Old House in Scullville

8x10

The House off Ocean Heights Ave

5x7

Hello Waldor Orchids

The field in front is where Brighton Farms used to stand, now for a short time one can see Waldor Orchids the brother company that is still a thriving business. The urge for another version of this still in my gut. 8x10

Late Afternoon Slush Scene

The snow was fading fast by friday afternoon. This old building sits on the corner of Zion and Fire Rd. The way it's sagging I don't think it'll be around much longer.

Early Morning Snow Scene

A familiar site on the bike path in Linwood is this old train station...the tracks are gone, but the path and station remain. 5x7

Two Years Today

Wow I almost forgot that today marks the Second Anniversary of this blog. When I started this it was mostly as a personal journal and an accompaniment to my website. Then for a while I joined up with a Daily Painters website, made some sales and put more interest into it as a marketing tool. Now it seems I've come full circle. Getting caught up with doing small ( almost) daily paintings changed my work. I realized I wanted ( and needed ) to learn much more about painting with oils. For a time I thought I could simply think my way into good painting, now I understand it's about taking action. I beleive the practice I began eighteen months ago with daily painting is finally beginning to pay off. It's given me the confidence to begin exploring new venues (such as the plein air landscapes). Also I must mention my involvement with fine artists at Wet Canvas. The free adviceI get there is a wonderful tool for learning and growth as an artist. Who could guess that the internet could be such a resource?
I work a steady 20 hour week at the day job now, so I feel a bit more relaxed in taking time to explore new techniques. A lot of these changes have to do with the physical problems I've had with my back ...even the change from indoor still life to outdoor painting. Pain brought me to a place where I began painting in earnest and for that I'm grateful. Now that I've achieved some balance I think ( and hope ) my painting will continue to grow..and my spirit along with it.

Patcong Creek with Snow and Geese

an "on the way to work" painting...thank god I pretty much make my own hours. 8x10

National Geographic

This is Jack sitting in the lobby of the Virginia Inn shortly before my sister's wedding. The reference photo reminded me of paintings by Karin Jurick and Edward Gordon, two blogging painters who's style I admire...so I figured I'd give it a try ona rainy day. It's got some problems but it was a fun little exercise. 5x7

The Dilkes's House

The Dilkes family used to own this home on Bargaintown lake. When my Dad was a kid he would help them run thier concession stand every winter...they sold hot chocolate to ice skaters. Funny the last time I remember this lake frozen solid was in 1976. Another piece of trivia...the first time I ever used oils was when I was 18....I tried to do this view and ended up with mud...didn't return to oil paint until 25 years later...now ten years after that I thought I'd try it again...what's different now is there are big houses built all around the property...and the lake never freezes at all any more. Times they are a changing. 5x7

Sandpiper

It may seem funny but I actually believe that a higher power guides me in much of my painting. I went out today to do a beach scene, when I got there I realized I left my masonite panels at home, as I went to get back into my car I saw this perfect little specimen laying on the edge of the street. I don't paint every dead animal I come across, but birds are so beautiful... even in repose.

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad

My Parents are celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary the day before Valentine's. I'll be dropping this present off to them very early on my way to the flower shop. Took over forty photos of geese in the local park to get this perfect pose. I thought they made an appropriate subject since they too mate for life.
9x12

Little Tug

Did this one from my car today..it was so windy I found it hard to get a straight line down. 5x7

Jupiter Beach Late Afternoon

This is the last in my little series of Florida Paintings.

Jupiter Light House

This was done as the sun was rising, the night spotlights were still on.. creating a somewhat dramatic effect

Second Sunset on the Loxahatchee

My first major encounter with gnats landing on the painting. They look like more birds flying with the vultures...still it was such a pretty view.

The Virginia Inn

9x12 oil/canvas

Here is the promised painting for my Sister's wedding present. This kind of stuff always makes me uneasy..will she and her husband like it? I keep thinking they might be expecting something more linear and hard edged. A friend once said to me, Chuck put down the crystal ball! Good advice I think.

Day Four...I think

Florida Camping Day Three

The sign said "No Idle"
"No Wake"...It didn't look right on the painting that night, but I'm going to try and add it again. I like signs.

Florida Camping Day Two

5x7 oil/panel