Helliwell Meadow

Helliwell Meadow, 12" x 12", acrylic on canvas

This is number three of twelve 12" x 12" seascapes.  I have painted this view many times as a kind of "comfort painting" which inevitably moves to more challenging or different views or approaches, a technique for "shifting gears" and moving into creativity.

Golden Walks, Helliwell 2 and falling in love

Golden Walks, Helliwell 2, 24" x 30", oil on canvas


when you look at art – whether it is a landscape, a still life, an abstract or a portrait – there is strong activity in that part of the brain related to pleasure.




"We put people in a scanner and showed them a series of paintings every ten seconds. We then measured the change in blood flow in one part of the brain.



"The reaction was immediate. What we found was the increase in blood flow was in proportion to how much the painting was liked.



"The blood flow increased for a beautiful painting just as it increases when you look at somebody you love. It tells us art induces a feel good sensation direct to the brain."

.....the latest in scientific studies!

Heron Rocks, White Lupins

Heron Rocks, White Lupins, 24" x 3", oil on canvas

I used a combination of paint brushes, palette knife to slap on big swatches of paint and a shaper tool for stems and grass shapes.

Sanpiper Sunshine

"Sandpiper Sunshine", 18" x 36", oil on canvas

Speaking of sunshine, today finally glorious sun!  I love it late summer, this entrance to Sandpiper Beach.

Soft Summer Light

"Soft Summer Light", 24" x 48", oil on canvas

I started this painting last spring, and have been starring at it for nearly a year, wondering what wasnt quite right about it, Today I think i got it!.  Sometimes paintings are ahead of themselves and just take their own sweet time.