Oil on Linen / 60 inches tall / Available after November 2026
Oracle is the second painting in my Silk Road Series — oil on linen, six feet tall.
I loved working with Cassandra Anderson on this painting. She lent her thoughtful, grounded soul to the sitting and was completely at home in my nest of ornamental textiles.
A series allows an artist to fully explore an idea from unlimited angles, emotional points of view, and increasing depth.
I cannot wait to begin the next Silk Road painting.
Oil on Linen / 60 × 48 inches / Property of the Artist
After half a decade devoted to still life, I was eager to bring a figure into the work. The focus would remain what it has always been — textiles, from Venice to Shanghai — and I wanted the figure to inhabit that world rather than interrupt it. The costume Koa Harrell wears belonged to my great grandmother, which grounded the painting in something I didn't expect. Her poised hand sits at the compositional center — still, and full of possibility. Painted from life.
Watercolor on Paper / 8 × 9.5 in / Private Collection, Georgia
Working with a live model is always a joy, and especially when she or he is willing to be emotionally present. Oria excelled. I’d return to Palermo just for her.
Watercolor and Walnut ink on paper / 8 × 8 in / Private Collection, Georgia
While in Palermo the model Oria enchanted us with her soulful poses. I have seldom met such an inspiring model, and we are grateful to her for the time she gave us near Quatro Canti.
Oil on Panel / 11 x 14 in / Available at Reinert Fine Art
One of my influences is textiles. I love rich, interesting fabric, because the color and design give me amazing compositional tools. The background in this piece is from Uzbekistan, and I’ve waited a long time to find its purpose. I love the title vessel, because of the pun between the obvious large bottle, and that women are so often the vessels of the plans and beliefs of others. That is changing!
Oil on Panel / 12 x 12 inches / SOLD at Reinert Fine Art
I always wanted to place myself within a composition in the mirror, the way Velasquez did in Las Meninas…. Thanks to the wonderful Phoebe for reading for me.
Oil on Cradled Panel / 7 x 5 in / Sold at Cutter & Cutter Fine Art in 2024
Always fascinated by glass forms, whether Roman or recent, I hankered to begin a series of women holding vessels. I’m still finding my way. This mini study offers me a direction in which to proceed.
Cloth is extremely important to me. This background is an embroidery by the Lakai nomadic tribe from in and around Uzbekistan.
Oil on Linen / 60 in x 48 in / Available at Reinert Fine Art
Most Andalusian village houses have rooftop terraces. Marta Barroso Fernandez teaches Clara Olid some steps to a Sevillana dance on top of the studio.
Available
Oil Linen / 39x39 in / Available from the artist
After several years of painting with traditional light sources, I was eager to pose someone or something against the light. Friend Oli Price kindly obliged, and offered excellent conversation during the hours he sat as still as a sculpture. Obstacles included not being able to actually SEE his facial features, in shadow as they were, but the challenge gave me much joy.
Watercolor on Paper / 9 x 13 in / Private Collection
I very seldom paint watercolors, and even more seldom allow them to survive….but this one I like. The model rested beautifully, and it was a great day.
Pastel on toned paper / 22 x 15 in / Available from the artist
There are tested rules about the lighting situations which are most flattering. Light coming in from 3/4, slightly above the sitter, are generally always successful. I wanted to try some brutal light from above, putting much of my face in shadow.
Watercolor on Paper / Collection of the Artist
I’m honored that this little watercolor is featured in the January “Artists Painting Artists” expose in Fine Art Connoisseur.
Daud and I painted joyfully during a month spent in Venice during pandemic lock down. We we expect that never again will we see the watery city without tourists. Our apartment had a glorious view, and here Daud is capturing it from the balcony.
Oil on Linen / 39x59 in / Erlanger Children’s Hospital, Tennessee
What an honor to receive a commission to paint the history of McKee Foods in two parts, for Erlanger Children’s Hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The family is dear to me since childhood. The challenge was to fit several episodes from the business’ development into a cycle of images. In the center is young Jack McKee, son of founders Ruth and OD McKee.
Oil on Linen / 39x59 in / Erlanger Childrens Outpatient Hospital
The second mural depicting the history of McKee Foods, this painting begins with the introduction of Little Debbie snack cakes and the move of the company headquarters to Collegedale, Tennessee. As I put myself through two years of art school working at McKee Bakery, I was particularly honored to be selected as their artist.
Oil on Linen / 28 x 36 in / Available from the Artist
Vylan visited me for a month or so, and left a permanent mark of organization and delicacy upon my home. Our backgrounds shared many aspects, and her conversation was thoughtful. I painted her composed on two chairs, with a gentle, fern-like swirl of lavender unraveling her future towards her.
Oil on Canvas / 12 x 12 inches / 2017
I met this astonishing girl on a recent trip, and I remain charmed by her radiant spirit. I had to attempt a portrait.
Available
Oil on Linen / 73 x 39 in / Private Collection, USA
In the villages of Andalusia there are a few skilled couples who are able to perform a version of flamenco dance with Andalusian stallions. The performance is astonishing and archetypal when done well. Here, with Marta Barosso Fernandez and Ismael Martin.
Oil on Linen / 39 x 78 inches / Sold at Cutter & Cutter Fine Art
A group of about ten friends rode all night under a harvest moon through olive groves in the mountains of Cadiz province, Spain. At four in the morning we stopped at a hacienda to rest the horses and set up a bbq. These were two of our steeds, resting quietly at dawn.