Honduran Hatter

Honduran Hatter, 6x6", oil on board

What do you do when you wake up at 5am on a cold, rainy winter's day?  Go to the Caribbean of course.  On the beaches of Roatan you will find crystal clear turquoise water, bright sun, and warm sand.  While you're there why not buy a banana leaf hat from this gentleman?  He might even sing you a tune.

This painting will be part of an up coming join exhibition with Asheville artist Moni Hill titled, "Seaside::Poolside" in Asheville, NC January 15 - March 8, 2015. 

"Hotel Pool with Jr."

5 x 5" 

oil on panel

Yep we're all guilty of it: taking a dip in the pool when there's a perfectly good ocean steps away.  None the less, the light and colors of the water are the same amount of delicious.

Happy Halloween

"Beach Side Pier", 10 x 9.5", oil on board

I painted this from a photo I had taken after hurricane Sandy & the 'frankenstorm' that hit NC Outer Banks two years ago.   I had drawn this onto a board then, but just got around to painting it this week - spooky.  I've started a series of small seaside themed paintings in preparation for a show this January in Asheville, NC.   More details on January's show in the coming weeks, in the mean time I'll be sharing some new work.... and painting on.

Seaside Pier

"Seaside Pier", 10.5x10.5", oil on board

Revisiting the pier as the light, movement and contrast continues to inspire me to paint.  Done on wood board with black gesso, which I think helps the color pop.

Pier Fishers

"Pier Fishers", 6x6", oil on board

Walking the beach past Avon Pier in NC this year, we witnessed a group of fishermen catching and pulling up a large red drum in a net.  This one was too large to keep, but an impressive beauty.  The colors and action of these guys and the fish with the turning sea below was fun to paint; a nice start back to painting.  This year has been a busy one and unfortunately my painting practice has been limited.  Fresh from a much needed break on the Outer Banks, I have new material and renewed inspiration.  Paint on.

Over the Dunes

Over the Dunes,  9x10.5", oil on wood panel

This was one of the small quick paintings from our week on Hatteras Island.   Our morning commute; a walk over the dunes to some serious surf fishing.  There is a very special feel to the Outer Banks; bare bones, vulnerable, raw nature...it's a stripped down version of life that is at the same time a very full life.