Please scroll down for descriptions of each piece.
"Snow In Summer" C. 2015
“Snow In Summer”
February 2015
2015 began in an unending deluge of snow. It is New England, but enough is enough. One morning, my five-year old daughter was wondering if it was summer, yet. Even she was getting tired of it. I commented that at this rate, the snow would still be here in the summer, which made her laugh. And it reminded me of that great Cure B-Side (remember b-sides?), “Snow In Summer.”
This was another combination of my watercolor painting with a digital photo. The painting of the sunset, which took place in a much hotter climate, was based on my friend, Grace Nemergut’s photo. I liked the idea of contrasting the burning sunset with the frigid landscape to create an unreal reality.
February 2015
2015 began in an unending deluge of snow. It is New England, but enough is enough. One morning, my five-year old daughter was wondering if it was summer, yet. Even she was getting tired of it. I commented that at this rate, the snow would still be here in the summer, which made her laugh. And it reminded me of that great Cure B-Side (remember b-sides?), “Snow In Summer.”
This was another combination of my watercolor painting with a digital photo. The painting of the sunset, which took place in a much hotter climate, was based on my friend, Grace Nemergut’s photo. I liked the idea of contrasting the burning sunset with the frigid landscape to create an unreal reality.
"Rainbow Sun (For Hannah)" C. 2015
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"Rainbow Butterfly" (For Hannah) C. 2015
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“Rainbow Sun (For Hannah)” and "Rainbow Butterfly (For Hannah)"
February 2015
It has been an amazing experience watching my children develop their artistic talents, seriously getting better with every drawing. From the earliest scribble to the first formulation of a representation of a human, usually a circle with sticks for arms and legs poking out. And then further into drawing and painting the world around them. And this development happens in a very short period of time.
My 5-year old daughter, Hannah, loves painting the same scene over and over, with slight and subtle variations, She seems to love to include trees, herself, a house, but most especially, the sun, butterflies and rainbows. I found her constant interest in painting, drawing and coloring multiple times a day very inspiring. Especially during this new resurgence I had.
So this one is for her - a combo of the sun, butterflies and rainbows as a thank you for helping me connect with
the child-like fun of creating.
February 2015
It has been an amazing experience watching my children develop their artistic talents, seriously getting better with every drawing. From the earliest scribble to the first formulation of a representation of a human, usually a circle with sticks for arms and legs poking out. And then further into drawing and painting the world around them. And this development happens in a very short period of time.
My 5-year old daughter, Hannah, loves painting the same scene over and over, with slight and subtle variations, She seems to love to include trees, herself, a house, but most especially, the sun, butterflies and rainbows. I found her constant interest in painting, drawing and coloring multiple times a day very inspiring. Especially during this new resurgence I had.
So this one is for her - a combo of the sun, butterflies and rainbows as a thank you for helping me connect with
the child-like fun of creating.
"Elements" C. 2015
“Elements (Wind, Earth, Fire, Water)”
March 2015
I wanted to create four individual paintings that all connected both in subject and the connection of the lines. What came to mind most often were the four elements – wind (air), earth, fire and water. I began to see them not only as symbols of “elements” of the earth, but also of my personality. These aspects of my personality are how I most often choose to react to situations, negatively and positively.
Wind – Creativity / Spontaneity
Earth – Personal Growth / Acquiring Knowledge
Fire – Aggression / Intense Energy / Panic
Water – Calming / Cleansing
March 2015
I wanted to create four individual paintings that all connected both in subject and the connection of the lines. What came to mind most often were the four elements – wind (air), earth, fire and water. I began to see them not only as symbols of “elements” of the earth, but also of my personality. These aspects of my personality are how I most often choose to react to situations, negatively and positively.
Wind – Creativity / Spontaneity
Earth – Personal Growth / Acquiring Knowledge
Fire – Aggression / Intense Energy / Panic
Water – Calming / Cleansing
"Destination" C. 2015
“Destination”
April 2015
On one of the last wintry days in late March 2015, I decided to take a hike through Lover’s Leap Park in New Milford. I planned on it being a leisurely walk for the purpose of finding a place to sit and meditate. Usually I always enjoyed the journey through the woods and, as part of my meditation, would be present during those moments. But the remaining ice and snow on the inclines made it very difficult and I questioned my reasons for this little adventure. I began to feel my age as I focused only on my destination – a small clearing at the top of the hill I was currently climbing where I would sit to meditate. It is often said that it’s the journey, not the destination, that matters, but not on this particular day.
After meditating, I noticed this small tree in front of me. I admired how the roots grew up, wrapped around itself, and then curved at the top to descend to go back into the ground from whence it came. It reminded me of the cyclical pattern of aging and how, like the branches of the tree, none of knows of our destinations throughout life until we get there – and ultimately, in the end, its back into the ground.
April 2015
On one of the last wintry days in late March 2015, I decided to take a hike through Lover’s Leap Park in New Milford. I planned on it being a leisurely walk for the purpose of finding a place to sit and meditate. Usually I always enjoyed the journey through the woods and, as part of my meditation, would be present during those moments. But the remaining ice and snow on the inclines made it very difficult and I questioned my reasons for this little adventure. I began to feel my age as I focused only on my destination – a small clearing at the top of the hill I was currently climbing where I would sit to meditate. It is often said that it’s the journey, not the destination, that matters, but not on this particular day.
After meditating, I noticed this small tree in front of me. I admired how the roots grew up, wrapped around itself, and then curved at the top to descend to go back into the ground from whence it came. It reminded me of the cyclical pattern of aging and how, like the branches of the tree, none of knows of our destinations throughout life until we get there – and ultimately, in the end, its back into the ground.
"Bloom" C. 2015
“Bloom”
May 2015
This is a painting of the first flower my daughter planted in our backyard last year (with help from her uncle). I was very delighted and surprised that is actually came back this Spring. I know nothing about gardening.
Since I didn’t see my mom this Mother’s Day, I decided that she should have it. This was the first time in a long time that I did a piece for my folks. It made me feel like my kids do when they create something for me. Maybe she’ll put it on the fridge.
May 2015
This is a painting of the first flower my daughter planted in our backyard last year (with help from her uncle). I was very delighted and surprised that is actually came back this Spring. I know nothing about gardening.
Since I didn’t see my mom this Mother’s Day, I decided that she should have it. This was the first time in a long time that I did a piece for my folks. It made me feel like my kids do when they create something for me. Maybe she’ll put it on the fridge.
“Beyond The Horizon”
May 2015
Good friends of mine got married and were in the midst of planning a new life in a new state. I wanted to give them a gift to celebrate this occasion, so I asked for them to supply a photo of a special moment in their lives – hopefully a landscape scene, since that is what I am most comfortable painting. They provided one of their beautiful wedding portraits, instead.
At first I was panicked – I have never been great with people’s likenesses. But then I saw it as a positive challenge. I had to create something they would love in only 3 weeks. My approach began with meditating for 2 days to clear my mind and focus. What happened after came very easily and calmly. I removed myself from all emotional connection, like the fear of it not being liked or just giving up due to frustration. What I came out with was probably my finest portrait. What helped also was that it was a black and white piece, which made it easier to focus on the light and shadow, which made up the form.
I listened to a lot of Bob Dylan during this exercise and was inspired by his song “Beyond The Horizon” from the “Modern Times” album. I saw in this phrase the connection with their new lives, one in marriage and another in their new locale, and the thrill of discovering what was “beyond the horizon.”
May 2015
Good friends of mine got married and were in the midst of planning a new life in a new state. I wanted to give them a gift to celebrate this occasion, so I asked for them to supply a photo of a special moment in their lives – hopefully a landscape scene, since that is what I am most comfortable painting. They provided one of their beautiful wedding portraits, instead.
At first I was panicked – I have never been great with people’s likenesses. But then I saw it as a positive challenge. I had to create something they would love in only 3 weeks. My approach began with meditating for 2 days to clear my mind and focus. What happened after came very easily and calmly. I removed myself from all emotional connection, like the fear of it not being liked or just giving up due to frustration. What I came out with was probably my finest portrait. What helped also was that it was a black and white piece, which made it easier to focus on the light and shadow, which made up the form.
I listened to a lot of Bob Dylan during this exercise and was inspired by his song “Beyond The Horizon” from the “Modern Times” album. I saw in this phrase the connection with their new lives, one in marriage and another in their new locale, and the thrill of discovering what was “beyond the horizon.”
"Play Ball!" C. 2015
“Play Ball!”
June 2015
My close friend and fellow massage therapist, Trish, was organizing a fund-raiser for our town’s Little League program. She thought it would be a great idea for me to donate one of my paintings to be auctioned off, but I didn’t have any baseball themed artwork. This is ironic because my wife and her family are huge, huge baseball and Yankee fans. Although never a baseball fan, (or any sport, for that matter) I have learned to appreciate the game because of my wife’s love for it.
So, I thought I could use another challenge in doing a subject I was not too familiar with, and I had a relatively short deadline. I enjoyed studying working on all the different textures of these items – the roughness of the leather of the glove, the crinkle in the New Milford team’s hat, and the smoothness of the wooden bat, all contrasting with the organic ripples of the blades of grass.
I had to take some artistic license with the bat because, as my wife told me, Little League players use aluminum bats. I really wanted to hold onto the white picket fence look, but thought that a silver bat against a white fence would be too washed out. Instead it looks more “old-school,” a nostalgic look I was going for. I am also subtly referencing pinstripe of the New York Yankees, my family’s favorite team, pinstripe via the picket fence.
June 2015
My close friend and fellow massage therapist, Trish, was organizing a fund-raiser for our town’s Little League program. She thought it would be a great idea for me to donate one of my paintings to be auctioned off, but I didn’t have any baseball themed artwork. This is ironic because my wife and her family are huge, huge baseball and Yankee fans. Although never a baseball fan, (or any sport, for that matter) I have learned to appreciate the game because of my wife’s love for it.
So, I thought I could use another challenge in doing a subject I was not too familiar with, and I had a relatively short deadline. I enjoyed studying working on all the different textures of these items – the roughness of the leather of the glove, the crinkle in the New Milford team’s hat, and the smoothness of the wooden bat, all contrasting with the organic ripples of the blades of grass.
I had to take some artistic license with the bat because, as my wife told me, Little League players use aluminum bats. I really wanted to hold onto the white picket fence look, but thought that a silver bat against a white fence would be too washed out. Instead it looks more “old-school,” a nostalgic look I was going for. I am also subtly referencing pinstripe of the New York Yankees, my family’s favorite team, pinstripe via the picket fence.
"Never Give Up" C. 2015
“Never Give Up”
June 2015
My family, along with a majority of the faculty, live at a boarding school. It seems that every year, people are being moved around from one living space to another. In June of 2014 I was helping a friend move his family out of the dorm and into a house. Helping people move was something I have done countless times, I, myself have moved 5 or 6 times in about 10 years, so I have seen it all. But this one particular move involved moving a piano, something I had never done before.
Getting it out of the house was fine, and we didn’t have any trouble until we tried to get it into the pickup truck - it was too wide for the truck’s ramp. We didn’t have any other option, so since the thing had wheels, we decided to push it. Luckily my friend was only moving down the block.
This heavy piano was moving surprisingly well until we got about halfway there. I think the combination of the 90 degree weather, the heat from the road, and the friction of the metal wheels on the asphalt was too much. I smelled wood burning and then CRASH!!! One of the wheels broke off leaving us stranded in the road.
Being at the right place at the right time is an understatement for this moment, because along came one of the school’s security guards wondering what why 2 guys were standing around the middle of the street with a piano. He grabbed us a flat dolly and within 10 minutes we were putting it into his new home. Why we didn’t think of that to begin with, I have no idea.
Throughout that year, they have had more than their share of struggles, so I did this painting as a symbol to remind them that help comes when you need it most.
Now, a year later, this family is moving away for good to work at a new boarding school. They didn’t ask for help this time and I hope they leave the piano where it is.
June 2015
My family, along with a majority of the faculty, live at a boarding school. It seems that every year, people are being moved around from one living space to another. In June of 2014 I was helping a friend move his family out of the dorm and into a house. Helping people move was something I have done countless times, I, myself have moved 5 or 6 times in about 10 years, so I have seen it all. But this one particular move involved moving a piano, something I had never done before.
Getting it out of the house was fine, and we didn’t have any trouble until we tried to get it into the pickup truck - it was too wide for the truck’s ramp. We didn’t have any other option, so since the thing had wheels, we decided to push it. Luckily my friend was only moving down the block.
This heavy piano was moving surprisingly well until we got about halfway there. I think the combination of the 90 degree weather, the heat from the road, and the friction of the metal wheels on the asphalt was too much. I smelled wood burning and then CRASH!!! One of the wheels broke off leaving us stranded in the road.
Being at the right place at the right time is an understatement for this moment, because along came one of the school’s security guards wondering what why 2 guys were standing around the middle of the street with a piano. He grabbed us a flat dolly and within 10 minutes we were putting it into his new home. Why we didn’t think of that to begin with, I have no idea.
Throughout that year, they have had more than their share of struggles, so I did this painting as a symbol to remind them that help comes when you need it most.
Now, a year later, this family is moving away for good to work at a new boarding school. They didn’t ask for help this time and I hope they leave the piano where it is.
"1968 Dodge Polara" C. 2015
“1968 Dodge Polara”
June 2015
Although my father was a car whiz, I never had much interest in how they worked or any other details. But later in life, I began to be fascinated by the designs of the bodies of these vehicles, especially the older models.
Back in 2002 – 2003, I became interested in doing portraits of cars. I had a brainstorm that if I did portraits of peoples cars, especially the collectible kind, I might make a few bucks. So I started going to car shows after I had a few samples put together, and not a single person was interested. Probably because when they started talking about their “babies,” I had really nothing to contribute. So I lost interest and moved on.
This 1968 Dodge Polara was the first new car my father bought when he came to this country from Canada in the late 1960’s, I remember this car from my childhood, but I was about 5 when he got rid of it, so I never got a chance to borrow it. I did this painting for him for Father’s Day this year, as a reminder of when life was beginning again for him, and the possibilities were endless in America.
June 2015
Although my father was a car whiz, I never had much interest in how they worked or any other details. But later in life, I began to be fascinated by the designs of the bodies of these vehicles, especially the older models.
Back in 2002 – 2003, I became interested in doing portraits of cars. I had a brainstorm that if I did portraits of peoples cars, especially the collectible kind, I might make a few bucks. So I started going to car shows after I had a few samples put together, and not a single person was interested. Probably because when they started talking about their “babies,” I had really nothing to contribute. So I lost interest and moved on.
This 1968 Dodge Polara was the first new car my father bought when he came to this country from Canada in the late 1960’s, I remember this car from my childhood, but I was about 5 when he got rid of it, so I never got a chance to borrow it. I did this painting for him for Father’s Day this year, as a reminder of when life was beginning again for him, and the possibilities were endless in America.
"Americana" C. 2015
“Americana”
July 2015
This piece is largely inspired by one of my favorite artists, Edward Hopper. In my own way, over the years, I have tried to emulate his approach. What I have found most captivating is how he can capture the essence of “quietness” – not just by observing and recording a brief moment in time, but by how the shadows seem to “whisper.”
The rooftops and their shadows pictured here represent that quietness. They belong to a house and a barn on a very quiet street in a quintessential New England town, Bridgewater, CT. Combined with the photographic sky, the painting contains the “red, white and blue” of Americana.
I have always considered myself enormously lucky to have ended up here, especially in the New York region. My life may have gone in a different direction, had I not been adopted at a young age and brought here from Canada. Compared to others I have known from my place of origin, Newfoundland, I know I had more exposure to variety and opportunities, which has made me very grateful.
It was no coincidence that I had this painting finished by July 4, 2015
"The Shire" C. 2015
“The Shire”
July 2015
Although I have never completed reading “The Lord of the Rings,” when I saw the movies, I knew that was visually what the books were going for. The Hobbit’s Shire, both inside and out, filled me with such a cozy, comfortable feeling , that I wanted to crawl into the movie screen and live there.
I used a still-frame from the film to use as reference for this painting. In doing so, I recently found out, I can never sell this piece, otherwise I will be sued for plagiarism. I always intended for it to hang in my studio, anyway, and never sell it, as inspiration and ambition for one day, possibly, in the future, to have a home as comfortable as this.
July 2015
Although I have never completed reading “The Lord of the Rings,” when I saw the movies, I knew that was visually what the books were going for. The Hobbit’s Shire, both inside and out, filled me with such a cozy, comfortable feeling , that I wanted to crawl into the movie screen and live there.
I used a still-frame from the film to use as reference for this painting. In doing so, I recently found out, I can never sell this piece, otherwise I will be sued for plagiarism. I always intended for it to hang in my studio, anyway, and never sell it, as inspiration and ambition for one day, possibly, in the future, to have a home as comfortable as this.
“Another New Day”
August ~ September 2015
The painting of this simple lotus in a pond was based on a photo taken on a stressful day of our vacation this past summer. (There was car trouble, it was hot, etc.) Both my daughter and I found this location, where we had breakfast that morning, tranquil and calming, and seemed to help me let go.
Upon reading about the lotus flower, which seems to have infinite symbolism, often connected with healing. I discovered it closes its petals at night and reopens them the next morning. It reminds me that I have another chance to improve my mistakes from yesterday and make more that will be corrected tomorrow. We all get a second chance, which allows us to evolve and adapt.
This painting was given to my wife for her new office and to celebrate and honor her new position as the Assistant Dean of Students at The Canterbury School.
Another new year, another new day.
August ~ September 2015
The painting of this simple lotus in a pond was based on a photo taken on a stressful day of our vacation this past summer. (There was car trouble, it was hot, etc.) Both my daughter and I found this location, where we had breakfast that morning, tranquil and calming, and seemed to help me let go.
Upon reading about the lotus flower, which seems to have infinite symbolism, often connected with healing. I discovered it closes its petals at night and reopens them the next morning. It reminds me that I have another chance to improve my mistakes from yesterday and make more that will be corrected tomorrow. We all get a second chance, which allows us to evolve and adapt.
This painting was given to my wife for her new office and to celebrate and honor her new position as the Assistant Dean of Students at The Canterbury School.
Another new year, another new day.
"Focus" C. 2015
“Focus”
October 2015
9” x 5”
This black-eyed Susan was located right outside a nearby window at my workplace this summer and always caught my eye. I found that I would use it as quick meditation focal point in-between clients.
When I was a child I was diagnosed with a lazy right eye. I wore a patch over my left eye to strengthen the other, but it didn’t work. I began wearing glasses at this time as well, and still do. The vision in my right eye never improved. Later in life it was diagnosed as a neurological disorder – the nerve endings between my brain and eye just never connected, so nothing would have helped. The best way I can describe my vision is this: my left eye can see normally, although I have to wear glasses for regular age-related degeneration (and for protection); but when I look out of the right eye, everything appears to be “underwater.” I have adjusted to this way of seeing since it has affected me all of my life.
What I did in this painting was to implement how I literally “view the world” – the colored foreground was painted while I was utilizing my left eye, the better of the two. The black and white, out of focus background was done while I was only looking through my affected right eye. However, I am not color blind, I was only utilizing the black and white effect to emphasize my point.
This painting is also a reference to something I struggle with on a psychological level as well. Throughout my meditations and practice of the Law of Attraction, I have encountered it is tough to focus on what I want or desire in order to achieve it. Mostly, I focus on what I am afraid of, which amplifies that possible reality. This struggle is one that occurs on a daily basis. But it is one in which mindfulness and being present helped to dissolve, and have helped me to achieve focus.
October 2015
9” x 5”
This black-eyed Susan was located right outside a nearby window at my workplace this summer and always caught my eye. I found that I would use it as quick meditation focal point in-between clients.
When I was a child I was diagnosed with a lazy right eye. I wore a patch over my left eye to strengthen the other, but it didn’t work. I began wearing glasses at this time as well, and still do. The vision in my right eye never improved. Later in life it was diagnosed as a neurological disorder – the nerve endings between my brain and eye just never connected, so nothing would have helped. The best way I can describe my vision is this: my left eye can see normally, although I have to wear glasses for regular age-related degeneration (and for protection); but when I look out of the right eye, everything appears to be “underwater.” I have adjusted to this way of seeing since it has affected me all of my life.
What I did in this painting was to implement how I literally “view the world” – the colored foreground was painted while I was utilizing my left eye, the better of the two. The black and white, out of focus background was done while I was only looking through my affected right eye. However, I am not color blind, I was only utilizing the black and white effect to emphasize my point.
This painting is also a reference to something I struggle with on a psychological level as well. Throughout my meditations and practice of the Law of Attraction, I have encountered it is tough to focus on what I want or desire in order to achieve it. Mostly, I focus on what I am afraid of, which amplifies that possible reality. This struggle is one that occurs on a daily basis. But it is one in which mindfulness and being present helped to dissolve, and have helped me to achieve focus.
"Hail Halloween" C. 2015
“Hail Halloween”
October 2015
10” x 6”
Halloween has always been, and probably will forever be, my favorite holiday. Some of my very close friends call me “Mr. Grieves.” Christmas is second, but not a close second. My wife and kids are so into also, gratefully. For me, it wasn’t about the candy (well, maybe a little); I was always fascinated by the macabre and the weird and strange. How wonderful it is that for a little while during the year, all of that is embraced and celebrated. It’s also an amazing feeling to get dressed up and pretend to be something else for a day. Of course there is the obvious reflection on death, the Great Beyond and the possibility that those that have passed on can return for one night and communicate with you.
I always loved the old decorations, especially from the turn of the century and the late 60’s and 70’s. I love that even though it has evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry, it still keeps its creepy charm. I’m jealous that the costumes today are things I could only dream of when I was a child. However, my mom did make some righteous costumes from scratch, though, like Batman, Captain America and Dracula. But I also wore the hell out of the classic plastic ones that ripped at the crotch and you couldn’t see or breathe out of the mask.
I love celebrating the spirit of Halloween all through October and the rest of the year, at least in my head.
I echo the words of Ministry’s Al Jourgensen: “Every Day Is Halloween!”
October 2015
10” x 6”
Halloween has always been, and probably will forever be, my favorite holiday. Some of my very close friends call me “Mr. Grieves.” Christmas is second, but not a close second. My wife and kids are so into also, gratefully. For me, it wasn’t about the candy (well, maybe a little); I was always fascinated by the macabre and the weird and strange. How wonderful it is that for a little while during the year, all of that is embraced and celebrated. It’s also an amazing feeling to get dressed up and pretend to be something else for a day. Of course there is the obvious reflection on death, the Great Beyond and the possibility that those that have passed on can return for one night and communicate with you.
I always loved the old decorations, especially from the turn of the century and the late 60’s and 70’s. I love that even though it has evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry, it still keeps its creepy charm. I’m jealous that the costumes today are things I could only dream of when I was a child. However, my mom did make some righteous costumes from scratch, though, like Batman, Captain America and Dracula. But I also wore the hell out of the classic plastic ones that ripped at the crotch and you couldn’t see or breathe out of the mask.
I love celebrating the spirit of Halloween all through October and the rest of the year, at least in my head.
I echo the words of Ministry’s Al Jourgensen: “Every Day Is Halloween!”
"Torment Of Choice" C. 2016
“Torment of Choice”
November 2015
6.5” x 13”
(2 panels. Each panel 6.5” x 6.5”)
This is my most personal piece that deals with how I react to conflicts in my life. I find that, internally, I usually react extremely negatively or positively. I feel this struggle almost all the time.
What I also find that it’s not only easier for me to go to a dark and negative space easier and faster, but its also more fun. Hence, the yellow playground slide. Conversely, the journey to a more positive and liberating reaction is more of a challenge for me. And something I really have to focus on and fight for. Hence, the never-ending rope that needs to be climbed and isn’t always comfortable. Although it is easier and almost automatic for me to be negative, I realize that is as much of a choice as picking a more positive approach. Therein lies the torment – choose the reaction that is easier, yet more self-destructive, or the one that will have a beneficial outcome that requires more work.
I toyed with a number of different titles, “Negative Slide, Positive Climb” kept reoccurring, but didn’t emphasize the focal issue – that I am the one choosing these reactions. A friend recommended a Wayne Dyer book about becoming an observer of your thoughts and choosing the more positive ones. That concept hit home so hard and gave me the missing piece – which it was possible for me to observe and choose my thoughts, and not just react.
This painting was published in Junto Magazine in May, 2016. Used by permission. You can click HERE to check it out.
November 2015
6.5” x 13”
(2 panels. Each panel 6.5” x 6.5”)
This is my most personal piece that deals with how I react to conflicts in my life. I find that, internally, I usually react extremely negatively or positively. I feel this struggle almost all the time.
What I also find that it’s not only easier for me to go to a dark and negative space easier and faster, but its also more fun. Hence, the yellow playground slide. Conversely, the journey to a more positive and liberating reaction is more of a challenge for me. And something I really have to focus on and fight for. Hence, the never-ending rope that needs to be climbed and isn’t always comfortable. Although it is easier and almost automatic for me to be negative, I realize that is as much of a choice as picking a more positive approach. Therein lies the torment – choose the reaction that is easier, yet more self-destructive, or the one that will have a beneficial outcome that requires more work.
I toyed with a number of different titles, “Negative Slide, Positive Climb” kept reoccurring, but didn’t emphasize the focal issue – that I am the one choosing these reactions. A friend recommended a Wayne Dyer book about becoming an observer of your thoughts and choosing the more positive ones. That concept hit home so hard and gave me the missing piece – which it was possible for me to observe and choose my thoughts, and not just react.
This painting was published in Junto Magazine in May, 2016. Used by permission. You can click HERE to check it out.
TIMELINE
2015
January:
- Began preparations for show at Molten Java in Bethel for February. In order to get the mats cut for some of the paintings, I connected with The Village Center for the Arts in New Milford. I was able to just walk in and use their studio for a small fee. I met Jayson and Sharon - two very cool people who are doing amazing things in the community. This is such a great establishment for artists of all ages to meet and play and learn new techniques. You can find out more about them by clicking on their website:
http://www.villagecenterarts.com/
February:
- Created "Snow In Summer" - my second watercolor / photograph "mash-up." It's my response to the deluge of snow we received.
- Inspired by my daughter, Hannah's, non-stop free-flow creativity, I painted a pair of paintings for her - "Rainbow Sun" and "Rainbow Butterfly."
- Began work on "Serenity Now, Volume One" chronicle book / portfolio. I decided that this will develop into an annual event. I may even go back into past work and make chronicle books of that material.
- Had my first show of all new work in ten years at Molten Java, Bethel, CT. I sold one painting and some prints.
- Began meditating regularly, which provides me with many of the images I create.
March:
- Began working on "The Lego Project" with my son, Hudson. Each painting has a corresponding stop-motion video showing the building process of a painting, which complements the Lego structure that Hudson built. The video showcases audio of my deceased brother's original music. His performing name was Melvin Pell.
- "Serenity Volume One" (leatherbound) is printed.
- Created "Elements." This was one of the first images I received via meditation.
- Began an update of digital archives of older pieces.
April:
- Created "Destination" - a painting based upon meditations about aging.
May:
- Created "Bloom" - a gift for my Mom for Mother's Day.
- First commissioned piece for friends' wedding portrait, "Beyond The Horizon", given as gift for their new home. First portrait piece done in 8 years.
June:
- Created and donated painting, "Play Ball!" for New Milford Little League Fund Raiser.
- Created "Never Give Up," a housewarming / parting gift for another great friend, based on a mutual life experience.
- "1968 Dodge Polara" created and given to my Dad as a Father's Day gift. First return to the automobile as subject matter in 12 years.
July:
- After countless viewings of "The Hobbit" and "Lord of the Rings," I painted "The Shire" for my own self. I also started reading the books, which I had never attempted prior.
- Returned to the painting / photo collage with "Americana" - a tribute to New England and Edward Hopper.
- Continued updating digital archives of older pieces.
August / September:
- Created "Another New Day" for my wife, Elyse's new office and new job.
- Continued work on "The Lego Project."
- First paying commission for an animal portrait, "Rishi." Also my first ever painting of a dog.
October:
- Created "Focus" - utilizing the compromised vision in my right eye.
- Updated website.
- Created "Hail Halloween" and made it available for a free download. Used Facebook in order to publicize its availability.
November:
- Created "Twin Kitties" - a step in the direction of building up a portfolio of pet portraits.
- Designed promotional fliers for upcoming events at Escape Salon.
- Created "Torment of Choice" - a deeply personal piece about inner conflicts.
- Began organizing my digital archives of older paintings.
December:
- Created "Bella" and "Dusty" - gifts for my nieces and nephew, continuing the pet portraits.
- Submitted "Torment of Choice" to Junto Magazine (Online Art Magazine).
- Exhibited 6 pieces at Bethel ArtSpace, Bethel, CT.
