Spring??

We've had a very strange "spring" with wet, chilly weather. One day 80, next 50. So typical of New England but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else.

I got to talking with a friend the other day about values where you live. She happens to live in an urban setting and I'm in a small town. I am blessed to be in a place where friendships and neighbors are close & always willing to lend a helping hand. She does not even know her neighbors as they all work and socialize in different circles.

Many years ago, I lived in the heart of NYC. It was a large apartment building filled with all ages & kinds of people. I certainly didn't know everyone but, coming from New England, I made it a point to get to know as many as possible. They all had such wonderful stories to tell and I think that's where connections blossom. Each person has their story to tell. I wonder how the young "texting" crowd will make those connections when they are limiting their social world to those contained in an electronic gadget. How will you know those stories when messages are abbreviated...

Well, enough of my rambling. I have to get painting as my next show is in Barnstable, MA on June 25-26. I'm working feverishly on some new works. Hope to see you there...

Busy, busy

Sorry I haven't posted in a long time. Have been busy getting the mill ready for a huge barn sale that will take place on May 20-21. When you have 3 floors of "stuff" and 31 years of accumulation, it is a long, arduous process. Never realized how much there was until I started the sorting it out.
I have to admit it is rather liberating. I thought I would be sad but, at this stage in my life, it is lightening my load and readying the mill to be put on the market.
Wouldn't it be wonderful to be able to live simply and not have to worry about the upkeep of such a large building. I have enjoyed my time here but it is also time to pass it on to a younger generation that will appreciate the history and function. I can only hope that the new owners will want to continue the tradition of pressing cider on our 1908, belt driven press.
The building contains my apartment, studio, office and retail shop.
I'll keep you updated.

The Center of Town

I worked on this painting as a commission for someone who grew up in the area. We all get nostalgic about our roots from time to time. I am still connected to friends that shared a playpen with me.

With all the focus these days being on material possessions and the spoiling of the children, it's nice to think back to a simpler time when family and moral values were paramount. I don't know where we are headed as a nation but things are not looking good. I shouldn't use this blog as a soapbox but it is a place to express your thoughts.

I've been trying to take my paintings into a more colorful place. I've always used color in my art but want to step it up a bit. I have graduated to a larger brush so that my strokes are not so clearly defined. I have to admit I went kicking and screaming to the larger brush. I have always been detail oriented.

#48

The Blacksmith Shop

With all the snow, I decided to paint something warm and inviting. I paint a lot at Musterfield Farm in No. Sutton, NH. This building is used as their blacksmith shop. It was a sunny day and light breeze...ideal for painting as it kept the bugs away.

Painting plein air is always a challenge with the elements. I have painted in sun, rain and snow. Each offers a unique perspective on the world with the various atmospheric changes. I would recommend painting on location for any new or would-be artists. Photos just can't do the site justice. This painting is from a photo but I have spent many days at the farm. I am trying to introduce more color into my paintings.

#47 11x14 $295

I'm sorry I haven't been very diligent about posting new works. I had a very busy summer/fall this year and sold most of my newer works. I will be doing some new paintings in the upcoming months and promise to post more regularly. Be patient with me.

Father & Daughter

Sometimes a commission can touch your heart. In this case it is the story of a soldier in Afghanistan who has only seen his young daughter a couple of times between deployments. He wanted to give her something special for Christmas and commissioned me to do a portrait from a photo of he and his daughter. The painting was done inside a custom painted toy box.

We all pray that he and all the other young men and women come home safely to their families and friends. We also thank them for their courage and wish them a very Merry Christmas or whichever holiday is meaningful to them.
Stay safe...

Pet portraits

Keep in mind...pet portraits for Christmas gifts. Just contact me with your name and address and I will send you one of my brochures with prices, information, etc.