SEA STORY

5x7" Acrylic on Canvas

This small fishing village is filled with history and countless Sea Stories. Painting this beautiful weathered shack sent me drifting back to my first attempts at portraying wood and my love of Fisherman.

DAD FISHING AT NIGHT 1992

Watercolor On Paper 21x27"?

The fishing/crab season begins for me soon, so I'll be spending 12 hours a night visiting the same time clock , seven days a week for the next few months until the circus leaves town. My post will become much less frequent but I will be thinking of you all.

Storybook Cover

2.1 x 3.75" Acrylic on Canvas

I'd like to turn this miniature piece into a tiny book cover for a primitive folk art doll someday in the future... when I learn to sew. This painting was done for the biweekly artist challenge DSFDF. This time we were given a black and white photo of Pennslyvania farm country and asked by Karin to "invent the color". This was not simple at all, but I am pleased with the result and as always enjoyed testing my skills and learning something new.

STEADFAST

4x4" Acrylic on Canvas

Dutch Harbor blizzards are common. This faithful eagle sat firmly planted on top of fishing nets directly outside my window while the snowstorm raged. In the background is F/V GUN MAR with her painted red and white exterior along with a blue mooring line attaching her to the dock. This pier once belong to the US NAVY and was attacked June 3 & 4 1942, by The Imperial Japanese Navy. It is known as The Battle of Dutch Harbor. 88 Souls from both sides were lost in that period. I have a spot in my heart for the Flag and all the brave who defend her.

FISH STONE

6x8" Acrylic on Canvas

A few weeks back I took a beach walk and kept my eyes open for treasure. The tide was new. I recall doing this since I was knee-high. My Aunt and my Dad taught me to Find Sharks teeth, Sand Dollars, Starfish, and to appreciate the beauty in things like Fossils and Rare Driftwood. In 2002 I spent many an off day on this same beach and found teeth about the size of an Aceo. One belonging to a shark and the other is still unknown. I gave each one away as gifts to these same teachers. I’ve been very fortunate to visit a number of beaches and I am always in awe of how different they are around the globe. One of my many interests in life is Lapidary. I Love Rocks. This beach is covered in them. The drizzle caused these washed out grey stones to come alive with various colors and textures. Fish have always seemed to have a strong theme in my life, I’m not sure why- but I like them a lot too.

To Tala, and my QA Family.

0 Parasites, 1 Headbone, 1 Backbone, 28 Softbones , 70 Hardbones,

1% Improper Skinning and Underweight.

Total Defects 100

Grade Z

Sparky

4x4" Acrylic on Canvas

This young fox look like such a rascal by the way he danced about and licked his chops at those coming near him to get a closer look. Because of that I've decided to name this fella Sparky. He looks sorta like a fuzzy bear mixed with Raccoon.

Incognito

8x8" Acrylic on Canvas

When I have time off I like to explore my surroundings. I spotted this mystical creature along my travels. I saw not 1 but 2 foxes that fortunate day. Lucky for me they were very photogenic.

Constellation Aquila

6x6" Acrylic on Canvas

I spend a good deal of time pondering the meaning beneath the painted surface. I have been absent from blogging and painting and hope to get back into the current soon. I don’t believe I would have participated in this week’s DSFDF challenge hosted by the generous Karin Jurick, had I not been inspired and uplifted by a poetic comment from Dabblerteer on my last post. To reciprocate my appreciation I thought I’d include the lyrics to a song by

Jars of Clay entitled Waiting for the World to Fall to accompany this painting.

I'm afraid it's been too long to try to find the reasons why

I let my world close in around a smaller patch of fading sky

But now I've grown beyond the walls to where I've never been

And it's still winter in my wonderland

I'm waiting for the world to fall

I'm waiting for the scene to change

I'm waiting when the colors come

I'm waiting to let my world come undone

I close my eyes and try to see the world unbroken underneath

The farther off and already it just might make the life I lead

A little more than make-believe when all my skies are painted blue

And all the clouds don't ever change the shape of who I am to You

I'm waiting for the world to thaw

I'm waiting for the sea to change

I'm waiting when the colors call

I'm waiting to let my world go under

When I catch the light of falling stars my view is changing me

My view is changing me

I’m waiting

Melting Portal of Time

6x6" Acrylic on Canvas

Long ago I kiddingly joked that when I made it to the naval fleet I'd be the person painting the numbers on the side of the ship. That wasn't to be. However I still find myself mesmerized by the reflections of ships in the water... perhaps I'm not alone judging by the number of marine painters and collectors out there.

DUTCH HARBOR

Thank you to all who have stopped by my blog hoping to find something new posted. I am currently working in Alaska and just ordered a new supply of Liquitex paint and canvas today to get started on my series about this unique part of the world. I have been very busy gathering my reference material to get this exciting new series underway. I will loosen my brushwork and experiment with technique in hopes of finding that magical combination to cast a spell. The people/ships that gather here from around the globe bring a rhythm to this Harbor I hope to express. Look for artwork to be posted in a few weeks.

AN ARTFUL YEAR

Bon Voyage

Alice of the Tigers by Akiko Watanabe

I agreed to do a portrait swap with artist Akiko Watanabe. My one condition was that she had to turn me into a cat-something that I could never do myself. When she finished the painting the first time, I was in disbelief... she knows why. I told her I had to have fur with no skin showing, but she insisted that fur would not work and in the end- won. It was my fault really, I told her she could do whatever she wanted-but what I really expected was for her to paint a cat and call it Alice. Anyhow this will be my last post for quite some time. I am going to be doing some travelling later this week and then will be away for about 6 months. I hope to return back to civilization and blogging when I come home. Thank you to all of my patrons, friends and fellow artist. I can't wait to get back to painting soon.

It's time for me to go prowling now...

ADEBANJI

8x8" Acrylic on Canvas

This portrait is of Adebanji -An artist living in London whose motto is to Be Inspired. Inspiring he is. He is compassionate and motivated. You see it in his art and his sketches. He loves to capture the human expression and those fleeting moments most of us overlook. He has greatly Sharpened my skills. I have no doubt he will will be painting portraits of Royalty.

AKIKO

8x8" Acrylic On Canvas

A portrait of my newest dear friend Akiko. She has faithfully kept me company on my blog no matter what I post. Thank you Akiko for listening to my paintings and for seeing my loneliness.
You have influenced my art and my thoughts. She is an animal whisperer, understanding the language of all creatures and becoming their voice through her art. Thank you also to Akiko's Husband Curt for taking this photograph just for me at such short request. Isn't she Regal.
Akiko has turned me into a tiger, please visit her site and see how creative she is!

Merry Christmas to my friends, patrons and fellow artist.

Pearl Of Wisdom

18x24" Acrylic on Canvas in Progress

More Talk Story to follow...

This piece is about 75% finished. Hope to finish before Christmas . I will update this photo to a sharper, larger and more complete one in a few days. I began Pearl Of Wisdom around this same time last year. Some of my pieces drift forward............................... very, very, s... l....o.... w.

This wise woman was resting in Asakusa Japan outside of Tokyo on Ocean Day 2007.

Self Portrait DEC 14 2008

Art Photography

Fujifilm Finepix Natural low lighting

I must admit, I've painted many self portraits with a mirror, and have sketched my own face in this manner hundreds of times from the time I was 12. I believe it was this practice that helped me to sharpen my portrait skills and check in on my mental state. I had the notion as a young teenager to run off to the circus and make a living doing 15 minute sketches of people on the spot. Fate had other plans. This self portrait photo is my 3rd attempt in this medium. Girl with a Pearl Earring by Dutch Master Johannes Vermeer has always been a striking image for many, so I donned some earrings and struck a pose.

Mysterious Sea

Acrylic Study for LINO CUT

I have no idea who she is, but she's beautiful! This is a mystery self portrait swap among artist of DSFDF. I made a few changes... Women in my world never smile : ( You have Blue Eyes and Blonde Hair. If this is you please let me know.

Karin's JACK

This painting began my involvement with Different Strokes From Different Folks, a new and innovative art participation blog by

Karin Jurick. She had just suffered the loss of losing her dog JACK and was moved by Mona Diane Conner. who painted a version of her JACK after Karin. This caring gesture led Karin to start DSFDF.

For this, I am grateful beyond what my words can say.

I haven’t seen the magazine with my own eyes yet (and may in fact be counting the chickens before they've hatched) but I've been told this piece will be included with others in the January Issue of Southwest Art Magazine. I thank everyone involved in DSFDF. All of you have inspired and motivated me, more than you know.
I have never painted a canine before JACK. If you want to see the best animal portrait artist in the world today look no further than Akiko Watanabe.

Got Polish?

6x8" Acrylic on Canvas

Painting Karin’s work boots reminded me of my own love-hate relationship with steel toe military issued combat boots. They are not only unfashionable but very loathsome to upkeep and orthopedically unsound. My poor DAD who has been out of the service for over twenty years still wears them to work. I tossed mine the minute I was finished with my contract and never looked back.

I decided on a limited color palette and felt the best approach would be a semi-realistic portrait style displaying the character of the owner by way of her shoes. Two artists I kept thinking of were Vincent Van Gogh and Andrew Wyeth... I’ll just assume you know why.

Joyful Painting to all this Holiday Season.

Family 1992

Mixed Media

I was going through some of my images of past paintings and found this piece done in 1992 and felt it fit nicely here after my last post. I was studying Edvard Munch, Gustav Klimt & Käthe Kollwitz . The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens was going to have an exhibit featuring their work and Local High Schools were competing to have their students featured along side these great artist in the museum... I used my imagination and came up with this elongated dark expressive piece as my entry. It was chosen and I felt honored to be close to the work of masters.

Ghost Screen

Flow

12x12" Mixed Media

This is an older piece completed in 2005. It was inspired by my lapidary specimens, Bertrandite (aka Tiffany stone ) and Madagascar Ocean Jasper.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Seven

6x6" Mixed Media

My mind has been in an abstract mood these past few days.

Tagged

I've been tagged by funny lady Erika Nelson... I would not even play had it been anyone else.
I am only going to do this one time.
These are my Seven
I am tagging the following intriguing artist who are comical and brilliant in both art and writing . It is purely voluntary. You can participate and choose not to tag anyone if you wish.
Mark Adams Fourth Place and has written a short story. That may be because I've purchased 4 of his marvelous paintings recently.
Adebanji Alade Fifth Place and looking very dashing in his Tag! A spontaneous and powerful spirit is found in his work. An unpredictable force.
Oscar Arroyo First man across the line... and might I add a very interesting and talented man is he. A rare talent indeed.
Terry Daniels I nominate him the best new artist to arrive in Blogland and Ebay to keep track of and buy from. Replies to comments very s l o w l y , but they are good.
Andy Mathis The Dr. is far too busy saving animals, finding stray cats homes, making Christmas ornaments and making us laugh to play Tag this year.
Camille Larue Olsen Finished First- it may be that competitive racer in her. The only lady on my list... so you know she's something!
Vern Schwarz Gets the Bronze - A gentleman who has rekindled his love with Art and is driven to paint and excel.

Hopper Lane

Yokohama Bound

5x7" Acrylic on canvas

This is how the majority of the People in Japan travel. I love the business attire in the early hours and how those little moments like checking the time and looking over someone's shoulder make you realize were all so very similar after all.

Nightmares 2001

It’s always a challenge to find places to post my older work in my blog but I think this fits the creative monochrome theme. It was 2001 and I had purchased a large roll of unstretched and unprimed canvas. I cut off a small section and began this. Somehow I managed to cover the entire surface with a lot of paint and decided to place a napkin in the lower left corner and leave my hand print. I like the result so much I painted around it using dark greys and metallics. I still have that napkin in a sketchbook somewhere. This is also my youngest brother's favorite of all my paintings... something to do with a comic super power? I hope that everyone is having a peaceful Sunday.

Shady Characters

6x6 Mixed Media on Canvas

Every now and then one has the need to get crafty.

Matsumoto Market

Strike A Pose

6x8" Acrylic on Canvas

If you've been to Japan you already know how extraordinary the people are. Every movement is carefully calculated to assure precision and grace.

HEIFER

Miss Alabama

5x7 Acrylic on Canvas Panel

I once worked for a woman who lovingly called all the young ladies “heifer” in a very raspy voice. She meant well. The cow is an Iconic symbol in art. I’ve never painted a cow before … while thinking of how I wanted to do this week’s challenge by Karin Jurick for DSFDF, I thought of my favorite renditions by American Impressionist during the Arts and Crafts movement. I wanted to give my painting that vintage look too by toning down the palette and making it look as though the colors had faded with time.

Sailor Boys

Masks

I was drawn to paint this for a number of reasons... it’s true a man in uniform will always get the ladies attention, but I was attracted to something much deeper than appearances here. I love the casual relaxed attitude these three young Japanese sailors displayed inside the train station at Yokosuka. Their uniforms glowed from the sun and the abstract form in the steel railing was perfect. It framed them in a fashion that made it seem as though they were on a ship at sea. This painting is part of a series I began last year of Contemporary Modern life in Japan. There will be a total of 10 paintings. This is #5.

My Friend

NFS

I have been inspired by Mark Adams, Oscar Arroyo and Akiko Watanabe. Three amazing artist who love to paint portraits of their cats over and over and over again.

So I finally got the courage this week to do my first ever cat painting of my friend, Scabbycat. She really doesn’t belong to me, she was in the parking lot before I arrived, prowling her real estate and laying claim to any warm hood within the vicinity. She is the mean cat of the neighborhood. No telling how she got this way. However angry she may become, she is still very generous, and will occasionally bring gifts and place them on the welcome mat. She’s had a broken arm at least twice(still a mystery) and a severe battle with a mongoose that led her to spending a few nights curled on the couch unable to move. Good thing she’s a fighter and heals very fast. She's also a big baby too... loves to be picked up and held... for hours.

Money Movement NYSE

6x6" Acrylic on Canvas Panel

There is a scene in Pirates of The Caribbean Dead Man’s Chest when Capt. Jack Sparrow goes below decks to retrieve some Rum and finds Bootstrap Bill Turner. At this meeting he is literally handed the Black Spot and is told “your time is up”. Capt. Jack Sparrow runs into the berthing of his sleeping crew and shouts… “On deck all hands! Make fast the bunt gasket! On deck! Scurry! I want movement! Movement! I want movement!” I audibly heard these words over my shoulder repeatedly being said with Karin Jurick’s voice in place of Jack’s , wielding her paint brush as I did this week’s challenge.

Revised so many times I lost count

6x6"Acrylic on Canvas
I'm so glad I had the emergency abstract switch installed years ago.

Custom Frame

This Mission Oriental Style Frame just arrived and was made specifically for a group of paintings I'm trying to complete for a future show. There are two tapered through tenons at the top that I didn't capture from my angle that also add to the Asian flare. The wood used in this frame is quarter sawn oak... the grain glows in person.

Autumn

Painting White Pumpkins are no joke.

Trapped Where Color Makes A Difference 1991

Oil On Canvas

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My Palette For Now

My Palette

Please click on this image for a larger view

REVERENCE

Reverence

16x20 Acrylic on canvas

This shrine is located near Asakusa. I am graced by the beauty and elegance that radiate from the people of Japan. In a country where time is precious and people seem to be in an organized frenzy... they will always find the time for prayer, honor, respect and kindness.

FIREWATER

12x12" Mixed Media

FIREWATER for me is an abstract emotion I will always have with the Big Island of Hawaii.

Filled With Music

NFS
This oil pastel was part of a series I did in the early 90's. I remember listening to my local PBS radio and was particularly struck by a song by Antonio Salieri. It was "Veneziani in D Major" I had it recorded on cassette tape and would play it over and over. I don't believe I've heard it orchestrated since that time. I hope you find the melody in this piece.

Petroglyph Series

The Chapel

6x6" Acrylic on Panel
This small chapel is located on Church Row in Waimea, Big Island Hawaii.

Underway & Sacred Pond

These two paintings are from the past and were sold to wonderful collectors from Whidbey Island at a Arts & Crafts fair here on the Big Island.

Redemption 2001

Private Collection

Mixed Media on Canvas

Silent Wonderland 1993

Private Collection

Another painting from the Past. Looking back I can see that I was deeply inspired by the work of Andrew Wyeth at that time. He was one of my heroes when it came to matching technical ability with story telling. I had been given the opportunity to be a gallery docent in 1992 for a show featuring Andrew Wyeth's work and learned quite a bit from what I absorbed gazing and discussing his work with patrons.

The Color Room

NFS

This piece was a self portrait that I did while I was a teenager(16), Now over half my lifetime ago. It was done with oil pastel on canvas board. Being short on supplies and common sense at that time, soon after I had finished doing a painting I would literally remove the canvas from its board resulting in a brown pulpy surface... which I further used to do a few of these pastel portraits. I'm sure there are a few art conservators who would have much to say about that practice.

Astray

6x6" Acrylic on Canvas

Two days ago I traveled to the other side of my island by going over Saddle Road... a somewhat treacherous path that at some point makes you feel as though your on another planet. This road seperates Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, two dormant volcanoes. Along this hazardous terrain I spotted a lovely flock of sheep and had some renewed inspiration to do a few more Daily Paintings. This piece is 6x6" done in acrylic on archival canvas panel.

My Hawaii

16x20" Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

I really enjoy this painting primarily because of the feeling I get everytime I see it. This area is Mauna Lani Hawaii. I have a great peace walking through the trails that weave throughout this special property.

Hula Dancer 2001

Isaiah 51

24x36" Acrylic on Canvas

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