Twin Peaks, oil on linen, 16 x 20

Because I'm an identical twin, I look for subject matter that reflect double images. Here is a painting I did late last summer. The houses here were similar but different once you really got to know them.  In a sense this painting is about how twins can be perceived as a unit. Our other six siblings stood apart from our close bond. In later years we tried to distinguish ourselves as unique individuals, but it wasn't easy because we always had a lot of the same interests. Painting for me can use this personal history as a source of inspiration. Here for example, I'm using the shadows and wires as a metaphor to connect the elements and unify the "family". I know it sounds like a bit much, and honestly I wonder if anyone needs to know the back story to enjoy the finished painting.

Dedication of 80 paintings

I may have posted something about this last year, so forgive me if you'll seen it before. During 2009 I did about 100 plein air paintings of Indiana County, all 9 x 12 inch. Of those, 80 were selected to become one large wall mural. They have since been purchased by The Museum of Indiana University of Pennsylvania for permanent installation in The Performing Arts Center. At the dedication Friday was, from left, Bill Double the museum board president, myself and Michael Hood, the dean of fine arts. These gentlemen were instrumental in raising the private funds needed to purchase the piece.  It is in an ideal location and I'm so very proud since I'm an alumni of the university.

Winter Sketches, 9 x 12, oil on panel

The bright sunshine is chasing away our snow! Frosty will be a mud puddle later today. I have to admit the return to nicer weather will be a welcome change. But already I'm missing the snow. The top sketch was done this morning as the sun melted some nice patches. I find snow so interesting to paint. For one thing the land masses become the lightest area, when usually it is the sky that is the lightest value.  I also enjoy seeing the subtle changes of color temperature that occur within the light and shadow families.

Ross Mountain, 36 x 48, oil on canvases

During the last week and a half I've been driving to Westmoreland County to paint an historic area near New Florence, Pa. The first painting shows the pristine Tubmill Creek and the other shows a building known simply as the Clubhouse. Each painting is 36 x 48 and each required a lot of work. The building is situated on a hill that overlooks the Ross stone furnace, which can be seen on the left side of the top painting.

I'll be artist-in-residence there this coming July when it is a lush green environment. The winter landscapes should be a nice contrast to that work.

Snow Trucks, 30 x 40, oil on linen

This is something a little different for me. I was drawn to this scene by the strong shadow family of blue and orange – a complementary combination. The light family was also the background so it made for an interesting juxtaposition of light and dark. The location is near my studio in an industrial/warehouse area.