The big ones - Abstract impressionist landscape painting

Natural Sextet 1992
Mixed Media 24" x 36" Panels

Ok, so if you've been following along for the past two weeks, here's what came next: The portals were fine, but needed a little color and I thought it would be interesting to be surrounded, totally emersed in the scene. If you stand about 10' from the center, the scene does now surround you from as far as you can see from the corners of your eyes.

This piece was exhibited at the Tyler Art Gallery in Oswego, New York, at the Romano Gallery (CNYCAC) and at the Cazenovia College Art Gallery. On line it is in the Saatchi Gallery. This piece is available for purchase.

Abstract Explanation Continuation (say THAT 3 times fast!)

Portals 1992

Acrylic and Mixed Media

on Board

Continued from last time's explanation.

I find it difficult to name paintings. I felt like last week's painting was kind of like putting a mirror up to the part of me that isn't normally visible. I liked the word "Lookinglass" better than "Mirror" so that's what it's called.


Then I started thinking about how Alice's lookinglass was a portal into a magical place. The woods were magical to me, particularly in the spring with the sunlight reflecting off the branches and certainly deserved a portal of their own, so yet another painting was called for.

"Lookinglass" was made with materials from the art supply store exclusively. This time I decided to go a little non-traditional so I used potting soil, coffee grounds and various other natural objects along with Acrylic paint and media to give it the rich texture I wanted. The acrylics stabilize and hold the natural objects into place beautifully.

When I was satisfied with the work, I bashed the edges to make them uneven - this is a portal to a place of untamed beauty so straight edges and corners just don't belong.

This piece was exhibited at the Tyler Art Gallery, the Romano Gallery and may also be seen on line at the Saatchi Gallery site.

My abstracts - an explanation

I seem to have really confused people, so here's a painting and an explanation of why I chose to make it look the way it does:

"Lookinglass" 1991 36"x24" Acrylic Mixed media on masonite.

First a few things about me. I was born 2nd of 7 children in a large 3 bedroom house in Munnsville (aka the middle of nowhere) While my brothers and sisters are all wonderful human beings, growing up got really I mean really LOUD! Living in the middle of nowhere had the advantage that a small woods was very near our house. I would escape the noise there. Usually just sitting against (or up) a tree, breathing deep and enjoying the quiet. My abstracts are all wooded landscapes which try to capture that welcome feeling of quiet and absolute peace.

The above painting "Lookinglass" was the first of the abstract landscapes. It is an actual place, but I wanted it to slowly show itself - only those who can stay quiet and look for a while will see the trees, rocks and stream. It wasn't easy to stop before I gave it all away, but I feel like the picture you'll eventually see is like hidden treasure.

An interesting thing happened when I showed it to friends. Some of them never saw the landscape. One saw a tiny English village being bombed, another sees only dancers on stage. How cool is that?

If you see anything cool, let me know. I'm very curious about exactly what it is myself!

This painting made it into my first ever International Art Show and I'll probably never sell it for that reason, but clicking on the image will allow you to buy an inexpensive and good quality print.

This piece was exhibited at the Batavia International Art Exhibit, the Tyler Art Gallery, and the Romano Art Gallery. It may also be found on line at the Saatchi Gallery site.

when the lights went out

Wait for it!


The lights had gone out and my daughter was holding a candle. I thought the lighting effects were very cool, but the camera didn't capture it so I put it on photoshop and started playing. It was even cooler that way so I made this slideshow as I was working on it. creepy-cool!

Vandalism (?) in Stockbridge, NY

A Halloween tradition in Stockbridge, New York. I've heard of similar acts in other areas being referred to as vandalism, but here it's a minor tourist attraction dating back to at least the 1930's.

Beautiful, don't you think?