Location: United States
I began drawing at a very early age. My mother was an artist and I often sat with her while she worked on her projects. I learned so much from that experience that I decided to explore many aspects of creating "art".
I've had no formal training unless you want to consider three community college classes at disparate times and places in the timeline of my life. In spits and spurts I've "played" at being an artist through all of the real life drama that surrounded me as I grew older.
However, here I am, almost 68 years old, still pursuing my dream. I think my mother would be proud of me. I miss her insight, guidance, and encouragement.
Every time I begin to draw or paint or sculpt or create digital works, I think of all that I have learned, the passion that burns inside of me, and the beauty I see everywhere, despite the often present mask of ugliness that tries to hide it. I hope you will see the beauty, as well, in the artwork I create.
Charles "Buddy" Montgomery (1930 - 2009), the younger brother of Wes and Monk Montgomery, was a jazz musician renowned as a vibraphonist and pianist. He toured with his brothers and performed all over the world. After the death of Wes while they were on tour, Buddy continued to compose, arrange, perform, produce, teach and record, producing nine recordings as a leader. He became an activist and educator, keeping great jazz music and musicians in the forefront of the music scene.
Kurt Cobain (1967 - 1994) was a musician, songwriter and lead singer for the band "Nirvana". His tragic death at the age of 27 brought an end to both his suffering and his joy, his daughter, Frances Bean Cobain. Like most of us, Kurt had moments of great success and happiness, but his demons, the heroin adiction, the inability to handle to pressures brought on by the fame he achieved, eventually led him to take his own life. This portrait attempts to capture the essence of the that struggle between "light" and "dark" that Kurt lived with until the end.
This abstract was originally done as a contribution to a mental health awareness group. So many people suffer with bipolar disorder, depression, PTSD, etc., and often in this society, people are afraid to reach out to get help. Every one knows someone who could benefit from counseling or other treatment. People should not be ashamed or fearful of being shunned by their family and friends.Be aware; be a good listener; be a friend.
This is an experiment with gold against a black background. I enjoy the contrast and the randomness of the figure.
Again, an experiment with color. The "three" dancers are just a lucky happenstance. This has become one of my favorite pieces, and not just because I love the color purple :-)
This abstract was inspired by the childrens' books in the "Where's Waldo" series. I was listening to my granddaughter reading it and the piece practically made itself -- it just seemed to "happen". But since "Waldo" was already spoken for, I decided we needed to find "Henry"!
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (1918 - 2013) is part of the history of South Africa and the story of the struggle for freedom all over the world. He became President of his country after spending 27 years jailed in the apartheid system. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, as well as many other honors for a life spent seeking justice for the people of South Africa.
Maria Elena Bello (1967) is an American actress, writer and producer with many film and TV credits to her credit. She is an activist for womens' health and against domestic violence. She has several projects in Haiti and Darfur, as well as keeping up with her acting career.
Here's another playful moment working with rich colors on a purple background. It reminds me of leaves falling to the ground as the seasons change.
This was an experiment with a new patterned paper background. It leads to many imaginary interpretations. I really liked the effect achieved.
A simple line interpretation evoking the feeling of division from each other.
Desmond Mpilo Tutu (1931) is a retired Anglican bishop and South African social right activist. In 1984, he received the Nobel Peace Prize" in recognition of his efforts to heal the divide between the races in his country, and indeed, around the world.
Florence Leontine Mary Welch (1986) is the lead singer for the group "Florence and the Machine". Born in England, she has become well known as a singer, songwriter and musician. She has a very distinctive voice and manor of fashion.
Georgia O'Keeffe (1887–1986) was a major American artist whose style and influence are clearly seen in the art world today. She lived an independent life though married to Alfred Stieglitz in 1924. He tirelessly promoted her work and supported her career financially and by exhibiting her pieces in over 20 shows. She moved to New Mexico in 1949 and began a series of paintings which are well known and celebrated as some of her very best work. Unfortunately, ill health and blindness kept her from painting in the last period of her life. When she died at age 98, her ashes were scattered over the New Mexico landscape that she so loved.
I did a series of pieces using red against black backgrounds. This one is called "Red Scarf".
This is the second in the series of red against black backgrounds. It is called "Red Chapeau".
This is the third in the series of red on black backgrounds. It is called "Red Cape".
This is an early work as I was learning more about what could be achieved digitally. I love the rich autumnal colors and the way the figure moves your eyes as you observe the piece.
This digitally created work is called "In the Wind". It conjures up the imaginary "bird", "scarf", what ever your mind sees being whipped around by the wind.
The curving, playful lines and curves evoke a nest of rainbow colors. This is one of many such works in my portfolio.
“"Buddy"”
“"Kurt Dark and Light"”
“"Cry for Help"”
“"The Eye"”
“"Three"”
“"Looking for Henry"”
“"Mandela"”
“"Maria Bello"”
“"Floating"”
“"Abstract 134"”
“"Divided"”
“"Tutu"”
“"Florence"”
“"Georgia"”
“"Red Scarf"”
“"Red Chapeau"”
“"Red Cape"”
“"Autumn"”
“"In the Wind"”
“"Rainbow Nest"”
