Artist's Statement: This posting is the second of three charcoals showing individual triplets, at the age of four, at moments of preternatural solemnity. This charcoal is of the one girl. Can pessimism look hopeful or hope appear pessimistic? From her facial expression, posture, and the look in her eyes, I had that impression. Charcoal Drawing 11 x 8.5 in Love children especially, for they too are sinless like the angels; they live to soften and purify our hearts and, as it

Artist's Statement: Coelho’s statement fits the eyes of my son, who was the model for both of these portraits. As for the passage from Hugo, B’H’ my son is not poor, but those who know him would agree that the stars do pass through his soul. Mr. Cool Oil on Panel 18 x 24 in His Eyes Oil on Panel 14.25 x 17.5 Your eyes show the strength of your soul. Paulo Coelho The Alchemist What Is Love? I have met in the streets a very poor young man who was in love. His hat was old, his c

Artist's Statement: When I painted this portrait, the model was posing simultaneously for several artists. While ordinarily I determine the pose for the models I paint, this time I had to accept the pose chosen by others. To my eyes, Edward (the model) seemed very somber, almost like a judge contemplating a difficult decision. I struggled a bit to bring that feeling to my painting. I believe I succeeded because, when Edward saw the finished work, he asked to have his photo t

Artist's Statement: This painting is a portrait of Esther, my daughter’s first and best friend from a tumultuous year at the Smithsonian Institute in Panama. Esther and Rachael remain close, despite the great distance and various vicissitudes of life. As a friend, Esther, holds your hand, makes you laugh, and has your back. Oil on Panel 16 x 20 in My soul is a hidden orchestra; I know not what instruments, what fiddle strings and harps, drums and tamboura I sound and clash

Artist's Statement: The subject of this portrait is the daughter of a friend of a friend. To me, the young woman is day dreaming, looking off into another world. Oil on Canvas 19 x 14.5 Beauty is the illumination of your soul. John O'Donohue, Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone. Audrey Hepburn Art as an Oasis™ Art as

Artist's Statement: The subject of this portrait is a good friend, in whom strength and calm inhabit beauty. Oil on Panel 19 x 23.5 in I will be calm. I will be mistress of myself. Jane Austen Sense and Sensibility She walks in beauty, like the night Of cloudless climes and starry skies; And all that’s best of dark and bright Meet in her aspect and her eyes; George Gordon, Lord Byron She Walks in Beauty Art as an Oasis™ Art as an Oasis is a series of occasional postings from

Artist's Statement: The model for this painting is now a fashion model in Chicago. While still in the Twin Cities, she posed for me for numerous paintings. One day, she arrived at my studio just after posing for a fashion shoot, still wearing beautiful flowers in her hair and an exotic scarf. I instantly took down the canvas I had been working on and set out to create an entirely different vision, which became this painting. Oil on Panel 18 x 22 in I know your soul. Everythi

Artist's Statement: In Shakespeare’s tragedy of Hamlet, the young prince confronts death, its causes, consequences , and meanings several times. On one very well known and eerie occasion – in a graveyard – Hamlet comes across the skull of a friend – Yorick. The questions Hamlet asks there are always current. So I decided to paint a modern Hamlet in modern garb but – reflective of the old questions – still holding the skull of Yorick. Oil on Canvas 31.5 x 33.5 in Alas, poor

Artist's Statement: During my visit to Tsinghua University in Beijing, a student gave me a tour of the grounds and further, off campus, to see the Old Summer Palace. We walked around the Palace grounds for several hours. There is a beautiful public park on the grounds where hundreds of people, families and students strolled and enjoyed the view and the calm and serenity of the park. When I returned to the States I had my model pose in a kimono I had bought in China, to revive