Fine Art Blog
Arts Education and World Peace
We all know that an arts education is an integral part of becoming a professional artist. It is also integral to becoming a fully functional human being. The arts have a way of opening up and developing the whole person. In school, we are taught how to survive. We...
The “It” of Art (from “Point of Art”)
From "Point of Art" published in 2007, now available as a Second Edition A couple years back the Detroit Artists Network (DAN) met to discuss ways to promote Detroit artists. The question came up: what is the “it” of Detroit art (#itofart)? Most cities have asked...
Fame
There is no such thing any more as a "famous artist." There are only those artists you know who move, touch and inspire you and those you don't. Those folks out there you see on TV or in Art in America are not your folks. You have no relationship with them...
Quench Project Update
I am setting up exhibition dates beginning May 1 and speaking dates for after March 1. I am beginning the painting phase now. The recent influx of commission portraits has lead to a delay from my target date. But of course, I'm not complaining. I am blessed and...
Politics and Religion
I predict we are on the verge of a seismic political shift in this country.
Rite of Passage Portraits
Graduating Sisters In yet another Christmas 2014 portrait, this one celebrates the graduation of Hannah (from college) and Lillian (from high school). This is a wonderful time to have an oil portrait. This rite of passage portrait celebrates the graduation of two...
The Young Family Portrait
I wanted to capture the energy and playfulness of these energetic children and the fun of being on the beach. I enjoy the juxtaposition of formality against the relaxed casualness of informal poses in a natural setting. The glimmer of late summer sunlight shimmers...
Retro Portrait
Among the many portrait commissions I'm finishing in time for Christmas is this little gem. "Dodo" was created from a photograph taken in the 1930s. I wanted to capture the feel and painting sensibility of that period as I worked. The client has in mind a whole...
Holiday Portraits
Charleston Portrait Painter carries the torch his father lit 45 years ago! I am blessed this year with some great holiday portrait commissions. Here is one of them finding its happy home, delivered by none other than Santa himself. Gene and Georgie Wambold are one of...
The Last Supper
More rough draft from my journal in Haiti. . . I was in lock down at the Watermission compound in Porta Prince for the weekend so I decided to make the best use of time by painting a 12' mural knockoff of da Vinci's The Last Supper (slightly less than actual size) on...
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"Reflections on Nothingness" #existentialism This #painting is not a design choice; it’s a commitment to keep looking into the #mystery rather than numbing out. “Reflections on Nothingness” is a #meditation on the space between presence and absence—the quiet, unsettling recognition that everything we cling to is, in the end, temporary. This piece is for collectors who are not afraid to sit with the bigger questions: mortality, consciousness, and the strange beauty of existing at all. Hung in a study, retreat space, or #contemplative corner, it becomes less a decoration and more a companion for the long, honest conversations you have with yourself. Let me know if you'd like to the whole painting ... See MoreSee Less
A lot goes into making a #oilportrait. Hands, drapery, leather chairs. I am going beyond #likeness; I make every element as true and deep as possible, without them taking away from the main event, which is soul of the sitter. That's the #art of #portraiture. Let me know if you want to see the entire #portrait are interested in creating your legacy ... See MoreSee Less
“Light” is a #painting about the moment before everything changes—the quiet split-second when intention becomes action. Set against a swirling, cosmic backdrop, the hands of God (or man?) hold earth or another planet to the flame of destruction (or enlightenment?). The painting invites you to consider both the beauty and the weight of what we choose to ignite in our lives. It holds the tension between our power to create and our responsibility to care. #Light is for those who think deeply about #purpose, #stewardship, and the mystery of #existence, “Light” becomes more than an artwork. It’s a daily reminder that even the smallest spark—an idea, a conversation, a decision—can shape entire worlds. There’s a moment—right before we act—when everything is still possible.
“Light” was painted for the people who feel that weight: the therapists, teachers, spiritual guides, scientists, and quiet leaders who know their choices ripple out farther than they can see. If you’ve ever looked at our fragile little planet and felt both awe and responsibility, this piece is meant to live in your space. A reminder that what you choose to ignite today matters. Where in your life are you ready to strike the match? ... See MoreSee Less
Have you had an #oilportrait of your #children made yet? Now is the best time to #create an #heirloom #portrait by one of America's top portraitists. ... See MoreSee Less
"Jennifer's Flowers" is a recent painting. Can you see how it is a depiction of lovers? How does it make you feel? ... See MoreSee Less
What is existence? Are we really spiritual beings, made in God's image? #existence #charlestonsc #painting #artcollector ... See MoreSee Less