My Infrequently Updated Blog
I'll post something when I'm damn good and ready!Introducing My New Website
Six years ago, my wife and I created a website to showcase our personal portfolios — her photography and my paintings. But in subsequent years, the purpose of that website, Paper Bird Studio & Design, began to shift…
Lucas, Little Bed Head
Nothing could have prepared me for the overwhelming love I feel for my son. Fatherhood is such a wonderful, profound and often strange journey. I’m so proud of this particular delightful creature of a boy!
Two New Portraits, Robin & Kayla
I’m finally calling these portraits of my lovely stepdaughters, Robin and Kayla, complete. When you know a person’s face especially well, you see it in an infinite number of ways rather than a collection of fixed attributes…
New Figurative Painting
This painting of my stepfather was started last Winter as a simple monochromatic figurative study in casein. It was cast aside for other projects until recently being resurrected and developed further with soft pastel…
Seeing Artworks in Person
This day and age any person can see an endless world of art online. Google some artist’s name or subject matter, browse through museum databases. Why even bother going to a museum when one need not leave the comfort of their home…
The Emotional Perils of Making Art
Each time I start a new painting, I feel a particular excitement. I feel inspired, even confident. I see limitless possibilities. From setting a blank art panel up on the easel, to blocking in the initial drawing, I often feel an exhilaration…
Portrait of Lucky the Dog
Our dear friends Carey and Lisa commissioned me to paint a portrait of their boxer, Lucky. The photo session was a lot of fun. Lucky is an extraordinary dog — handsome, out-sized personality and a lot of energy…
New Winter Landscape
Here’s my newest painting, just off the easel. I’m partial to the elusive beauty of snow. I find new undisturbed snowfall and it’s hushed sounds, invigorating. Everything seems softened, time appears to slow down and become more patient, homes become more cozy, hot chocolate warmer and sweeter…
Portrait of Yoshi the Cat
I’m a cat person. I don’t dislike dogs of course — It’s just always been my preference to have cats around. On the one hand, that’s simply because cats are easier to take care of. But if I’m honest, it’s because cats make me laugh. Such peculiar little beasts…
Another Still Life
I have another still life completed. It’s been my intention for some years to paint a series of still lifes of traditional subject matter — and I suppose a wooden bowl with winter squash is about as traditional as one can get…
Making Time To Make Paintings
These days I’m a stay-at-home dad, tending to the many needs of a delightful, precocious and energetic little boy of five months. Finding time to paint can be challenging. I’ve found that the most productive time I have to work at my easel is about an hour after I wake up…
Stoneware Still Life Completed
I’ve completed a new still life. Well, I’m pretty sure it’s completed. I’ve learned to live with paintings awhile, displaying them on an easel a week or so, in case I notice any issues or adjustments before adding my signature…