Used reference photos shot along a Jersey Shore boardwalk to create this piece. Don’t know what this plant is actually called, but love the orange/reddish fruit contrasted against the magenta/pink flowers.

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.

We take a trip to Manhattan every year around the holidays. I’m an incessant people watcher. Love nothing more than walking the streets of New York and checking out the people. Took a reference shot for this painting on 42nd Street – if you look carefully, that’s the Chrysler Building (the pointy bright building) way in the background.

Try to take a trip to New York City every year some time over the holidays. Usually see the tree at Rockefeller Center, check out the displays in the windows of the 5th Avenue department stores, and take a carriage ride in Central Park – real touristy stuff. Particularly like taking the kids to the Christmas Show at Radio City. During this trip, there was a fire scare at the beginning of the Radio City show, so everyone had to evacuate the building. We were seated up front and were evacuated to the same area as the performers. The kids got a chance to talk to a Rockette and saw Santa while we waited for the “all clear.” Was wild seeing the camels and other Nativity animals evacuated to the streets. Took the reference shot for this painting later that evening.

On a business trip to Seattle, had to drive past this carwash sign every day. Got a kick out of it. Snapped shots in the morning (on the way to meetings) and at night (on the way back to the hotel) to create this scene. See also “Seattle Pink Elephant – Night.” Found out later that this sign has inspired a number of artists/photographers.

On a business trip to Seattle, had to drive past this carwash sign every day. Got a kick out of it. Snapped shots in the morning (on the way to meetings) and at night (on the way back to the hotel) to create this scene. See also “Seattle Pink Elephant – Day.” Found out later that this sign has inspired a number of artists/photographers.

Used reference photos shot along a Jersey Shore boardwalk to create this piece.

Used reference photos shot along a Jersey Shore boardwalk to create this piece. Don’t know what this plant is actually called, but love the orange/reddish fruit contrasted against the magenta/pink flowers.

Any Penn State grad has burned a few hours over grilled “stickies” at Ye Olde College Diner, now known as the College Diner. The place has changed ownership and menus over the years, but the grilled stickies have remained. Loved the neon in the diner’s entrance against the dark, cool colors of the evening sky.

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.