South Rim Sunrise

5x7 acrylic, see DPW for purchase information

I thought I'd revisit some old reference photos from a 2002 trip to Havasu and the Grand Canyon before I head back down to collect a river runners perspective.  This upcoming adventure is the closest I will get to a class reunion with some vet school classmates, most I haven't seen for, whew, 30 something years.  No doubt, it will be an interesting trip!

Naked Truth

My first painting sale to a collector in Australia, sent out today!  Guess it just took someone from down under to appreciate the naked truth!  

Horsin' Around

6x6" acrylic 

I went to two horse shows this weekend, how fun!  The first one was an Arabian breed show.  This is Tez... not sure if that's short for Tez-manian Devil or???  A larger format painting would be fun to catch that devilish glint in his eye, but this is what I had time for :)

Lei's Story

This is a large "story" portrait that I've been working on.  Lei is a matriarch into her 30's now, but just as classy as ever, teaching youngsters (both human and horse) the ways of the world.  A diverse and impressive resume, she performed in harness, western pleasure,  Arabian costume class, jumped and made a couple of gorgeous and talented babies... to name a few highlights.

It always seems to me that these great animals need their whole story told.  Not just a "floating head" portrait, but one anchored in their past and present accomplishments and tied together by the history and personal associations of their owners.  Lei is a perfect subject.

In Lei's head portrait I hoped to show the depth and wisdom of her past reflected in that inscrutable, intelligent gaze.  The goal of the background is to show recognizable images and symbols that are meaningful but don't compete too much with the main study.  It's a challenging process, with an often long evolution, but so rewarding to paint.  This is the third one I've created, each have been great learning experiences for me as a painter and as a person allowed to learn the backstories of inspiring animals and their people.  I hope to do many more.

A Good Mother

11 x 14 acrylic, see DPW for sales information

So many puppies and one tired (but attentive) mom!

Spring Canopy

8x6" acrylic, see DPW for sales information

Does spring come from the bottom up, or from the top down?

First Born

Zuzu is a Fresian mare and this is her first foal, both enjoying the warm spring sunshine..... Awwww :)