Closing Up the summer

This, the first day of fall
signals the closing of summer: vacation house, bathing suits, convertibles, and playthings.
It opens up autumn: a tranquil beach, crispy days, dry sun, and the approaching rainbow of leaves.
A sad good-bye
A happy welcome.

Pastel, 2007, SOLD

Labor Day rest

Hang loose.
Take a rest.
Do nothing.
Stare at the sky.
Swing in the breeze.
Enjoy Labor Day.
Meditate.
You deserve it.

[An older painting that fits the day.] 
Pastel 5 x 7, 2007. SOLD

Summer pit stop

Hot day.
Cool spot.
Sun streaks the shade
and pops the color.
Ice cream chills the body 
but also cheers the soul.
DownRiver.

Pastel, 10 x 8, $150.

Morning Glory

Glories of the morning.

Watercolor, 8x10, $140.

Gunther Schuller composer

Pulitzer Prize winning composer, jazz musician, teacher, and author Gunther Schuller died this June 21, 2015, to Beethoven's Ode to Joy that played by his deathbed. He combined classical and jazz in his compositions and performances and coined the term “Third Stream” for music that incorporated elements of both.

I had the pleasure of meeting him and doing this portrait for a project a number of years ago. Besides being a multi-talented person, he was a wonderfully pleasant and respectful gentleman. 

His music will play on...

Charcoal, 11.5" x 18," $250.

Babies take a bow

That time of year again.
Recitals.
When babies take a bow.
A showcase of little ones in tutus and tiaras.
One goes one way, one goes another... Some collide. 
Petals fly.
Nothing in sync but their levels of adorable.

Pastel "Simone's Bow" 24" x 18" 
SOLD Commission [Texas]

Honor

Little painting - BIG meaning.
On the sands of our beach:
2 military men stand at attention.
A band plays.
A cannon fires.
A wreath is put out to sea.
Honor for men and women who lost their lives serving our country. 
A poignant moment.
A Memorial Day.

[West Beach, Beverly Farms, MA]

Pastel, 5x7, $75.

STOP and smell the roses

6 years ago I did this painting of a local greenhouse.

6 years later it is gone. 

Once overflowing with flowers of every color and hue, and size, and perfume;

now it is a rubble of wood, dirt, and death.

On this day I am forced to face the fragility of beauty, the passing of time, and heed the reminder that we must always "stop and smell the roses". 

Watercolor, 8x10, $150.

Cranberry Bog view

Cranberry Bog [strip]
Pastel, 30 x 10 fine art print
[SOLD- NJ]

The beach is back

The snow and ice have melted to sea. 
A pastel of peach warms the sand; the water; the sky. 
Not a sound is heard- but for a seagull above. 
Our beach is back.

West Beach, Beverly Farms, MA

Watercolor, 30 x 11, 1994