Painting Portfolio
The Bribe
w42″ x h36″ oil on canvas – Available only as a fine art reproduction.
The Bribe comes out of some deep dark place in my mind…
I love animals dearly, but every once in a while I feel a desire to be
a bit playfully fiendish. Just a tiny bit, not in any way harmful.
Why is this person bribing this dog?
The Burial of the Sardine- after Goya.
w40″x h32″ Oil on canvas- Available only as a fine art reproduction.
When I learned that Goya made a painting called “The Burial of the Sardine”,
I had no option but to create one of my own. I was riding a train up the California coastline, reading André Malraux’s The Voices of Silence”. No
picture, just that title.
I made a quick drawing of the Sardine in my sketchbook. Later when I finally did see Goya’s version, I borrowed his colors and greatly modified his composition. For Goya, the “Burial of the Sardine” was a Spanish celebration that marked the end of festivities before the 40 days of Lent.
My version is more literal, they all seem so anguished by the death, only
the sardine is gleeful.
By the Light of the Moon
w42″x h36″ Oil on canvas – Available only as a fine art reproduction.
This painting has lots of layers and lots of struggles in it. The Violinist is playing with all the passion of his or her heart, for the sorrows of the world. The Moon shining down and Cat looking on are saying not to worry, there is a plane of existence where all is in harmony, despite any appearances to the contrary.
St. Francis, Speaking With the Birds
w16″x h14″ Oil on canvas – Available only as a fine art reproduction.
I have loved St. Francis since I was a kid, because of his sweet humbleness and his love for animals. Several years ago I visited the Assisi Cathedral in Italy. A heavy old habit St. Francis had worn was on display in a large, wide display case. It had been patched and re-patched so many times, that you could hardly see the original material. He is wearing it here as he speaks to the birds about giving thanks to the Sustaining Infinite.
Perfect Balance
w24″ x h26″ oil on canvas – Available only as a fine art reproduction.
The light that these two are reflecting and heading towards is a different one than most beings on the small blue Earth are seeing. For them the moon is full and the possibilities are endless, what a night!
According to Apache lore, white spots indicate the purity of the being sporting them. Purity of the mind – cleared of anger, doubt, fear, resentment, envy, etc, and understanding that we are spiritual beings. It all has to do with what we think. Could it possibly be, that when we strip away our false concepts and limitations, we all have a Buddha nature?
Well Being.
w23″x h26″ Oil on canvas – Available only as a fine art reproduction.
You may find your own story in this painting; I see a person who was feeling lost or sad, as we all do at times. Enter “the Cat,” exuding well-being, love, harmony, and kindness. Now our person has resolved the doubt, fear, or worry as the cat beams in the background.
Blue Cat, Watching.
w23″x h26″ Oil on canvas – Available only as a fine art reproduction.
The only story behind this image is my love for cats, for all creatures truly, and how darling they can be.
Large White Cat
w20″x h16″ Oil on canvas – Available only as a fine art reproduction.
Our large white barn cat, Whitey, posed for this painting. He didn’t have pink cheeks, but most of the characters in my work do, to symbolize their basic loving pure nature. He had the most wonderful large, soft paws and cast a big shadow. This version of Whitey, is simplified, much more stylized. I love his big blue shadow.
Pixie, portrait
w20″x h16″ Oil on canvas – Available only as a fine art reproduction
Portrait of a very sweet kitty. I don’t mind doing portraits at all if there are several photos of them in their environment. Just another reason to paint a cat.
Cat-Moon-Bowl
w20″x h16″ Oil on canvas – Available only as a fine art reproduction.
Portrait of a darling kitty named Eva.
Are You Listening?
w10″ x h8″ oil on canvas – Available only as a fine art reproduction
From the “Cat and Bowl Series (A non-serious investigation into the art of Listening)” In my own mythology, empty bowls represent a state of mind that is open, quiet, listening, and receptive. Cats, of course, are an emblem of well-being.
Designed for Listening
w14″ x h11″ oil on canvas – Available only as a fine art reproduction
Cats are listening even when they seem to be sleeping. Most of us humans are sleeping when we seem to be listening. The empty bowl represents a quiet, open mind, and the attitude of listening, both are helpful qualities for getting along in this world.