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?

Soccer game

On one of my blogs, I take photos of the high school soccer team. Kids and parents can then download small copies for free, or buy stuff with the proceeds going to the school's running club. This is a fine idea I think.... until it starts getting dark (and really really cold) by half time.

Pushing the Fujifilm s-150 to it's limits and sometimes beyond - cameras are just not set up to take pictures in the dark, particularly not action shots. Sometimes the results are fascinating and sometimes not so much, but I really liked this one.

String Thing

Mixed Media fall art work

This piece was shown at the Tyler Art Gallery. It now resides in a private collection.

Serenity Falls Mixed Media Painting

Serenity Falls is Mixed Media on canvas with a wooden support.

Fall pastel painting

The fall colors were so beautiful today.