Artist's Statement: This series of paintings of the odd, the curious, and the strange, shows items I came across in two curiosity shops in an historic district in Tampa, Florida. A series of the curious and weird is almost obligated to include at least one skull. This posting, the last in the "curiosity shop" series, satisfies that obligation. Death is a part of life, and skeletal remains ensue naturally from death in myriad species. But sometimes the natural unsettles us, an

Artist's Statement: This series of paintings of the odd, the curious, and the strange, shows items I came across in two curiosity shops in an historic district in Tampa, Florida. The elf is a weird, ambiguous creature –– sometimes, on the side of the general good, as at the North Pole or in The Lord Of The Rings; often, as in much folklore, a devious character, intent on harming or at least confusing humans. The elf in this painting reflects both possibilities. Dressed in pin

Artist's Statement: This series of paintings of the odd, the curious, and the strange, shows items I came across in two curiosity shops in an historic district in Tampa, Florida. I saw this puppet set far away on a back wall in a curiosity shop. He looked like he had been used as a child's toy but long since discarded. To me, in the moment, he seemed alone and lonely with no other toys or other company on the shelf near him. I painted this puppet as an expression of some of m

Artist's Statement: This series of paintings of the odd, the curious, and the strange, shows items I came across in two curiosity shops in an historic district in Tampa, Florida. A hat with a matching feather atop a hat stand which also displays an intricate necklace and an elaborate mask. The hat and its plume resonate in color with the adjacent velvet bow. In contrast with earlier postings, in this painting the stand performs its usual, mere supporting function. It is the e

Artist's Statement: This series of paintings of the odd, the curious, and the strange, shows items I came across in two curiosity shops in an historic district in Tampa, Florida. An enchanting image –– a beautiful doll: captivating eyes, a long and graceful neck, an elegant hat as an accessory. What is odd or curious here? The doll is not a doll; it is a hat stand. In the real world, the hat would be the centerpiece. Oil on Canvas 10 x 10 in I like you; your eyes are full

Artist's Statement: This series of paintings of the odd, the curious, and the strange, shows items I came across in two curiosity shops in a historic district in Tampa, Florida. At first glance, the main elements in this painting seem beautiful but otherwise ordinary –– a hat, a box, and a stand to display the hat. But the stand comprises and elegant face and graceful neck, the box is curved and beaded, and the hat presents vivid and rich colors in a fanciful shape. Oil on Pa