Man with a Yellow Slicker Meets de Kooning's "Door to the River"

"Man with a Yellow Slicker Meets de Kooning's 'Door to the River' "

Oil on Wood

12"X12"

SOLD

Finally. I am delving into images collected during our December visit to New York. This one is from the wonderful Whitney Museum which we had mostly to ourselves on Christmas Eve day. It was an unexpected outing resulting in pure pleasure. The best kind.

There is something about Winter and embarking on a New Year that compels me to gather up my friends and family. I have spent many January afternoons seeing my friends, one by one. There is nothing like friendship to warm the heart and counteract the cold. Optimism flourishes despite the world's ills and ugliness. Beauty prevails. No matter what.

Be sure to read David Brooks' "When Beauty Strikes" in today's New York Times.

Red Line in the Rain

"Red Line in the Rain"

Oil on Wood

12"X12"

What can I say? I'm giddy in the rain. Everything is wet and all I see is reflection everywhere. Happy New Year California.

New Year at the Eastern Cape

"New Year at the Eastern Cape"

Oil on Wood

12"X12"

Along with visiting friends and family, I gathered inspiration and images at MoMA and the Whitney and Boston Museum of Contemporary Art and Boston Fine Arts Museum in recent weeks. I thought those would be my first subjects when I got back to the studio. They will find their way to my easel. But as usual, I am not in charge.  On New Year's Day a photograph posted online of a favorite beach by our dear family on a distant continent, swimming their way into the New Year touched my heart. Remaking their image with paint was like having them close for a time. 

Afternoon Visit With Joan

"Afternoon Visit with Joan"

Oil on Wood

10"X10"

The warm yellow walls and rich red rug. The Dorothy Eisner painting of Maine. The inviting chairs and art everywhere. Conversation flows freely on subjects old and new. An hour with Joan in her Washington world. Friendship, greatest gift of all.

Crosswalk in the Rain

"Crosswalk in the Rain"

Oil on Wood

12"X12"

SOLD

It feels good to be wet for a change. I am grateful for the rain and the rainbow it spawned as I visited my neighbor this morning. We both wondered whether it was his wife's signal from The Great Beyond. Not just one, but two big, bold rainbows arose from the Sausalito hills up to the clouds just as we were talking about her. Our dogs romped in her garden, as if nothing had changed. Her presence was everywhere. 

Wine Country Rain

"Wine Country Rain"

Oil on Wood

12"X12"
SOLD

A gentle rain has been falling all day. One could fall into a melancholy mood if it weren't for the small tree in the living room all lit up, sparking sweet memories of my family gathered around. We need the rain, and there is more to come. We are the lucky ones who have a warm place to be, choosing to drown out the darkness with a reservoir of goodness and gratitude. 

Welcome Rain

"Welcome Rain"

Oil on Wood

12"X12"
SOLD

Wet. And Wonderful.