World Views Blog
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...
Portrait of Dr. Valarie Parisi
Dr. Valarie Parisi Recognized with a portrait I’ve been working hard, putting the finishing touches on this portrait. I love this painting and am very excited about it being presented in May. The portrait honors Dr. Valarie Parisi for her years of service as Dean of...
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...
Are Quick Studies More Professional?
Talent has more to do with our ability to to assimilate and integrate new information into what we already know than any special genetic predisposition. Some are quicker on the uptake. But often these people lose interest in their natural abilities. Those who...
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...









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Behind the Scene 11x 14″ original #oilpainting on linen, framed by the artist. A behind the scenes look at the glorious #sunflower, the great back actor. This is a continuation of my micro series where we take a closer look at #Common objects found in #nature. this is an homage to the iconic Van Gogh #painting with the similar perspective of the underneath of a Sunflower. ... See MoreSee Less
Unintended Consequences 96″ x 30″ oil on panel
The Three Perspectives:
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EAGLE: Look at me. I know what I am doing. My glorious mission gives me certain rights. Certain allowances. My voice is louder than yours. But that’s not what makes me right. Yes, I am intentional. I know what I want. And I speak for millions. While you speak for no one. | But the thing that makes me right, is that I speak for God, because I know he is with me because I feel his presence and His righteousness in my blood. That’s what makes me right. | Look at me. I’m perfect. Determined. My team will always win. Why? Because God is on our side. And if my team doesn’t win the battle, we will win the war. | And if we don’t win the war it will be because we failed to listen to God OR the devil corrupted our intentions. Therefore we must destroy evil, wherever it appears. We will find it together and we will flush it out. | Trust that I am in control and that God is with me. If you fail to obey me, as God’s chosen vessel, you will surely parish. You cannot hide from my eye. You cannot resist my charisma. Fear me if you must. Love me if you’re willing. But obey me, for I am your only hope.
DOG: Look at me. Do you think I need help? You think I’m weak. But I’m not. Sometimes I feel so big and strong, even though I know I’m not very strong or smart. But one thing I do know, is that he is strong. My leash tender. I trust the strength of those who know. His certainty is my comfort. My leash tells me I am in good hands. My collar is my Shepard; I shall not want.
GIRL: Look at me. I am flying. I’m flying high above the fray. God is with me. Nature is with me. We are one. God will protect me because I trust Him. I know God is IN the Eagle and the dog. And I know I am part of a larger story. The journey I am on is longer than my life or the dog’s life, or the Eagle’s life. It began long before I was born and it will never end. I am safe in the knowledge that I will never die. So nothing can harm me. I am at peace. ... See MoreSee Less
"My Backyard" are part of "Identity and Self" #exhibition at @parkcirclegallery through April 25. Lemme know if and when you'd like to meet me there for a #privatetour, Wednesday-Saturday. #artist #charlestonartist ... See MoreSee Less
In Charleston, the name Gedney Howe is legendary three times over.
My #oilportrait of Gedney @lawofficesofgedneyhowe Howe III in his office. I am so fortunate and honored to have been able to share some beautiful moments with such exceptional individuals and those who love them. Gedney Howe III is one such individual, a man who gave so much to this community, as Charleston’s preeminent attorney. I had the privilege of speaking with him briefly before he unexpectedly passed last year. We had planned the portrait to happen while he was still with us. Though in mourning, Gedney IV helped me capture the vision he had for his father’s portrait.
Gedney III and I had one very special person in common, the late Buzz Harper (the portrait above, the iconic gentleman in the white suit and red tie), our dear friend and the designer of the interior of this office, as well as the Calhoun Mansion, which when it changed hands, sadly lost the distinctive Harper touch. The chair in the portrait, once owned by President Howard Taft, a beautiful marble and lovely portrait grace the dark wood law bookshelves. Formidable, but reassuringly warm. Gedney stands confidently, but again, with a touch of warmth. He cared about the #law but he also cared for the people he served so well throughout his storied career.
The portrait will be on display at my exhibition, "Identity and Self" at the Park Circle Gallery in North Charleston, opening today, Friday April 3, 5-7 pm. The exhibition runs through April 25. ... See MoreSee Less
In Greek mythology, Cassandra was a prophetess whose fate was to foretell future events correctly but never to be heeded or believed. She was the daughter of Priam, Troy’s last king, and his wife Hecuba. The god Apollo fell in love with #Cassandra and offered her the gift of foretelling the future in return for her love. Cassandra agreed to the bargain and received Apollo’s gift but then refused to keep her word. In retaliation, Apollo cursed her so that her prophecies would never be believed. When we warn of what is happening to our country today, this is how it feels. #painting #artcollector @highlight ... See MoreSee Less
The #Ghost of #Denmark Vessey, 24×20″ oil on linen, framed by the artist
#Vessey appears as an indomitable spirit, standing with dignity, bible in hand, as if he has risen above the hatred of the racists, who’s anger and fear, represented by a posse of angry white men, who have driven his body into the ocean. But they cannot touch his spirit, which endures forever. Denmark Vessey led the first slave revolt in SC and in America. This will be part of my upcoming exhibition at Park Circle Gallery in North Charleston Opening April 3 5-7 pm running through April.
More info:
www.facebook.com/share/18MGV5rPpw/?mibextid=wwXIfr ... See MoreSee Less