Just A Shell

As soon as I started this piece it just flowed. I love when that happens! I started off with some earthy colors and wanted the painting to keep that same earthy feel, so I was very careful in choosing my palette. It reminds me of fall, even though I painted it just about a month ago. I introduced some blues into the piece but I mixed them with a fair amount of black so it wouldn't take away from the warmness. I think the dark areas help make the red, yellow, and orange tones pop. If you get a chance to see this piece in person (if you are in the Bethlehem area) check it out. Hope you enjoy it!

"Abduction"

Another one in the Alzheimer's Series-this is one of my favorites. It's a fairly large piece, 40" x 30". I try not to think too much about what I am painting, otherwise I feel it becomes more of a struggle to complete a piece. I let my subconscious guide me through the creation of the painting, focusing on texture, color, form, and balance. After I have completed the piece is when I usually sit and spend some time with it and allow the subconscious to meet the conscious. I have been compelled to place these round objects in my paintings lately. To me they represent beings, people, forces, entities, however you want to think of them. Some are refined and bold, some look weathered and aged. Some of the objects are affecting others or they may represent the same being, but at different stages. So, having said that, and knowing that this piece ("Abduction") is part of the Alzheimer's Series how would you interpret this painting?

I always find it interesting how others interpret my work-please give me your feedback. Enjoy!

"Incomplete"

Hello everyone, sorry I haven't posted in a few days-I have been busy trying to get the clothing line in order. This painting is one that was such a struggle to complete. I started it a few years ago and put it aside. Every time I would look at it I would kinda grunt and put it back. I just didn't know what to do with it. It's strange how some paintings just flow and some seem to never want to be finished. I often think how different this painting would have turned out if I would have completed it at another time in my life. I feel that sometimes these paintings are meant to wait for the right moment. This painting was originallly quite murky, which might say something about my state of mind when I started working on it. I have been in a much better place in life and I think that comes through in the bold colors. So, I guess in a way I am glad I waited until now to complete this piece. Enjoy! :)

Wired Gallery Bethlehem PA

I recently became a member of a co-op gallery in Bethlehem, PA. Every 2nd Saturday there is an opening from 7-10 pm. (including tonight- Sat, June 14th). There is no charge to get in and if you are not familiar with this place it's a must-see! There is a cafe on one side with lots of art on display and it is connected to a full art gallery on the other side. For anyone in the area please come support our co-op. Check out great art, meet the artists, and enjoy some wine and appetizers.

This painting "Emergence" is on display along with several other paintings, prints, and custom mousepads.

At the end of this month a vintage clothing store will be opening downstairs in the same building called "Under Wired." My great friend and fellow co-op member Lisa is the owner. My clothing line will be available for sale at this store. Hope to see some of you there! Remember, every second Saturday of every month!

"Selfless One"

She spent her life raising 7 children with her husband. They were both wonderful parents and always put their children first. Even as the kids became adults the parents did everything with their family in mind. As grandparents they were equally giving.



As years went by she lost many loved ones-her father, her mother (who she took care of until she passed), all of her siblings, then her husband. That changed her. Her and her husband were high school sweethearts and did everything together. A few years later she tragically lost her oldest child. She has since not been the same.



This woman had a lot of love in her life and a lot of loss. She worked full time until she was 75, taking care of children at a day care. Along with my own mother, she is one of the most giving people I know. This person is my grandmother.



This painting is one of many in a series (The Alzheimer's Series) that is dedicated to her. She was recently diagnosed with this disease. I dedicate this painting to her, who dedicated her life to her family.

Weeping Buddhas

"The world is profoundly sad, they say, and someone has to always be weeping for its sorrows, so that you can be joyful."

-quote on the weeping buddha

I have a beautiful hand-carved wooden sculpture of a weeping buddha. When I started my pen and ink series I decided to do a few with this image of the buddha. This one happens to be my favorite. He is surrounded by all the darkness, absorbing it form the world around him. Hope you like it!

"Ponder"

I have been wanting to work with pen and ink for a while. I did some pieces when I was in college, but haven't worked with it since. As soon as I started this piece I remembered why I enjoy using India ink so much. I simultaneously use "pens" (with the quills) and a Chinese brush to apply the ink. As I do this I also water the ink down in varying degrees depending on how dark I want the area I am painting. The more you water it down, the lighter it gets. I love the whole process-it is completely different than oil painting (which is my primary medium). It's nice to switch it up every now and then. I think there will more to come in the near future. Enjoy!