Tasked with yet another seemingly impossible labor, the hero Hercules descended into the murk of Hades. His job - to wrest the 3-headed dog Cerberus from the domain of the dead. With preternatural strength, the demigod brought the beast up from the Underworld and delivered it to this tormentor, Eurystheus Hercules dragging Cerberus from the Underworld, latex paint on canvas, 55 x 60", 2019
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Figure with crossed arms, latex paint on canvas, 30 x 48", 2019 Portrait of a dissident, latex paint on canvas, 48 x 36", 2019 Red Figure, latex paint on canvas, 30 x 48, 2019, private collection, Victoria, BC
After the death of Patroclus, the dear companion of the great hero Achilles, other Greek heroes fought hard to protect his body from the Trojan forces. Seen as a great moral victory for both sides, the body was furiously fought for and over. "So Ajax stood his ground over brave Patroclus now - the fighting Atrides right beside him, standing fast". But the Trojans would not give up,their "hearts fired with hopes of dragging Patroclus' body out from under Ajax... but the Argives faced them, standing fast in a ring around Patroclus, one fury seizing their hearts." - The Iliad, Homer Fight over the body of Patroclus, latex paint on canvas, 55 x 60", 2018
Man felling a tree, latex paint on canvas, 36 x 48", 2018 White Figure, latex paint and graphite on raw canvas, 36 x 48", 2018
This painting is part of my 4-piece series, CAPTIVES, which draws it's inspiration from Michelangelo's "Rebellious Slave" sculpture. I explored this particular pose in 4 variations, which allowed me to fully capture the tension that I found so captivating. The "in the round" treatment pays homage to the sculpture from which it was inspired Man, captive, latex paint on canvas, 30 x 48", 2018
This 4-piece series, which draws it's inspiration from Michelangelo's "Rebellious Slave" sculpture, wasn't wholly intentional. I set out to only paint a single figure in this particular pose. Once painted however, I was so struck by the pose that I decided to paint 3 more at different angles with slight variation. This allowed me to fully capture the tension that I found so captivating, and the "in the round" treatment pays homage to the sculpture from which it was inspired. Captive man, acrylic paint on canvas, 36 x 48", 2018
This 4-piece series, which draws it's inspiration from Michelangelo's "Rebellious Slave" sculpture, wasn't wholly intentional. I set out to only paint a single figure in this particular pose. Once painted however, I was so struck by the pose that I decided to paint 3 more at different angles with slight variation. This allowed me to fully capture the tension that I found so captivating, and the "in the round" treatment pays homage to the sculpture from which it was inspired. Captive figure, latex paint on canvas, 36 x 48", 2018
Ulysses looking into the sea, charcoal and pastel on paper, 11x14", 2018, private collection, Memphis, TN
Ulysses competing with the Phaiakians, charcoal and pastel on paper, 17 x 14, 2018
My recent solo show at the James David Brooks Memorial Gallery at Fairmont State University just wrapped up and a closing reception was held on September 13th to give students the chance to meet and discuss my work. Many thanks to professors Jeff Greenham and Jennifer Boggess for orchestrating the exhibit and installation. The students were eager to discuss the mythological themes in the work as well as my techniques. Lauren and I enjoyed the opportunity to meet and discuss narration in figurative art with new faculty member Joel Dugan whose own solo exhibit would follow mine. Also, as always, it was a pleasure to see and talk to our friend and inspiration, the painter Lynn Boggess. Jennifer stated that throughout the duration of the exhibit she saw many students that appeared to be from other majors in the university excited about the work and sharing it with their friends, notably student athletes. That statement made a great evening all the better to know that my work was getting such a positive response from such a varied audience!
My latest drawing series "ULYSSES" is now available! Click on the images to view the entire collection of Odyssey-themed works on paper, in various sizes. The series portrays moments from Homer's Odyssey. Some of the moments are less iconic and more intimate than typically depicted. The long wandering hero Ulysses (Latin for Odysseus) encounters the gods, drifts aimless on the sea, converses with the dead, listens as tales of his adventures are sung to him, and masquerades as a beggar in his own home. He experiences all this while deeply lamenting lost time, eager to unite with family and friends.
In early July, I will be releasing a new drawing series, titled ULYSSES. The drawings will explore themes from Homer's Odyssey in charcoal and pastel. If you're a subscriber to my Studio Newsletter be on the lookout early next week. If you're not already, follow the link below. Be the first to see the new work by signing up for my Studio Newsletter
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