Young Man Sleeping - sold

Oil on Canvas 8"x10"

Focusing on small moments is one of the joys of painting. Capturing the light falling across a face, enhancing the feeling of a scene with well chosen brushstrokes. A photo can freeze a point in time but painting breathes a special kind of life into it. Or at least that's the goal...you can also paint something to death. Finding that delicate balance where I've achieved my vision without pushing over the edge into a labored abyss is sweet.

Carnations in a Bottle

Oil on Canvas 10"x8"

Many years ago I saw an exhibit of Edouard Manet's beautiful floral and still life studies painted at the end of his life as his health was failing. They were for the most part small, simple compositions, exquisitely observed and poignant. The brilliant economy of Manet's brushstrokes continues to inspire me.