Christmas in Falls Church

"Christmas in Falls Church"
(16 X 20, oil on canvas, work-in-process)
This painting was made from various photos of our decorated house after a snowfall and combines features (plants, decorations) from several different years. The is my first attempt at a nocturnal painting. The challenge is maintaining the darkness while providing sufficient detail. This painting has become part of out Christmas decorations in our new home in Asheville.

Autumn on Lake Barcroft

"Autumn on Lake Barcroft"

(12 x 24, oil on canvas, Collection of Cynthia Wright, Nov 2008)
This painting is from photos I made in the Fall of 2007 while on a walk around Lake Barcroft in Fairfax County, VA. Creating reflections and gentle water movements were the big challenges. The colors are somewhat vibrant but not really embellished from the photos and actual viewing.

 Interestingly I returned to this same site several years in a row and was not able to replicate the same spectacular fall colors.  Some trees had lost their leaves while others were yet to change.  For the photos I made -- thus this painting -- I guess I was at the right spot at the right time. 

Andes Mountains

"Andes Mountains --
Fitz Roy Range in Argentina"
(14 x 18, oil on canvas, Private Collection, July, 2008)
This was my first effort working without another artist's step-by-step guidance and has been a true source of pride to me. The inspirations came from a trip I made in January, 2008 to Mendoza, Argentina. The painting is from a photo -- taken not by me -- that does a wonderful job of capturing the awesome beauty of this country and the Andes Mountains.

High Mountain Winter

"High Mountain Winter"
(14 x 18, oil on canvas, Private Collection, 2007)
This study is a compilation of objects (trees and structure) that I thought would be interesting and valuable in the learning process. The objects came from several exercises in a book by William Palluth. The background mountains are mine -- using recollections from the Tetons with a little Yosemite thrown-in.

Autumn Mountain Trail

"Autumn Mountain Trail"
(12 x 16, oil on canvas panel, Private Collection, 2007)

After several studio-type classes, I decided I might progress faster if I worked on my own -- learning from my mistakes as well as successes. I found this painting in a book by Carolyn Lewis and thought it would make an excellent study. Using the steps outlined by Ms Lewis I was able to recreate this painting and add a few personal modifications (e.g. backgrounds mountains reshaped to reflect my memories of the Huachuca Mountains in Arizona). I liked the results and more importantly -- learned a lot.

Seascape

"Seascape"
(14 x 18, oil on canvas, Private Collection, 2006)

This is my first oil painting and was completed during a class called "Oil Painting Even If You've Never Held a Brush". Though simple, it was a very informative effort that stimulated my desire to move forward.