COLLIERVISIONS

Checking Out

2011-08-21T17:31:00.001-05:00

This blog is now closed to new postings. To all the people who visited and left comments, I leave a big Thank You! I will continue to post my work from my new home in NY State, and you can find it HERE.
Thank you, Memphis.

SouthernSketches

2010-12-14T20:31:00.003-06:00

My book, SouthernSketches has been born. Here I gathered my watercolors and drawings of local scenes and landmarks around the Memphis TN area and beyond. It can be reviewed or purchased HERE.

How to paint REALLY loose...

2010-01-26T22:09:00.004-06:00

Ok...I found a way to paint really loose...heh, heh...I just paint a tiny (say, 5 x7") watercolor. Then... I crop a tiny portion of it, just like this. Duh!

Ok, at least I am trying. The full painting is here.

Happy New Year

2009-12-31T12:41:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas

2009-12-20T13:21:00.000-06:00

Point Higuero Lighthouse

2009-11-27T13:51:00.001-06:00

Several years ago I was lucky enough to visit the Island of Puerto Rico. This small watercolor shows the Point Higuero Light in the Northwest corner of the island.

Watercolor, 5x7", Fabriano paper cold press

Rolling on the River

2009-11-22T09:30:00.003-06:00

Years ago my wife and I finally went on our first cruise. Down the Mississippi River, that is. It took about an hour and a half in a beautiful paddle boat and it offered great views of the Memphis skyline.

Watercolor, 5x7" on Fabriano hot-pressed paper

Red Light, Michigan

2009-10-11T16:29:00.003-05:00

Exact proportions notwithstanding, this small watercolor is loosely based on the Holland Harbor Lighthouse, in Michigan.

Watercolor, 5 x 7", Fabriano paper

Central Station, Memphis

2009-10-03T14:36:00.002-05:00

This is my second watercolor of this place, this time in a little larger size. It is located in South Main Street.

Watercolor, 12 x 9", Fabriano Paper

Red Barn - Duh!

2009-09-20T09:11:00.005-05:00

Whenever I feel like painting but can't decide what - a barn (duh!) usually materializes.

This one came out of my many photographs of farms taken on our long drives to New Jersey.

Watercolor, 5 x 7", Fabriano Hot press Paper

Dauphin Island

2009-09-12T09:10:00.003-05:00

Although the original blue color of the boat does not offer the best contrast with the water, I still decided to use it for this sketch. This is from a visit to the Gulf Shores area in Southern Alabama.

Watercolor 5"x 10", Fabriano paper

Winter

2009-08-15T18:53:00.003-05:00

Time has been very scarce to paint lately...hopefully that will change soon. So, let's go to the old archives for a change.
This watercolor was painted many…many…years ago (circa 1985) when my interest in painting in this medium started to bloom.

Watercolor, 11 x 15 ", Strathmore paper

A Church in San Antonio

2009-05-21T21:06:00.003-05:00

I forgot to write down the name of this church when I walked by and took a few pictures. I am trying to find it. Google has not worked so far...

Watercolor, 5 x 7 ", Fabriano Paper

St. Patrick's Cathedral

2009-05-11T20:19:00.003-05:00

Elizabeth, NJ is my American hometown. Although I was born and raised in Portugal, when I came to the US, this is where I first arrived - after JFK International - in 1974 and where I lived for several years. So it feels like home. This landmark Cathedral is on 2nd St. in the Elizabethport area.

Watercolor, 5 x 7" Fabriano Paper

Romer Shoal

2009-05-02T14:37:00.002-05:00

This lonely lighthouse was erected in the early 19th Century just south of Staten Island in New York Bay.

Watercolor, 7 x 9", Canson Montval Paper

Hereford Inlet Lighthouse

2009-03-25T20:45:00.004-05:00

This Lighthouse can be found in the beautiful State of New Jersey near North Wildwood. It hints at the abundance of victorian architecture in the southern part of the state.

Watercolor, 5 x 7", on Canson Montval paper

North Shore, Hawaii

2009-03-18T22:21:00.003-05:00

Today, I was rummaging through some photos from some years ago, and I found a scene that made me grab the brush. This is a quick sketch that I clocked at 34 minutes, a little record for me. Some times…rarely for me…speed lends a little freshness and spontaneity, which I think worked in this case.

Watercolor, 6x9 in, Canson Montval Paper

Joint Venture

2009-03-13T20:35:00.003-05:00

This small drawing was a joint-venture between me and my wife who refuses to acknowledge her obvious talent for drawing and painting. Actually my role was very limited to some shadows in the foreground leaves. She did everything else. I happen to like this a lot.

Colored Pencil, 5 x 7 in

Mission San Francisco Solano

2009-02-28T08:00:00.004-06:00

Going back to Sonoma, this is a tiny sketchbook entry from a trip to California many years ago.

Watercolor, 3x5 inches

Marshall's General Store

2009-02-15T10:41:00.004-06:00

Along Route 46 in Northwestern New Jersey.

Watercolor, 5 x 7" Canson Montval Paper

Sunrise, Honululu

2009-02-08T18:06:00.003-06:00

I had an urge today to paint something and I had thirty minutes. So here it is.

Watercolor 7 x 10",

Fabriano Paper, Hot Pressed.

Backyard

2009-01-31T11:30:00.005-06:00

I found this quiet backyard near Montour Falls, N.Y. in the beautiful Finger Lakes area.

Watercolor, 10 x14", Arches Paper

Courtyard, Mission San Francisco Solano

2009-01-23T21:40:00.004-06:00

This was painted way back in 1990 from a week-long trip where I marveled at the overwhelming variety of landscape and culture in California. This Mission is in the city of Sonoma.

Watercolor, 11 x15", Arches Paper

It's a New Day

2009-01-20T16:53:00.005-06:00

Congratulations to our new President, Mr. Barack Obama.
We are counting on you and wish you Good Luck.

National Civil Rights Museum, Memphis TN
Watercolor, 9x12 cm, Strathmore Paper

Germantown Depot

2009-01-14T21:11:00.004-06:00

The original train Depot in Germantown, Tennessee was built before the Civil War. It was rebuilt in 1948 after it burned to the ground.

Watercolor and pencil, 8 x 10", Strathmore Paper

Memphis Roof

2009-01-02T21:16:00.007-06:00

This interesting roof is located on Washington Avenue, near St. Mary's Cathedral.

Watercolor and Pencil , 5x7 in, Fabriano paper

Farm Buildings

2008-12-27T20:16:00.005-06:00

I think the photo I used for this sketch was taken along I-81 in Southeastern Pennsylvania. This quick work suggests my recent inclination to give skies a larger role.

Watercolor, 5x7", Fabriano Paper

Merry Christmas

2008-12-24T14:43:00.002-06:00

Old Barber Shop

2008-12-14T18:27:00.004-06:00

This tiny building in the Collierville Town Square, used to be a Barber Shop. It has since been converted to a Bank office. Thankfully, the structure has been preserved retaining much of its original character.

Watercolor 5 x 7 in, Canson Paper

Rum Boogie Cafe

2008-12-03T21:14:00.002-06:00

Here in the heart of Beale Street in Memphis, you Eat, Drink, Boogie, and Repeat.

Watercolor, 12 x 18", Fabriano paper

Strange Cargo

2008-11-23T19:03:00.004-06:00

It is an intriguing name for a gift store, but there it is on Beale Street in Memphis...you never know what you're gonna find.

Watercolor, 12"x18", Fabriano Paper

Southern Railroad

2008-11-09T18:52:00.004-06:00

These rail cars are not rolling anymore but they add to the charm of the Collierville Town Square which was looking great yesterday when I took the picture that inspired this painting.
******
Watercolor, 5x7", Fabriano Paper

Country Church

2008-11-06T20:06:00.003-06:00

This was a practice sketch for this painting. It helped me plan out the value pattern. I learned from one of my favorite watercolorists, the late great John Pike, that it is always a good idea to have a plan for the value pattern (lights vs. darks). He always completed a pencil value sketch before starting on his gorgeous watercolors. This is especially important with watercolor because the transparent paint makes changes relatively difficult.

Having said that, I only do it once in a while because I am kind of lazy and I am always anxious to get the painting finished.

******

Watercolor 5 x 7, Fabriano paper

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T21:47:00.003-05:00

I said I would be back in October...Happy Halloween!
I have enjoyed two glorious weeks in my native country of Portugal. I got to see a lot of dear family members and old friends; I got to sample a lot of the local food and wine - trust me - the best seafood in the world. If you would like to see some paintings from Portugal, check out my other blog Aguarelas Portuguesas (Portuguese Watercolors) here.
This old painting (circa 1990) was done from a photo I took in the beautiful Bushkill Falls area in Eastern Pennsylvania.
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Watercolor, 11 x 14", probably Arches paper

Change of Pace

2008-09-14T10:49:00.002-05:00

This duckie suggests a change of pace. That's because this blog will be taking a little vacation so I can finally return to my birthplace, Beautiful Portugal, after four long years of absence. Back in October!

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Watercolor, 5x7", Fabriano paper

Farm House, Ohio

2008-09-07T19:16:00.004-05:00

Once in a while I take a (quick) break from watercolor and dabble in Pen and Ink. This was done for a friend of mine, showing her childhood home in Ohio.
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Pen & Ink (don't remember the size!)

Dauphin Island

2008-09-01T10:01:00.009-05:00

Latest news - read all about it - The painting shown in my previous post "Looking out" won a Honorable Mention in the Fur, Fin, and Feather Festival in Middleton, Tennessee. And my painting "Princeton University" won Second Place in the Amateur category. This was my first foray in a juried show and my head is so big today, it can't fit thru the door.
******
Still staying in the Gulf Shores area, this quick sketch, just painted today, is from a photo I took in Dauphin Island, Alabama.

Watercolor 5x7", Fabriano paper

Looking Out, Fort Morgan

2008-08-23T14:43:00.006-05:00

During our trip to Gulf Shores in 2004, we took a drive to Dauphin Island which required hopping on the Ferry. This scene is near the dock in Fort Morgan, Alabama. The bird ignored us while searching for his next meal.

Watercolor, 11x14", Arches 300 Lb cold pressed paper

Church of St. Mark

2008-08-15T21:46:00.007-05:00

This small church caught my eye because of the two castle-like towers and also its interesting design. It is located near Highway 72 in South Collierville, TN.
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Watercolor 8x12", Fabriano Paper Rough

Central Station, Memphis

2008-08-09T20:05:00.004-05:00

Built in 1914, Central Station, now renovated, hosts the "City of New Orleans" train on its way from Chicago to the Big Easy - and back. It is located in South Main Street. Some of the old-time electric trolleys roaming though Downtown came from my native country of Portugal. Maybe I even rode on one of them in my old college days...they do feel like old friends.
******
Watercolor 5x7", Fabriano Paper

Road to Jersey III

2008-08-03T08:32:00.004-05:00

This is another work based on roadside photos taken during one of our long drives to New Jersey. My best guess is this place is probably in Virginia.
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Watercolor, 9x12", Fabriano Paper

Fort Morgan, Alabama

2008-07-28T20:26:00.005-05:00

I almost threw this picture out in the garbage. I tried to rush and the perspective lines were out of whack, the colors were too garish and the trees were too even in shape. Then I did my best to salvage it with a little pen and ink and used a sponge to tone the colors down a little.
I still don't like the trees, but I think I am gonna keep it.
When I think of tropical colors, Alabama is not the first place that comes to mind. Nevertheless, Alabama does have a small slice of the Gulf of Mexico and you will definitely find a tropical atmosphere here. I can't wait to go back. There is an old stone fort here along with a lot of beautiful homes on stilts. This is close to the Gulf Shores resort area.
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Watercolor, 5x7", Fabriano paper

Christmas in New Jersey

2008-07-23T20:42:00.005-05:00

We visited some friends and relatives for Christmas in New Jersey a few years ago and we ran into a big snowstorm. I rummaged through some pictures over the weekend, and then completed this sketch. This house, where we stayed, overlooks a lake and the beautiful rolling hills of Northwestern New Jersey, near the Delaware River and the Delaware Water Gap.
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Watercolor, 5x7" Fabriano Paper

Elfreth's Alley

2008-07-19T11:27:00.002-05:00

It is said that this is the oldest residential street in the United States and it is located in old -of course - Philadelphia. The black dohickeys in the windows are mirrors used by old-time residents to survey activity in the street without having to stick their heads out the window. This work is based on photos from my visit to Philadelphia last month.

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Watercolor 5x7", Fabriano cold-pressed paper

Dauphin Island, Alabama

2008-07-15T21:48:00.004-05:00

After taking the Ferry from Fort Morgan, we landed on this relaxing small island off Mobile Bay in Alabama. I highly recommend a visit (from a family trip to Gulf Shores, 2004).
******

Watercolor, 9 x 12", Fabriano paper, rough.

St. Mary's Cathedral

2008-07-06T16:00:00.008-05:00

Memphis has many beautiful churches and this is just one example. I chose fall colors for some of the trees to try to balance the cool tones of the walls and roof. This church is located on Poplar Avenue near Downtown.
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Watercolor, 12 x 16", Arches Paper

Red Mill

2008-07-01T20:26:00.004-05:00

I used to live not too far from the picturesque small town of Cinton, New Jersey where this well preserved mill is located.
*****
Watercolor, 5x7", Arches Paper

Earnestine and Hazel's

2008-06-21T08:12:00.006-05:00

The South Main area, in downtown Memphis has become a lively neighborhood with many shops and galleries, and is served by the Mainstreet Trolley line. This corner caught my eye...I think it was the bright colors of the sign and store front.
Later on, I found that there is a lot of interesting history about this building where Otis Redding... and even Elvis... hung out in the sixties. You can read all about it here.
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Watercolor, 5x7", Fabriano paper

Yosemite Valley, California

2008-06-17T21:24:00.002-05:00

It is hard to describe Yosemite Valley in words or images...I strongly suggest you see it with your own eyes. Half Dome is seen here in the background.
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Watercolor, 7 x 5", Strathmore paper

Palacio de Gobierno

2008-06-09T21:08:00.003-05:00

This painting does not fully depict the beauty of this building...there, I said it (City of Monterrey, Northern Mexico).
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Watercolor, 12x9", Arches Paper

Port Lucaya, Bahamas

2008-06-01T15:38:00.005-05:00

This small building caught my eye in Count Basie Square, Port Lucaya, Grand Bahama Island.
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Watercolor, 15x11", Arches Paper

The Courthouse

2008-05-24T19:01:00.002-05:00

Elizabeth, New Jersey is my original American hometown. I was born and raised in Portugal, but it was very easy to settle in this town in 1978 because that is where my family already resided on the day of my first arrival. This building dominates downtown and it is a big local landmark for very good reasons.
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Watercolor, 7x5", Fabriano Paper

Lighthouse, Santa Cruz

2008-05-16T22:31:00.004-05:00

I absolutely love lighthouses in all respects, but especially as painting subjects. I find them irresistible and this one, in Monterey Bay, California was no exception. I visited this beautiful place in 1994.
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Watercolor, 16x20", Arches paper

Parthenon, Athens

2008-05-12T20:46:00.005-05:00

This is another rare work done from photos that I did not take myself. A good friend of mine, born in Greece asked me to paint this for him. Hopefully, I will get to take my own pictures of this great place one day.
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Watercolor, 30x20", Arches Paper

Handy's Park, Memphis

2008-05-03T08:44:00.004-05:00

Now that the Memphis in May Beale Street Music Festival is in full swing, it may be a good time to post this vision of Handy's Park. W.C. Handy is considered by many to be the "Father of the Blues".

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Watercolor, 16x12", Arches Paper

Forsythia

2008-04-28T21:00:00.002-05:00

This bush refused to stay within the confines of the fence.
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Watercolor, 7x5", Fabriano paper

Tennesse Farm

2008-04-24T19:36:00.003-05:00

While on the subject of farms, here is another scene born from photos taken along one of our long car trips to New Jersey. I believe this is somewhere in Eastern Tennessee.
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Watercolor, 12x6", Strathmore paper

The Farm House

2008-04-20T21:58:00.003-05:00

I drove through this scene about a dozen times and my wife -at my request- did her best to get a picture on the fly. But the trees always seemed to get in the way. Then it hit me...maybe if I stopped the car... yeah, it worked!
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Watercolor 12 x 9", Fabriano paper, rough

Blues Hall, Memphis

2008-04-16T21:02:00.006-05:00

I like night scenes, especially -of course- when depicted in watercolor. For me at least, they are a little bit more challenging to paint than daylight scenes. Once in a while I overcome my fear and go for it. I know...the trumpet player looks like he only has one arm, but that's the way he looked...he had his right hand in his pocket...don't blame me.
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Watercolor, 20 x 16"

Rusty!

2008-04-11T19:42:00.004-05:00

Rusty is our little two year old Lhasa-Poo. He is very friendly and sweet except when he becomes ferocious to protect his owners. He also becomes terrified during thunderstorms and shakes like a leaf for about an hour after it's over. And, he likes to eat anything except dog food.
******
Pen and Ink, 4 x 6"

Friendship Churches

2008-04-06T08:02:00.010-05:00

Village Church, by William Renzulli
Friendship Church, by Julio Rodrigues

Dr. William Renzulli is the best friend that I have not yet met personally. He has been a regular visitor to this humble blog and he has been very generous with his comments and encouragement. His artistic talent and versatility are in plain sight here at http://williamfrenzullimd.blogspot.com/.
We recently completed an interesting project: We both like old architecture as painting subjects. So Bill sent me some photos for me to pick one and paint. And I sent him photos for him to paint. We both gave each other complete artistic license and no deadlines. Today we are displaying the results of that friendly challenge. I have to say…I was unusually nervous painting my picture…but in the end I was happy with the result.
And Bill painted the church in my original hometown in Portugal in a way that I never would have thought, evoking an elevation/architectural drawing. I loved the concept and I think I came out on the winning end of this trade!

So Bill…a big THANKS.

The Silver Caboose

2008-03-27T12:11:00.004-05:00

If you are hungry, you can’t go wrong here, on the north side of the Collierville Town Square. The lingering snow that fell a few weeks ago made this place look even more inviting.
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Watercolor, 12x9", Fabriano Paper

Happy Easter

2008-03-23T11:27:00.004-05:00

With this beautiful Easter image, painted by my dear wife Maria, we wish everyone a Happy and Healthy Easter.

Freeport, Bahamas

2008-03-23T10:19:00.002-05:00

This is the second piece from my trip there a few years ago. This outdoor market teemed with people looking for bargains.

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Watercolor 14x11", Strathmore cold pressed paper.

Late Snow, Collierville

2008-03-15T12:57:00.004-05:00

Last week we had a winter storm that left about six inches of snow on the ground. Here, this happens maybe once every ten years, especially this late in the season. I knew it would not last long, so I got up Saturday morning and promptly drove to our old Town Square with my camera.
The snow covered several blooming trees, one of which helped frame this view of the old Train Depot.
******

Watercolor, 12x9", on Fabriano Paper, rough.

Firenze, Italia

2008-03-07T20:03:00.006-06:00

Back in 1989, I had to complete a work assignment in Florence, Italy. Yes, I know...it's a tough job.
Well, I courageously volunteered for the task.
This is Pallazzo Vecchio, one of countless architectural wonders in this fantastic city.

Princeton University, Nassau Hall

2008-03-02T18:39:00.003-06:00

This is the second piece from my visit to the campus of Princeton University last Fall.
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Watercolor, 12 x 9", Fabriano Paper

Clematis

2008-03-01T20:08:00.007-06:00

Ok, just to mix it up a little bit, there is no arquitecture here.
Just a very quick study of a humble Clematis flower in my
backyard.
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Watercolor, 2.5 x 3.5 ", Fabriano Paper

Lambertville Station

2008-02-24T19:17:00.006-06:00

Lambertville, New Jersey is a wonderland of victorian architecture, quaint shops, galleries and other visual delights. It is located on the left side of the Delaware River across from another beautiful small town, New Hope, Pennsylvania. The old Train Station is of course, no more. On the other hand, the building is well maintained and it is now a popular restaurant.
******

Watercolor, 12x9", Fabriano Paper

Bahamas Market

2008-02-20T18:30:00.005-06:00

This was one in a row of souvenir stalls near our hotel in the Island of Grand Bahama back in 2001.
The gentleman on the chair was putting the last touches on a wood carving.
I sprinkled a little table salt on the wet paint to try to get a mottled effect on the tin roof.

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Watercolor, 12 x 12", Arches paper

Memphis, South Third

2008-02-15T18:36:00.006-06:00

Downtown Memphis has changed quite a bit -for the better-since I arrived here 16 years ago. A lot of old decrepit buildings have been transformed into modern apartments overlooking the Mississippi River sunset. The area exudes new life and my wife and I enjoy frequent visits there on weekends.
I recommend the extraordinary Peabody Place Museum where incredible treasures of Chinese Art are displayed . I was in awe at the intricate - and very large - oriental carvings in semi-precious stone and ivory. This is one of my favorite places to visit here and I don't think it gets the recognition it deserves.
This view is from the skywalk to the venerable Peabody Hotel, the Grand Hotel of the South. We went there to check out their Sunday Brunch. And, we were definitely not disappointed.
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Watercolor, 7x5", Fabriano Paper

Old Train Depot, Elizabeth, New Jersey

2008-02-08T21:31:00.000-06:00

Train Depots are slowly disappearing, and whenever I run into one, I make sure I put my camera to work. Later, the camera delegates to the brush for the next step.

******

Watercolor, 12x9", Fabriano Paper

Church, Asheville

2008-02-06T21:46:00.001-06:00

This sketch resulted from a trip to Asheville, last year. It is a very picturesque town in the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains in Western North Carolina.
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Watercolor, 7x5", Fabriano Paper

Pennsylvania Farm House

2008-02-01T19:57:00.000-06:00

Rural Pennsylvania is a treasure trove for those of us who like farms, barns and country scenes. As I was driving by I noticed the bright sun against the storm clouds and that always gets my attention.
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Watercolor, 16x12", Arches cold pressed paper

Church, Collierville

2008-01-30T20:38:00.000-06:00

Churches are always favorites for me to paint, especially the white steeples that almost always stand out from their surroundings.
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Watercolor, 12 x 9", Fabriano Paper, cold pressed.

Town Square in the Fall

2008-01-24T20:34:00.000-06:00

The Collierville Town Square is a very well preserved space that retains the flavor of an old time small town. Every year in the Fall, I wait for the right time, then get up early one Saturday morning and spend some time taking pictures of the great Autumn foliage and the store fronts in the Square. The Burning Bushes in the foreground caught my eye and I finally painted this scene a few days ago. This painting was made from a photo I took there in 2005.
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Watercolor, 12 x 9", on Fabriano Paper

Victoria, Canada

2008-01-19T11:45:00.001-06:00

This is the Government Palace in Victoria, a coastal city in British Columbia, Western Canada. Its scenic harbor, fantastic architecture - victorian, of course - and mild climate atract many visitors. It is also a favorite area for wealthy canadians to retire.

I painted this small sketch in my travel sketchbook.

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Watercolor, 5 x 7"

Bushkill Falls

2008-01-17T21:30:00.000-06:00

This place is in Northeastern Pennsylvania, in the Poconos area, near the Delaware River. I must confess...this sketch is based on a print that I was ogling in the gift shop. Instead of buying it...money is short...I decided to paint my own. Ok, it's not nearly as good, but it was a lot cheaper.
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India Ink and Watercolor, 5 x 7", Arches cold pressed paper.

United Methodist Church, Washington, NJ

2008-01-11T20:21:00.001-06:00

While visiting family in New Jersey, this Church caught my attention not just because of its beautiful towers, but also because of the unusual green stone used in its construction.

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Watercolor, 4 x 5.5", Strathmore Paper

Double Deuce

2008-01-08T23:24:00.001-06:00

Beale Street, in the city of Memphis, Tennessee, breathes Blues and Rock. Double Deuce, on the eastern end of Beale, breathes Country and Western, which makes it sort of unique. It all adds to the diversity, and we all win.
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India Ink with watercolor wash, 5 x 7"

Yosemite National Park

2008-01-06T10:52:00.000-06:00

It is very hard to describe the overwhelming natural beauty of the Yosemite Valley in central California. It has to be seen in person. The next best thing may be looking at the fantastic Black-and-White photographs of Ansel Adams. His superb talent and infinite care in setting up his camera, time, and place was complemented by his skills to manipulate the image in the Dark Room to increase contrasts in strategic areas. All this resulted in the arresting images we admire to this day.

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Watercolor 12 x 16", Arches Paper

The Alamo

2008-01-02T20:29:00.001-06:00

With all due respect to other Texas cities...San Antonio is special. Whether or not you are having a bad day, the River Walk will lift your spirits. And a visit to the Alamo will make you think...highly... of all the sacrifices people have made well before we were born.
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Watercolor, 9x12", Strathmore Paper

Germantown Commissary

2007-12-29T12:46:00.000-06:00

Where I first enjoyed Southern Barbecue many years ago... and I continue the tradition to this day.
It is a very popular spot located in the heart of Germantown, Tennessee.
******

Watercolor, 8 x 11", on Fabriano cold-pressed paper

Road to Jersey II

2007-12-26T21:57:00.001-06:00

This is another one of the tranquil farm scenes you might see when driving along Interstate 40 in Tennessee.

Happy Holidays!

2007-12-22T13:43:00.000-06:00

...

Princeton University

2007-12-19T20:31:00.000-06:00

We traveled to New Jersey over Thanksgiving holiday, and were fortunate enough to visit the campus of Princeton University. I was fascinated by the history of the place and by the beautiful architecture in the campus. The fall colors added to the show.
We had lunch at Lahiere's, a great restaurant where Albert Einstein used to hang out, and we sat next to his favorite table, under his portrait. Ok, I felt about one-inch tall, but still, it was a great experience. My thanks to my brother and my sister-in-law, the hosts.
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Watercolor, 8x11", on Fabriano Hot Press paper

Rum Boogie Cafe

2007-12-14T20:17:00.002-06:00

The name says it all. This is a classic spot for great food and great music in the heart of Beale Street, Memphis. One among many.

The original ink sketch is shown, along with the final version which includes a light watercolor wash.

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Ink and Watercolor Wash, 5"x5"

Lucaya Beach, Bahamas

2007-12-09T22:41:00.001-06:00

This unassuming bar is in the Island of Grand Bahama. Right after our beer, we had to run for it, because a tropical storm came out of nowhere and broke up the party.
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Watercolor, 11x15" on Arches cold pressed paper

Sandy Hook Lighthouse, New Jersey

2007-11-30T20:18:00.001-06:00

I lived in New Jersey for many years and I have a lot of great memories from that time and place. Many people think of New Jersey as over populated and filled with refineries. Actually, most of the state is rural. The northwestern quarter of the state is especially beautiful with its rolling hills, old barns, covered bridges and victorian architecture.
It also has lots of good beaches. Sandy Hook was the closest one to my house, so I kept showing up there...and the locals seemed to tolerate it.
The Sandy Hook Lighthouse has been there since 1764. It is one of the oldest lighthouses in the country.
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Watercolor, 5 x 7", Fabriano Paper

Old Memphis

2007-11-24T17:08:00.001-06:00

As you descend the Mississippi River in a Paddle Boat cruise, you might see these old buildings dating from the golden age of the cotton trade.

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Watercolor, 11x15", Arches cold pressed paper

Memphis Music

2007-11-16T20:55:00.002-06:00

In my native country of Portugal, painting on ceramic tiles is a very old tradition, originating from the times of the Arab ocupation of the Iberian Peninsula in the Middle Ages. In this painting, I tried to emulate this art form on watercolor paper. Some people have said it looks like tiles...some others have said it looks like I was painting through a window. In any event, this painting shows one of the most popular spots in Memphis. Lots of live Blues Music and Barbecue!
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Watercolor, 12x16", Arches paper

Eads Pottery

2007-11-10T15:43:00.000-06:00

I first drove by this place about twelve years ago and I thought then, the building was about five minutes away from total collapse. I am glad to report that it is still there. Hopefully it will be there for a long time (Eads, Route 205, Tennessee).
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Watercolor, 9 x 12 ", Fabriano Paper, cold-pressed.

Beale Street, Memphis

2007-10-20T11:02:00.000-05:00

Last Sunday we went downtown, enjoyed the great weather and a great blues band playing outdoors. I used one of the photos I took to remind me of the details for this painting.
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Watercolor, 9x12", Fabriano paper hot pressed.

Hunt Phelan House, Memphis

2007-10-12T19:36:00.000-05:00

This was painted yesterday after a painful visit to the dentist and after the anesthesia wore off...actually, come to think of it, I think its lingering effects may still be seen in this watercolor... it limited the amount of detail, which I think is a good thing.
The Hunt Phelan house was built in the 1820's and served as Ulysses Grant's headquarters during the Civil War. After being closed to the public for a while, it was tastefully renovated as a great Inn, and four-star restaurant. We are now fortunate to again have access to this historic place.

Watercolor, 5x7", Fabriano paper, rough texture.

Alcatraz

2007-10-09T20:26:00.000-05:00

This is a tiny sketch from a trip to the beautiful city of San Francisco. The old maximum security prison is now a museum.

Watercolor, 1.5 x 3.5 inches on a cold pressed sketchbook surface

Wisteria

2007-09-30T18:28:00.000-05:00

For three years straight, its blooms were killed by late frosts. When it does bloom, my backyard gets a facelift.

Watercolor, 5x7" Fabriano Paper, cold pressed

Sun Studio, Memphis

2007-09-20T19:07:00.000-05:00

Speaking of Sun Studio, here is how I saw it in 1995. A lot of Rock-and-Roll history here.
A big THANKS to the late Sam Phillips; We owe you, Mr. Phillips.

Blues City General Store

2007-09-15T21:18:00.001-05:00

Memphis is the Home of the Blues and the Birthplace of Rock-and-Roll. Let's see...Jerry Lee Lewis, Johny Cash, Roy Orbison, B.B. King, Carl Perkins, Rufus Thomas among others...and of course...Elvis Presley. They all recorded their work at Sun Studio (originally, Memphis Recording Service) on Union Avenue.

This watercolor shows yet another hint-to be found on Beale Street. It was painted for the WKNO Art and Antiques Auction to take place in early November.

Party's over (Beale St. Memphis)

2007-08-04T13:51:00.000-05:00

This image is part of a mural in the lobby of Fedex Forum in Memphis. The works on this mural celebrate the long and enduring musical tradition in the city of Memphis, Tennessee.

Old Collierville Presbyterian Church

2007-06-03T09:18:00.000-05:00

Located at Walnut and Mulberry St. since1886, the Congregation moved to a new location at Poplar and Peterson Lake Road in 1965.