I just discovered quite by accident that one of my paintings is featured in the current edition of Raleigh "Downtowner" magazine. Click here to see the article. I am one of the exhibiting artists this year at the Miriam Preston Block Gallery, and the magazine selected one of my images to include in an article about the gallery's 2010 exhibition series. The exhibit, entitled "Home/Journeys," will run from April 8 to May 24, 2010. The gallery is located in the Avery C. Upchurch Government Complex, 222 W. Hargett Street in Raleigh, NC. It is sponsored by the City of Raleigh Arts Commission.

Farmhouse in Late Winter

Due to some challenges on the home front, I've been absent from the blog for two weeks. Sadly, one of the challenges was the loss of a beloved pet (my cat, Esther). The other, ironically, was the adoption of a new pet - a 12-week-old puppy - that occurred just prior to Esther falling ill. So, it's been a period of transition in my household.

I have managed to be productive in the studio despite the turmoil. Two weeks ago I returned to the large canvas entitled "Main Street" that I began in late summer as a long-term commissioned piece for a family member. It will be featured in my upcoming show at the Miriam Block Gallery before delivery to the patron. I also spent seven hours yesterday working on a new painting that will also be included in the spring show.

The painting above, "Farmhouse in Late Winter," was one of 12 canvases I painted in 2008 of the farmhouse located on Holly Springs Road in Cary, NC. This piece was one of those included in my exhibition at the Horace Williams House in Chapel Hill. I recently sold it to a patron who resides in Raleigh.

"Farmhouse in Late Winter." Oil on stretched canvas, 24 x 3o inches. Completed March 2008.

Baja Burrito Show

On December 20 I installed a small exhibit of my work at Baja Burrito in Raleigh, NC. Located at 2109 Avent Ferry Road, the restaurant features monthly exhibits by local artists. I met the owner, Judy Murray, at the opening reception for "Hang It Up!" at the Gregg Museum of Art and Design. She liked the two paintings I had on display in that show, and invited me to exhibit at her restaurant. I decided to focus on figurative and still life pieces since most of my recent exhibitions have featured architectural paintings. I think the distinctive wall color in the restaurant especially lent itself to these works. The exhibit will remain on view until February 12, 2010.