black Artwork

February 26, 2025

February 26th, 2020. The snowfall to me is such a funny thing. Its tranquility is something I’ve grown to love. In adolescence, it became my medium for meditation. To escape the busyness of the world with the flutter of falling flakes. Yet, I’ve realized it’s what’s responsible for troubling my heart. I lost the love of my life only due to the icy weather. With the snow, only did that violent cluster of twisted automobile came into existence. Many years later, waiting for snowfall for my last moments became an obsession. I found a place to spectate that last snowfall, where water falls in the forest to carve stone. As I lean against an old maple’s trunk, I lay watching guard of a stone grotto temple at the base of the falling stream. This temple has no worshipers but only prayers from the whistling branches. There is a sacredness I find in this place’s beauty. A sacredness I myself no longer share. The lone guard of this temple has grown old and tired. Complacent with the agonies of life. The frozen flakes drift down to smother most sounds. Blanketing me with its comfort. The wind kisses my neck, running it’s chilling fingers down my spine. My dulled and greyed eyes grow heavy. From the little light left from the winter night sky, glistens the landscape to reveal a faint figure in the dark’s thickness. It’s my love greeting me to a long-awaited reunion. Reaching her hands out for mine, closer and closer as her figure enclosed in on my restful state. Until her spirit wraps around me. Her warm embrace only cools. First my skin, then the fibers of my being. Now finally the cold creeping into my slowing heart.

February 23, 2025

For 15 years, I built a career in software engineering. Working my way up the white-collar ladder. At the height of my career, working up to the Director or Executive level. At times, running my own businesses. My same-aged friends coined the nickname “Young Money” for me, which I was never big on being titled. Sooner or later, I believe all of us working in an office setting eventually reflect and ask ourselves, “What am I doing?” Questioning if what we’re doing is even meaningful. Maybe longing for the outdoors and venturing into the rest of the world beyond the concrete highrise walls in that corporate park. This painting is meant to exemplify that moment of reflection.

January 24, 2025

Just Out Of Reach is a watercolor painting beautifully capturing the essence of a peaceful winter night. At its heart is a quaint log cabin, softly illuminated by a warm, golden light emanating from its windows, contrasting against the cool blues and whites of the snowy landscape. Towering evergreen trees, heavily dusted with snow, create a dense and textured forest backdrop, adding depth and a sense of quiet isolation to the scene. The faint tracks in the snow leading to the cabin hint at human presence, while the figure kneeling in the foreground adds a touch of mystery and humanity. The overall composition blends warmth and cold, light and shadow, evoking both the stillness of winter and the comfort of a welcoming home.

December 20, 2024

February 26th, 2020. “You’ve grown tired, have’t you dear?”, she reassured. “It was too difficult. I’m so sorry. I failed you”, was my excuse. My stature felt different, like the weighing years had melted off and I was almost floating. She snuck in closer and whispered in my ear with her arms wrapped around me, “I understand. It’s alright now. It’s time to rest.” “Just five more minutes? You know how much I missed this”, I pleaded like an innocent child. “I suppose. Maybe you’ll see me when you awake, but it’s a surprise”, as she somehow wrapped herself around me even more. It was just like her to say something alluring like that. A cold winter wind blew against my neck and creeped throughout the rest of my body, but it felt as though a warmth was melting me asleep. My eyes grew heavy as my head dropped on to her soft shoulder. It was becoming too difficult to fight to stay awake, but I was already asleep. I expelled my last bit of energy to muster up one last, “I really missed you.” Finally closing my eyelids and letting go, drifting off. Was this really her loving hug again, after all these years? Or was this just me, making the rounds in my head, to embrace death?

November 28, 2024

This watercolor painting depicts a bold and festive red Christmas stocking adorned with the name “Ben” in dark, block letters at its center. The stocking’s textured surface showcases rich, layered shades of red, giving it a realistic and slightly worn appearance, while its white, fluffy cuff contrasts beautifully with a subtle mix of cream tones, evoking a cozy, wintry feel. The dark, almost black background creates a dramatic contrast, making the stocking the focal point and giving the composition a sense of warmth and nostalgia.

November 21, 2024

I knew an old wise woman once. She told me to make my way back to Strasbourg, so I did. From her pine framed window, she bid farewell, “Okay now. I’ll be seeing you.” With her gaze and expression of both endearment and concern, but excitement for me. Looking on in to the day’s sun. This painting perfectly captures those feelings and experiences with my dear old friend.

October 29, 2024

Fruitcake Delivery is just in time for the upcoming holidays, this quaint winter scene showcases a Fruitcake delivery truck and it’s driver preparing to drop off it’s abundant order of 30 fruitcakes to the anxiously awaiting recipient in the blue snow covered house. A wasteful purchase that would later go on to be donated to the local food bank, with an absurd and humorous smile. The package handler’s confident movements inferring that him and homeowner inside are intertwined in scandalous love affair. The glow of light from the windows adds to the charm of the painting. The neighbor’s house seems set in but yet still glowing with life. As is with the main focus of the blue house with white trim, with it’s windows inviting a sense of warmness away from the cold wind. The calmness of the winter night should be heard in mind. It’s left up to the viewer to form their own opinions of what the delivery figure may be thinking or what will transpire when the door bell rings.

October 12, 2024

Standoff portrays a poignant scene of two dark, silhouetted figures standing at a distance from each other in a sprawling, golden field of tall grass. The figure on the left is a woman, her form graceful but motionless, while the man on the right stands rigidly, facing away. The muted, overcast sky adds a somber tone to the setting, as the distant hills fade into the horizon. The vastness of the landscape, combined with the physical separation between the figures, evokes a powerful sense of emotional distance and quiet tension, as if they are connected yet worlds apart. The earthy colors and subtle textures enhance the painting’s contemplative, melancholic atmosphere.

September 10, 2024

Howard’s Hills is a watercolor painting that was done after so many people have noted my favorite watercolor paintings reminded them of the great Andrew Wyeth’s work. So I took the time to study a lot of technique and incorporated it heavily in to this narrative and architectural landscape painting I created. Especially a lot of his dry brushing technique and using lots of layers/details until the form in perfect to how I want it to flow. Diverting slightly where I feel more natural to my own organic techniques.

August 29, 2024

Hallelujah captures a profound and intimate moment between two figures, a woman and a man, bathed in muted, melancholic tones. The woman, with a look of quiet concentration, gently holds the man’s head as she carefully cuts his hair. The tenderness in her touch contrasts with the rough, darkened surroundings, suggesting a setting filled with history and emotional weight. The man, seated with his back to the viewer, seems resigned, his body language conveying a sense of vulnerability. Likely his pose shows signs of trauma. His unruly hair and the scattered clippings on his shoulders evoke a passage of time and perhaps a long period of neglect or hardship.

August 24, 2024

This watercolor painting captures the delicate beauty of a blue butterfly perched on a cluster of green and yellow leaves. The butterfly’s wings are depicted in vivid shades of blue, with intricate black and white patterns along the edges, adding depth and contrast to the piece. The artist skillfully uses the dark, textured background to make the butterfly’s bright colors pop, creating a striking visual effect. The leaves beneath the butterfly are painted with a mix of green and yellow tones, which add a natural, organic feel to the composition. Overall, the painting evokes a sense of tranquility and appreciation for the subtle details found in nature.

August 18, 2024

This watercolor painting captures a striking and serene scene of a solitary rock formation rising from the shallow waters. The rock, dark and textured, is crowned by a small group of slender trees, their delicate branches reaching skyward. The surrounding water is a soft, muted green, gently reflecting the rock’s rugged base. The sky above is overcast, with layers of pale gray clouds stretching across the horizon, adding a contemplative mood to the piece. The overall composition evokes a sense of isolation and resilience, as the rock and trees stand alone, enduring the passage of time in a tranquil, almost ethereal landscape.

August 14, 2024

This evocative watercolor painting features a single red rose, captured in a moment of quiet beauty as it stands against a dark, rain-soaked background. The petals, rendered with delicate brushstrokes, are adorned with glistening raindrops that reflect light, adding a touch of realism and tenderness to the scene. The contrast between the vibrant red of the rose and the deep, almost black, background highlights the flower’s resilience and elegance, making it a powerful symbol of love and endurance. The soft, muted colors of the stem and leaves further enhance the focus on the rose, making this painting a striking piece that conveys emotion and depth.

July 3, 2024

Tiny Football was another quick artwork done on a tiny canvas. A tribute to one of Canton’s large driving parts of their economy, American Football. Since our city hosts the Pro Football Hall of Fame, which is the biggest reason for tourism and festivals in our tiny city, I figured it was a good idea to have this sitting out on my studio space as a pick-me-up. Sports!

June 26, 2024

This painting has everything you need. Cute cats, funny hats, and a dark sense of morbid humor. It features my long haired domestic black and white cat, Princess. Stuck in a scene of her by my side as I paint. Adorning my Faber-Castell Collapsable Water Cup on her head. Her favorite Penn tennis ball resting not far away. Peering on to the cold press cotton paper watercolor block, that is painted with my late dog, Izzy, along with family. I know deep down Princess shares in my miss of Izzy. The stick figures childishly painted on the exposed cotton paper, integrated in a method of inception in to the painting. Adding to the silliness and partly dry humor.

May 26, 2024

Pomona’s Bowl is my practiced attempt to finalize my technique, using abstract vibrant brushwork, to create my own desired style in the realism oil painting realm. With every still life, I use it methodically to refine how I want to improve or change my artwork. This still life opulence in a bowl to me is the overwhelming first step to finally realize my artistic painting style that I want to utilize in the direction of how I want my landscape and narrative pieces to convey from here on out. It is an accomplishment in my own eyes, and what I consider the turning stone to take my work to the next level. Featuring a pomegranate fruit resting in a reflective metal bowl. Split open with it’s glossy seeds spilling out. The red velvet table cloth drapes the cold black table, sitting along in the light of the room. The vibrancy of the hues of red, violet, blue, yellows, purple, pink, and peach; blend together to construct this oil painting that seems reminiscent of scene from the old masters. Looking closely, you can see each section of abstract artwork, slathered on by the soft bristles of my brush to construct something beautifully grand as you step back to take it all in at once.

April 26, 2024

The Massillon 52 is a vibrant watercolor painting, showcasing two Massillon Football players. Both in a moment of intense celebration. On the left, player 52 is rendered with a fierce expression. To the right, an unknown teammate engages in clapping, hands blurred to add to the effect. Behind them, the stadium is alive with spectators in the stands, out of focus. Backset all to autumn trees and vibrant green turf. I managed to infuse the scene with movement and excitement, creating a palpable sense of the game’s high stakes and the players’ raw emotion.

April 12, 2024

The Massillon Helmet is an oil painting depicting a solitary, black Massillon Tiger’s American football helmet in a three-quarter view, featuring a bold orange Massillon Ohio letter ‘M’ logo, symbolizing the Washington Highschool team’s identity and spirit. I have rendered the subject with a strong attention to detail, from the subtle reflections and shadows on the helmet’s glossy surface to the intricate structure of the face mask and the secure clasps. The background is a neutral, mixing with the multiple light source hues, with gradient shades that throws the focus entirely on the helmet, evoking a sense of nostalgia and Tiger pride, typical of any sports memorabilia. T-I-G!

March 23, 2024

Gehen Heim is a watercolor painting that depicts a somber, expansive landscape under a heavy, overcast sky. The sky is a tapestry of grays and muted blues, seemingly thick with the weight of a passing snow storm. The horizon is a dark, solid band, suggesting a distant forest or line of trees that separates the sky from the land. Below, there’s a vast expanse of a body of frozen water, its surface rendered in pale whites and light grays that capture the reflective quality of the ice. A solitary figure stands in the lower third of the composition, adding a poignant note of isolation or introspection to the scene. The figure’s presence is dwarfed by the enormity of the surroundings, emphasizing the scale and of the emotional theme of man versus nature or solitude. To the right, there appears to be a long, narrow structure, a pier or boardwalk, leading off into the distance, its purpose and destination left ambiguous. The use of watercolor is masterful, with the fluidity of the medium perfectly suited to convey the atmosphere and mood of the scene. The textures are soft and the edges blurred, contributing to the overall ethereal and introspective quality of the painting.

February 27, 2024

The Fissure abstract watercolor painting presents a compelling visual metaphor for a broad crack, rendered in a monochromatic palette that evokes the natural variance of earth and stone. The central darkened swath divides the canvas, reminiscent of a chasm or fault line, with its mirror image below suggesting a reflection in water or a shadowy echo in the depths. The textural gradation and the fluidity of the medium’s application enhance the sense of organic formation and erosion. Despite the simplicity of its color scheme, the painting is rich in texture and depth, conveying a powerful sense of both fragility and enduring natural forces at play. The artwork engages the viewer in an exploration of symmetry and asymmetry, surface and depth, solidity and void, evoking the unpredictable beauty of natural fissures.

February 18, 2024

This evocative painting captures a unique and striking rock formation located along the shores of Lake Erie, near Cleveland, Ohio, portraying a natural monument that stands as a silent guardian amidst the lapping waves. The overcast sky suggests a typical Great Lakes ambiance, while the resilient trees on the rock’s summit are a testament to nature’s adaptability in the face of the elements. The artwork invites contemplation on the enduring beauty of Lake Erie’s coastal landscape, subtly colored by the artist to reflect the area’s serene yet dynamic character.

February 3, 2024

The Mac Reflections painting depicts a close-up impressionism portrait of myself, rendered with a strong emphasis on texture and a limited color palette, to show it’s reflective nature. My figure is implied to be emerging from a dark background, with light only faintly illuminating the right side of the face. The strokes are expressive and sculptural, creating an array of thick, impasto strokes that give the image a dynamic and tactile quality. My expression is pensive and subdued, with eyes cast downward and away from the viewer, adding to the painting’s introspective quality. The overall effect is one of profound reflection, with the textured brushwork and dramatic chiaroscuro suggesting a moment captured in time, where the inner world of my personal subject is as significant as the outer representation. It’s a powerful image that invites the viewer to consider the subject’s thoughts and feelings.

January 19, 2024

Fry’s Tree portrays a solitary, robust tree standing prominently in the center against a twilight or pre-dawn sky. Set in the Fry Family Park, of East Sparta Ohio. The leaves and branches creates a lace-like pattern against the sky, which shifts from a dark blue at the top to lighter hues near the horizon, indicating dusk or the approach of nightfall. There’s a sense of tranquility and solitude in this scene, as the tree stands alone in the quiet moments of transition between day and night.

January 17, 2024

Monochromatic Maelstorm is an abstract painting. The color palette is primarily monochromatic, featuring different shades of black, gray, and white, with some areas where a deep, navy-like blue is present. The composition is dynamic, with fluid shapes and splatters distributed across the canvas. The use of black and blue creates a sense of depth and contrast against the lighter areas. There are also spots where the paint seems to have been allowed to drip or splatter freely, giving the piece a spontaneous and expressive feel.

January 14, 2024

This is a striking monochrome painting that captures a moment of fluid elegance, titled simply Aqua. It depicts a wine glass caught in the midst of a dynamic swirl, with the liquid inside defying gravity in a graceful arc that stretches above the rim. The movement is frozen in time, with the liquid’s surface tension creating an almost sculptural form that reaches upwards. The artist has skillfully represented the play of light and shadow, giving the impression of a sparkling, translucent liquid. The glass’s thin stem and stable base contrast with the liquid’s volatility, providing a sense of balance to the composition. The simplicity of the background ensures all attention is focused on the interaction between the glass and its contents, highlighting the delicate beauty of a fleeting moment that would otherwise be missed.

January 12, 2024

The Drip painting captures the ephemeral beauty of a single water droplet impacting a still surface. A central column of water rises sharply, surrounded by a crown of droplets reflecting the moment’s dynamic motion. The surface tension creates a series of concentric ripples that emanate outward, masterfully rendered in varying shades of grey, suggesting the gentle yet persistent spread of energy away from the point of impact. The artist has skillfully used a monochromatic palette to depict the clarity and purity of water, with careful attention to the gradations of light and shadow that give the scene a three-dimensional quality. The painting combines precision and softness, immortalizing a fleeting instance of natural harmony.

December 27, 2023

Juicy! A fruity painting that depicts a slice of watermelon. Watermelon Slice is a realistic drawing that captures the vibrant red flesh of the fruit, complete with black seeds scattered throughout. The watermelon slice has a green rind, transitioning from a darker green on the outside to a paler green towards the inner red flesh. The drawing has a textured appearance from the water colored pencils, and there’s a gentle shadow under the slice, giving it a sense of depth and dimension. The background is plain and lightly textured. Hang it up in your summer themed kitchen, like the basic, normal, coffee drinking, white person you are.

December 17, 2023

The AJ’s Lily drawing is a pencil drawing that captures the delicate beauty of a lily flower in bloom. The flower stands out with its petals gracefully curving outward, showcasing the fine details of its texture and venation, while the stamens reach out from the center, detailed with care to convey their slender form and powdery pollen tips. Below the flower, the stem leads to a pair of leaves that frame the composition, their pointed tips adding to the overall elegance of the sketch. The artist’s use of shading provides depth, highlighting the organic curves and giving the lily a lifelike appearance. The background is left unadorned, ensuring that all attention remains on the intricacies of the flower and its natural allure.

December 20, 2022

Okay depicts a human hand, my hand, sketched in pencil with a focus on realism and attention to detail. It is positioned in a relaxed pose, resting to the side of my leg with the fingers slightly curled inward. I have taken care to render the textures and lines on the skin, showing the unique patterns and creases that can be found on a person’s palm and fingers.