winter Artwork

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.

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.

May 14, 2024

Blue Jay depicts a blue jay perched on a snowy surface, delicately pecking at a cluster of red berries on a nearby branch. The bird’s vivid blue plumage, accented with black and white markings, contrasts beautifully with the soft, white snow. I captured the texture of the bird’s feathers and the intricate details of the berries and branches. The overall scene exudes a serene winter atmosphere, with the red berries adding a touch of color and life to the otherwise muted background.

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.

March 13, 2024

In the midst of a serene, snow-covered landscape, a solitary figure captures our attention in this evocative painting, titled Back To. Striding the lone figure once again, across the snow covered Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail.

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 9, 2024

Escape is a painting that depicts a tranquil winter scene, including a solitary figure is shown walking away from the viewer, journeying along a curved path that has been carved through the snow from what may have been a vehicle. With overcast skies, soft grays and cobalts that blend seamlessly with the snowy ground, tire tracks that are visible in the snow, all reinforcing the sense that the figure has journeyed alone. The overall mood of this watercolor painting is one of solitude and silence, evoking a sense of introspection or the quiet beauty of nature in winter.

January 25, 2024

Northern Cardinal is a colored pencil drawing of a Northern Cardinal perched on a branch. The bird is depicted with a vibrant red plumage, which is characteristic of the male of the species. Its beak is orange-yellow, and the facial mask is black, extending from the beak around the eyes. The drawing captures the distinct crest of the cardinal, which is a pointy tuft of feathers on top of its head. The branch is rendered with a muted gray tone, contrasting with the bright red of the bird. The background is a soft, textured gray, allowing the cardinal to stand out prominently. The pencil strokes have created a sense of softness and detail, particularly in the feathers and the blending of colors.