Honoured with the task of a commission for a couple celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary, the wedding bouquet pictured is a study. I wanted to be sure that it looked as fresh as the real bouquet carried by the bride in the photo I was using.

A moment captured between my grandson, Duke and our puppy dog. One morning during a visit to our home, I walked into the living room to find Duke and Chelsea in an active talking and listening moment. Luckily, I had my phone camera with me and knew what a special moment this was. I have a particular fondness for this painting because of the subject and because of the amazing color effects that occurred while painting.

This painting was inspired by a catamaran sailing trip in the British Virgin Islands. It’s both from memory and a photo. The sails are down because we are approaching Cooper’s Island. The rocks in the foreground are significant because of a memory of almost being stuck there while snorkeling. I loved the way the sun and shadows were captured.

This painting was inspired by a photo shoot picture given to me by my beautiful granddaughter, Yeraldine. This is one in a series of more than nine 10x20” portrait/ compositions that I created all inspired by my beautiful grandchildren.

Who could ever guess that waiting with his mom and dad for the family car to continue their travels could be a precious moment to be captured on camera. I love the oversized hat Duke is wearing backwards and his ever-present teddy bear.

Shoogie - This tossled-hair boy couldn’t be happier in an environment of anything climbable! His expression is one of quiet excitement and triumph. The light and the spirit of this moment, captured my heart and inspired this painting.

This lovely Raven haired beauty was my model for painting for an afternoon. I took artistic license in adding various shades of blue to her dark hair. Blue being the chakra that represents nature, bravery, communication, and listening.

I was inspired to draw this musician for more reasons than one. He is my son! Also, I wanted to capture the dramatic lighting effects which the venue provided. I like that the cool, dramatic lighting supports the intense focus of Billy’s sculptural face and hand. I love capturing a great musician capturing their art.

She has since grown up and out of her dress up phase. But what girl can’t identify with the joy and freedom of dancing outside in her favorite dress?This painting was inspired by a photo I took of my granddaughter. Much of the information in this composition was triggered by my imagination and inspired by my precious Mae.

With two soaring birds flying overhead the elevated bird house I couldn’t resist the punny title of this painting.

I once learned on a trip to Florida that the best fishing is either early morning or at twilight. And the best spot is close to the edges where tall grasses grow in the water.It inspired me to paint this scene from my imagination.

When I captured this moment I knew it was special. These two were not strangers to each other. My grandson had often visited this little zoo. I believed he was recognized by his friend, the monkey. I was captivated by the unspoken communication of recognition and love. My painting tells of many words that were never spoken.

The first in my grandchildren series. This painting captures our granddaughter in that magical, sacred phase of early identity enlightenment when there is no shadow of doubt as to who you are and who you can be.

My inspiration for Marlon was Marlon; most especially his eyes. He is one of those that you would say “looks right through you”. Both parents have the same quality in their beautiful eyes making Marlon’s eyes a sure bet.

A dab of artistic license used on the making of this painting via the overdone parmesan. I found this humorous, adorable dinner moment to be an irresistible inspiration to be immortalized.

Looking back, I saw a moment bathed in warm and cool lights and shadows. He was old enough to navigate himself, yet young enough to do well with an occasional check. Light played off of him and light played with him. My dear grandson.

With an impish twinkle and a playful cap, I knew someone special was about to mess with me. Nothing says I love you like a grandchild about to mess you up. I adore the imaginative ways the spirit shines from the loving heart of a child.

Children are artists innately. The only tools this little artist needed were condensation, one finger, and his imagination. I fall in love every time I witness something so precious. God makes us so amazing.

Oblivious to his innocence, and more precious than the gold circles he carries, the ringbearer awaits his cue.

I include this early work for the sake of posterity. It is the very first portrait I ever painted in oils. My enthusiasm was incurable.I was 19 yrs old, a painting major at University of Illinois.

His mother was soon to sit us around the Thanksgiving table. Instead of decorating a placemat under my direction, he was secretly creating the shock of my art life…so he hoped!! His eyes, filled with impish intentions, couldn’t hide his pride nor his love for his grammy.

I wanted to show how a normal morning might look in the BVI. In good weather months, rain squalls occur almost daily on the islands. Typically the rain is short-lived. and in the early morning. Sailing becomes smooth once the sky begins to clear. In January you will love it.

Jane and I connected immediately as artists. She was dressed beautifully and surrounded by many creations and paintings. I learned that everything I was seeing, including her fashions, was of her own creation. She offered me advice and wisdom from her artist journey, I really appreciated her and asked permission to paint her picture. As I stood before the completed piece, it finally occurred to me... through Jane, my mother's spirit had embraced me that day.

This was a study of light upon a subject as well as from within a subject. My intention was to use as few brushstrokes as possible and still be able to express her feelings from inside.

At first glance, it may appear that the excursion was cancelled! One needs to look farther into the painting. to notice the pontoon leaving the bay. This painting was based on a visit to Put In Bay, Wisconsin.

Spring was in full bloom. Trips to the garden shop stopped. The seedlings from the sunny-side window were doing their thing. Bulbs were up, and the colors outside were breathing with life. We can always plant more. A rainy spell urged me to lose the gardening gear in exchange for the painting apron. It was a chance to pay homage to tulips and the blessed season of Spring.