New Book Out!

Blurb.com has recently published “Brushed with Greatness” which shows many of the nearly 500 drawings and paintings in a collection of artwork I have done over the last four decades. Because of my work at a major newspaper and a connection with the California Angels, I was able to obtain the signatures of so many famous or notable people on my artwork. They did a beautiful job printing it! Look for another exciting announcement soon on this book.

Teaching in Arizona

Once again this year I am teaching a couple classes at the Scottsdale Artists School. This was a long-term goal for me and am really honored to be listed among the other terrific artists who are sharing their knowledge there. There are still spots open for the December Landscape classes on the 5th and 6th if you care to sign up.

The Good Fortune of Finding a Muse

I often tell models that inspiration is like jet fuel for artists, whether it is the beauty of early sun hitting a cliffside or finding a model who just “gets it.” I rarely use professional models, more often preferring various people I meet. This was the case earlier this year when Arabella came into my booth at the Fine Art Expo. With her beautiful hair, wonderful complexion, big eyes and long limbs, I knew she would be good to paint. But then when I learned she is a dancer, I KNEW she would be great! Dancers know how to pose gracefully, even how to hold their hands in interesting ways. After a couple photo sessions, she began to anticipate what I was thinking and adjust her pose before I could finish asking. This is incredibly rare! Lastly, she has a great attitude and unlike SO many who pose, she is on time. Sounds so simple but is too rare. She is a joy to work with and I look forward to collaborating on many paintings. You will be seeing a lot of her before long. Here are a couple early ones.

“Princess of the Country Palisade”

“Portrait of Miss Arabella”

Returning to My Illustrator Roots

Another muse has been Hannah, whom I have been painting for nearly a decade. There is another Blurb book called “Painting Hannah” that is available and shows the first 100 paintings I did of her. There have been many more since then and she continues to bring loads of inspiration. Recently, I did a couple pieces that could be book covers or movie posters. There likely will be more as they are lots of fun and this is right up her alley!

The Joy of Mentoring

I’ve always enjoyed teaching and when you have kids like Bella, it makes it an absolute joy! She is not only a gifted young lady of 15, she is also an old soul who loves music and movies from my era and has a good sense of humor. But what really sets her apart is her very serious approach to learning the craft. I have never had another student so willing and eager to do a deep dive into any artist or style that I mention. She is a great sponge soaking up everything she can. I mentioned bah relief and she wanted to do one. Building a maquette (model from which to paint)- sure. She reads, researches and digs into the internet extensively. It is such a privilege to work with someone like Bella.

Bella’s wolf done when she was 14, I believe

My painting of Bella