National Exhibition in California

Winter 12"x 36" triptych


Summer 12" x 36" triptych

I just shipped these two paintings to a nationally juried show at the Galeria Tonantzin Center for Arts and Humanities in San Juan Bautista, California. I was very excited to be accepted in this national exhibition.

I love trees and find they are so full of life and change. And like people, no two trees are alike, each one developing their own characteristics over time. The trees represented above are part of a series I painted while working in my Algonquin studio of 71/2 years. The property where my studio was located has since been razed for new development, but the trees represent in these paintings are still standing proud and tall.

Revisiting the Small Format

I will show my work in a solo exhibit at the Barrington Area Library March 29- June 19, 2009. The space has only two walls large enough to accomodate my large works, so I am producing a new collection of small oils to fit the space. I'm actually enjoying the ease and speed at which I work on small pieces. The title is "Sight Seeting" and the theme is light and fun to explore. I have an enormous number of photos that I have taken over the years from my travels throughout the world, so this show opens-up an opportunity to revisit those images and paint them as I remember the scenes. The process is a relaxing break from my labor intensive, large format paintings. I find if I revisit older themes in my work I think about where I'm going to go with new works. I certainly have been having a lot of fun painting in small format.

You can read more about my show in Quintessential Barrington Magazine at QBarrington.com

Exhibition: Reclaiming Our Heritage Festival

I am continueing my work that has been developing, I think, for my entire life, with veterans and their families. I am a child of a veteran so my work is authentic, and continually transforming as I find more connections with my art and the world around me.
Through my commitment to Veterans issues and understanding that art is powerful, healing and empowering, and engages individuals in a deep and profound way. My work with veterans and their families, has come about through Lisa Rosenthal and her groundbreaking program the Vet Art Project. Lisa, Jessa Carlstrom, and all of the artists working in colloaboration with veterans to promote community building through art in all of it's forms.

On Wednesday, May 20, 2009, 6:30 pm- 9:00 pm in room 1G at the Chicago Cultural Center. I will present a workshop for veterans titled "Blind Contour Self- Portraits" . Through this relaxing, meditative process the participants will draw two self-protraits unlike any they have ever seen, or experieced. FREE


On May 30-31, 2009 my work will be on exhibit at the 8th Annual Reclaiming Our Heritage Festival located at the Zaplockiva Medical (VA) , 500 W National Ave, Milwaukee, WI. I will be the first artist to show in the newly renovated Civil War Library which is sponsored by Dryhootch. To find out more at http://www.rohmilwaukee.org/.

New Web Pages

I'm in the process of re-designing my web site, which is in dire need of an update. I hope to have it complete within the next few days. The frantic pace of getting new work completed, while preparing for upcoming exhibits, and opportunities for teaching and grant proposals, has been wonderful, but time consuming. Please be patient, and I'll have the site looking fresh and sparkling new soon.

Painting from Life

This past Sunday I enjoyed an intense 5 hours drawing and painting session with fellow artist friends. Our model was Veronica, a dear friend whose beautiful Flamenco costume was perfect with it's red hue and wonderful flowing lines. As you can see the painting is a quick study painted in oils on primed 300 lb. cold press Arches paper.

Archival Work: "Skipjack" oil on canvas 24" x 36" c 1972

I was visiting my family in Florida this past weekend, and realized that my art work is on exhibit in family and friend's homes, throughout the state. I thought it would be fun to start posting my "archival work", for those who have inquired about my early paintings.

I painted the "Skipjack" for my Grandfather in 1972, at the age of 15. Mom now exhibits the painting in her house, and tells all visitors about how much my Grandfather loved sailing, and that this painting was very special to him. I am so glad that my family always supported my art efforts, perhaps that's why I enjoy mentoring young artists, and supporting art in the community.

Vet Art Project Review

I feel very honored to have been a part of the Vet Art Project. I loved collaborating with other artists on this profound and positive project. The arts in all their forms: visual, literary, theatrical, and musical all came together on one amazing night at the Chicago Cultural Center. To be in the presence of so much positive energy was a powerful experience that I will never forget. So much was achieved by a committed group of artists who donted their time and talents to help our Veterans heal and deal with the wounds they carry from their war experience. The caring and compassion expressed by the artists for the Veterans was genuine and heartfelt. The arts heal from the inside out, by reaching our deepest and most complex sources of being. I plan to continue working with the Vet Art Project and other veteans projects that integrate art into the healing and tratment of vets and their families.

Thank you Lisa and Jessa for everything you have done to help our wounded warriors.
You can view the Flick R slide show on http://www.vetartproject.org/ go to the blog and you find the slide show.

Also check out Chicago Public Radio WBEZ 848 program for Thursday March 5 for the interview with the Veterans and Lisa Rosenthal. http://www.wbez.org/