Bound by Feathers

This is the first time I did a full scale painting by myself in oil paints. This was a painting I had in my heart for a long time that needed to come out. I am actually not sure that it is done, but the essence of it is on the canvas. I have it up on the easel and stare at it daily wondering what else it needs... what else would it make it complete? Maybe a little yellow? Maybe blending out some of the harsh black lines? I don't know yet... but it will come to me.

Getting Back In the Swing

When I am feeling uninspired, I find it helpful to take time to sketch. People and portraits are the most appealing, but often an interesting cross-hatch landscape sets my mind in the right frame to look wider... at the bigger picture. Here are a handful of sketches over the last few months.

Commemorating a Life...

...How do you take one person's entire life and pay tribute to it in one painting? Who of us can say we can be encapsulated in such a small space? Our stories are too large... our opinions too detailed ...the relationships engaged ...loves lost ...laughter had and love given - where do you start?

Well, when someone you think the world of, asks this of you, what else do you say but "yes, of course, I will do this for you." I am not sure I did my friend's father justice, but I gave it my all and this is what came out.


Luckily, the face of my friend when he saw it meant all the world and worth for the exercise.