Down by the River #2

"Down by the River "... 6x12" Oil on panel, en plein aire, 5-27-2007.
SOLD... Thanks again Al!

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This painting is the result of another great afternoon plein air painting. The scene is set along the banks of the South Fork of the New River near Todd, North Carolina. I never tire painting along this scenic river. Another cool thing about plein air painting is the people I come in contact with. I would estimate that 75 bicyclists passed me by (many stopping to speak) in the 1 1/2 hours it took me to paint this one. Railroad Grade Road runs along the beautiful river and is one of the most popular biking routes in the Appalachian mountains. The ten mile route between Fleetwood and Todd, NC has been enjoyed by thousands of cyclists who rave about the scenic beauty of the route... one only needs to visit it once to echo their sentiments.
The actual scene... (that's my daughter and her boyfriend in the kayaks... I actually dropped them off up river sometime earlier.)



A lovely couple that dropped by... "hey" if you get the chance to see this! Please sign the comments section under this entry so I'll know you saw this...

The Old Pump House

"The Old Pump House"... 6x8" Oil on Linen, en plein aire, 5-26-2007.
SOLD... Thanks again Al!

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Painting from life outdoors is one of my favorite things to do. The sights, sounds, smells add so much to the experience and I find plein air painting very relaxing yet challenging. The changing light and conditions force me to paint loose and fast. This scene was set along a small lane near a barn... the barn itself would make a great subject but I really liked how the light was striking this small pump house, the crossing shadows, and the way the lane curved past the scene... very inviting. I set up the easel... squeezed the paint on my palette... dipped the brush and had a great time. This small painting, "The Old Pump House", was captured in about 1 1/2 hours.

Here's the actual scene...

Gondola Memories Last Forever

"Gondola Memories Last Forever"... Venice, Italy... 8x6" Oil on panel,
alla prima, 5-2007.
SOLD... Thanks again Al!

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Gondolas have graced the beautiful Italian waters of Venice for centuries and are one of it's most famous symbols... known worldwide. This typical Venetian boat is extremely ancient and is the result of a series of extremely complex craft techniques. A gondola is 11 meters long and weighs 600 kilograms. In spite of its considerable weight it is quite ease to maneuver by just one person using a single oar. Enough about physical measurements... it measures up best as a romantic memory shared by loving couples... memories shared by couples past and present that last forever! Be sure to click on the image above to view a larger image so you can appreciate the impressionistic colors that dance in this small painting titled, "Gondola Moments Last Forever".

Bonnie Banks O' Loch Lomond

"Bonnie Banks O' Loch Lomond "... 6x12" Oil on panel, alla prima, 5-2007.
SOLD... Thanks Teresa!

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"By yon bonnie banks, and by yon bonnie braes... Where the sun shines bright on Loch Lomond... There me and my true love spent mony happy days... On the bonnie, bonnie banks o' Loch Lomond. "

"Oh, ye'll tak' the high road, and I'll tak' the low road... And I'll be in Scotland before ye... There the wild flowers spring and the wee birdies sing... And in sunshine the waters are sleepin'..."

This painting, "Bonnie Banks O' Loch Lomond", was inspired by my love of the song "The Bonnie Banks O' Loch Lomond" and the beauty that abounds in Scotland. God's creation is displayed at its best at Loch Lomond.

Dancing Reflections

"Dancing Reflections"... 5x7" Oil on canvas board, alla prima, 5-14-2007.
SOLD... Thanks again Al!

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Living on the coast... water and boats are among my favorite subjects to paint. Especially water... I never tire of painting water... it is constantly changing, shifting, and moving. It's as if the water seems to almost dance. Capturing the dance is a challenge I always welcome. Even though the boats are the focal point of this painting, in my opinion, the reflections are the life and energy in this one. I hope you enjoy this small impressionist painting, "Dancing Reflections". Be sure to take the time to click on the larger image (link above) to get a full appreciation of this one.

I Saw Three Ships

"I Saw Three Ships"... 7x5" Oil on canvas board, alla prima, 5-12-2007.
SOLD... Thanks again Don!

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Three sailboats lazily relax as they await another sailing adventure on the high seas. I loved the reflections in this scene and wanted to emphasize their movement in this impressionist painting titled, "I Saw Three Ships".

NYC Sunset

"NYC Sunset"... 8x6" Oil on Panel, alla prima, 5-2007.
SOLD... Thanks again Don!

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This painting, "NYC Sunset" captures the glow of sunset on one of the most majestic skylines in existence. I love architecture... the shapes, angles, and way they capture light are fuel for inspiration for me as a painter.

Summer Cottage... A Distant View

"Summer Cottage... A Distant View"... 5x7" Oil on Panel, alla prima, 5-2007.
SOLD... Thanks again Al!

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Cottages are among my favorite subjects to paint. There is something peaceful and relaxing about them... I find serenity in viewing and painting them. May this painting, "Summer Cottage... A Distant View", give you that feeling of serenity.

Impressions of Color

"Impressions of Color"... 8x6" Oil on Panel, alla prima, 5-6-2007.
SOLD... Thanks again Al!

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"Impressions of Color" captures the explosion of colors that bloom throughout the Spring and Summer. This impressionistic landscape is for those with colorful hearts and lives!

English Cottage with Thatched Roof

"English Cottage with Thatched Roof"...8x6" Oil on Panel, alla prima, 5-4-2007.
SOLD... Tanks again Al!

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Let this peaceful summer cottage scene, "English Cottage with Thatched Roof", take you away to a relaxing place in your minds eye... a place where good memories come alive and simplicity abounds.

Water Lilly

"Water Lilly"... 8x6" Oil on Panel, alla prima, 4-27-2007.
SOLD... Thanks again Al!

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There is something totally tranquil about a pond decorated by water lillies... almost spiritual in nature. Maybe that is why the great impressionist artist, Claude Monet, found them an inspiration for many of his paintings. This painting, "Water Lilly", captures that mood in the same impressionistic manner made famous by Monet. Please be sure to click and view the larger image to get a full appreciation of the depth and brushwork in this small painting.

A Peaceful Day at the Docks

"A Peaceful Day at the Docks"... 6x8" Oil on Panel, alla prima, 4-2007.
SOLD... Thanks Don!

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This scene, "A Peaceful Day at the Docks", is set in the beautiful coastal town of Morehead City, North Carolina. On any given afternoon one can walk along the docks watching the deep sea fishing boats unloading and weighing their "catch of the day". If you ever get the chance to visit these very docks during the Blue Rock fishing tournament you are in for a treat. An awesome site to see the huge fish posing with their proud captors. Morehead City is also known for GREAT seafood... The Sanitary Fish Market or Captain Bill's... flip a coin... you can't loose.

Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola

"Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola"... 6x8" Oil on Panel, alla prima, 4-2007.
SOLD... Thanks Ann!

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Are you a Coke or Pepsi person? Can you taste a difference? I can... and Pepsi-Cola is my choice of soft drink. This painting, "Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola", is set in downtown New Bern, North Carolina and marks the spot that was once a pharmacy where Caleb Bradham invented "Brad's Drink" in 1898 which he later patented as Pepsi-Cola. The historical site is owned by the Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company which serves as Pepsi memorabilia store where visitors can purchase a variety of Pepsi products and even belly up to a vintage soda fountain.

Safe Home

"Safe Home"... 6x8" Oil on Panel, alla prima, 4-2007.
SOLD... Thanks again AL!

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Located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, the Hatteras Lighthouse has survived 40 plus hurricanes, countless nor'easters and has managed to save the lives of seafaring mariners since 1870. Cape Hatteras Light was 1600 feet (490 meters) from the ocean when it was completed in 1870. In June 1999 it stood just a few feet from the open beach, protected by rows of sandbags but vulnerable to the next passing summer hurricane or winter nor'easter. Due to erosion of the shore, the lighthouse was moved from its original location at the edge of the ocean to safer ground 2870 feet inland. The move was controversial at the time with speculation that the structure would not survive the move. Despite some opposition, work progressed and the move was completed between 1999 and 2000 in a massive operation. Rededicated in 2000, the lighthouse, is fully open to the public at its new location further inland. This painting, "Safe Home", captures the old and the new location of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and a story with a "happy ending" that future generations of Tarheels and Americans can enjoy every time they see this magnificent structure.

Across the Marsh

"Across the Marsh"... 6x8" Oil on Panel, alla prima, 4-2007.
SOLD... Thanks again Al!

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I find the marshes of eastern North Carolina among my favorite subjects to paint. Beautiful scenes any time of day but especially at sunset! Forget your busy work day by letting this painting "Across the Marsh" take you there and relax you.

Wine and Rose

"Wine and Rose"... 8x6" Oil on Panel, alla prima, 4-2007.
SOLD... Thanks again Andrew!

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I love painting still lifes... especially when glass is involved. I find capturing the transparency and reflections of glass challenging and rewarding. "Wine and Rose" came about as a small study for a larger commission I'm working on for a client.