Nobody I Know

"Cleopatra"
5X5 Acrylic on Canvas

DISCLAIMER: The character image portrayed in this portrait is fictitious, and any similarity or resemblance in the character's identity to any living person is entirely coincidental and unintentional.

One Hour Study

"Little Ball of Fluff"
5X5 Acrylic on Canvas

The title of this portrait has changed. Jenny and I decided that this title is more appropriate. Not only does Nicholas look like a little ball of fluff, but his big brother, Heller, used to call him that and we love it!

I have been experimenting with what I can do in one hour or less. The last two paintings are part of this study. Of course, with only one hour, I am not able to pay attention to the fine details, but it is a time for me to experiement with color mixing and some new techniques. I have made a decision to NOT go back to these paintings and tweak, but to leave them as they are.

One Hour Study

"Taking Liberties as the Artist"

5X5 Acrylic on Canvas

For those of you who think that the baby doesn't look anything like Nicholas...keep in mind that Nicholas doesn't look anything like Nicholas. He has changed so much...but this portrait DOES look a lot like Ford did when he was a baby.

I am especially in love with the photo that this portrait was inspired by. It was taken by Heller on our trip to Miami last summer. He was so proud of his camera ability. So am I.

My Baby Brother

"Off the Wall"

5X7 Acrylic on Canvas

This is my first attempt to paint a semi side profile. I really don’t like to paint hands. I especially dislike it when the model (my unusual brother) is making one of these gestures that is so characteristic of him, and I end up making him look like “The Claw!” There are 9 years between us, so I am completely oblivious to what this gesture means, but I am sure it means he is “cool” or something. It should, because I think he is.

The motivation behind my desire to paint Tommy came from a recent rediscovery of the portrait of ME that HE drew many years ago. While picking up books that my 19-month-old threw all over his room, I found my brother’s picture "posted" on the back cover of the Little Golden Book, "Pete's Dragon". (I’ve posted it below to showcase his remarkable talent.)

Tommy - I think your painting portrayed “80s teenage girl” very well. I hope you are happy with my portrait of you.

"Heylay" by Tommy

Pen on Little Golden Book

My Baby Sister

"A Bright Future Ahead"

5X7 Acrylic on Canvas

This is a painting of my sister, Ashley, in her high school graduation cap. It is 1/2 of a photo taken of both of us in our cap and gowns (she graduated from high school the same year I graduated from UCF with my Bachelor's degree).

My sister is terrific and I bore her to death with my paintings, but I thought since this one was of her...

Summer is Here!

"I've Got Ya Covered"

5X5 Acrylic on Canvas

Thinking about my friend Donna today, and missing her. This bathing beauty is the youngest of Donna's three beautiful children. She will be three years old next month and I have never even met her. Time is a funny thing.

My Remarkable Friends

I have decided to begin blogging (if blogging means writing my thoughts) about each of my paintings and the inspiration behind it. So, Yana and Pete, I begin with you.

"Yana and Pete"

2 5X5 Acrylics on Canvas

After perusing more than 300 photos sent to me over the last couple of years by my jet-setting friends, Pete and Yana, I selected these photos because I felt they each offered terrific insight into the unique charm and character of this couple.

Each painting offered its own challenge for me. Yana’s hand (which I am continuously working on) and Pete’s glasses and facial hair (I am used to painting children) each caused a little more sweat and tears than I am used to.

I enjoyed spending time with my friends over the course of the last few days. It was the next best thing to being with them!

"Self Portrait"

5X5 Acrylic on Canvas

Yes, this is me. And, I haven't stopped talking since!

"Jenny Almost Smiles"

5X5 Acrylic on Canvas

This is my Jenny. She USED to be so quiet and so good. NOW, she's 15, and that is all I have to say about that.

"What?!"

5X5 Acrylic on Canvas

"Ouchie"

5X5 Acrylic on Canvas

"Refreshed"