38 x 26 | oil on canvas

Reverend Ronald Naylor was painted from life in my Anderson studio in four sessions.  First Presbyterian Church in Muncie, Indiana commissioned the portrait to honor his 25 years of service to the church.

Ron and I met in his office to get acquainted.  It became obvious to me very quickly that the painting had to capture his warmth, intelligence and kindness.

Ron also has a mischievous side.  He enjoyed cracking jokes — especially when I needed a steady hand to paint details.   We had a great time working together on this.

16 x 13 | oil on linen

20 x 24 | oil on canvas

Susie Ayers sat for this portrait in her living room in Anderson, Indiana.  She was wheelchair bound at this point in her life, but was always up for an adventure.  Since she loved cats, we chose to include one in the portrait.  I think it helped communicate Susie’s attitude of embracing everyone who crossed her path.  She was one of the most joyful, loving, and content people I have ever met.

Susie passed away in 2008.  The Kansas School for the Deaf inducted Susie Ayers into their Deaf Hall of Fame for her outstanding contributions to Deaf culture over many years.

30 x 24 | oil on canvas

Mr. Goff was about 95 years old when I painted him.  He told me stories of his work as the butcher in Pendleton, Indiana for 50 years.   Looking out the window as he recalled the distant past, he could barely hear me as I asked questions, but had a very peaceful spirit about him and a warm laugh.  Painted from life in my Anderson, Indiana studio.

40 x 28 | oil on canvas

Mrs. DeSimone flew from Rhode Island to Indiana twice to be painted from life in my Anderson, Indiana studio.    We had a wonderful time together talking about her childhood in Austria and youth in England.  The roses are the colors of the Austrian flag.

30 x 40 | oil on canvas

Dr. Purdy was painted from life in four sittings at my Anderson, IN studio.   Working from life is essential.   Personality, color nuances, body language and even the conversation between artist and model during the sessions add information a camera cannot capture.   The background and suit were painted largely without the subject present.