My latest oil painting; Titled, " Cut Off "

Settling into retirement

        After surviving 33 years of service with New Jersey Transit  I've finally made it to the light at the end of the tunnel..... Retirement !!  Yep it's been a long haul and through the years I've worn many hats, with my final call to duty as a 24/7 Road Truck Mechanic, leaving me little time to pursue my true passion as an artist.

            So with all the dirty work behind me, I'm suddenly faced with a new challenge "staring at the dreaded blank canvas with all the time in the world and no excuses ! ".......I have to admit ..... it can be paralyzing, so as I take time settling into this new life of total artistic freedom, first order of business will to be to catch up on some of the sorely needed sleep I've been missing out on for all these years, after that the skies the limit ! So as I slowly start getting back into my art, there's just one other thing that I know my art and Soul will benefit from immensely , and that's leaving the stress and strife of New Jersey and "moving on up" to the peace and tranquility of the mountains. So let the blogging begin and lets see what happens.

Shadow Box

 I finally got my shadow box set up where I'm happy with it.

 Its painted black and constructed of sturdy 3/4 plywood, propped up to eye level on a rolling cart with a mounted flexible desk lamp that works great for creating dramatic cast shadows. I also made a maneuverable and adjustable prop to support cascading eucalyptus leaves.

The arrangement in this painting is all from Hobby Lobby, it's a cool place to pick up cheap props for still life's, along with flea markets and yard sales, I always have an eye out for things that may make an interesting painting.

Hard at work with my Bob Ross mug, can't wait to get outside and paint some Happy Trees !

Chinese Vase with Apples, oil on canvas

In my new series of still life paintings, I will attempt to reflect my sense of inner peace, I've often been told that my paintings are dark, perhaps that's just been my way of looking at this crazy world, but for the moment.... my mind is at peace and my body is finally getting some sorely need rest. Hopefully this will reflect in my work.

After 33 years of dedicated service, I felt that a commemoration video was in order. So this marks the spot where I am no longer a full time Truck Mechanic, as I am now totally devoted to becoming the best full time starving artist I can be !

Me and my dad at the Red Show in Perth Amboy

The Red show at Perth Amboy

Here we go, I'm kick starting this blog up again,,,, My most recent oil painting....man do I feel rusty !