Winged Companions

"Ferdinand the Bull", 24" x 36", oil painting, Painted 2025

Inspired by the Children's story by Mundro Leaf in 1938. A bull who just wanted to smell flowers. He is chosen to fight in the bull rings in Spain after a bee stings him: hence the Bee Eater perched on this horn! 

Painting Ferdinand was fun and easy: the bold brushstrokes flew! Breaking with my usual tradition, I used Mars Black instead of 

"Cormorants", 20" x 22", Acrylic on canvas, painted 2022

This painting started with the birds. I had painted a few studies of cormorants; from life and from photos. They nest at a quarry near my home. I wanted the figure in the painting to be a young man, contemplative and calm. When serendipity strikes we are usually stunned too much to react. This is a moment when a cormorant decides to perch on 

"Party in the Studio", 16" x  20", Acrylic on canvas, Painted 2025

Every year or so I paint a self portrait. A fellow artist noticed I never paint myself smiling or with my glasses on. This painting was my response! Added my favorite birds to boot: Pygmy Nuthatch, Raven, Parakeet (Bossy, my Dad's bird), Scrub Jay, and Turkey.

"Charm of Finches", Acrylic painting, 36" x 24", Painted 2025

The concept began with a "Charm of Finches"; I wanted to capture a flock of these adorable little birds. During my daily yoga, I came up with the idea. That is not me in the picture. Definitely a feeling of happiness and peace throughout this work. 

Background was sponged on in various hues: Dioxazine Purple and Thalo Blue. I painted the 

"American Dream", 30" x 36", Oil painting, Painted 2025

"Dad Lost in His Memories", Oil painting, 18"x 24", Painted March 2025

I began this painting while my father was still alive. Fortunate to have him in the best Skilled nursing facility in the Bay Area, in Castro Valley. He blossomed under their care, despite coming to them completely blind. Dad shared memories and stories we had never heard. He sang, whistled, and chatted away each day; his happies