Fourth and Montgomery

Sometimes ideas for paintings come from unusual sources. About three years ago I discovered the satellite imaging services on the Internet. At first these services only featured aerial shots taken directly above a geographic area. Then, the imagery advanced to three-quarter perspective shots taken from all four points on the compass and developed the ability to capture amazing details.

This painting, entitled "Fourth and Montgomery," is based on satellite imagery taken over my home town of Laurel, Maryland. Originally I planned to complete a series of paintings based on this subject matter, but - to date - this is the only canvas I have finished.

Painting this work was a year-long struggle. In January 2008 I completed a rough underdrawing on the canvas using oil sticks. I became disillusioned with the idea, however, and set it aside. About three months later, I pulled the piece out again to work on as a warm-up for that weekend's time in the studio. I spent about three hours on it, then again decided that it wasn't working the way I had hoped. After setting it aside for another six-month period, I once again pulled it out in December 2008 and spent a few more hours on it. Since then I've grown to appreciate the composition and color work, and have decided to include the piece in my solo exhibition at the Jordan Hall Art Center next month.

"Fourth and Montgomery." Oil on stretched canvas, 30 x 40 inches, completed December 2008.