MARCH 2006

Cherry Blossom Festival
I was recently commissioned by the Japan-America Society of Philadelphia to paint an image to be used on promotional material for the annual Cherry Blossom Festival of Philadelphia. In this painting I attempted to capture the beauty and exuberance of the cherry blossom trees along Kelly Drive, as well as making it a distinctly Philadelphia motif. I was inspired by the forceful color of Van Gogh, and the compositional strength of classic Japanese art, particularly Hokusai. I will be participating in Sakura Sunday, an event celebrating the advent of spring and Japanese culture. The painting will be available for sale as a limited edition print at this event on Sunday, April 9th, behind the Horticultural Center in Fairmount Park. Last year's event was a great success.

Rocky VI Film Appearance
My painting of the Italian Market (pictured at right) was chosen by the production crew of Rocky VI (recently filmed on location in Philadelphia) as backdrop in "Adrienne's Restaurant". Ironically, the restaurant chosen for this fictional make-over was the Victor Cafe in South Philadelphia, where I worked for nine years as a bartender, before becoming an independent artist. The film crew loved the painting because it evokes the grittiness of 9th Street, made famous of course by the original Rocky film.

Warwick Gallery Show
This spring, I will be the featured artist in the Warwick Art Gallery & Studios, at 2555 Ridge Road, in Elverson, PA. The gallery is managed by Tom and Linda Killingsworth, and has attracted a large following. The show will run from Saturday, June 3 - Sunday, June 11 and the opening night gala is Saturday, June 3rd. I hope to see you there. (For information, call the Warwick Art Gallery: 610-286-5186).

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November 2005

Cherry Blossoms, Philadelphia

Italian Market

Feeding Swans, Tinicum Marsh