Commissioned Work
"Just For The Mystery"
12"X40"
Acrylic and colored pencil on illustration board
Was asked by the extraordinary St. Louis musician Jackson Howard to design this wrap around album cover art 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. Just returning from Iceland a week ago and 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, we both discussed and saw opportunity in expressing internal angst through this strikingly beautiful yet dormant environment.
12"X40"
Acrylic and colored pencil on illustration board
Was asked by the extraordinary St. Louis musician Jackson Howard to design this wrap around album cover art 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. Just returning from Iceland a week ago and 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, we both discussed and saw opportunity in expressing internal angst through this strikingly beautiful yet dormant environment.
"Tracy"
24"X36"
Acrylic on Canvas
Was humbled to be apart of many touching moments today and honored to paint this commission for my cherished friend as a late Christmas gift for her boyfriend. The subject is of Mitch's Father, Tracy, who passed away a little over a year ago. The reference I painted from was a picture of him in Pittsburgh's Strip District, years ago, working on the urban restoration of the city. The antiquated photo left a characteristic washed out appearance that I would usually shy away from painting after, but the lack of definition that would normally limit my execution uniquely propelled me to meld the the figure with the background; the looser approach and soft light allowing for the clear sensation of a special memory.
Having lost my Father when I was fifteen, this inevitably hits home for me emotionally. From what I have collected about Tracy he was a man who took joy in being less to help everyone see more in themselves and everything around them. I believe he and my Father would have been great friends.
24"X36"
Acrylic on Canvas
Was humbled to be apart of many touching moments today and honored to paint this commission for my cherished friend as a late Christmas gift for her boyfriend. The subject is of Mitch's Father, Tracy, who passed away a little over a year ago. The reference I painted from was a picture of him in Pittsburgh's Strip District, years ago, working on the urban restoration of the city. The antiquated photo left a characteristic washed out appearance that I would usually shy away from painting after, but the lack of definition that would normally limit my execution uniquely propelled me to meld the the figure with the background; the looser approach and soft light allowing for the clear sensation of a special memory.
Having lost my Father when I was fifteen, this inevitably hits home for me emotionally. From what I have collected about Tracy he was a man who took joy in being less to help everyone see more in themselves and everything around them. I believe he and my Father would have been great friends.
"Double Black Lab Puppy Portrait"
16"X20"
Oil on Canvas
16"X20"
Oil on Canvas
"Black Lab Puppy Portrait"
16"X20"
Acrylic on Canvas
16"X20"
Acrylic on Canvas
The Flats"
30"X40"
Oil on Canvas
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 pasy 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.
30"X40"
Oil on Canvas
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 pasy 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"
20"X24"
Acrylic on Canvas
Portrait of a dog that surrounds itself with his favorite toys. The composition of the teddy bear and rubber squeaky duck works to illustrate a sense of protection and tranquility on the subject through a comfort zone.
20"X24"
Acrylic on Canvas
Portrait of a dog that surrounds itself with his favorite toys. The composition of the teddy bear and rubber squeaky duck works to illustrate a sense of protection and tranquility on the subject through a comfort zone.
"In The Midst"
30"X40"
Oil on Canvas
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. I utilized the mist to not only slightly obscure the subject, but to also create that psychologically nostalgic dream like appeal.
30"X40"
Oil on Canvas
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. I utilized the mist to not only slightly obscure the subject, but to also create that psychologically nostalgic dream like appeal.
"Lord Of The Bat"
24"X36"
Oil on Canvas
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.
24"X36"
Oil on Canvas
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"
14"X18"
Oil on Canvas
Here I was asked to depict a cherished memory by a Mr. David Farbacher of a mother and her daughter.
The amazing thing about visual art is that is can immediately bring forth a living breathing feeling when observed. It can intimately encapsulate a relationship of time and personal feeling eternally with those who are not present in this reality anymore. This piece is strange in regards to my normal work as I usually do not paint subjects without a very specific light source; but the flash from the camera to me all the more impressed the idea of a single moment in time. This is a message to not forget, to make your mark.
14"X18"
Oil on Canvas
Here I was asked to depict a cherished memory by a Mr. David Farbacher of a mother and her daughter.
The amazing thing about visual art is that is can immediately bring forth a living breathing feeling when observed. It can intimately encapsulate a relationship of time and personal feeling eternally with those who are not present in this reality anymore. This piece is strange in regards to my normal work as I usually do not paint subjects without a very specific light source; but the flash from the camera to me all the more impressed the idea of a single moment in time. This is a message to not forget, to make your mark.
"Spalding''s Porsche, Behind"
12"X12"
Oil on Canvas
Third image to the Porsche 911 S4 series. With each of these I have been utilizing the dynamic of fractured light to invoke this prism like affect; the reflected light becoming all-encompassing when the pieces are displayed together.
12"X12"
Oil on Canvas
Third image to the Porsche 911 S4 series. With each of these I have been utilizing the dynamic of fractured light to invoke this prism like affect; the reflected light becoming all-encompassing when the pieces are displayed together.
"Spalding's Porsche, Fully Frontal"
12"X12"
Oil on Canvas
The second piece to an automotive commission of a Porsche 911 4s. While some areas are highly defined, other portions are pushed back through the use of simplistic planes of flat color.
12"X12"
Oil on Canvas
The second piece to an automotive commission of a Porsche 911 4s. While some areas are highly defined, other portions are pushed back through the use of simplistic planes of flat color.
"Spalding's Porche, Interior"
12"X16"
Oil on Canvas
Interior of a Porche 911 4s. While some areas are highly defined, other portions are pushed back through the use of simplistic planes of flat color.
12"X16"
Oil on Canvas
Interior of a Porche 911 4s. While some areas are highly defined, other portions are pushed back through the use of simplistic planes of flat color.
"A Game With Poapou"
18"X24"
Oil on Canvas
Oil painting I was asked to do by a Mr. Jonathan Winkler in the sentiment of a very personal and nostalgic memory of himself as a boy playing chess with his grandfather.
Using only the palate knife, I worked towards utilizing physical paint and subtle color to create an image that would hit the observer with a powerful surge of both looking back at a cherished memory and reliving the moment.
18"X24"
Oil on Canvas
Oil painting I was asked to do by a Mr. Jonathan Winkler in the sentiment of a very personal and nostalgic memory of himself as a boy playing chess with his grandfather.
Using only the palate knife, I worked towards utilizing physical paint and subtle color to create an image that would hit the observer with a powerful surge of both looking back at a cherished memory and reliving the moment.
"Caeli"
18"X24"
Oil on Canvas
Painting I was commissioned to do as a gift from a mother to her daughter and granddaughter.
Keeping low to the ground, I wanted to capture 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.
18"X24"
Oil on Canvas
Painting I was commissioned to do as a gift from a mother to her daughter and granddaughter.
Keeping low to the ground, I wanted to capture 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"
18"X24"
Oil on Canvas
Painting I was asked to do involving the figure and water. Using the "rain on the windshield effect", I utilized this dynamic as an obstructive force against the subject. Inspired by the the prolific figure painter Philip Pearlstein, I wanted to not only create unusual space, but to also relay an undertone of emblematic perspective. Here, I worked towards creating a small universe within the composition; where each droplet built towards the larger picture both visually and conceptually.
We are all made of water. From liquid, to solid, to vapor, water is the epitomal symbol for metamorphosis and philosophical recycling. Interestingly enough, water seems to reflect a lot of human personalities as it feels the need to bend, change shape, and flow around things to create its own pathway. I feel as humans we seem to be drawn to this element's powerful form because it is relateable to our existence.
18"X24"
Oil on Canvas
Painting I was asked to do involving the figure and water. Using the "rain on the windshield effect", I utilized this dynamic as an obstructive force against the subject. Inspired by the the prolific figure painter Philip Pearlstein, I wanted to not only create unusual space, but to also relay an undertone of emblematic perspective. Here, I worked towards creating a small universe within the composition; where each droplet built towards the larger picture both visually and conceptually.
We are all made of water. From liquid, to solid, to vapor, water is the epitomal symbol for metamorphosis and philosophical recycling. Interestingly enough, water seems to reflect a lot of human personalities as it feels the need to bend, change shape, and flow around things to create its own pathway. I feel as humans we seem to be drawn to this element's powerful form because it is relateable to our existence.
"For Tarae"
16"X20"
Oil on Canvas
A man I work with heard I was an artist and took me aside to ask me to paint a piece for his fourteen-year-old daughter, Tarae, who recently developed acute paraneoplastic syndrome. This disease is the consequence of the presence of cancer in the body, where hormones trigger an immune response against the tumor. The hormonal imbalance battling the tumor can create a particularly devastating form of paraneoplastic syndromes classified as paraneoplastic neurological disorders (PNDs). These specific disorders affect the central or peripheral nervous system; some are degenerative.
It is with a heavy heart I write that in this very case, especially anomalous to occur for a subject her age, Tarae's disease has taken to her eyesight. It has also started to affect the cones in her eyes, where color is absorbed. She has been going back and forth to Shadyside's Children's hospital for treatments and answers, but there is really nothing to stop the metabolic process that has already occurred.
Her father asked me to capture her on a large scale so she can easily see the work; to do something special for her before she could no longer see.
For this piece I strove to create a kaleidoscope effect, to steal every vibrant color around me in one moment. The strong, flat colors were also used as a device to enhance the figure. Utilizing the Palette Knife, I also made it a point to lay the paint on thick, so when Tarae loses her eyesight, she can feel the physical paint to stimulate the memory of the colors and her father's Love for her.
I honestly really don't know what to say about it, this is the saddest and yet most heartfelt piece I have ever had the opportunity to paint.
And it is a very intimidating expectation to fulfill.
Though this has highlighted a very unusual and different meaning of Art for me. That Art can be used in a very abstract way to possibly help physical healing. That is can transcend the actual concrete form it takes into the abstract embodiment of what it stands for. Not saying this piece specifically goes beyond all that for everyone, but I hope for this father and daughter is does.
16"X20"
Oil on Canvas
A man I work with heard I was an artist and took me aside to ask me to paint a piece for his fourteen-year-old daughter, Tarae, who recently developed acute paraneoplastic syndrome. This disease is the consequence of the presence of cancer in the body, where hormones trigger an immune response against the tumor. The hormonal imbalance battling the tumor can create a particularly devastating form of paraneoplastic syndromes classified as paraneoplastic neurological disorders (PNDs). These specific disorders affect the central or peripheral nervous system; some are degenerative.
It is with a heavy heart I write that in this very case, especially anomalous to occur for a subject her age, Tarae's disease has taken to her eyesight. It has also started to affect the cones in her eyes, where color is absorbed. She has been going back and forth to Shadyside's Children's hospital for treatments and answers, but there is really nothing to stop the metabolic process that has already occurred.
Her father asked me to capture her on a large scale so she can easily see the work; to do something special for her before she could no longer see.
For this piece I strove to create a kaleidoscope effect, to steal every vibrant color around me in one moment. The strong, flat colors were also used as a device to enhance the figure. Utilizing the Palette Knife, I also made it a point to lay the paint on thick, so when Tarae loses her eyesight, she can feel the physical paint to stimulate the memory of the colors and her father's Love for her.
I honestly really don't know what to say about it, this is the saddest and yet most heartfelt piece I have ever had the opportunity to paint.
And it is a very intimidating expectation to fulfill.
Though this has highlighted a very unusual and different meaning of Art for me. That Art can be used in a very abstract way to possibly help physical healing. That is can transcend the actual concrete form it takes into the abstract embodiment of what it stands for. Not saying this piece specifically goes beyond all that for everyone, but I hope for this father and daughter is does.
"Lola"
18"X24"
Oil on Canvas
The background was handled completely with a palette knife in order to amplify the subject visually as well illustrate how a dog might physically view the world. Very pleased with the results; I really enjoyed concentrating on capturing the personality of an animal. What I love the most about this piece is that it means so much more than just a portrait of a pet. I was asked to paint Lola because to her owners she symbolizes a binding force of unconditional love and support even when life gets hard.
18"X24"
Oil on Canvas
The background was handled completely with a palette knife in order to amplify the subject visually as well illustrate how a dog might physically view the world. Very pleased with the results; I really enjoyed concentrating on capturing the personality of an animal. What I love the most about this piece is that it means so much more than just a portrait of a pet. I was asked to paint Lola because to her owners she symbolizes a binding force of unconditional love and support even when life gets hard.
"Sleeping Cat"
16"X24"
Oil on Canvas
Painting I was asked to do of a deceased cat, a project in recapturing life and memories.
16"X24"
Oil on Canvas
Painting I was asked to do of a deceased cat, a project in recapturing life and memories.
His Devil's Night" Cover Art Commission
Front and back covers for, "His Devil's Night", starred and directed by Michael MagGot of MagGot films stationed in Pittsburgh.
Antique Saw
This saw is over one hundred years old. It was very key to decide on what approach to take as it was extremely important to maintain the characteristic presence of the Antique saw itself. Only using a palette knife, this modern approach ironically embellishes upon the coarse texture and age of the saw. The handle was a challenge in itself as it had to be carefully sanded and stained because of the deteriorated wood. The brass seals holding everything together had to be cleaned and polished as well.
"The Crawfords"
These small oil paintings were for a lady 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.
