Trees, 2010

10"x20" Acrylic

This is the third version of this tree scene... a favorite of mine

Ireland Series, 2010

An Irish moooo cow

A Foggy Fjord...

An Island just off the Emerald Isle...

Found on the road less traveled...

Every day brought new sights and new adventures!

Seasons: A series, 2010

10"x20" Acrylic

Winter

10"x20" Acrylic

Spring

10x20 Acrylic

Summer

10"x20" Acrylic

Fall...

...Behind the "100 acre woods" in Glen Echo Ravine.

Bird on Barbwire... at war, 2010

Even in war, a moment of peace and beauty...

War Patrol, 2010 work in progress

On Patrol in the Desert... for those who think combat is over in Iraq. It is a work in progress because I am in the process of integrating the following poem into the picture:

The… Penetrated…

Evaporated… Disintegrated…

Eviscerated… Decapitated…

Mind and soul amputated…

Burnt and blown up…

Brain damaged… Bled out and Heart failed…

are here: Section 60 at Arlington.

The smashed and trashed…

who survived the blast but didn’t last or...

suicided at home but were killed elsewhere also have their last deployment here: In Section 60, or …

some variation people “respect and admire” but don’t aspire to (ignoring those who mostly survived and only somewhat died).

On Memorial Day most folks play while only a few caress the tombstones of the angelfied.

The majority know what to do: Stuff your mind with barbecue . . .

--Horace Coleman, Member, Vietnam Veterans Against the War;

Supporter, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Against the War

Gulf Oil Innocents, 3, Impressionist, '10

12"x12" Acrylic

Unnecessary death in the Gulf... It will be hard to explain to future generations why we allowed this to happen. Damn!

Gulf Oil Innocents, 2, Impressionist, '10

11"x14", Acrylic

I have found that the only way I can get out my anger for the destruction of the Gulf by BP was to paint the true victims.

Gulf Oil The Innocents, 1, Impressionist '10

18"x24", Acrylic

The title for this series comes from a John McCutcheon song that includes the line: "Its always the Innocents who die for the crime!" He was speaking of war, but what else is this crime, but a war on nature? This photograph caught me off guard the first time I saw it... It enraged me to know this beautiful animal is now dead. Damn BP!

Mountain House, NM, '09

11"x14" Acrylic

This house is near the pass through a mountain range in New Mexico. The pass is called the "Devil's Backbone" because of the majestic rocks pushing their way through the surface. This house is just pass the highest point. The trees are so "desert".

Motorcycle Road, Big Bend, TX, '09

14"x18" Acrylic

One of the beautiful rides I take each year that I am in Big Bend National Park in Texas. I recommend this park for everyone to visit at least once! It is the only place in Texas where you will find true mountains. The highest point in the Park is 8630 ft. high. Hiked to the top twice so far... quite exhilarating! Especially for a guy over 60! Great rides, great views, lots of different eco-systems (based on elevation).

Prehistory Indian Cave Dwelling, NM, '09

16"x20" Acrylic

Mary Lou and I spent a wonderful afternoon walking through a canyon in New Mexico to find this amazing cliff dwelling. A beautiful hike on a beautiful winter's day with a beautiful woman - it doesn't get much better than that! At least for me! It was first a photograph for her office as Director of Franklin County Job and Family Services, later it became this painting. It hangs in our living room. It was entered into the 2010 Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Exhibit.

Wedding Flowers, Impressionist, '09

18"x24" Acrylic

This beautiful bouquet of flowers was used at the wedding of our lovely niece Liz Langenhop and her husband Dave Spahr. Gifted to Bill and Debbie Langenhop, the proud and happy parents.

Old Tree, Nogales, TX, impressionist, '09

11"x14" Acrylic

Found this tree and this moment at the end of a "harrowing" back road trip on my HD Sportster motorcycle. Nine miles of large rock gravel road and/or rutted dirt, taking about 1.5 hours, left me at the foot of this beautiful old tree. It was February, so I assume it would fill out with leaves soon!

Self-Portrait: SAD2, Impressionist '10

8"x10" Pastels

The worst moments in February 2010 expressed... Spring has come and I'm back from Hell!

Self-Portrait: SAD, Impressionist '10

8"x10" Pastels

A winter February without the sun... Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a terrible and life threatening disease for some of us. An exercise in pushing out the pain.

Fall in Mt. Vernon, OH, Impressionist '10

12"x16"

Acrylic

There are few scenes more beautiful that a great Fall day in Ohio when the leaves are at their peak color! This is a scene I saw throughout the Fall on my way to care for my youngest granddaughter. Joy comes in the form of Kalli at the end of a great drive!

Blue Flowers, Impressionist, '10

24"x30"

Acrylic

My first large painting. These flowers come from a photograph that is one of my favorites of all the pictures I have taken (I have taken way to many flowers!). My grandfather taught me the joy of photographing flowers. A favorite past time as a child was for us to gather at Grandpa's house to see his flower slides, taken out in the desert in Southern California.

Yes we did! Washington Monument 1/20/2009

10"x20" Acrylic

Standing there among two million people celebrating a great day in American history! I cannot adequately express the emotions I felt as I thought of all the people who were pushed aside, beaten and killed as they tried to advance our country so that this day could happen. I stood on their shoulders that day. Gifted to our dear friends in Washington, Steve and Deb.

Maine Light House, Impressionist, '09

14"x18" Acrylic

This painting will remain with me... It is one of my favorites! Same Maine Lighthouse, more impressionist in style. Another "breakthrough" painting for me in early '09.

New England Trees, Impressionist, '09

12"x16" Acrylic

This is my favorite of all (so far)... It was done early in '09 and became a "breakthrough" painting for me. Gave me a lot of confidence to keep on painting. Many folks ask if it is a photograph when they first see it.

Maine Light House, '09

16"x20" Acrylic

A beautiful scene from Maine... Gifted to John and Ann for their Lake House.

Glen Echo Tree, OH, Impressionist, '09/'10

Winter '10

18"x24" Acrylic

Late Summer '09

18"x24" Acrylic

Two seasons: Winter and late Summer... my favorite tree in the Glen Echo Ravine, here in Columbus, OH. In memory of our wonderful friend Carol.

Watkins Glen, NY, impressionist, '09

12"x14" Acrylic

This was a surprise for ML and I, found on our trip to/from Maine a few years ago. The sun was coming through the gap late in the day... beautiful! We always knew Watkins Glen as a race car enthusiast hang out. We did find a checkered flag for my daughter and her husband, NASCAR fans...

Bamboo stand, Costa Rica, Impressionist, '10

9"x12" Acrylic

The "Jungle" just outside our Casida, Southern Pacific-side, Costa Rica... who knew bamboo was red when it was young! I was "forced" to walk by this scene everyday.

Southern Costa Rica, Pacific-side, impressionist '10

18"x24" Acrylic

I looked back from our boat heading out towards Pacific Ocean... I knew in that instant that I would paint this scene! We had just emerged from a very large Mangrove Trees National Park

Palm Trees, Caribbean-side, Costa Rica, Impressionist, '10

12"x16" Acrylic

ML and I have checked off the first destination of our "napkin" list... Costa Rica! This scene comes from the Caribbean side in southern Costa Rica. Great surfing! Great weather! Lots of beautiful beaches! Next: Ireland!

Old Tree, Near Fort Davis, Tx Impressionist '09

16"x20" Acrylic

This is the second painting of this tree. The first was completed in early '08... I plan to redo this painting once a year... to compare my level of competence after each year's effort.

Arizona Tree '09 (Cactus) Impressionist

16"x20" Acrylic

This will always be one of my favorites... It represents a place and a time for great professional and personal growth for me. Gifted to my brother, Christmas 2009, for his "desert" house.

Santa Elena Canyon, Big Bend, Tx_3: Impressionist

16"x20" Acrylic

This is the third view of Santa Elena Canyon, Tx. It is one of those golden sunset type of days. This is an impressionist painting that will stay with me. It currently hangs in my wife's office.

Santa Elena Canyon, Tx_2: Impressionist

16"x20" Acrylic

This is a second version of the Santa Elena Canyon, Tx. It is closer in to the mouth of the Canyon, late in the afternoon. I have gifted this painting to the Children's Hunger Alliance, Ohio, for an upcoming fundraiser. I hope it brings some money into the organization!

Santa Elena Canyon, Big Bend, Tx_1: Impressionist

14"x18" Acrylic

This is an impressionist painting of the Santa Elena Canyon, Big Bend, Tx. I saw this from a canoe as I was heading into the canyon. The sides of the canyon rise 1000+ feet above the water! It truly rates the word "awesome!" This painting will stay with me. It is my favorite of everything I have painted.

Florida Sunset, 09: Impressionist

12"x16" acrylic

This is my first painting, and first impressionist painting I was willing to show anyone. This is a wonderful sunset I saw in 2009 while in Florida with my ML, granddaughter and friends.

Mark's Art: Self-portrait - Sun Chaser '09

11"x14" Acrylic

This is intended to give family and friends a look at some of my art. Many know me as an organizational consultant/advocate for children, adults and families. Hidden waiting for a time to come forward was my interest/passion for art. I am currently painting, using acrylics, because they forgive my 30+ year sabbatical from this avocation... I hope you enjoy my work.