Blog

The Dubach Inn at Hannibal, MO is one of the nicest Bed and Breakfasts I have stayed at. Each B & B is unique and it's not fair to compare one to another, however, this fully restored B & B is wonderful as are the owners. My wife and I stayed in what I would consider a suite. Two bedrooms with adjoining sitting room. This painting represents the bedroom we did not use. Early one morning before we headed out for the day I wandered into this rich looking room. The morning sunlight was striking as it filtered through the shuttered window. I [...]

"Shadows On The Beach" is featured in my first DVD tutorial. This DVD is scheduled to be available for purchase in about a month. It should be about thirty minutes in length. It will take you through the process of painting this watercolor. From the initial wash to the final touches. Everything is explained in detail. Filmed in HD it will be a great addition to your art library. Check back frequently so you don't miss it's debut. It will also be offered as a reward for your participation at the $50 level in Cascade Of Watercolor. My latest watercolor project hosted by [...]

Another painting of my grandson Henry. I painted this one in the hopes of using it for an upcoming watercolor portrait workshop at Vincennes, IN. After painting it, I don't believe it has the elements I was looking for to use as a lesson. It's a nice painting though, and I never tire of painting Henry. He has such an appealing face. Maybe you'd like me to do a portrait of someone in your family. Please contact me and I'd be glad to discuss it with you.   Take a minute and visit my Kickstarter project "Cascade Of Watercolor". I'd love to have you [...]

"Waiting"  is a good title for this painting. I've often marveled at the patience horses display. Especially on those hot summer afternoons. They will stand for what seems like hours in the hot sun, or under the closest shade tree. One hind leg slightly elevated and they stand there and.....wait. Waiting for the sun to pass overhead. Waiting for someone to come and get them. That was the case with this horse. He was tethered to a rail at a place in Indiana that has long ago escaped my memory.   I took the photo for this probably 10 years ago. I started painting [...]

To find ways to make a living and further their career remains the biggest challenge for the artist. With that thought in mind I'll share with you my latest venture.  Not long ago while listening to a podcast by Dan Miller on the 48 Days website I heard about the Kickstarter website. You know, the site that helps you with creative projects thru crowd funding.  After careful consideration I've come up with Cascade Of Watercolor. More than a painting a day program, it will benefit some art starved areas of Southern Illinois. After painting sixty original watercolors they will be displayed at several [...]

This painting represents a foray in to the uncharted for me. It deals mostly with greens which always present a challenge, even for the best of artists. Even more than that is the capturing the feel of the landscape without getting lost in detail that really isn't there. I wanted this painting to stay loose and vibrant. It was painted in a workshop today as the demonstration. Time constraints forced me to paint fast and stay loose. [...]

My grandson is an endless source of painting inspiration. My daughter captured Henry enjoying his first snow. The beaming smile on his face says it all. [...]

Central Park in New York City is so visually appealing. Our first day in New York we took a rickshaw ride thru the park. We had a great tour guide. He shared so much information about the park. We couldn't possibly retain it all. But the one thing that does stick in my mind was the huge number of movies that had been filmed in the park...Home Alone II, You've Got Mail, A Night At The Museum, Elf, and countless others. This painting captures a very famous location in the park that has been the site of multiple films. On this particular [...]

As many of you know, two weeks ago I had the good fortune to visit New York City with my wife. We spent five wonderful days there. Hopefully I can make this an annual trip. On two separate occasions we visited Central Park. Such an awesome place! Of all the things in the park to catch your eye, I was most amazed by the huge granite formations that protrude from the ground. Such an unexpected sight!   Central Park is filled with bridges. I think there were about 7 of them. Each unique. I am on a quest to paint each one. I [...]

When I was a kid I loved to read. A particular favorite were Louis Lamour westerns. They would take me to a land untamed. And they freed me from the cold Minnesota winters. Somewhere along the journey to adulthood I lost the desire to read. Maybe I got busy. Maybe I got lazy. I don't know. Gradually it has dawned on me that as I stopped reading, I stopped growing, and learning. That is a sad place to be.   Whether right or wrong I've used the excuse that I am too busy to sit down and read. What with all my responsibilities. [...]