Category: News

Colorado Log Cabin in the Snow I have always loved log cabins and after spending time in Colorado a few years ago, I realized that they fit perfectly with the harsh winters and alpine setting of this state. The ever-present mountains remind me of my New Zealand homeland and I saw the most beautiful sunsets while there. I found that log cabins in Colorado can range from a modest cottage to very large and elaborately crafted log homes such as the examples below. [caption id="attachment_28159" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Modest log cabin[/caption] [caption id="attachment_28161" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Elegant log home in the mountains[/caption] The origin of the log cabin dates back to around 1638, where the first log cabins were built in the city of Wilmington, Delaware. Most were constructed by settlers from either…

Taos, New Mexico Pueblo Revival Home Since living in the United States for the last 25 years, I have traveled extensively and have been lucky enough to enjoy not only the amazing natural beauty of this country but also the interesting and varied architectural styles that can be found in each state. More than often, I would not have time to complete a painting of scenes or homes I saw, so instead I snapped a few shots or did some rough sketches. This was the case in New Mexico some years ago. Adobe buildings really fascinate me and this one below is what is called a pueblo adobe revival. I love the way the pueblo building seem to “grow” out of the earth like beautiful rock formations and then blend…

Arlington - An Architectural Heaven! For anyone who loves architecture, Arlington Virginia is a great experience. There is such an interesting and eclectic array of homes and architectural styles. I try to select a broad range of styles for my series. Here are some of my recent house portraits subjects. As you can see they range from classic Craftsman and Bungalow homes to Colonial Revivals and some elegant Tudors such as the one below. To understand the architecture of an area, you need to know a little bit about the history and so I did a bit of digging to find out. Arlington is a residential suburb of Washington, DC located just across the Potomac River. It was originally named Alexandria County and was included as part of the 10…

Lovely Riverside Home - A Fun Project! Recently, I had the good fortune of being commissioned to paint a home that is situated in a very interesting place -- right on the banks of the good ol’ Mississippi River in the mid-west state of Wisconsin. A client in Old Town Alexandria, who purchased the painting I did of their historic home, wanted this painting as a surprise gift for her friends. [caption id="attachment_28172" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Mississippi River House[/caption] The project sparked my interest in the area and I felt compelled to find out more about Mississippi River itself as well the architectural styles that can be found along its banks. I thought you might be interested in this too. The Mississippi River is the largest river system in North America.…

My Georgetown Series is Expanding! I have been very busy in Georgetown of late and my historic series has grown substantially. And so has the number of architectural styles. Here are a few examples, ranging from Federal, Georgian, Neoclassical and Victorian. [caption id="attachment_28175" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Victorian row house in Georgetown, DC[/caption] [caption id="attachment_28176" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Georgetown Neo-classical home[/caption] [caption id="attachment_28177" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Georgian style home in Georgetown, DC[/caption] [caption id="attachment_28178" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Queen Anne style home in Georgetown DC[/caption] [caption id="attachment_28179" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Federal home in Georgetown, DC[/caption] As Georgetown is an area that is steeped in history, I thought you might be interested in some further information. Lined with quaint cobblestone streets and 18th and 19th century architecture, the neighborhood is the perfect blend of old and new. Georgetown…

Beautiful Bed & Breakfast in Annapolis, Maryland, makes Great House Portrait Subject! I am continuing to add to my Annapolis Maryland historic house portrait series and this classic Dutch Colonial Revival caught my eye.  Well it would be hard to miss it!  Situated just one block from the famous Annapolis City Dock and the Naval Academy, the Academy Bed & Breakfast  is right in the heart of the Annapolis Downtown Historic District.  Just a few years ago the building was run down and delapidated.   The current owners lovingly restored the building -- both inside and out  -- to its former glory.    I take my hat of to them. Doing a pen and watercolor painting of their lovely creation was the easy part! [caption id="attachment_28181" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Brightly colored 1849 home in the heart of Annapolis on Prince George Street[/caption]…

My Artist Loft Studio in Pasadena, California When staying in Pasadena California we found the perfect place to live and work. Here is it.  When the  owner asked me to do this house portrait commission for him and I couldn’t have been happier. The loft studio is up there in the roof and it was quite a treat to also have our own private turret! Only ten minutes from the heart of Old Town Pasadena, we found the loft on Airbnb, which is an online service that matches people seeking vacation rentals  with private people who have rooms in their home to rent. This is the link that we clicked on and it also has more photos inside the house.  http ://www.airbnb.com/rooms/411493 The homeowner, Albert Reyes, was the perfect host and he has…