Work in progress that will actually be completed

24" x 36"/oil on canvas/Shelburne Falls

Actually, this is almost finished and I'm not going to paint over it....it's on a canvas I painted on once so the oil is thick and lumpy in some places.  I used a palette knife for lots of the work and found that as the paint built up I could slide lighter or darker shades over and over and create depth.  So little time, so much to learn and so much fun to have.

See any beasts in the trees?

Several years ago a friend showed some of my work to a NYC portrait artist and he remarked.... "ah, a Fauvist!"  I was familiar with the term and the movement and appreciated the critique but I was maybe not so pleased with the idea of fitting into a category.  I wasn't aiming for any particular style and much as I do today felt like making pictures is an opportunity to explore and experiment. 
That was then.  Lately I've expanded on that colorful, abstracted sort of style and have begun assembling a series of pieces, almost all are landscapes, which I'd like to grow in number.  I hope that in the process I'll learn more about color and contrast and make some things which are beautiful.
The piece below is something I struggled with for quite a long time...months I think and have only recently begun to enjoy.

24" x 30"/oil on canvas

Watercolor and gouache on foam board

Recent picture which has color and a loose composition.  I really enjoy working on this surface and find myself using things beside brushes to make marks with.

Watercolor and gouache on foam board

New charcoal/pastel drawing

18" x 24"/charcoal and pastel on paper

This was done in December along with several others I'll share soon.

Picture of "Sunset" on display

I wasn't able to attend the opening of the LOVE exhibit at South Shore Art Center but my friend did and sent me this photo of my work on display.  I was pleased to receive it as well as to see its placement and delighted to know that it is out there to be seen!
This piece is one of several I did having been inspired by the writing of Raymond Carver.  The short story "What we talk about when we talk about love" was the work I tied this to.
 My favorite aspect of this piece is the depth at the table.  It says something about coming together and exchanging with others.  I feel some safety in the spot created within the frame.

More Sunset

I did lots of drawings before I started the "Sunset" picture.  Here's one in ink on paper.  I recall trying to work out the perspective.  The cabinets here have handles which for some reason I mustn't have thought necessary in the final piece.

Sunset Drawings

Here are a couple of drawings I did several years ago while trying to organize the painting which appears in the previous posting.  I especially like the charcoal.  Also, I've got several ink and colored pencil drawings I did prior to beginning the picture which I'd like to share later in the week.