Bela de Tirefort – A Forgotten New York Artist

Bela de Tirefort – A Forgotten New York Artist

Years ago while browsing a second-hand store I became entranced by a moody oil painting of a tugboat with a silhouette of lower Manhattan in the background. The painting was covered in grime and might have decorated a smoky bar that served longshoremen who worked the...
Sketchbooks I Have Known and Loved

Sketchbooks I Have Known and Loved

When I first started sketching I was overwhelmed with sketchbook choices. I remember going into New York Central Art Supply and getting totally confused with the variety of books with different size, thickness, color of paper, binding, textures, recommended usage, and...
Painting the Historic Bridges of the Catskill Mountains

Painting the Historic Bridges of the Catskill Mountains

Few places match the mystique and gentle beauty of the Catskill Mountains.  Dotted with old barns and lush with winding streams, the Catskills are a lovely place to paint and enjoy fresh air only two hours from New York City. Thus far I painted four historic bridges...
Adrian Hill: War Sketcher, Art Therapist, Artist

Adrian Hill: War Sketcher, Art Therapist, Artist

Adrian Hill (1895-1977) was an artist and author who recognized and promoted the value of art as a tool for healing, and established principles that we can use today in times of the Covid pandemic.  Born in London, he entered art school at the age of 17 shortly before...
Painting Stone Arch Bridge in the Catskill Mountains

Painting Stone Arch Bridge in the Catskill Mountains

This past weekend I escaped the city heat and drove to the Catskill Mountains to paint a beautiful old structure – Stone Arch Bridge in Sullivan County. It was the second time I painted this bridge, the last time was in late fall when most leaves were brown....