Part of my “Tastes Of Home” series. Di Bruno Bros. Sexy Olives is an olive mix sold by Di Bruno’s cheese and deli shop in South Philly’s Italian Market area. Their cheese spreads, cheeses, pepperoni, and olives have worked their way into our local supermarkets. This olive mix is perfect for cheese boards. My “Tastes Of Home” series celebrates food brands native to Berks County, Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Dutch Country, and Greater Philadelphia – the area where I live.

This painting features foods and food brands from my home area – Reading/Berks County/the greater Philadelphia area/Pennsylvania Dutch country. Love that these foods are easily recognizable to people from my home area but may need to be explained to someone outside the area.

This painting features foods and food brands from my home area – Reading/Berks County/the greater Philadelphia area/Pennsylvania Dutch country. Love that these foods are easily recognizable to people from my home area but may need to be explained to someone outside the area. The original painting is 48” X 48” – this print is smaller than the original.

Had the privilege to spend some time with my Dad before his passing. A little over a week before he passed – February 2022 – we were chatting – I pulled out my sketch book, and he let me sketch him. He normally wouldn’t let me sketch him, but this time, he did – he understood. Will treasure that time.

Part of my “Tastes Of Home” series. Seltzer’s Lebanon Bologna is another local product that’s ubiquitous in Pennsylvania Dutch country but relatively unknown outside the area. Lebanon is a city about an hour Southwest of where I live. Pronounce the city with a PA Dutch accent – sounds more like ”Lep’nin”. This sweet and smoky deli meat, created in and around Lebanon, is great on a sandwich with mustard and cheese. Some in my family like to spread cream cheese on a slice and create roll ups. 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. Cope’s dried corn is a necessity at many Pennsylvania Dutch Thanksgiving tables. Can be boiled and served with salt and butter. Or, it an be used to make a custard-like savory pudding like the one pictured on the package. My mom makes a Cope’s corn pudding that’s out of this world. 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. Yuengling Beer, “America’s Oldest Brewery”, is based in Pottstown, PA, a little north of my hometown. The beer used to be unknown outside the area, but it has gained popularity. Their lager is a staple. Their Black and Tan is also a must. Taylor”. My “Tastes Of Home” series celebrates food brands native to Berks County, Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Dutch Country, and Greater Philadelphia – the area where I live.

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.