New Work   

I moved to Suffolk County on Long Island about four years ago. During the past three years I have tried to keep a steady flow of paintings that depict the parks and beaches throughout Suffolk County. 

While I was always able to find solitude wherever I painted in Nassau, it seems a bit easier to find that same solitude out here. While I don't think I'll ever find a match for the inspiration I used to get at the West End of Jones Beach, the parks and trails in Suffolk have been a new and stimulating source of ideas and for my landscape paintings. 

Northport Harbor

Frank Melville Park, East Setauket

Setauket Harbor

Smith Point Beach, Shirley

Hunkering Down

My last post ended with a message of hope. Of course, since I believe that hope could not exist without desparation or fear, I may have focused a bit more on images that visually were devoid of hope altogether.

As a result, and in accordance with the promotion of working at home as a way of life, I wish to inspire people with some paintings I have now had the time to finish.

The message, of course, is for people to use this time to explore some of the things that make us human. If you're artistic, grab a brush and make something. If you're a musician, write a song. If you don't know what to do, read a book. If you want to pass the time, look at a tree, or the sky.

In other words, look for hope.


Here's what Long Island beaches and parks should look like all the time!

Desparation

 The world is facing a crisis. What can "average" citizens do? We're scared. We're angry. We are overwhelmed.

So how can we survive? The reality is, many of us won't. That is a devastating acknowledgement of the terror we are facing. But we are individuals and we all have an inherent need to persevere.

Personally, I'm petrified. I'm in my 50's. I'm a type 1 diabetic. I'm at the top tier of high-risk individuals.

But I'm also an artist. Artists believe in a greater good. They strive to illustrate abstract thoughts and emotions. They need to.

An artist's work is very much a diary of their life and a record of their observations. I thought of this during this current crisis. I've had some time at home so I went through some older work I had done. A few of them seemed appropriate to the current situation we're in.

For a long time I made art based on suffering. My mother spent many years in and out of hospitals, and it was so confusing that such a beautiful, caring, and gentle woman suffered so much. I'm sure she was on my mind when I did this picture.

I found another one and I can't recall what I was thinking, but with the current focus on hands it seemed like it had some reverence.

The last one was in the same pile of old drawings and it struck me as a divine message. I had done a close up of Christ's crucifixion to show the agony of that occurrence. Now I am no poster boy for religion, but I do believe in God and I think that having faith is about the only thing people can turn to during this crisis. So I pray for my children, the people I know and love, and I pray for the human race. Most of all, I pray for salvation.

Trying to Get Back

It's been a while, for many reasons, since my last post. Since then I published a book of my landscape paintings, "Painting the Other Long Island". That process took a bit more time than I anticipated, but I was pleased with the results. I may have mentioned in previous posts how much I think about making art throughout the daily routines of life. Whether or not that gets me through the day or makes me ignorant towards managing daily routines I can't say, but I cannot deny the sense of accomplishment and purpose I feel after making a picture that I feel is successful.

This painting was done at West End Beach. It was not only a peaceful experience but I felt good about the results. I don't get that feeling from any other activity.

West End (acrylic on paper) -2016

Return to Abstraction

It was inevitable that after doing landscapes for some time that the abstract patterns in nature would inspire me to do more non-representational work. To me, no artist who works from nature can avoid drawing or painting quickly as the light outdoors changes. Usually, when you paint quickly the more abstract the image is. That just seems to be the nature of how art is created. Look at preliminary sketches by Andrew Wyeth to get an idea.

It takes a bit of restraint to put paint down quickly and leave it. You have to really look at it and decide what to do next. Do you add something? Where? How much? The more you think the more of a struggle it is. For me anyway.

This is a very small painting where I applied paint very quickly to fill up the blank area. It then stayed on my wall for months as I analyzed it and added little touches here and there. It is somewhat representational but I think it works abstractly as well

 

Incoming (acrylic on paper) 3x6"

Art in Tribute

Art can express feelings and emotions in ways that words never can. Recently, my brother passed away. It was a devastating loss to everyone in my family, and I tried hard to write something to honor him. I have done this in the past and it had came easily. This time, it was very difficult. For some reason I had a hard time writing something about him, despite being filled with strong feelings about his life and the times we spent together. Fortunately, another one of my brothers wrote a fitting eulogy to him, and his daughter compiled a moving tribute that touched on all aspects of his personality. As a result, all I could do was something visual in memory of my dear brother. In keeping with his nature, I recycled a painting that I had and offered it to the hospice facility where he passed away. They were very pleased with my donation, and I was glad to do something in my brother's honor that, with any luck, will give some calm to anyone passing through the facility, since all who do definitely need it. In looking at the picture, I was curious as to why I modified the painting the way I did. Initially, I felt it a little impersonal to simply give a painting that had no real connection to him, so I repainted some areas during a late night painting session to maybe give it some of what I was feeling. I think gave the picture a little more punch, possibly out of sadness and frustration. Who knows? But I think the revised picture is a little better since the water seems to be pushing into land a little more aggressively. Maybe that's symbolic. In the end, I hope he can appreciate the gesture.

Marsh (revised)

Marsh (original)

Painting Therapy

One thing I've noticed as I get older is the profound impact on my life making art has been. While I continue to struggle to have my work known, as many artist do, I cannot help but value how making art has kept me from sinking into the deep well of woe that other parts of my life would otherwise push me into. As the problems in my life and family grow and I find myself on the brink of despair, I thank God that I am able to create art. This keeps me grounded. Not quite focused, but determined to never give up. I have often thought this was a form of escapism, and it very well may be, but it is an escapism that results in creativity. For example, the following pieces have been created during the times when, in order of appearance, (a) my domestic life was in a shambles, (b) my financial status in jeopardy, and (c) my family members suffering from illness and depression. What does all this mean? It means that I still have those problems!!!! Actually, It really means that anyone who is going through hard times should pick up a brush, pencil, pen, or musical instrument before they pick up anything else. Maybe someone will happen onto this blog and do just that!

(a) sunset on Webb Lake (done after a prolonged period of domestic disputes)

(b) Caumsett (going through money troubles and inability to manage finances)

(c) Cross (my family members suffering from illness and depression)

So much for not wanting to post personal information! 

However, I feel it is important to show that certain obstacles can be channeled into creativity. Making art is a fantastic remedy. Right up there with laughter!

Finally Finished

This is an image I started in August of 2014, and finally finished it a week ago. Of course, I still would like to revise it but my youngest son thought it was good so I took that as a sign not to. One of us is right. I have it for sale on Zatista so only time will tell. That is, based on the belief that a sale equals a picture of quality. This is an ongoing debate. At any rate, for me I am pleased with the composition so I hope that comes across. The painting is of Lake Webb in Maine and there was a storm brewing right around sunset. Since everything was moving rapidly, there were hundreds of possible composition choices that could have been made. This is the frustrating yet exciting thing about on site painting. There is nothing like it.

 

"Storm over Lake Webb" (oil on canvas)

Gardiners County Park

Here is a painting done at Gardiners County Park in Bay Shore, Long Island. This was done a little while back, the beginning of winter. The spot I painted was bitterly cold, and I remember that even though I had gloves on, I had to keep taking a break and either blow on my hands or put them in my pockets to warm them up. Not only that, but since I was on the coast of Great South Bay, the wind was very strong and kept blowing my easel over. It was almost like the scene in "Lust for Life" where Van Gogh (Kirk Douglas) is struggling with a large canvas. I can't tell if my picture conveys the brutal cold and my "battle" with the elements, but I think it came out ok even if it doesn't give the whole story.

Gardiners County Park, Winter  (oil on canvas)

Subway Series, etc.

Two more entries for the Subway Series. I am using mechanical pencils exclusively now. I can't believe how many years I spent drawing with traditional pencils that needed sharpening every two minutes! Never again. Not only is there no need for sharpening of these things, but you can get a package of six at the dollar store for, of course, one dollar!


 Some Recent Paintings
I've been in a little bit of a slump lately due to a variety of issues, but I've had a bit of a boost after a recent sale. This is always a great way to get inspired to work more, and I wish it happened more often, but you can't wait around to feel a sense of purpose to make art. It has to be something you do every day, without fail! Here is a small painting appropriate for this time of year.

"Fall" (acrylic on paper)

This one is of the marsh area near Jones Beach, one of my favorite areas to go to, and a great spot to paint, especially during the cooler months. I hope to get out there more often in the next month, but not having my own car available makes it a little difficult. But there are always options.

"Expanse" (acrylic on paper)

Space is Everything

 The following are some images which probably illustrate my contradictory nature. The first two are images I did during my graduate study at Ohio University in the early 90's. My instructors were mostly representational landscape painters whose work I admired, despite the difference in my own work. I was determined to establish a bold presence with my work, and as a result one of the choices I made was to work on large format pieces. Not only did they stand out when exhibited but demanded commitment on me to create them. They were like environments that I surrounded me as I created them, and they required a physical involvement from me which was frustrating, yet cathartic. I also created these images in a studio not much larger than a standard bathroom, and often it was a struggle to get them out the door after I made them. The second two images were done in the last few years. I live in New York, where I could explore a rich diversity of abstract and cutting edge art. I also converted my garage at home to a studio that was spacious enough for some large work. Of course, with all of these resources at my disposal, what do I do but begin painting relatively small representational landscapes. My love for creating art has not wavered, and I feel strongly about all the work I do. However, I recognize that I never seem to see what would be obvious to others and as a result may not seem to be "at home" wherever I am. Maybe that's the constant search.

“Pursuit”(acrylic on paper 82” x 48"”)

“Moonlight Walk”(mixed media on wood 51” x 72"”)

“West End”(acrylic on paper 16” x 20"”)

“Moonlight Walk”(mixed media on wood 17” x 13.5"”)

Summer's here, and I miss the winter

Now that the weather is getting warmer, it would seem that the time is right for active plein air painting. Not so for myself, as I am more likely to go out during the colder months. The reasons: One, there are less people at the sites I wish to paint, two, I usually start sweating as soon as the temperature rises above 60°, and three, the most important one, NO BUGS! Anyway, here are just two of the landscapes done during my favorite time of year.

"Farmington Woods Creek" (oil on canvas)

"Winter Dusk" (oil on canvas)

Latest Work

This latest set of paintings are the result of seeing the work of Lynn Boggess at the Lines and Colors blog. I found his paintings really inspiring, and they made me re-connect with the days when I studied painting at the Maine College of Art in 1984, where we used painting knives exclusively during the early part of the year. I started using again at Ohio School of Art where I was working on abstract paintings. As a matter of fact, I still am using the same knife I bought in Ohio back in 1993. It is a difficult tool to master because the initial application of paint is so direct and striking that it is hard There is a purity of color that can be achieved when painting with a knife that is very different than that done with a brush. The “creaminess” of the paint really shows, and the intensity of the color is strong, which is partly due to its layering on the paint surface. Of course, these are the things I found in Boggess’ work. I have yet to get to that point, but these pieces attempt to bring that forth.

““”Freeport Marsh””-2014-oil on paper

““”Brookside”-2014-oil on canvas

New Year, Old Work

The first post of the new year is an old painting, but since I have no new photos of winter themed work, I wantted to post this one. It is of the Farmington River in Farmington, Connecticut, acrylic on paper. This is kind of a small piece that contains more detailed brush work than some of my other pictures. I wanted to make it seem cold and tried to capture that late day winter sunset when the temperature really starts to drop.

Icy River-2011 8x10" Acrylic on paper

Keep Painting

While I don't really like to post private information, I wanted to post this image, which unfrortunately requires information. My father had just passed away two days before I went out and painted this watercolor, and I was at that sort of  going-through-the-motions phase where arrangements were being made and condolences were coming in (my father was a very well respected man). When all things were done I took a cue from him, as he never stopped working, and went out to paint. Knowing the situation makes the image seem a little mournful, and I often feel that way about the autumn landscape, but as an image I think it came out OK, and since I did it so soon after my father's passing, I felt it as an honor to him, since he was without a doubt the most inspirational person in my life, and always supported my artistic pursuits.  

More Subway Series

These are a group of drawings that represent my continuing life study classes, free of charge, done on the Long Island Rail Road. I would certainly recommend any artist who wants to sketch from life to do this. You can observe not only anatomy but also fabrics and clothing on people.

More Paintings

More paintings, most of which were done on site. The first was done mostly on location, on Long Island of course, but I worked on the clouds in my studio to attempt to add a little activity to the sky.



Bay Inlet, Oceanside-oil on canvas (22"x28")



 Another image from the same area but done in watercolor. I find watercolor to be the most difficult medium for me to get the results I want. Despite the immediacy of the application and the potential for expressive results through impulsive marks, I find that the "accidental" effect that I admire in some of the great watercolors of John Singer Sargent and Winslow Homer could only have come about from a very strong foundation and simultaneous level of understanding those artists had of their subject and medium. The appreciation I have for both Sargent and Homer deepens every time I paint in watercolor. I need to paint every day!!



Marsh Runoff-Watercolor on paper (20"x24")



Subway Series

Two more images from the Subway Series of on location drawings. I keep going to David Apatoff's blog, Illustration Art. It has really gotten me back into drawing. I especially like his analysis of great Illustrators in the context of established "fine" art. I have always admired the great illustrators and seeing their work in comics and other periodicals is what got me into art in the first place. So when I need a little inspiration I go to that blog. These drawings were done after I had viewed a post about Robert Fawcett on the Illustration Art blog and I wanted to do some sketching.  It's great when people are sleeping but you can't guarantee that. People move, so you have to be quick and then try to remember what it was you were focusing on in the first place. I think these came out OK.

More Images

Again, I'm posting an image of an inlet Merrick Bay in Freeport, NY at Cow Meadow Park. Late Winter/early Spring is my preferred time to paint there. One, there are significantly less bird watchers and/or visitors, and two, the temperature is considerably more comfortable, especially since it does not bring about mosquitoes. This is an acrylic painting layered in washes like watercolor, and I tried to puncuate the shaded foreground with a spot of blue on the right hand side. The wind was picking up so the cloud cover on the marsh was changing constantly.

Merrick Bay, 2012 (acrylic on paper)

South Shore Long Island

This is an acrylic painting done on site down by Jones Beach. There is a stretch of narrow beach west of Field 10 that is not populated at all during the week. The wind was a problem, of course, but I was glad I kept it together for a painting of this size (24"x36"), which is a little larger than I usually do on site. I find a tremendous amount of satisfaction being able to go out and find a seculded spot to paint that is usually densely populated. It also makes me feel a sense of accomplishment to finish a painting on-site in the morning hours and still make it home in time to go to work.