On Daddy’s Shoulders

1999 - 9.5" x 12.25" - Watercolor, Arches Aquarelle watercolor paper

Nick was a bit tired by this time in the day, and he was resting his legs while he sucked his favorite finger. I took this picture on a fast speed setting so that the trees in the background became just a jumble of squiggly lines. Perhaps they emphasize the way Nick was feeling at …

Anna

2000 - 9.25" x 8" - Watercolor, Arches Aquarelle watercolor paper

May I introduce my charming niece Anna? This painting was in an art show at the Norris Gallery in St. Charles, IL, and the ladies hanging the show wanted to meet her. Anna was kind enough to attend the artists’ reception. The reception was much more fun with Anna and her family there. The original …

The Slate

2009 - 16.25" x 12" - Mixed Media (Colored Pencil, Watercolor), Arches Aquarelle watercolor paper

I hesitate to write much about this painting because sometimes it’s just too fun to allow the viewer to interpret with his/her own imagination. Imagine, for example, what strange happenings old slates in classrooms must have witnessed over the years. Perhaps a person from the past is caught on the other side of this slate. …

One Day in the Park

1999 - 17.75" x 19.125" - Watercolor, Arches Aquarelle watercolor paper

One day I took Jon to a park to play and to take photos. For this shot, I set the camera at a fast speed to “freeze” the water coming from the fountain. The result was charming and begged to be painted. One Day in the Park was my answer to the photo. For me, …

Night Light

2010 - 16.25" x 12" - Watercolor, Arches Aquarelle watercolor paper

After one of the evening events during the weekend of our son Nick’s graduation from the University of Southern California film school, he and his brother Jon took advantage of some dramatic building spot lights. If you’re thinking Alfred Hitchcock, I wouldn’t argue. There were also some interesting street lamps in the area… and we …

King of the Ice

2012 - 16.75" x 11.25" - Mixed Media (Acrylic Colored Ink, Watercolor), Arches Aquarelle watercolor paper

He slows for a millisecond, eyes locking on the goal: the hockey player, King of the Ice. King of the Ice is a portrait of my athletic and talented nephew Adam Vance, who plays and coached hockey. The game is fast-paced and intense. The painting is mostly watercolor, but pearlescent acrylic ink washes add sparkle …

King of Konken Mountain

2013 - 18" x 24" - Mixed Media (Gouache, Watercolor), Arches Aquarelle watercolor paper

The ancient king of Konken Mountain hunkers down in his mountain cave. He’s been there for a very long time; moss grows in his beard and on his kingly jacket. He seems to sink into the very rock that forms the mountain. As we peer up the misty ancient stone stairs, there seems to be …