Commissioned Work
Peace Of The Spirit
Joy Of The Spirit
Acrylic on wood slab
12"X24" double-sided
2021
Commission recapturing two of the nine fruits of the Spirit, Peace and Joy. The imagery is inspired from a recent community garden project organized and designed by Elijah and Mandy Ed that I took part in on a lot in the hills of Braddock, Pennsylvania. I painted each fruit of the spirit on large repurposed doors that open up to different sections of the garden. This recreation is painted on both sides of a heavy wooden slab, with its natural bark exposed on the edges to further highlight its pure nature.
You are a Salt Light Joy. A Salt Light Joy.
You are a Salt Light Joy. A Salt Light Joy.
Tyson
Acrylic on tondo woodpanel
24" diameter
2021
Commissioned pet portrait of Tyson, a faithful boxer to his family. Here he sits in a stoic manner amidst an evergreen tree. The texture of the pine needles echoes his short hair, immersing the subject in a detailed linear design while, at the same time, the contrasting colors of his orange coat against the surrounding green allow him to stand strong.
Lola and Penny
Arylic on canvas
20"X24"
2021
Commission of two happy lady dogs. The light coat sitting on the left is named Lola and the piebald dog to the right is named Penny.
Sunset Smoothie
Acrylic on wood panel
36"X48"
Custom framed by woodworking
artist Clint Cehily
2021
Commission of a very elegant and special horse named Smoothie standing strong as the sun sets on the mountains of Misty Hills farms in Renfrew Pennsylvania. The burnt color and textured wood frame beyond completes this piece to hang in Nicki Thoma 's home.
Bride And Groom
Acrylic on canvas
20"X24"
2021
Commissioned portrait of a newly wed bride and groom.
Father's Day
Acrylic on canvas
24"X36"
2021
Commissioned portrait of grandfathers, fathers, sons, and the men of a family for a very special Father's Day gift. The grandfather, standing all the way on the right was added to this painting as he has passed on. Background alludes to a light coming from behind and beneath, in an almost heavenly manner, to create contrast and silhouette to the figures in the foreground.
La Prima
Acrylic on woodpanel
30"X40"
2021
Tucked away on 21st street in the notable Strip District of Pittsburgh is La Prima Espresso co. Betwixt other shops along the historic industrial block, the business was originally planned to sell and service commercial espresso machines but it was not long till the showroom grew into a full-service espresso bar, where it became a must-stop Pittsburgh destination. This piece was presented as a gift for the final touch to a new home that was closed on in Shadyside, the east side of the city.
Light On The Isle
Acylic on wooodpanel
30"X40"
20"X24"
20"X24"
2021
A three piece commission project of the historic Presque Isle Light House in Erie, Pennsylvania. Standing 68 feet tall with 78 stairs to reach the top, this light house was built in 1872; having a lighthouse keeper living here for many years when it was initially very remote until the landmark became fully automatic in 1962.
Kisses
Acrylic on canvas
20"X24"
2021
A fun pet portrait. Background echoes the sensations of big sloppy doggie kisses.
Baby Chips
Acrylic on canvas
24"X24"
2020
Commission for a gift from a mother to her daughter of a very fluffy family cat that has gone through a few names over time. First being meow, then chickpea, and now officially Baby Chips. Who knows what time may change. Feeling fresh colors and full dimension.
Dan
Acrylic on canvas
16"X20"
2020
Commission piece of Dan, a beautiful boxer that is a very loved part of the Phillips family.
Muriel
Acrylic on Canvas
20"X24"
2020
Commission painting as a special and personal gift in dedication to a very wonderful grandmother who passed away. Gift given by a friend to Muriel's Granddaughter, who were both deeply close to Muriel. Description of Muriel's big personality written by her Granddaughter.
"What a gift it has been to be Muriel's Granddaughter. To have only known unconditional love. To have only known boundless support and adoration. When I have often felt like a bit of an odd misfit in so many parts of this world, the one place I knew I always belonged was right next to her. In her big hugs and bright smile. No matter what, this beautiful woman has been my cheerleader, my confidante, my ridiculously funny comedian, my source of truth, my dearest friend, and my inner compass. If there is a light I always carry in my heart, it is her love. For as far as my memory goes, she has been my sunshine. I have been abundantly blessed.
The best thing about Grammy? She ADORED everyone. And if I am to wager a guess, my mama, my siblings, my cousins, my aunts, and uncles? Granny's circle of friends (who, by the way, ARE family)? We would all argue that we felt the most adored and celebrated by her, because that was part of her magic. She genuinely and purely loved each of us in the most special way, with her whole heart. She had no limit to her love and affection. She was love, all love, and only love. And that she will always be.
Grammy showed up for EVERYTHING. She didn't miss a beat for any social event, sporting event, dance recital, or concert. And she didn't just show up, she LOVED to celebrate the people and events in her life. She was the first to accept an invite and always the one cheering the loudest. How blessed we have been to have had this jewel in constant attendance for all of the beautiful, important moments in our life? Always the brightest happiest face in the crowd."
"What a gift it has been to be Muriel's Granddaughter. To have only known unconditional love. To have only known boundless support and adoration. When I have often felt like a bit of an odd misfit in so many parts of this world, the one place I knew I always belonged was right next to her. In her big hugs and bright smile. No matter what, this beautiful woman has been my cheerleader, my confidante, my ridiculously funny comedian, my source of truth, my dearest friend, and my inner compass. If there is a light I always carry in my heart, it is her love. For as far as my memory goes, she has been my sunshine. I have been abundantly blessed.
The best thing about Grammy? She ADORED everyone. And if I am to wager a guess, my mama, my siblings, my cousins, my aunts, and uncles? Granny's circle of friends (who, by the way, ARE family)? We would all argue that we felt the most adored and celebrated by her, because that was part of her magic. She genuinely and purely loved each of us in the most special way, with her whole heart. She had no limit to her love and affection. She was love, all love, and only love. And that she will always be.
Grammy showed up for EVERYTHING. She didn't miss a beat for any social event, sporting event, dance recital, or concert. And she didn't just show up, she LOVED to celebrate the people and events in her life. She was the first to accept an invite and always the one cheering the loudest. How blessed we have been to have had this jewel in constant attendance for all of the beautiful, important moments in our life? Always the brightest happiest face in the crowd."
Tucker and Benji
Acrylic on canvas
18"X24"
2020
Commissioned painting of two gorgeous pups. Tucker is the small coon hound Austrialian Shepherd and Benji is the big Blue Healer towering over him. Here also is a heartwarming picture of the wonderful people behind the painting.
Dude
Acrylic on canvas
18"X24"
2020
Fourth piece of a series of five dog portraits. Here reclines Dude, and the Dude abides.
LuLu
Acrylic on canvas
18"X24"
2020
Third piece of a series of five pitbull portraits. The intense concentration of light through the autumnal forest gives this image an undeniable fire. As the light travels towards the subject and its foreground, the color transitions into a cool shdaow; yet the texture by Lulu's feet echos the heated coals after an eruption. The warmth in her eyes holds the viewer in place.
Abel
Acrylic on canvas
24"X24"
2020
Second piece of a series of five pitbull portraits. There is a calming clarity that surfaces within all the fine detail of this painting. The mighty pitbull quietly waits as he humbly looks up.
Kane
Acrylic on canvas
20"X24"
2020
First of a series of five pitbull dog portraits. Image compartmentalizes together as one movement, with the eyes of Kane being the exception.
A View On State
Acrylic on canvas
16"X20"
2020
Private commission of a delightful home with a classic wrap-around porch on State Street in the little town of Saxonburg.
Constitution Ave
Acrylic on canvas
12"X30"
2020
Private commission of a classic house and barn that sit right at the beginning of Constitution Ave. Right outside of the little town on Saxonburg, Pennsylvania. The beloved horse that lives here, Manny, poses regally on the rolling hillside of the front lawn.
She Will Win
Acrylic on canvas
30"X40"
2020
Large scale family portrait. Penny and her husband Johari met in the Airforce and currently live in the sunshine state; continuing to serve The United States while being new parents to Zafira. The painting's title is inspired by the meaning of Zafira's name.
Fox Farm
Acrylic on Woodpanel
12"X12"
2020
Fox family farm property in Cabot, Pennsylvania. standing boldly is the landmark barn where every year a large flag banner is expertly hung. the family has worked, resided, and cultivated this land since the 1800s and continues its legacy to this day. The intimate view through the cornfield was captured just as the sun was setting.
Fox's Crossroad
Acrylic on wood panel
12"X12"
2020
Atriking sign her father built many years ago that sits right at the corner amoungst the rolling plains of Bear Creek and Leasureville roads in smalltown Sarver Pennsylvania. The time at which this was painted was when the sun was at its brightest before setting; the golden light releasing some powerful energy for this small piece while highlighting the enchanting nature of the crossroads.
Edwin Garnet Riley, Essayist And Poet
Acrylic on wood panel
22"X28"
2020
A depiction of acclaimed poet and painter Edwin Garnet Riley. To be presentd on historical site in the town of Titusville Pennsylvania.
A little history, found through the impeccable research in this incredible writing by Jessica Hilburn linked here:
https://nwpastories.com/2019/04/16/edwin-garnet-riley/
Edwin's father, Ephraim Riley was born in Macon, Georgia in 1856. The Civil War had not yet been fought and slavery was still rampant south of the Mason-Dixon line. In 1875, he moved to Titusville from Cleveland with his family to start a new life. He worked as an oil peddler and later a plasterer and bricklayer in the booming city. His marriage to Anna Burch produced four children. Edwin was the youngest of those children and grew to great fame in Titusville and beyond due to his immense talent as a poet, essayist, and painter. Riley graduated first from Titusville High School and then from Howard University. He traveled around the United States on fund drives for the Negro Education Institution in an effort to help African Americans achieve the equality, education, and respect they deserve.
Despite being well-traveled, Riley always considered Titusville his home. At the age of twenty-five he married Sarah Newsome, in Pittsburgh on August 2, 1906. The couple settled in Titusville at the northeast corner of South Brown and East Spring Streets where they lived for more than fifty years. They had seven children. Edwin quickly earned a reputation for his detailed memory, excellent writing, straightforward style, and earnest craft. He was named the first and only poet laureate of Titusville and was the only poet permitted to have his work printed in The Titusville Herald. Riley not only wrote for the paper, but also produced his own essay books and poetry pamphlets that Titusville’s elite citizens sponsored and purchased. The release of a new Edwin Garnet Riley work was cause for excitement in the Titusville community and copies sold out fast. Riley’s work gained such popularity that he was not only a local celebrity but a renowned national figure. He could count suffragist Susan B. Anthony and National Association of Negro Women founder Mary Church Terrell among his acquaintances. Riley's articles were published regularly in the Pittsburgh Press.
Beyond his written works, Riley was also talented with the paintbrush. Most of Riley's literary work was abolitionist in nature, and he self-published several pamphlets and books, including A Tribute to John Brown, a book included with this painting. At the time John Brown was an extremely influential American abolitionist who advocated the use of armed insurrection to overthrow the institution of slavery in the United States.
The background of my piece is a replication of the background in Riley's portrait of Brown. Though instead of Brown, I desired to place the portrait of the artist himself within his own creation; giving memorial to his vision. I was also inspired to echo this time as one of my favorite writings I found of Edwin's was actually within an excerpt from A Tribute, stating, "Men have called him a fanatic and perhaps he was. Any individual who scorns the hypocrisy of his age and follows in the path of truth - who rears his temple in the unclouded clime of the ideal, is usually thought to be a fanatic. Yet, the fruits of any civilization and the progress of mankind, are but the result of fanatical intent." This powerful statement stands strongly throughout time right up to today.
Edwin was a lifelong member of the Trinity AME (African Methodist Episcopal) Church in Titusville and the church was decorated with many of his paintings. Later in life, he also became a minister and served as assistant minister there for many years.
A little history, found through the impeccable research in this incredible writing by Jessica Hilburn linked here:
https://nwpastories.com/2019/04/16/edwin-garnet-riley/
Edwin's father, Ephraim Riley was born in Macon, Georgia in 1856. The Civil War had not yet been fought and slavery was still rampant south of the Mason-Dixon line. In 1875, he moved to Titusville from Cleveland with his family to start a new life. He worked as an oil peddler and later a plasterer and bricklayer in the booming city. His marriage to Anna Burch produced four children. Edwin was the youngest of those children and grew to great fame in Titusville and beyond due to his immense talent as a poet, essayist, and painter. Riley graduated first from Titusville High School and then from Howard University. He traveled around the United States on fund drives for the Negro Education Institution in an effort to help African Americans achieve the equality, education, and respect they deserve.
Despite being well-traveled, Riley always considered Titusville his home. At the age of twenty-five he married Sarah Newsome, in Pittsburgh on August 2, 1906. The couple settled in Titusville at the northeast corner of South Brown and East Spring Streets where they lived for more than fifty years. They had seven children. Edwin quickly earned a reputation for his detailed memory, excellent writing, straightforward style, and earnest craft. He was named the first and only poet laureate of Titusville and was the only poet permitted to have his work printed in The Titusville Herald. Riley not only wrote for the paper, but also produced his own essay books and poetry pamphlets that Titusville’s elite citizens sponsored and purchased. The release of a new Edwin Garnet Riley work was cause for excitement in the Titusville community and copies sold out fast. Riley’s work gained such popularity that he was not only a local celebrity but a renowned national figure. He could count suffragist Susan B. Anthony and National Association of Negro Women founder Mary Church Terrell among his acquaintances. Riley's articles were published regularly in the Pittsburgh Press.
Beyond his written works, Riley was also talented with the paintbrush. Most of Riley's literary work was abolitionist in nature, and he self-published several pamphlets and books, including A Tribute to John Brown, a book included with this painting. At the time John Brown was an extremely influential American abolitionist who advocated the use of armed insurrection to overthrow the institution of slavery in the United States.
The background of my piece is a replication of the background in Riley's portrait of Brown. Though instead of Brown, I desired to place the portrait of the artist himself within his own creation; giving memorial to his vision. I was also inspired to echo this time as one of my favorite writings I found of Edwin's was actually within an excerpt from A Tribute, stating, "Men have called him a fanatic and perhaps he was. Any individual who scorns the hypocrisy of his age and follows in the path of truth - who rears his temple in the unclouded clime of the ideal, is usually thought to be a fanatic. Yet, the fruits of any civilization and the progress of mankind, are but the result of fanatical intent." This powerful statement stands strongly throughout time right up to today.
Edwin was a lifelong member of the Trinity AME (African Methodist Episcopal) Church in Titusville and the church was decorated with many of his paintings. Later in life, he also became a minister and served as assistant minister there for many years.
Father And Daughter
Acrylic on canvas
24"X24"
2020
A moment captured of a father and daughter fishing. The richly saturated color scheme enhances the intense sunlight of a summertime memory.
"...I'm gonna watch you shine
Gonna watch you grow
Gonna paint a sign
So you always know
As long as one and one is two
Ooh ooh
There could never be a father
Love his daughter more than I love you
Trust your intuition
It's just like going fishin'
You cast your line and
Hope you get a bite..."
-Paul Simon, Father Daughter Song
"...I'm gonna watch you shine
Gonna watch you grow
Gonna paint a sign
So you always know
As long as one and one is two
Ooh ooh
There could never be a father
Love his daughter more than I love you
Trust your intuition
It's just like going fishin'
You cast your line and
Hope you get a bite..."
-Paul Simon, Father Daughter Song
Light In Darkness
Acrylic on canvas
20"X24"
2020
A fresh commission capturing a romantic sunset during a surpise vacation in Cancun Mexico at the Valentin imperial Rivera Maya. The image is a special memory of the client's; made while recovering from a very rough surgury.
Lady
Acrylic on canvas
20"X24"
2020
Commission of a very happy Lady, who is a poodle with a big personality that emits a lot of joy.
Thoughts Of A Dog
Acrylic on canvas
20"X24"
2020
Commission of Maple, a supposed bichon poodle mix that is most loved by his family. The abstracted background is inspired by an out of focus effect, echoing thoughts, as Maple's expression seemed to resonate a state of peaceful ponder. The bubbling and undulating shapes were inspired from Russian abstract painter, Wassily Kandinsky. Kandinsky developed a theory of geometric figures and their relationships; claiming, for example, that the circle is the most peaceful shape and represents the soul. He did not analyze these shapes objectively, but from the point of view of their inner effect on the observer. The muted tertiary color scheme of the background works to quiet its own beautiful activity to giver focus on the bright fluffy subject.
Milo and Franky
Acrylic on canvas
20"X24"
2020
Commission of two French bulldogs. The dark coat is named Milo and his defining feature is his pink birthmark under his lip. Franky is known to like to stick the tip of his tongue out when he's happy. Best friends.
Gary
Acrylic on canvas
20"X30"
2020
Commissioned piece of a feline that passed away. The elongated surface and emphasized perspective play on the intimate character of the cat in its own vulnerable space.
Wings Over Pittsburgh
Acrylic on canvas
36"X48"
2019
Commission for Mr. Adam Danenberg. Being a commercial pilot, Adam requeested the image of an Embraer-175 with the signature paint job of US Airways soaring above the expanse of the Steel City of Pittsburgh to complete his gorgeous living room and pair well with his original and rare Burton Morris print.
"I love US Airways over every other airline and I am really passionate about my city and my profession, so I wanted to incorporate both of those in one painting". This piece finds itself in a home on the historic Southside of the city; which is completely remodeled from an old school house.
"I love US Airways over every other airline and I am really passionate about my city and my profession, so I wanted to incorporate both of those in one painting". This piece finds itself in a home on the historic Southside of the city; which is completely remodeled from an old school house.
With All Due Respect
Acrylic on Woodpanel
30"X48"
Custom framed by woodworking
artist Craig Barron
2019
Portrait of none other than Tony Soprano.
Murphey
Acrylic on canvas
36"X70"
2019
Large commission piece of Murphey, the very furry and energetic member or the Hoerster family. Here the Wheaton Terrier is in his element by the creek off the Montour Trail. This trail has special meaning with the family as Mr. Doug Hoerster's mother was a part of the original committee in establishing the community rail trail and park. The subject was captured on a crisp cold day right after a light rain shower. This was the impetus of the painting's color scheme; driving blue tones and it's tertiaries. The meaning of these hues were taken a step further pointing towards the fact that dogs can perceive blues and yellows far better than any other color; hence why this pup always chooses his blue toys out of the many piled in his basket.
Smile
Acrylic on canvas
30"X40"
2019
After hanging the last commissioned piece at 412 Dental, the team decided the walls demanded a complimentary painting to complete the entrance. This beautiful smile is none other than Dr. Elijah Ed's; the artist behind the teeth! No matter what day, anyone who ever encounters Elijah will have the pleasure to experience his big radient grin; he never fails to find the joy in the moment, and that's what makes his signature smile so special and meaningful. To capture this in paint was a delight in itself.
Lip
Acrylic on canvas
30"X48"
2019
Observation of the mouth hung as centerpiece in the main office for Dr. Elijah Ed and team at 412 Dental, located in Monroeville, Pennsylvania.
Dippy The Dinosaur
Acrylic on canvas
36"X48"
2018
Subject is none other than Pittsburgh and world famous Dippy the dinosaur. Dippy is a life-size fiberglass public sculpture of a Diplodocus dinosaur on the grounds of the Carnegie Institute and Library complex in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The model depicts Diplodocus carnegii, a species named after Andrew Carnegie. The dark, grayish brown sculpture weighs 3,000 pounds, stands 22 feet, and measures 84 feet in length. A Miss Lauren Buches is the incredible individual who requested this piece. She had previously worked at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and managed Dippy's Twitter account for years. Commemorating her past and beginning a new life chapter, this painting will be hanging as the centerpiece in her new office at the Latrobe Art Center where she holds the position as Executive Director.
Petunia
Acrylic on canvas
24"X24"
2018
Say hello to Petunia, she is a twelve year old French bulldog that has enough energy to get any puppy tired out including her mommy Miss Shannon Cerra. A tertiary color palette was used to couple with another painting in the house. Though the subject is delicately rendered and the environment is bold and obscured, the entire piece strives to blend together to create a camouflage effect; illustrating how a dog might perceive things.
For Thou Art With Me
Oil on canvas
36"X36"
2018
Commission depicts a prayer that has become familiar throughout the generations: Psalm 23. The essence of this entire psalm is the reverence that God is living, present, and interwoven in the sinews of each and every reality. It praises the realization of God's unlimited love. The center face in the sky is depicted as God the Son, the white cloud to the left is God the Father, and the sky on the right side emanates flowing characteristics to parallel oil as the anointing of God the Holy Spirit. This moving arc continues throughout the light hitting the mountain and within the water. In this way too there is a desire to express God's complete presence even in the reflection; dissolving the distortions of fear before anyone who prays this prayer
A King And His Queen
Acrylic on wood panel
24"X30"
2018
Portrait of couple. Gift given by husband to wife for anniversary.
Little Man
Acrylic on wood panel
18"X24"
2017
Portrait commission encapsulating the innocence and fresh beginnings of childhood. The adorable subject's name is Oaklee and his grandfather wished to capture his little man in a big world.
Just For The Mystery
Acrylic and colored pencil on illustration board
12"X40"
2017
Album wrap for St. Louis musician Jackson Howard for his newest work titled, "Just for the Mystery". Jackson's music is grounded on the Introspective. His lyrics touch regret, hope, self-deception, and love; both vacuous and real. Opening with a bouncy, pop-inspired set, the tone of the album is set with a metaphorical exhale-letting go of romanticized memories and acknowledging how easily our minds can deceive us with a “What if?” The album works to lift hurting friends, evokes the pain of betrayal to an existential dilemma, and finally returns to an optimistic hope for truer love which laments our consumer dating culture; finding realization that true love is not selfish but giving. Returning from Iceland a week after finishing this project, Jackson was enamored with the remote beauty and colors of the country; from Iceland's landscapes to the iconic aurora borealis. With such poignant psychological undertones throughout the album, there is an expression of internal angst through this strikingly beautiful yet dormant environment.
Hand painted Louisville Sluggers
2017
Authentic wooden Louisville sluggers painted for a family collection.
Eagle
American Flag
Uncle Sam
Lady Liberty
Army Ranger
Raising The Flag At Iwo Jima
Cleveland Indian
2017
Tracy
Acrylic on canvas
24"X36"
2017
Commission as a gift from a wife to her husband. The subject is of the husband's father, Tracy Anderson, who passed away. The reference was from a photo taken years ago of the father working in construction in Pittsburgh's Strip District. The aged photo left a characteristic washed out appearance; lacking definition yet inspiring a stylistic approach that propelled a stylistic melding of the the figure with the background. The looser hand and soft light allows for the clear sensation of a special memory.
Double Black Lab Portrait
Oil on canvas
16"X20"
2016
Portrait of two black labs.
Black Lab Puppy Portrait
Acrylic on canvas
16"X20"
2016
Portrait of a three month old black lab.
You Are My Sunshine
Acrylic on canvas
24"X30"
2016
Portrait of a mother and her daughter.
The Flats
Oil on canvas
30"X40"
2015
Commission of the Cleveland Skyline with the characteristic Industrial flats in the foreground. There is a distinct sense of kinetic energy the layered effect of the palatte knife evokes; giving a sensation of life and movement to this piece as if the painting itself were breathing. Historically, the city of Cleveland has a rich and colorful past concerning its development and adaptation during key points of the industrial revolution. This painting hints towards experiences of an era past while simultaneously illustrating the constant change and prospects of an evolving future.
Safe And Sound
Acrylic on canvas
20"X24"
2015
Portrait of a black lab that surrounds himself with his favorite toys. The composition of the teddy bear and rubber squeaky duck works to illustrate a sense of protection and tranquility through a comfort zone.
In The Midst
Oil on canvas
30"X40"
2014
A moment in time captured of the Andy Warhol Bridge on a cool misty morning. Painted for Ms. Katie Gafner, a resident of downtown Pittsburgh, this picture will hang in a building adjacent to the bridge itself.
This painting is all about subtlety and how very strange the nature of light can be. The mist was utilized to not only slightly obscure the subject, but to also create that psychologically nostalgic dream like appeal.
This painting is all about subtlety and how very strange the nature of light can be. The mist was utilized to not only slightly obscure the subject, but to also create that psychologically nostalgic dream like appeal.
Lord Of The Bat
Oil on canvas
24"X36"
2014
A portrait for a Mr. Prakach Rangaraju of Sachin Tendulkar. Sachin Tendulkar is a former Indian Cricketer widely acknowledged as the greatest batsmen in history. He popularly holds the title "God of Cricket" as well as "The greatest cricketer of all time" among his fans. The image is capturing his last moment walking off the field before his retirement after a victorious match against the Wast Indies.
You Are Loved In Every Way
Oil on canvas
14"X18"
2014
A depiction of a cherished memory of a mother and her daughter; given as a gift from a Mr. David Farbacher to the daughter in her mother's passing. This piece deviates from a definitive light source as the flash of the camera from the original photo is embraced within the painting; highlighting a single beautiful moment in time.
Spalding's Porsche, Behind
Oil on canvas
12"X12"
2014
Rear image of a Porsche 911 S4 series. The dynamic of fractured light is used to invoke a prism effect; the reflected light becoming all-encompassing throughout the composition.
Spalding's Porsche, Fully Frontal
Oil on canvas
12"X12"
2014
Frontal perspective of a Porsche 911 4s.
Spalding's Porche, Interior
Oil on canvas
12"X16"
2014
Interior of a Porche 911 4s.
A Game With Poapou
Oil on canvas
18"X24"
2014
Oil painting for a Mr. Jonathan Winkler in the sentiment of a very personal and nostalgic memory of himself as a boy playing chess with his grandfather. Painting heavily with only with a knife, piece works toward utilizing physical paint and subtle color to create an image that hits the observer with a powerful surge of both looking back at a cherished memory and reliving the moment.
Caeli
Oil on canvas
18"X24"
2013
Painting as a gift from a mother to her daughter and granddaughter. Keeping low to the ground, the composition captures that sensation of being a small child in a world that was once so big and hard to reach; where objects such as measuring cups and pots and pans were removed from their intended use and seen only as a new imaginative play thing.
Piece By Piece
Oil on Canvas
18"X24"
2013
Portrait involving the figure and its relation to water. Capturing the "rain on the windshield effect", this dynamic is used as an obstructive force against the subject. There is unusual space and an undertone of emblematic perspective. Through the reflection of each droplet, the composition builds towards the larger picture both visually and conceptually. The body is composed of water. From liquid, to solid, to vapor, water in its many forms is the symbol for metamorphosis. Water also seems to reflect a lot of human traits as it feels the need to bend, change shape, and flow around things to create its own pathway.
For Tarae
Oil and colored pencil on bristol paper
18"X24"
2013
Painting for a father as a gift for his fourteen-year-old daughter, Tarae.
Lola
Oil on canvas
18"X24"
2013
Portrait of a dog in her home. The background was handled completely with a palette knife in order to amplify the subject visually while illustrating how a dog might perceive the world.
Sleeping Cat
Oil on canvas
16"X24"
2013
Painting of a sleeping cat recapturing life and memories.
His Devil's night cover art
Oil paint and colored pencil on bristol paper
9"X12"
2013
Front and back covers for, "His Devil's Night", starred and directed by Michael MagGot of MagGot films stationed in Pittsburgh.
Antique Saw
Oil paint on restored and primed steel blade
2013
This saw is over one hundred years old. Only using a palette knife, this modern approach embraces and embellishes upon the coarse texture and age of the saw. The handle had to be carefully sanded and stained because of the deteriorated wood. After being cleaned and polished, the shining brass seals anchor together the exposed nature of the handle and the vibrant scenery on the blade.
The Crawfords
Oil on Canvas
8"X10"
2012
These small oil paintings were for a lady by the name of Mrs. Crawford whose husband had passed. She wanted a couple portrait for each of her closest friends who were connected with them throughout their marriage. To more adequately convey the concept that this was a cherished memory passed, each painting was approached loosely, working wet on wet.