Two Red Pears

This still life came about after doing some research about symbolism and what certain fruit mean in oil paintings.  Pears can symbolize longevity.  My daughter Carli and my late son, Bodhi, helped me envision this piece.  The whole pear represents my daughter, and the sliced pear represents my short-lived son.  My intent in this piece was to let the observer know that sometimes art can be created through therapy from a tragedy. Painting is a form of my therapy.  Maybe this piece may have the same symbolic interpretation to others in a somewhat similar situation.  Whatever interpretation the viewer may have, I am glad you took a look.

Independence of a Three Year Old Girl

She is my inspiration, my daughter, my Carli.


I have always wanted children.  When I found out my first one was a girl (the day she was born), I was extremely excited.  She was everything I dreamed for a daughter, and she still is.

Three years old is here, and halfway gone.  Her independence seems to grow with her confidence.  I can imagine several parents with daughters her age can relate.

I painted this oil painting called "Independence of a Three Year Old Girl" because I wanted to show what this girly-girl does in her room when mom is not around.  Clothes fly from her top dresser drawer to the floor in search of the "perfect" outfit.  Her kid's table chair is used as a step stool, of course.

Fortunately, I didn't have to make this scene up.  She does this almost everyday (although, I tell her not to use her chair anymore...not too safe!).