Large scale acrylic and oil paintings on canvas.
This body of work call my “flower paintings”. I started this group in the early 1990’s as a ‘study in perspective” after I had moved to Florida from the Washington DC area. My subject and concepts were getting more obscure and images were looking too ‘flat’. I wanted to create more depth in my images, so I chose flowers as my subject matter to help me work out ‘formal issues’ on canvas. That was the beginning of what I now refer to as my “commercial work” and soon became an independent body of art.
From 1990-2007, most of these paintings were painted with acrylic paint on canvas; all have been sold. In the early 21st cent, I switched primarily to oil on canvas or board for these images. Because of the popularity of these beautiful flower images, high quality Giclée prints on canvas and paper are available for sale, in various sizes. Check out my store for sizes and pricing. Enjoy!
Title: "Muse's Canna's" - 2003
medium: Acrylic on canvas
size: 48" X 36" V
“This section consists mostly of mixed media paintings and drawings. Several of these pieces at using encaustic although I made my own out of beeswax and oil paint (that’s how I learned to do it in college anyway). Many of these works contain found objects and are representative of my “conceptual” body of work.
I Started working with encaustic medium in 2004. Many of these pieces are on block (marine grade plywood @7/8′ thick). I call them ’tiles’ but they are wood. Some pieces are painted with oil paint and/or also gilded metal and gold leaf using these tiles as my support.
Some mixed media, encaustic pieces are on canvas, but I like working on wood more.
Also in this body of work you will find gold backgrounds that are both 22kt Gold leaf and metal leaf (gilt).
These pieces, were inspired by elements and materials of medieval art and religious icons made of gold. art gallery paintings for sale Washington Arlington Winchester
Drawing has always been something I’ve done well, even as a small child. This series basically started in 1990 with Graphite pencils. Then about 1992 I discovered Conté pencils and fell in love with the 1710 – Velvety and produced a nice ‘black’…I loved it. About 1998, I began introducing some color (using pastel) into new works, creating a very subtle affect. At about this same time I started incorporating gold tones (using mica powders, metal leaf and gold leaf) in to some drawings. In 2004, I created a series of ‘conceptual figurative drawings’ with gilded backgrounds. About 2009, I started using color pencils but have not perfected my techniques yet. Currently, I’m using tempera paint with the color pencils and I am achieving some interesting affects.
My process is very much like a “Zen” practice; the technique is basically reduced to studies in ‘shading’. Generally, have an idea or subject in mind before I start a drawing, but have no idea what it will look like. First, I approach the paper with a piece of vine charcoal or graphite and scribble (like the surrealists and “automatic drawing”. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surrealist_automatic
One of the interesting aspects about these drawing is that the actual image ’emerges’ without much conscious control on my part. generally
as I get started I will see a shape that represents something to me…an arm, hand foot, torso, etc. The drawing generally begins with this shape and then the ‘shading’ begins. I do not work all over the drawing at the same time. i.e. sections will emerge completed while all other areas may still be the white paper will scribble. I hope this makes sense…it’s difficult for me to explain…but mostly this process is dictated by the Conté pencils-their somewhat permanent nature and their ability to ‘smudge’ easily. Hence, as I draw I plan my next area based on where my wrists rests on the paper.
Hope you enjoy my work.
These drawings are created with a particular Conté pencil that produces a velvety surface unlike graphite with is shiny. Most drawings are on the finest 150lb – 300lb cotton papers (sometimes I use mostly ‘cold-pressed’ papers with a smooth surface because they are less likely to be affected by temperature. *Cold pressed papers are more an ‘archival’ substrate-the fibers are less sensitive to environmental factors. Many pieces are created on Fabriano Paper-my favorite brand. art gallery Washington Arlington Winchester paintings for sale
2017 - Color pencil on Black board
26" X 21"
Charcoal, color pencil, oil paintings, and commissioned art.
This section focuses mostly on my drawings, original oil and acrylic paintings, as well as commissioned art through the years paintings for sale Winchester art gallery Washington Arlington
2003 - Oil on Canvas
Major General William J, "Wild Bill" Donovan
Commission for MacDill AFB in Tampa, Florida
The following pictures include examples of a few restorations in my portfolio. These are before and After pics. Every piece is individual and requires its own unique approach (generally speaking). I approach each project from an art conservation and ethics perspective. Occasionally, with this approach the final product (repair) may be slightly visible…this may be the result of decisions made between myself and the owner based on their ultimate goal. A decision like this sometimes involves considerations regarding the piece. e.g. What is it made of? Is it an artifact? What is the age? Rare? Can a restoration be removed safely in the future? What is the value?
Porcelain is one of my specialties (Meissen, Limoges, Dresden, Lladro and more). I work on all types of painted and non-painted surfaces (e.g. wood, gypsum, resin, fiberglass, glass, crystal, porcelain, ceramics, terracotta, etc.). I am a gold leaf gilder (water and oil) and I have 25+ years of experience restoring antique 23kt gold leaf ornamental frames. I am trained in ‘the old masters techniques’ and make my own gesso and glues from scratch.
No job is too big.
Estimates available free of charge.
Pick-up and delivery available.
By Appointment Only. antique restoration Winchester Arlington Washington
The following are examples of published scientific botanical illustrations produced for the 9GESNERIAD RESEARCH FOUNDATION, founded by Dr. Hans Weihler (Selby Gardens Botanical Gardens Research Department), in Sarasota, Florida from 1994-1997.
These Published Illustrations of flowers for botanists and researcher areas reference during field study and identification of Gesneriana. art gallery antique restoration Washington Arlington Winchester
Dalbergaria picta Weihler 1995
Illustrator: P. Jablonski