Tabasco

"Tabasco," oil on panel, 8x6, private collection

One my interest has been simple shapes and contours. In this still life from 15 years ago, you can see that influence. Another early interest was reflections and refractions. 

This was one of a series of small still life paintings, usually finished in a single session. Doing a small, quick work forced me to be precise, careful with placement of strokes, and judicious about color. 
 

Independence Day

"George Washington (after JCL)," oil on panel

Nearly 250 years ago, our forefathers signed the Declaration of Independence, forever breaking away from the British Empire. The foremost among our founders was doubtless George Washington, whose wisdom, judgement, stature, and contribution to the new nation can't be exaggerated. Without Washington, probably no United States. 

In these troubled times it is good to remember men of valor, conviction, political and social wisdom. 
 

Uncle Sam

Unlike many, my favorite concept of Uncle Sam isn't the famous one from a World War I recruiting poster ("I Want You," by James Montgomery Flagg, a renowned illustrator at the time. 

Instead, I prefer the squinty-eyed, determined Sam painted later on by J.C. Leyendecker,. That Sam, whose facial features owe a great deal to Flagg is more reassuring to me. Instead of looking us in the eye he's watching something in the distance--perhaps gathering war clouds?  

I made this 20x16 portrait of Uncle Sam from a Leyendecker July 4 magazine cover.dating to 1936 "Uncle Sam at the Helm," which shows him steering the ship of state. I was mostly interested in the face.