The New Pittsburgh Collection “The Grand View of Pittsburgh” “Ice Ball Treats with Gus and YiaYia” “Sharing the Season at Market Square” The New Kennywood Collection “Laughing through Kennywood’s Le Cachot” “Riding Kennywood’s Auto Race and Train” “The Phantom of Lost Kennywood” There’s a chill in the air this week, and you know what that means… the holidays are coming! This year’s new pewter Christmas ornaments are in from Wendell August Forge, and they look fantastic! It’s hard to believe it’s been five years since I partnered with the Forge to create handmade, uniquely crafted ornaments of my Pittsburgh and…

I was surprised and pleased to see how many of my readers had guesses about the last-minute changes I made on my latest painting, “Winter’s Glow on Grant Street,”. The answers may not be what you expected! The first change I made is that I “turned off the lights” on the second floor of the City-County Building. I felt that the lights drew the viewer’s eye away from the Courthouse, and because the painting is really all about the 125th anniversary of this remarkable building, I decided to exercise a little “artistic license!” Number Two: The streetcars. The painting is…

It really took a lot of concentration and hard work, but I have good news for you today! I just put down my last pastel stick and signed my new painting with a charcoal pencil, and tomorrow “Winter’s Glow on Grant Street” goes off to the printer. For the last several days, I’ve spent just about every waking minute in my studio putting the finishing touches on this painting, the latest in my Pittsburgh collection. And one of the things I’ve enjoyed the most in the creative process is having you with me throughout its evolution. If you’re a true…

On this brilliant sunny late summer afternoon, I have to admit it feels a little weird to be painting bright and festive holiday décor and glittering lights with people bundled up against the cold! But that’s just typical on an artist’s schedule – in the summertime, I’m working hard at my easel, recreating the warm glow of the winter holidays. And when the snow flies, I’ll be dreaming of and painting lush green springtime landscapes! As you know, I exhibited my original paintings at Shadyside: The Arts Festival On Walnut Street last weekend. It was a wonderful show, especially because…

I’m in Virginia this week for a little well-deserved rest and relaxation after our big move. Though I’m not officially “working” this week, I’d like to share with you some behind-the-scenes stories about one of my favorite Pittsburgh paintings. Back in 1991, I spent a lot of time developing my painting “Sharing the Season at Market Square.” I remember going downtown on a cold, wintry Sunday morning to see freshly fallen snow in the square. My new painting was going to feature the Oyster House, Nicholas Tea and the 1902 building. When I arrived there it was totally devoid of…

Since I last wrote to you, I’ve been having an extremely busy week. Orders for my latest Kennywood print, “Showtime By Kennywood’s Paratrooper,” have been coming in daily. In fact, I’m delighted to say that about half of my artist-enhanced giclees of this print have already been sold. There are only 25 in all, so if this is a piece you’d like to own, please don’t wait. The regular giclee edition of 125 prints is also selling well. Click Here to purchase your print today! Now that our move is behind us, I’m spending a lot of time in my…

“Showtime By Kennywood’s Paratrooper” was unveiled to 200 attendees at the American Coaster Enthusiasts yearly KennyKon gathering at Kennywood Park on Sunday, July 27th. Each and every one of my paintings has its own story – a unique history that usually is known only to my family. And today I’d like to share the story of my latest work with you! Just like my other Kennywood paintings, “Showtime” was created by selecting elements that I like, choosing small features from what seemed like zillions of photographs. This allows me to compose the scene just as I imagined it, pulling in…

I am loving my new studio here in Bethel Park! Things are finally beginning to settle down, but I do have some big news this week! My newest Kennywood painting, “Show Time by Kennywood’s Paratrooper” will debut at Kennywood this weekend at the American Coaster Enthusiasts yearly KennyKon gathering on July 27th. Because you’re one of my loyal friends/fans and a reader of my weekly blog, you will truly be among the first to see the finished painting. Here are some pictures that show how it took shape. Beginning on Sunday, you will be able order one of the small…

It’s been a tremendously busy couple of weeks, and I’m really enjoying a few minutes of peace and quiet to sit down at my computer and write to you today. As we get settled into our new home and my new studio takes shape, I’m ready to get back to some serious painting! A friend of mine came over yesterday, and starting at 9:30 this morning, we spent the entire day hanging ALL of my paintings. We made this house into a home (and an art gallery!) in one short day. I’ll spend a few more hours tweaking my studio…