Studies
Working on small paintings is like exercising; it is a way for me to practice seeing, mixing color, and making aesthetic decisions on a daily basis. Sometimes it’s hard to get out there and make the effort, but I am always glad I did. It takes discipline and the results are cumulative. Not all studies are saved. They are not precious objects. Many have been scraped off or painted over. Every now and then I'll do one that I think is worth using for my next large painting. It can be a challenge to keep the same spirit as the painting increases in size.
Some recent exhibitions have consisted of unframed groupings of these studies. The whole becomes greater than the sum of its parts. These groupings are like installation projects. They give the viewer a chance to see a lot of images at one time. I've recently been commissioned to do projects like this for Air Products in Allentown, PA , the Del Monte Corporation here in Pittsburgh and Westminster College Student Union. I’ve included a page about that project, which consist of 104 small paintings. It is called “10 Square Miles”.
Autumn Burst
8 x 10
Cornpicker Study
9 x 12
Autumn Sky Study
11 x 14
Autumn Treasure
8 x 10
Blair Hills
6 x 8
Chicken Light
9 x 12
Chicken Strut
9 x 12
End of Day
9 x 12
February Cold
6 x 8
Hillside
6 x 8
Mist
9 x 12
Paul’s Tree Stand
8 x 10
Pine Creek Light
9 x 12
Rock Reflection
8 x 10
Solitary Chicken
9 x 12
St. Michaels
9 x 12
Sun Bank
6 x 8
Stock Road Study
8 x 10