of red pepper flakes, garlic, and salt. The bologna is jarred, stacked in layers between cherry and jalapeño slices – the hotter, the better. My “Tastes Of Home” series celebrates food brands native to Berks County, Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Dutch Country, and Greater Philadelphia – the area where I live.

Part of my “Tastes Of Home” series. Nothing represents the Philadelphia food scene better than a Wawa soft pretzel (well, maybe Tastykakes, cheesesteaks, and water (pronounced “wudder”) ice). Wawa is a convenience market that’s located throughout Eastern PA and Jersey – Wawa is slowly expanding – I understand they’ve spread as far away as Florida to cater to Philly transplants. Very loyal following. Great gas prices. Can get your Tastykake or soft pretzel fix satiated. Make hoagies that fill the need until you can get to your local shop. Their soft pretzels aren’t the best, but they’re good – do the job until you can get to the real good ones. Had fun with this painting – lots of detail. And, lots of implied detail. Especially liked painting the little vent holes in the packaging. Just painted the vent holes in front. Hopefully, your mind fills in the rest. My “Tastes Of Home” series celebrates food brands native to Berks County, Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Dutch Country, and Greater Philadelphia – the area where I live.

Part of my “Tastes Of Home” series. Reading Pennsylvania has a great beer tradition. John Updike, the famous writer who grew up in the area, based the setting in his masterpiece book, Rabbit, Run, on Reading – he called the city Brewer in honor of Reading’s rich brewing tradition. Reading Beer was the ubiquitous brand of my youth. Can remember this iconic can crumpled on the streets everywhere. When beer can collecting became a thing in the 70’s, a Reading Beer can was a staple of any local collection. Reading Beer folded a long time ago – found this can on line. However, have heard that a local microbrewery has purchased the brand and is keeping it alive. My “Tastes Of Home” series celebrates food brands native to Berks County, Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Dutch Country, and Greater Philadelphia – the area where I live.

Part of my “Tastes Of Home” Series. Where I live, mushroom houses growing Pennsylvania button mushrooms are common. Can tell you’re near one by the pungent smell in the air. Georgio is the big brand in the area. My “Tastes Of Home” series celebrates food brands native to Berks County, Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Dutch Country, and Greater Philadelphia – the area where I live.

Part of my “Tastes Of Home” series. In the area where I live – Southeastern PA – birch beer is common. And, many have heard of Sarsaparilla. Both have a taste similar to root beer. At some local farmers markets, you can find stands selling home made varieties. Both of these soda flavors are not common outside the area. My “Tastes Of Home” series celebrates food brands native to Berks County, Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Dutch Country, and Greater Philadelphia – the area where I live.

Part of the “Tastes Of Home” series. Love this dressing, made in Boyertown, PA, near where I live. One of those brands you have to buy when you see it as it’s not stocked all the time. This dressing is always available at the local supermarket on a display stand right next to the corned beef around St. Patrick’s day – go figure, Russian dressing to celebrate Irish culture. Great dressing – great with corned beef and cabbage, on a Reuben, and especially good on a big ol’ wedge salad. My “Tastes Of Home” series celebrates food brands native to Berks County, Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Dutch Country, and Greater Philadelphia – the area where I live.

Part of my “Tastes Of Home” series. Grew up on Pilsudski mustard. Can’t have a ham sandwich, ring bologna, or kielbasa without the stuff. Staple of the post Christmas or Easter leftover meal. Also remember having this at my grandparents’ place – the combination of this mustard and my grandmother’s red beet horseradish on a ham sandwich takes me back to my childhood – that and a big serving of her potato salad – nothing better. I can remember my eyes tearing up and the overwhelming pungent horseradish smell when my grandmother grated horseradish in her apartment. I always assumed Pilsudski mustard was a Polish import – didn’t realize this was made in my back yard until recently. Their classic container is barrel shaped, but this new curvy squeeze bottle was more interesting to paint. Pilsudski recently came out with more flavors – garlic dill, bacon jalapeño, sriracha – they’re all good, but the classic is the best. My “Tastes of Home” series celebrates food brands native to Berks County, Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Dutch Country, and greater Philadelphia – the area where I live.

Part of my “Tastes Of Home” series. A-Treat is a brand local to Southeastern PA. Almost disappeared a few years ago, but the brand was saved. Love their unique flavors like blue raspberry and sarsaparilla, but their grapefruit soda is my favorite. Loved capturing the shine and reflections on the can. My “Tastes of Home” series celebrates food brands native to Berks County, Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Dutch Country, and greater Philadelphia – the area where I live.