Lake Ontario Dream

This was done as a demo piece using a photo- graph taken several years ago on Lake Ontario. I really hate using photos as reference. A camera doesn't see the world the way I do, but sometimes there's no choice but to use a picture. Anyway, I pretty much used the photo only for general information and values, then really went to town using my imagination to build up colors, texture and to get the feel for the subject. I was very happy with how it came out.

Purple Loosestrife

There was this great patch of purple loosestrife growing along this gravel road which was very eye-catching. I see this stuff growing all around the area. I know it's an invasive weed, but it really is very beautiful.

Clouds Over Canandaigua Lake

This has been a tough summer for painting for me. Rainy, over-cast weather is not conducive to working in pastels. Even this particular day, which started out sunny, changed into one with tons of clouds and a very brisk wind blowing across the lake at me. I really loved the pattern of the cloud shadows across the hills in the distance, however.

Workshop

I will be doing a workshop this Wednesday, August 12 in Wyoming New York. It is part of the Coonley - Ward Summer Art Workshop Series. It will be held from 9 am to 2:30 pm at the Village Hall of Wyoming, 15 S. Academy St (Rt 19), Wyoming, NY. The workshop is $15. Please contact Linda Metcalf at 585-591-2406 or Sally Almeter at 585-591-1764 for information and materials list. I'm looking forward to it.

Around the Bend

I have always had the perception of March as being a "blah" month - just an other month of waiting until the real spring of May gets going. But recently I've come to appreciate the subtle colors along with those very rare teaser days when the temperatures get above 50 degrees.


size unframed is 6" x 9"

Clouds Clearing Over Braddocks Bay

This was done last summer, but never photo-graphed - probably couldn't find my camera. Anyway, it's a very nice piece. The clouds were just clearing out after another of the many down-pours we had last summer.

Fields of Dandelions

I came upon this great field in the spring when the dandelions were in their full glory. When you see then like this, I have to wonder why we perceive them as weeds. I once heard that weeds are just plants growing in the wrong place. This was definitely the right spot, though.

The Erie Canal fron Perinton Park

I had the oppor-tunity to hang a couple of pieces at Riki's Res- taurant in Fairport, but decided they should be something from the area, so I headed to Perinton Town Park and did this from under the Rt. 31F bridge over the canal. Lots of people stopped by to chat while I worked.

Technologically Challenged

That's me. I had taken some pictures of some more recent paintings, but in the process of trying to make space on my camera for my kids to shoot videos, deleted all of my art photos! The images were of paintings that are currently hung at Riki's Restaurant in Fairport. Once I get them back (assuming they aren't sold) I will photo them again and put them here!

Shadows Across the Path

Over the past few years, I have been drawn to scenes like this one; a road or path leading off some place. I wonder if it has some deep psychological meaning, maybe representing some inner struggle of mine. More than likely it doesn't though, and I just like the inviting way it feels: a path leading into the woods and on to new neat things to see.

Hot Off the Presses! My Newsletter

I have recently developed a newsletter which I have emailed to anyone interested in what is happening with my art. If you would like to receive future editions, please send me an email and I will be sure that you name gets added to the mailing list. In the meantime, just click on the image and the current newsletter will come up full size.

Technicolored Hedgerow

This was done in October 2008 at Brad- docks Bay. Beautiful clear day and the leaf colors were spectacular. This was actually a clump of trees surrounded by bushes and covered with grapevines. I think every color in the rainbow was represented in that grouping and the clarity of the day intensified everything. Great fun to paint.

Pastel Workshops

I have recently been asked to teach a couple of pastel workshops this summer. I am pretty excited about the prospect of teaching others about painting in pastels. While I have done demos for art groups in the past, they usually have to be done quickly due to time constraints. The nice thing about these up-coming workshops is that they will give me a chance to really get more in-depth with explaining my painting technique. I really enjoy sharing my love of the medium.

Currently, I am scheduled to teach workshops on July 28th with the folks in Livingston County Arts Council in Lakeville, NY and on August 12th at the Coonley-Ward Artist Community in Wyoming, NY. I will be sure to pass along more info here as it becomes available.

Also, if you would be interested in taking one of these workshops, or in having me do a demo or workshop for your art group or gallery, please drop me an email and I will get right back to you.

The Greece Post

I was interviewed the other day by reporter Jessica Spies from the Messenger Post Newspapers for an article about the Genesee Valley Plein Air Painters winter show which is on display at Barnes and Noble in Pittsford Plaza during the month of January. She interviewed several members of the group who live in the town of Greece about the experience of painting outdoors. I enjoy talking about it because it is something that I really love to do and I enjoy sharing that experience with the rest of the world. Hopefully that feeling will come across in the article whether I am quoted or not. I hope that if you happen to see the Greece Post on a news stand next week that you'll pick up a copy. By the, stop in to Barnes and Noble to see the show if you are in the Pittsford Plaza area during the month of January. Here's the link to the article and the one for the article which ran in the Canandaigua Post. Copy and paste them into your browser. There's a picture of me turning in one of my paintings!
http://www.mpnnow.com/towns/greece/x1060493760/Braving-the-elements-for-art-s-sake
http://www.mpnnow.com/entertainment/x512370450/Painting-in-the-biggest-studio-around

Smooth As Glass

This was painted along one of the lakes in Durand Eastman Park on an unusually warm day in early November. Because the hills surrounding the lake blocked the breeze, the water was completely still, reflecting the side of the hill which was in the sun. As the morning passed, the sun eventually burned off the haze which hung in the air. SOLD

Indian Summer on the Erie Canal

I'd visited Perinton Park awhile ago, with the intentions of coming back to paint there sometime down the road. A particularly warm day last week proved to be the perfect day to paint there, as the warmth of the late morning created beautiful blue haze which was especially noticeable as I looked toward the south. SOLD

Wyoming County View from Durfee Road

Wyoming County has some spectac- ular views. This was done high on the hill over- looking the valley from Durfee Road, off Rt. 19. It's the first large (18"x24") painting I've done en plein air, and that's a lot of area to cover in a 2-3 hour span of time. On display and for sale at W.G. Handyside Gallery, Rt. 19, in Wyoming, NY.

What a Week!

This has been a great week for me. First of all, the weather was beautiful and I was able to paint two days in a row, and any day I can get out to paint is a really good day. Second, I was in two shows, which is great because I like to be busy and getting things ready for a show is a lot of work. Third, I won several awards in those shows.

In the Suburban Rochester Art Group's show at the Mall at Greece Ridge Center, I won Best of Show for "Spring Green" and First Place for pastels for "Tall and Proud", in addition to an honourable mention. I am very proud since this is the first time I have ever won Best of Show in any show. The competition in this group is especially tough because fellow plein air painter Chris O'Handley is in this organization and his work is beautiful.

In the Rochester Art Club's Fall show at Barnes and Noble in Pittsford Plaza, I won a Merit Award for "Waiting for Spring". Rochester Art Club is a very tough show. It's hard to even get into the club, let alone have work accepted into their show or to win any kind of award. Over 120 paintings were submitted to this show and only 14 received awards. I feel very honoured that all of the paintings I submitted got into the show and that I won an award to boot. This show will continue to be up until the end of November.

Overall this has been a wonderful week for me. I am very grateful.

Just Passing Through

At 18"x24", this is a very large (for me) painting and it was not done en plein air. I would consider this to be a studio painting, While I painted it outside in my backyard, I actually used a photo of a tree I took on the trip home from Lewiston as reference. The rest of it came from my imagination.

Roses in Maplewood Garden

I began this painting 2 summers ago, but had to leave the park before it was finished after getting a call from one of my kids. I held onto the painting for 2 years and finally went back to the same spot this past June and completed this painting. I am dedicating this painting to fellow artist Barbara Muratore who stood painting next to me the first time I was there, but who has since then passed away.


size 12"x18", framed size is 18"x24"
Paintings come matted and framed under glass, ready for hanging.

Sparkling Trees in Scottsville

This simple scene in Scottsville captured my attention right away as I was looking for a place to set up. It was pretty warm and windy though. My easel has a habit of loosening up over time, making my drawing board bounce around in the wind. Very frustrating! As the morning progressed the backlighting on the trees became just beautiful.



size 12"x18", framed size is 18"x24"
Paintings come matted and framed under glass, ready for hanging.

Lewiston Art Festival

I had a great time at the Lewiston Art Festival last weekend. Sold some original paintings and met some terrific people, including some fellow pastel painters. The show was very high quality and the crowds just kept on coming despite the weather. The weather was definitely a problem however, as it rained just about all day Sunday. I had neglected to waterproof the roof of my tent, so that caused some problems, but I did bring along a couple of drop cloths just in case, so the damage was minimal. This show has been around for 42 years and the organizers did a terrific job. I plan on doing it again next year.

Welcome Home

After not being able to get out to paint for any real length of time since the weather has been so rainy, I finally set up in my front yard, knowing I could pack up fast in case the rain started again. I have wanted to do a portrait of the flowers and the porch for some time, and finally had the chance. This was a lot of fun to do, as the neighbor's kids, mailman and passersby all stopped to talk while I worked.


size 12"x18", framed size is 18"x24"
Paintings come matted and framed under glass, ready for hanging.

Summer Sky over Parma

This has been one of the rainiest summers I can remember. This morning the sun finally came out and burned off the clouds which were soft and hazy, making for a beautiful sky.

Great Lakes Jetty

Done on a beautiful morning between rain storms up on Lake Ontario at the home of a friend and fellow painter. I have also posted a photo of the actual site for comparison. My painting is an interpretation of the location, not an exact copy, of course. I enjoy painting the lake probably more than any other place I have ever been to. SOLD

Genesee Country Village and Museum's Octagon House

This house is located at the Genesee Country Village and Museum in Mumford, where the Genesee Valley Plein Air Painters had a show called "Under Open Skies" during the summer of 2008. This house is one of my favorites and although I struggled a bit with the painting, it really came out pretty well.

size 9"x12", framed size 15"x18"
Paintings come matted and framed under glass, ready for hanging.

Crabtrees in Full Bloom

Those beautiful flowering crabs are in bloom for such a short time around here. I always thought it would be great if trees stayed this color all year long instead of going totally green after awhile. I had to capture them before they were gone for another year.

size 12"x18", framed size is 18"x24"
Paintings come matted and framed under glass, ready for hanging.

Sunny Bank Across the Pond

The sun shining on the distant bank really caught my eye here. It practically glowed. This was done on a day while I was out in Henrietta. All of the other places I wanted to paint had "no trespassing" signs on them. This was done in their little town park. Trespassing is definitely allowed there. Currently on display in the GVPAP winter show at Barnes and Noble in Pittsford Plaza.

size 6"x9", framed size is 11"x14"
Paintings come matted and framed under glass, ready for hanging.

"This Used To Be A Marina..."

I was out looking for a specific painting site I had discovered in the winter, but in the process, I found this spot at Black Creek at the intersection of Ballentyne and Scottsville Road instead. A woman who stopped to see what I was up to gave me a bit of information on what had been there before - a marina. Something about this little, salmon pink shack really intrigued me. I think it's the first time I've used some of the hot pink pastels I carry with me.

9"x12", framed size is 15"x18"
Paintings come matted and framed under glass, ready for hanging.

Irondequoit Creek Waiting for Spring in Ellison Park

The beautiful blue shadows on the sandy bank on the opposite side of Irondequoit Creek from where I stood in Ellison Park caught my eye immediately. Lately the intricate things that I see when I look into water have fascinated me. There is so much going on on the surface, under the surface, the reflections of the sky, the surrounding vegetation, shadows... There's so much to see. Winner of a Merit Award in the Rochester Art Club's Fall 2008 Show.

12"x18", framed size is 18"x24"
Paintings come matted and framed under glass, ready for hanging.

Spring Green

Linnear Park in Penfield is a favorite spot of mine. The spring greens that are so beautiful were just beginning to really show and after a heavy rain a day or two before, the stream was really full and moving quickly. Winner of "Best of Show" award in Suburban Rochester Art Group's Fall Show. SOLD

Just Before Opening Day on the Trout Stream

Trout season had just opened and the fishermen were out all over the place. I did a terrible little sketch early in the day and drove to a new location in Powder Mill Park to try my luck again. The shadows in the creek really grabbed my attention and I set to work. It is done over a recycled painting and is a lot larger than what I've been using lately, as it is 12x18".


12"x18", framed size is 18"x24"
Paintings come matted and framed under glass, ready for hanging.

Lehigh Railroad Trail

This trail used to be the Lehigh Railroad bed. On the day I was there, the snow was melting and the air was full of atmosphere as a late winter storm was approaching. The colors were very soft and muted. Currently on display in the GVPAP winter show at Barnes and Noble in Pittsford PLaza.


6"x9", framed size apprx. 11"x14"
Paintings come matted and framed under glass, ready for hanging.

Hojack Railroad Underpass in Charlotte

I was looking for a spot to paint in Charlotte and this view really caught my eye. It is where the old Hojack Line passes under Lake Ave., then takes a turn toward Rochester. Years ago, the line traveled straight, to where I sat and then over the Swing Bridge, which still stands in the Genesee River. The Hojack Line used to travel all along the southern shore of Lake Ontario at one time.

9"x12", framed size is 15"x18"
Paintings come matted and framed under glass, ready for hanging.

CSX Railroad Trains in First Snow

It was bitterly cold on this Saturday in December, but this view was spectacular and the composition was perfect. The wind made it impossible to do outside, so I sat in my car to paint. It is one of my favorite paintings.


12"x18", framed size is 18"x24"
Paintings come matted and framed under glass, and are ready for hanging.

Stream Shadows in Linnear Park, Penfield

The stream that runs through Linnear Park in Penfield is beautiful at any time of the year, but on this afternoon it was especially nice since the weather was unexpectedly warm for late October. The shadows in the water were a beautiful blue.

6"x9", framed size is 11"x14"
Paintings come matted and framed under glass, ready for hanging.

White Pine in September Light

This double tree stands in my backyard. The light hitting it late one September afternoon was beautiful and I had to paint it.

6"x19", framed size is 11"x14"
Paintings come matted and framed under glass, ready for hanging.

Neglect

I have been very neglectful about putting new posts here lately. (And I have a bunch of new paintings that I'd like to display, too.) Between cameras being dropped by my kids and the computer crashing a while ago, it's been tough to get the images photographed and uploaded. I will be working on that later this week.

Lately, I have been recycling a lot of my less successful paintings. That just means that if I didn't care for the way a painting came out, I brush off as much of the old painting image as I can and work over the old painting with a new one. I really enjoy painting over the old image or ghost of the old painting. First, it gives me a colored background to begin with instead of a blank page. I really hate starting with a white sheet of paper. It also appeals to my sense of frugality, I guess.

So keep an eye here as I get more paintings up on the blog!

ArtistRow at the Public Market

What a wonderful day to be at the Market! The weather was fantastic, the art was great and the people there were friendly and full of questions - my kind of crowd! It was a lot of fun and I truly enjoyed meeting everyone who stopped by my booth. I love to talk about my pastels and this was a terrific opportunity for me to ramble endlessly. Hope I didn't bore anyone too much. I will definitely be doing this again next year, and maybe later this year as the holiday season approaches. My thanks to everyone who made it such a memorable experience!

Forgotten Tugboat - The Seneca Maid in Drydock

I'd been to this marina on the Genesee earlier in the summer and immediately spotted this incredible old tugboat sitting up on jacks. It was extremely hot that day though, and since I knew I'd have to be standing in full sun to really capture it, decided to try it another time. Thankfully, we came back to this spot again yesterday and I was able to paint the scene just the way I'd envisioned it.

6"x9", framed size is 11"x14"
Paintings come matted and framed under glass, ready for hanging.

Zinnias and Sunflowers near Hurd's Orchard, Orleans County

Across the street from the store at Hurd Orchards in Orleans County, I spotted this old house with rows and rows of brightly colored zinnias planted in front of it.

6"x9", framed size is 11"x14"
Paintings come matted and framed under glass, ready for hanging.

The Genesee Valley Vista

While at the Genesee Country Village the other day, I had the opportunity to paint a scene that I hadn't been able to paint well a year ago. I had some bad paper which wouldn't hold the pastel. I'd hoped I'd have another chance to come back and paint it someday and now I finally did it. The view looks toward the east over the Genesee Valley and is quite beautiful. On display at Genesee Country Village in Mumford now through October 28.

6"x9", framed size is 11"x14"
Paintings come matted and framed under glass, ready for hanging.

Sunlit Path in Fishers NY

I went to a little park in Fishers this morning. This backlit path was the first place I spotted, but whenever I'm out, I always think there must be something better to paint a little further down the road, so I keep looking. I could sure save myself a lot of time if I just went with the first reaction to a place I get, instead of always looking for something better.

6"x9", framed size is 11"x14"
Paintings come matted and framed under glass, ready for hanging. SOLD

Fairport Music and Food Festival

The village of Fairport is very picturesque with lovely scenery all over the place. I set up on the south side of the canal where I could hear the music from the festival and enjoy the boats that lined the canal.

size 6"x9", framed size 11"x14"
Paintings come matted and framed under glass, ready for hanging.

Thunderhead

I finished the painting below and decided to see if another painting could be done before the light was gone. As I looked around I was struck by the beauty of this cloud formation and quickly put pastel to paper.

size 6" x 9" unframed

Dusk is Coming, Churchville Farm

This complex of farm buildings had caught Chris's eye many times and the light was great as the sun was going down the evening we were there. On display at H & R Block in the Country Village Plaza in Greece.

6"x9", framed size is 11"x14"
Paintings come matted and framed under glass, ready for hanging.

Quietly Docked at Pultneyville, NY

Genesee Valley Plein Air Painters had our annual meeting this August at the Mariner's Club in Pultneyville. This was done in a quiet part of the inlet, away from Lake Ontario.



6"x9", framed size is 11"x14"
Paintings come matted and framed under glass, ready for hanging.

Old Mission Lighthouse, Michigan

This little lighthouse sits on the northern tip of Old Mission Point near Traverse City and was done during the Marc Hanson workshop in June.

size 9" x 12"
Not for sale

Michigan Meadow

This painting was done during the workshop I did in Michigan. I was trying to incorporate the new info from the workshop with my old knowledge and putting it together to make it work.

9" x 12"
Not for sale

Tall and Proud - Sailboats in Olcott

I really liked the look of this sailboat as it sat slightly askew on the wooden support holding it upright. The other boats in the yard looked as if their attention was fixed on this one boat, giving it an air of importance. Winner of First Place for pastels in Suburban Rochester Art Group's Fall 2008 Show.


painting size 6" x 9", framed 13"x16"
Paintings come matted and framed under glass, ready for hanging.

A Place to Rest near Gilbert Mill

Done on a damp morning on the grounds of Gilbert Mill in Honeoye Falls. The lushness of this spot and the coolness of the morning made for a relaxing and enjoyable painting experience.

size 6" x 9", framed 13"x16"
http://www.wghandysidegallery.com/

Oriental Garden in Webster NY

This lovely garden in Webster is an amazing tribute to the gardens of the far east. Most gardens I go to are full of brightly colored flowers, but this was different. The landscape was full of texture and subtle colors, and the over-all effect was very calming. The homeowners were a wealth of information about the plants and trees in the garden and were rightfully proud of this beautiful place.
SOLD

Distant Farm, Rain is Coming - Greece NY

There was a rain storm coming and the atmosphere was very humid. I wanted to paint a distant view so that the haze would be evident. I found this spot and painted quickly to capture the mood.

size 6" x 9", framed size is 11"x14"
Paintings come matted and framed under glass, ready for hanging.

Queen Anne's Lace

This is of a place in my backyard where the shadows are cool and deep. A couple of years ago, my son and his friend had dug a huge hole there which was to become a "shack" - until they hit water! They abandoned their plan and soon the weeds took over.




Size 6" x 9"
Not for sale

Tug Boat "C. L. Churchill"

I found this great tug boat moored on the Genesee River at Cornhill Landing and had to paint it. The colors in the shadow side of the boat were full of subtle colors.






Size 6" x 9", framed size is 11"x14"
Paintings come matted and framed under glass, ready for hanging.

Chris' Garden

Painted in the lovely summer garden of Christopher and Suzanne O'Handley.










Size 6"x9", framed size 11"x14"
Paintings come matted and framed under glass, ready for hanging.

Green Shed

Done from the marina at the end of Petten St. in Charlotte. I noticed this little lime green shed flanked by boats on the east side of the Genesee River. It made for a perfect composition.

size 6"X9", framed size is 11"x14"
Paintings come matted and framed under glass, ready for hanging.

Blue Haze

All of my friends from high school turned 50 this year and to celebrate, we threw ourselves a birthday party at Durand Eastman Park. While my friends walked to the beach, I stayed behind and painted this view of the distant haze off through the trees.

Size 6"x9", size 12"x18", framed size is 11"x14"
Paintings come matted and framed under glass, ready for hanging.

Salmon Creek Evening

Painted on Salmon Creek in a Hilton town park. The trees were back-lit, making them glow yellow and chartreuse. Done around dusk, the light changed rapidly making it tough to not "chase the light".

size 9"x12", framed size is 15"x18"
Paintings come matted and framed under glass, ready for hanging.

Erie Canal in Fairport

This was the first time I'd ever painted in Fairport. It's beautiful village full of very quaint scenes, but the haziness of the sky and canal really caught my eye. There are so many great places to paint there that I plan on going back very soon. SOLD

Peggy's Garden - Cottage District, Buffalo NY

This was done in the Cottage District in Buffalo where GVPAP was having a joint paint-out with the Niagara Frontier Plein Air Painters. As I was walking down the street, looking for a spot to paint that caught my eye, a lady walked up to me and asked me if I was an artist and would I like to see her garden. I did, and followed her past several other tidy cottages and gardens until we came to hers. It was a lovely spot tucked behind 3 other houses and I never would have found it on my own. I am grateful that I was the artist she encountered. These are the kinds of wonderful experiences that I have when painting that keep me coming back for more.

size 6" x 9"
SOLD

Calm Before the Storm near Braddocks Bay

We were supposed to go to a paint-out which was some distance away, but the weather was dubious and we decided to stay closer to home. It was over-cast all morning and we finished up just in time to hear thunder off in the distance. Shortly after we left, it poured.

size 9"x12", framed size is 15"x18"
Paintings come matted and framed under glass, ready for hanging.

Fishing at Dusk on Buck Pond

There is a little fishing access on Buck Pond and I went there around 7:30 at night to catch the sunset. It turned out to be an extremely busy spot. The people who were there to fish stopped to look at what I was doing and to ask about it. Even a motorcyclist passing by stopped to talk. I always enjoy talking about painting though, so I didn't mind the company.

Size 9"x12", framed size is 15"x18"
Paintings come matted and framed under glass, ready for hanging.

Tow Boat

Up at Braddocks Bay again, my attention was caught by this bright red little boat. This is something I never would have even thought to attempt before the workshop - it's complicated and has a lot of detail. But it really appealed to me and I set to work. I am very happy with the way it came out.


size 9"x12", framed size is 15"x18"
Paintings come matted and framed under glass, ready for hanging.

Summerville Beach

I have been trying to draw or paint daily since the workshop, and this is one of the first I did since I came back. This beach on Lake Ontario was largely deserted the morning I was there, but the light and view was very appealing.

Size 9"x12"

Marc R. Hanson Workshop

I have admired the work of Minnesota artist, Marc Hanson, since my friend Chris suggested I take a look at his work a couple of years ago. When Chris told me that Marc would be doing a workshop in Michigan and that he was planning on attending, I balked at having to go such a distance from home. But Chris pointed out that this is about half-way between Rochester and Marc's home in Minnesota, and we probably wouldn't be able to see Marc any closer to Rochester for a long time. So, I signed up for the workshop and off to Michigan Chris and I went.

The whole experience was very eye-opening. Every day was a chance to completely immerse myself in art, to create art, talk to other artists who understood what was talking about and to see the world in a completely different way. I don't think I've experienced so much artistic growth in such a short time, in my life.

Marc gave me a better sense of design, composition, value... Things I never learned in the years that I've spent painting or in school.

Back in Rochester now, the transition to home-life has been very tough. I want to go out to paint all day like I did in Michigan, but responsibilities keep me home. I don't think I'd realized how much I am constantly pulled in different directions by my family's needs. I have vowed to paint everyday and am making a point to be more disciplined about getting up and out early every day. This has been easy since the kids are on summer vacation and don't really get moving until around noon. So far, so good. Now I need to work on my attitude so that I don't feel like a caged animal all of the time.

I see the world differently, now. I see potential paintings everywhere I go. I am taking my camera with me to capture the things I see since I can't paint them all. I have never been able to use photos as reference material, so I kind of think of them as notes to help me capture a mood or a sense of place that intrigues me, not necessarily something I would paint from.

I will be posting the paintings that I have done since the workshop in the very near future, so we'll see if anyone else can tell the difference before and after. I hope I will get some good input.

Ontario Beach Park Sunset

I usually try to get out and paint in the morning, but this GVPAP paintout was in the early evening. This created a challenge due to the setting sun causing the light and color patterns to change rapidly. The haze along the shoreline was beautiful though, and the colors around dusk are spectacular. I hope to do more evening paintings in the future. This painting won a Merit Award in Rochester Art Club's Fall 2007 Show at Barnes and Noble.

Size 12" x 18"

Summer House and Privy

Done at a Genesee Valley Plein Air Painters paint-out at my farm in Point Breeze. It was a amazing to see the variety of paintings which all of these different artists created of a place that is so familiar to me. On display at Genesee Country Village in Mumford, now through Oct. 28.

Size 9" x 12"

Irondequoit Creek in Spring

This is the same view of Irondequoit Creek as a few paintings below. This is a great location and I could go there in any season since it's such a beautiful spot.

size 12" x 18"

March Path

Black Creek Park in Chili tends to be very manicured, which I find unappealing. However, that forces me to look harder to find the right view to paint. I think it makes me a better artist since it forces me to use more creativity. On display at the Genesee Country Village in Mumford, now through Oct. 28.

size 9" x 12"

Ice Fishing on Braddocks Bay

It was a warm day in March. I tend to be very cautious when I go out to paint, but the temptation to go out on the ice to capture this scene was too hard to resist. The whole time I was out there, I could hear the ice melting under my feet. Very weird. Winner of Honorable Mention in Suburban Rochester Art Group Fall 2008 Show.

size 9" x 12"

Irondequoit Creek in Early Winter

The view here was beautiful, and the sky with the violet and peach colored clouds, gave the whole scene a softness that was great fun to capture. I even got that dreaded marsh grass right this time! Honorable Mention in pastels for the Suburban Rochester Art Group's Fall Show 2007.

size 12" x 18"
This painting is framed and matted, overall size 18" x 24"

Snow-Covered Country Road

Done in January 2007 at Jensen's Horse farm in Perinton. The snow covered road and the soft colors in the snow really caught my eye.

size 12" x 18"
This painting is framed and matted, overall size 18" x 24"

Orchard Road

Done in Pultneyville, NY on a sunny, cool day in September 2006. The wind off Lake Ontario was strong and cold near the marina and more than I wanted to deal with, so I headed out to find more interesting subject matter. I found this beautiful road going through an apple orchard and was struck by the shadows and the hills rising in the distance. I stood on the side of the road to paint it.

size 12" x 18"
This painting is framed and matted, overall size 18" x 24"
http://www.wghandysidegallery.com/

Summer Sailing - Olcott

This painting was done at the family cottage of a friend of mine. She described it as a "piece of heaven" and it was obvious that it is a very special place to her. The color of the water near Olcott was such a beautiful green compared to the colors of Lake Ontario near Rochester which have a lot of violet and brown in it. It has an almost tropical feel. On display at Fairport Village Coffee June 3 - mid July.

size 12" x 18"

Reflections of October

Durand Eastman Park is spectacular in the fall. The ponds are dark and mysterious, but the foliage is amazing. I would gladly go there over and over again in the fall and always find something interesting to paint. SOLD

size 9" x 12"
This painting is framed and matted, overall size 15" x 18"

Patti's House

A summer painting done at Braddocks Heights. While packing up to go home, a woman stopped by to look at our paintings. As it turned out, she owned the house in the painting and introduced herself to us as Patti. She had just bought the house.

size 12" x 18"
This painting is framed and matted, overall size 18" x 24" SOLD

Brockport Yacht Club

Three of us stood on a small dock along with 2 fishermen and their friends who came and went throughout the morning as I completed this painting. I have driven past the Brockport Yacht Club many times and have always been struck by how picturesque it is. It was a real treat to finally be able to capture it on paper. First Place in Pastels in the Suburban Rochester Art Group Fall Show 2007.

size 12" x 18"
This painting is framed and matted, overall size 18" x 24" SOLD

Goldenrod Farm

To be honest, I don't know where I was when I painted this - on top of a hill somewhere in Wyoming County. It was a great panoramic view. I'd never done a barn before; I'm not particularly fond of them, but this one needed to be painted. It came out really well. SOLD

September Stream

This was painted near the fishing access at Linnear Park in Penfield, in September 2006. The trees were just beginning to show some color. I really had fun capturing the water as it traveled over the rocks.
SOLD

Keuka Lake Morning

I was doing a show in the Finger Lakes this past July, but had no paintings specifically of any of the Finger Lakes. After being asked repeatedly if I did, I decided I needed to create one. I got there early the next morning, went to Champlin Park on the southern end of Keuka Lake and painted this. To me, the mood of the painting is very somber and it reflects my feelings at the time.

size 9" x 12"

Ice Forming on the Pond

My friend and I walked quite a distance to find this spot overlooking Buck Pond. I really liked the ominous sky and the colors in the November landscape.

size 9" x 12"

November Stand of Oaks

Marsh grass is the most difficult thing I can think of to paint. This time it came out well, however. After working on it in the field, I brought it home and punched up the colors. Over all, I like the way it turned out.

size 9" x 12"

Halloween

Painted along one of the lakes in Durand Eastman Park on Halloween 2005. It was overcast, but warm for late October and the colors in the trees were spectacular. Can be seen at Fairport Village Coffee June 3 through mid July.

size 9" x 12"
This painting is framed and matted, overall size 15" x 18"

Haybales

Chris found this awesome field full of haybales near Churchville. SOLD

Pittsford Meadow

Behind Schoen Place, there's a beautiful meadow - part of an unworked farm. We were told that at one time they raised miniature horses there.

Braddock Breezes

Had to paint this from a photograph I took in April. The wind was blowing like crazy and extremely cold. It was the only way I could do it.

Late Summer Field

The colors in the weeds really caught my eye, as did the distant trees.

Early Autumn - Mendon Ponds

This was done on a cold and damp morning in Mendon Ponds. The fall colors were just beginning to show. SOLD

Genesee Valley Park Bridge

The colors were spectacular and the water was perfectly calm. The bridges in the park are a terrific subject. SOLD

Jody's Place

While painting this, the neighbor came over and tearfully asked if she could buy it. She explained that the view was loved by her friend who had passed away the day before. I was very honored that she wanted it. SOLD

Morning Meadow - Corbett's Glen

The morning was extremely hot and sticky and the bugs were out in droves. I decided to just work from photos for this one.

Golden Morning

There was a beautiful yellow glow in the sky on this morning - something I never really noticed before, so it made this painting special for me. Even the marsh grass (which is usually artistic suicide for me) came out well. Done at Burger Park on Salmon Creek. This has become one of my favorite paintings.

Irondequoit Bay Morning

Done on a hazy, hot summer morning while standing on the right of way on Empire Blvd. The traffic flying past was a bit unnerving, but the scene itself was calm and pleasant. This painting will be given to the attorney who donated his time and energy to help the Genesee Valley Plein Air Painters to incorporate. SOLD

Flowering Crabs

My friend and I spotted a group of flowering crabapple trees along the road and decided to stop to paint. Unfortunately, I forgot to bring a board to paint on and had to borrow something from him to work on. (I hate when I forget stuff.) We didn't have much time, as we had gotten a late start. As it turned out, this wasn't the clump of trees we were originally going to paint which were in full bloom. They were further up the road. Never the less, it came together nicely.
SOLD

Conesus Sparkle

The water was clear and sparkling at Conesus Lake on this spring morning. A few years ago, we'd had the opportunity to stay at a cottage on Conesus Lake and being here now brought back a lot of nice memories. SOLD

Still Waters at Salmon Creek

Done on the longest day of the year - the first day of summer, June 21, 2006. We were hoping for summer haze, but instead got a beautiful clear morning.

Finger Lakes Iris Garden

This was done at Borglum's Iris Gardens, located at the highest point right between two of the Finger Lakes, near the village of Hall. In the spring it over-flows with iris, peonies and daylilies of every shape and color. It is an amazing sight to see. This is what heaven must be like: acres of beautiful flowers everywhere. Sadly, the day we were there, a thunderstorm cut our painting session short when a huge crack of thunder exploded over our heads and the rain sent us scurrying for cover.

Clear Day at Braddocks Bay

The day was beautiful and clear. The dandelions were in full bloom and the grass was that rich, luscious green that you only see in the spring. There were several nice views to consider, but this one is always my favorite. The Braddocks Bay area never gets old for me.

Gifts

On rare occasions, I will paint a still life - usually only if there is just no way I for me to get out to paint. Oddly enough, it take me longer to paint a still life than a landscape. With a still life, I tend to see every tiny detail and try to put them all in. With a landscape, it's easy for me to simplify everything. A friend suggested painting the eggs which are so simple, yet so complicated and the rose was just something beautiful.

A Walk in the Meadow - Beatty Point

Beatty Point, a few miles from my house, is one of my favorite places to paint. It feels very remote although it's right off the Parkway and Long Pond Road. I always seem to find something to paint there, no matter what time of year it is. The paintings don't always come out well, but I always enjoy being there. This painting was done in early spring and the combination of winter grass colors and spring leaves just coming out made for an interesting composition.

Green Glow at Black Creek

April 2006 - I wasn't having a good day, so I took off to paint. After driving around for a while, I found this beautiful spot in Black Creek Park. This was done as the sun was setting and the light was shining through the trees and through the new grass that grew along the edge of the creek.

Spring Melt on Irondequoit Bay

Done on a late winter day in 2006. The wind was blowing and cold, but the sun was out. The color in the tree buds was just starting to show and the ice had begun to melt.

Spring Rains and Distant Hills

While in North Greece, at the top of Frisbee Hill, I started this painting. It was over-cast, and sure enough, after a while it began to sprinkle. We had to call it a day because, although I can work outside in wind, snow, cold or heat, I can't work in the rain. Each raindrop looks like a small explosion in the pastel dust. I did have the start of a good painting though. With a bit of touching up of the splatters made by the rain, it worked out to be a very nice painting.SOLD

Spring at Lake Ontario

The other day, while painting along Lake Ontario, I had the unfortunate experience of having my whole painting, board and easel fall into the lake. I fished it out and, after watching it dry in the sun, decided the image still looked pretty good. I continued to work on it and felt that the fall in the lake actually did it some good since it had washed away some of the over-worked areas. I was pleased with the results and set it upright in the sand to go and look at my friend's painting. I turned to go back to my painting and discovered that the wind had blown it facedown into the sand! Even so, it still looked pretty good, but I decided I'd better quit while I was ahead and packed it up to go home. It turned out to be a great painting.

Snow at Allens Creek

This is it! The first painting I've done of snow, in snow! It was a beautiful sunny morning and the wind was cold. I stood with my back to a hillside to keep out of the chill even though it was about 30 degrees. The shadows in the snow were a joy to paint as they were all purple and blue. I really enjoyed painting this scene and tried to evoke the warm, happy feeling of painting the snow as it melted in the sunshine. This was done in February 2006 at Corbett's Glen.

Summerville Beach in Winter

Once again, painting in January with no snow. This time the subject was the Lake Ontario shore line from Summerville in Irondequoit. Several of us braved the frigid wind that day and went to the Irondequoit Bay Outlet where there is a great marine park and fishing access. The sun was low in the sky, with a soft haze. This view, with it's long purple shadows, seemed to cry out to be painted.

January Sky

This has been a remark-able winter here in Rochester. There has been very little snow and it's been relatively warm. I've been looking forward to painting snow, since I haven't had the chance yet. But the colors and sublties of the winter landscape without snow have been a wonderful change from all of the green of the past summer.

On this day in January 2006, we were at Springdale Farm in Spencerport. I found a beautiful panoramic view of the farm across the street and stood on the side of the road to paint it. No snow, but the colors in the clouds, the intensely blue sky and the soft colors of the land and distant tree-lines were enough to keep me very happy.

After the Early Harvest

I am lucky enough to have met other people who have some great ideas of places to paint. On this day, we were a farm in Spencerport and the first harvest - peas, had been cleared away. I liked the curve of the field around the big, old tree and the distant tree line at the far edge of the field with it's deep shadows. The soil was freshly tilled and a warm color.

Braddocks Bay Marsh

Back to Braddocks Bay again. This time close to the Marina. The summer gave all kinds of opportunities to get out and see what could be found. I believe this was done in July of 2005.

Calm Waters - Braddocks Heights

I have a great fondness for the Braddocks Bay area. As a child, my mother and her family used to rent a cottage there. My grandma played the piano at a dance hall nearby and of course, there were stories about the trolley that used to go across the mouth of the bay. When I was a teen, my friends and I used to have parties and picnics there. On this day, there was almost no breeze and the sun was warm - a great day to paint.

Not for sale

The Sun Broke Through the Clouds

It was an overcast day at Warner Castle in Highland Park. I had just about finished the painting when the sun broke through the clouds and back-lit the entire scene, filling it with beautiful glowing greens. At first I was dismayed at how everything had changed so dramatically, but then saw how beautiful it was and decided to just go with what I saw.

Warm Summer Breezes

Done in July 2005 while I waited for my kids to have their music lessons. It all came together in 40 minutes and has been an award winner in several shows. Sometimes it feels like someone else is guiding my hand when something comes together so easily.

Snow Clouds Over Brush Creek

It was winter and 10 degrees outside, but I needed to get out and paint. I threw my gear into the car and headed west. I found this beautiful scene in Hamlin, parked my car on the bridge and began to paint. I was so engrossed in the work that I never heard or saw the D.E.C. guy when he stopped to check on me and to make sure I was OK until he had pulled up right beside me and honked his horn. I was in "the zone" - (a term used by painters to describe complete concentration on their painting).

Rhodies Take the Stage

Done in June 2005 at the Rhododendron area of Highland Park. The sky was so clear and such an intense shade of blue, that it cast a blueish tint over everything. It was also very hot. I was in full sun and came home sunburned in all the areas I missed with the sunscreen. The vantage point I was at was on the side of a hill, so I kept sliding out of my chair. I was also severely dehydrated because I'd forgetten to bring my water bottle. When I saw how beautiful the finished painting was though, I decided it was worth all of the difficulties of the process.

This painting was purchased by the wife of a dear friend. SOLD

Backyard Sentinals

Usually I paint Monday through Friday, but when a warm and beautiful Saturday in November came up, I grabbed my gear and headed for the backyard. I'm glad I did. It was a perfect day to paint.

Autumn Path

Done in late September 2005 on the side of the road in someplace in Spencerport. I don't know exactly where we were, but the distant tree-line and the haze was too nice to resist painting.

Glorious October

This smaller painting (9"x12") was done at Beatty Point, off Long Pond Road in Greece. Beatty Point is situated on Buck Pond. The morning was very cool and windy, but the colors were spectacular.

painting size 9"x12", matte and framed size 15"x18"
http://www.wghandysidegallery.com/

High Falls Haze

"High Falls Haze" was created in early September 2005, the first full day of school for my kids. And although I was missing them, it was a beautiful day to experience not having the worry of what they were up to while I was out painting. This is the first city scene I'd ever done.SOLD

En Plein Air

En Plein Air comes from French meaning "in the open air". I am a plein air painter. I work on location, outdoors, in any kind of weather. I love working in this manner. Somehow, all of the conditions around me come together and are translated onto paper. The whole sensory experience comes through. The weather can be hot, cold, sunny, rainy, snowy or windy, but it all comes together on paper and becomes art.

Sometimes the distractions can be tough. Working out in public can make concentration difficult , but most of the time I enjoy hearing the comments. I like talking to anyone interested enough to stop and chat, especially kids. I enjoy answering their questions. They seem so interested by the whole process and I think they are fascinated watching someone creating art right before their eyes.

My medium is pastel. The colors and tactile experience with pastels is exciting to me. I can achieve so much with them. Pastel is a happy way to combine of my love of drawing with my desire to work quickly with color. I am able to use them to capture the whole experience of the scene I'm painting.

I'm a lifelong resident of Rochester, New York and I have a real love of the area and it's scenery. My family history is closely tied here, too. I have heard many stories over the years about the places I now choose to paint. I'd like to believe that fondness comes through, as I recall the stories I've heard from my parents when I'm painting.

I believe I am the luckiest person in the world. I am able to go out and to create in an area I love, using the tools I enjoy. What can be better that that? Thanks, Dave!