Orpheus

This charcoal portrait drawing on linen paper of my good friend Orpheus Hanley (‘Soundmaster’). A small tribute of my appreciation to an extraordinary gifted man in the art of sound and music.

Plum Wine

Still Life subject I recently painted in my studio. I wanted to create a simple setting using a Chinese vase, mason jar, roses and several fruit items against a warm silk background. Plum wine is popular in Japan and Korea and produced in China.

Silver Reflections

Demo on how to paint silver or reflective material. I used a warm palette for the background with a dark brown ceramic jar to accent the silver creamer. Adding cool and warm colors to create the impression of a highly reflective surface. The green apple was added to give balance to the overall simple composition.

Aniah

My oldest grandchild. She very active, loves her mommy and daddy, school, gymnastics and working on her art. I’ve been trying to convince her to give Grandpa some of that nice thick head of hair. She's a cutie...look out boys, there's a new girl in town!!!

Tribute to Neil Boyle

A tribute to a great illustrator who had a huge impact on my career choice as a commercial artist. Widely known for his vibrant impressionist oils.  During my early years, I approached Mr. Boyle at an art show and asked if he would be willing to teach at the institute I was attending. To my surprise, he agreed and I was fortunate to be one of his students. I will always remember his humor, his mentorship and most of all his kindness.

Henry O. Tanner

A tribute to a most distinguished African American (June 21, 1859 - May 25, 1937) artist of the nineteenth century. He was the first black American painter to gain international acclaim. He moved to Paris in 1891 to study, and decided to stay there, being readily accepted in French artistic circles. His painting entitled Daniel In the Lions Den was accepted into the 1896 Salon.

Sheryl With Head Scarf

When I first met my wife, she loved wearing colorful head scarfs.
I found her very attractive how the scarfs complimented her femininity. I was motivated to paint her portrait and capture her beauty and that intriguing 'Mona Lisa' smile.