Solo Art Reception

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It is an honor and privilege to be able to show at Locals restaurant through the efforts of Riverworks Art Center. Having a place in the Agricultural reserve is a dream come true for me. The reserve is a place worth seeing and keeping for generations to see. I have been painting for forty plus years and the Agricultural Reserve is a gem. We have a hidden part of the county that needs to be persevered. I hope that my paintings encourage the preservation. The reserve is in a region with access to the city with performing arts and museums. We have a quite oasis where we can feel nature and still have access to all the activities that a city offers. I hope to encourage the respect for keeping a place, not stuck in time, but living and thriving in the peace and tranquility of what we are so fortunate to hold onto. As ordinances change and time goes on, I hope that this will continue to be a place to find tranquility and amazement.

I am an instructor at Riverworks and other places. I teach Drawing, Painting, composition, color theory and other classes. My love for Vincent Vangogh stands out in a lot of my work. I like to show my knowledge that has accumulated through the years.

In this grouping of paintings are examples of color theory to its maximum as a tribute to Vincent.

Some of the “36 views of Sugarloaf” are included in this show, while others are on display at Alden Farms. This mountain was always there for me while I was growing up. Every time I had a problem to work through, I could count on the tranquility of this place to help me sort things out. For years, I called Sugarloaf Mountain “My Mountain”. Years ago, I could circle navigate the mountain and see all of one to three people. The seclusion made everything better. I was inspired by “Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji” by Fugaku Sanjurokkei. Always looking for the passion, a friend inspired me to paint what I love, for me. That mountain was my muse for years. I wanted to capture her beauty from every disappearing angle. From all over the counties, I was able to allow her to seduce me in an analogist color scheme. It took more than a year to complete 32 and I went on to do a total of 41 paintings. I paid tribute to Vincent by using my knowledge of color theory. They are soft and inviting the way she appears to my canvas. I knew every angle of her and was even accused of a bit of insanity in a court room when it was revealed that my children really thought that Sugarloaf was MY mountain. The Mansion has done a diligent job to make this available to everyone. As the sprawl reaches its skirt, I feel anxiousness of the changes that might happen. I hope that it can be enjoyed by everyone for eternity, but so much has already been irreversibly changed. I know that the historical significance of these paintings might not come for another hundred years when it may be unrecognized as each view is obstructed one at a time. Ill always have my memories and paintings of her.

Other paintings reveal the more emotional side of sites in the agricultural area. I see it all disappearing. With an urgency, I painted in another color theory technique. I went from the opposite analogist colors to complimentary color scheme. The colors are opposites on the color wheel and make the viewers eye vibrate with deep rich and exaggerated color to pop views that the viewer can enjoy the eccentricities for years as they discover the feelings of fleeting time.

There are a few more realistic colors play in a few. Particularly from “Thinking emoji,” a site that left me scratching my head. The old stone mill has stood for over a hundred years. Just quietly waiting in the woods. I am sure that there must have been damage and dismantling over the years. In the recent few years, it has turned into a graffiti covered firepit littered with fallen branches and partying. As I painted it, I held my head in my hands just thinking… “How did this get left behind in the places to preserve?” I found one angle that showed the magnificent stone and the cavernous overgrowth. It was the only angle not covered with graffiti. I hope that someone with the resources discovers the beauty and importance of saving all of this for our local population. The past is a way to understanding the future. I feel strongly about saving all of this for future generations.

I have painted some larger pieces that speak to the sunsets and magnificent skies that we are fortunate to experience. Taking the time, not to slow down, but to stop and appreciate it. Sometimes the light and colors last so briefly that they are only memories. I want to be able to see the contrast blends in the light and shadow. I hope it inspires the feelings of peace and excitement to be in the moment enjoying the wonders that surround us.