"Emerald Lake Loon"

"Emerald Lake Loon" 6x8 acrylic

There seems to be a lot of work getting done in the studio during all this miserably hot weather. It's good to stay inside and paint!

Quick Studies

I knocked out a couple of quick 6x4 studies this week. These little paintings are fast and fun... and I always learn something when I try to work with such economy.

"Aspen Study" 6x4 acrylic

"Large Marge" 6x4 acrylic

Time on the Road



History Meets the Arts Preview Party

 Funny how busy life seems to get as I tack on the years. June was never one of those "busy" months unless you include the time I spent fishing. This month seems to be passing by in a blur, though I'm not complaining.
Last week, I had the privilege of displaying my work in Gettysburg during the History Meets the Arts show. My host was the Lord Nelson's Gallery and the event was a huge success. I was fortunate to spend some time with the likes of John Buxton, Robert Griffing, and Michael Godfrey. It was a wonderful experience. Of course preparation in the days leading up to the event, travel time, and the five days I spent there wipe out about ten days where I just don't get any painting done.

Green Heron Study by Jim Coe

Later this month, I'll be on the road again. This time travelling to paint with my good friend, Jim Coe. I'll get lots of easel time while I'm there, but very little (if any) work on potential finished product. We'll be working on some plein air pieces and spending some time in Jim's studio. I learned a lot the last time I worked with Jim and I'm sure this trip will be no different.

A Day in Paradise



Tumbling water on the Conewago



Somehow the planets aligned last week and I was offered a slice of paradise for a day. Conewago Creek is a spectacular little trout fishery throughout most of its upper reaches, but the fabled "Narrows" may be some of the most outstanding water on the planet. Leased and maintained by the Conewago Trout Fishermen group, this area is off limits to the public. My hope was to wrangle permission to photograph the area for painting reference, but when the invitation was extended to stay and fish as well, I just couldn't pass it up.



A small wild rainbow in the gin clear stream



Both the scenery and trout surpassed my expectations. The stream banks are lined with rhododendron, hemlock, and boulders the size of a truck. The water itself weaves and tumbles along this stretch creating pockets and plunge pools everywhere you look. The trout are feisty and wild... and some are quite big!



More painting inspiration!

 It was only a couple of short days ago, but the whole experience seems more like a dream than reality... a dream I won't soon forget!

Sketch Book Pages

I've been taking some time off from painting during the past week. It's been a much needed break and given me a chance to get out my drawing materials and do some relatively quick studies in graphite. Whether or not these studies ever lead to bigger projects in irrelevant. They help to keep my eye fresh and the more I draw, the more handsome these little studies become. I love working like this and wish I had time to do it more often.

Final Approach: History Meets the Arts

A few months ago, Lord Nelson's Gallery in Gettysburg asked me to take part in their History Meets the Arts show (June 14 - 16). Since that time, I've been hard at it rounding out my inventory for that event. I always like to have a couple of larger pieces, several mid-sized works, and lots of smaller (and more affordable) stuff for a show. The paintings are complete and all but one is securely in its frame. Now, with the show only a week away, it's time to check off the last items on my show list:

• Update my website. It's been a few months
• Clean all frames and check them for nicks and scratches that need repair
• Inventory sheet to Lord Nelson's Gallery
• Email show announcement
• Round up business cards, brochures, name tag, director's chair, hammer, and all the other odds and ends I'll need for a show
• Make sure I've got clean clothes to wear (I'm a bachelor, so that's not always a given)
• Carefully box the paintings and pack the truck
• Print directions to the gallery and hotel
• Don't forget fly fishing gear!

That should about do it. With all the other stuff going on here this week, I'll be plenty busy. Wish me luck.

"Evening at Doc's - Penns Creek" 12x9 acrylic

"Evening at Doc's - Penns Creek"

Inspired by my April trip to Penns Creek, this painting captures the view of the stream right in front of our cabin. Thanks Doc.