Art Blog

Transforming a photo into an architectural work of art By popular demand, I have put together a more detailed series of steps showing how I create house portraits.  Of course it doesn't mean it is the only way to do it, but it's a way that I have found to be successful. Here we go... Step 1: First I start with a good set of photos. Then it is a matter of going through them and selecting the best one to use as the main photo. I use all the photos of course but having the right main photo is vital. It should be at an angle that compliments the house and shows it’s architectural features. It also helps that it is free from obstacles and blockages. But this is…

What does the color of your house reveal about you? Conventional wisdom says there are three common sense rules that should guide you to making the right color choice for your house. What's your architectural style? Do you live in a Spanish Colonial, an old Victorian or a Craftsman?  That can really dictate your color scheme.  For example, a Victorian lends itself to pastels like pink, mint green or baby blue. Those colors wouldn't work for a Craftsman or a Spanish Colonial, which are typically in more muted and neutral tones. What are the prominent colors in your neighborhood? There's often a consistent color scheme running throughout. Look for complementary colors and intensities that will blend right in. Color evokes moods Think about the overall impact that you're hoping to create. Do…

Watercolor Memories and Christmas home portraits ... There is nothing like a white Christmas, especially when you add a warm yellow glow streaming out the windows and reflecting on the snow, cheerful Christmas lights and wreaths and a sinking red sun silhouetted against the starkness of bare winter trees.  I love the way the twilight plays on the snow as the wind dies down and the world is still. Enjoy some of my 2017 Christmas home memories, all which were commissioned by clients. [caption id="attachment_7235" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Home in Chevy Chase, MD[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_7236" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Crested Butte, Colorado[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_7237" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Lake Tahoe home with excited grandkids at play[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_7238" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Another family home in Lake Tahoe that I was asked to paint.…

Turning a battered old photo into a work of art! Here is a small gallery of mainly commissioned subjects and the single and often ancient photo I worked from to bring the family home and all its memories to life with my pen and paintbrush. [caption id="attachment_7162" align="aligncenter" width="241"] Photo of family home in Saratoga Springs, NY[/caption] [caption id="attachment_7163" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Watercolor painting of Saratoga Springs,  NY family home[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_7164" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Photo of family home Prince Edward Island, Canada[/caption] [caption id="attachment_7161" align="aligncenter" width="550"] Painting of family home Prince Edward Island, Canada[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_7168" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Old photo of historic home in Kent County, Delaware[/caption] [caption id="attachment_7165" align="aligncenter" width="550"] Photo of historic home in Kent County, Delaware[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_7166" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Photo of old home High…

Matching 1935 home and car  - my latest house portrait commission! The reason I love painting homes is because homes are about people. That’s what makes them fascinating.  Just as we are all uniquely different, homes reflect the personalities of their owners, they have their own character and are imbued with family memories and stories. I receive a lot of fun and unique commission requests but this one is a first!  A color coordinated home and car that were both born in 1935! [caption id="attachment_6930" align="aligncenter" width="980"] Matching home and car in San Jose, CA[/caption]   So here is a little story about the owners of these twins, my delightful clients Mike and Debi Hugill.  Now both retired, Mike spent 38 years in sales and most recently as VP Sales…