The Old Apple Tree

It was about 9:00pm when Janice and I heard a mysterious cracking sound I thought was against the house. I looked out and saw nothing but Janice noticed the large branch that fell from the old apple tree near the barn. It wasn't windy but I guess there was maybe just one too many apples on the weakened limb that couldn't take it any longer. I was glad it didn't happen a few weeks ago when we had 108 guests for the historical society house tour and dinner.

The tree was to have been trimmed in early June but now it was time to take care of it and in a couple of hours everything was cleaned up. The only damage was to the bristle back boar pig weather vane I have used for over thirty-five years to accent various places in gardens. It will need some repairs but hopefully I will have it back sometime this summer.

You're welcome to visit the studio/gallery as there are more paintings and "country accents" that I have made. Just call ahead to be sure I'm in and I'll write your name too on the blackboard.

Wayside Inn birthday present

Longfellow's Wayside Inn, in Sudbury, Massachusetts, is a favorite place and an icon of New England for many over the centuries, and it will always be. I recently was asked by a collector's daughter Stephanie, if I might have something relating to the Inn for her mother's birthday coming within days. I thought right away about it and sent her an image of the inn made of wood and with a quick response she thought it was perfect. So I mailed out the package thinking everything would be fine and on time. I was told it should arrive within two days but a week later Sarah, my collector, only had received the two photos that Stephanie sent her saying a package would be coming. What a mystery to me it was and so I immediately started making another to replace it. Lo and behold, just when I finished, the package was found!

For some reason I transposed the wrong house number of the address. I learned that the number of the address I wrote was a vacant store but fortunately there were apartments next to it. One kind person living there traced the name it was addressed to, and Stephanie was able to walk over to retrieve her mother's present.

Moral of the story: Be very sure of the address you're writing on a package! On the other hand, it also shows a thoughtfulness of others in doing the right thing. Thank you to whoever it was that did the right thing and making three people very happy!

The inn is painted with the two different seasons to enjoy. If you are in New England I encourage you to visit the inn for a wonderful breakfast, luncheon, evening meals, overnight stays and other special occasions. http://www.wayside.org/

Popsicle Date

July 4th weekend is now a memory of a relaxing time around the house and barn. We had collectors visit enjoying the barn full of paintings and country accents while serving iced tea with watermelon to keep us all a little cooler. Monday evening, the last day before the work week began again, Janice and I got Chinese take out to bring home. Afterwards we packed some Popsicles for a "date" down to the ferry landing. The ferry wasn't running but it was nice just to sit, not like Marblehead harbor with many boats ,but pleasant just the same.

We were surprised to see on the way to our "date", the classic Connecticut tobacco farms were growing more corn than tobacco it seemed. I guess it's the sign of changing times. I remember seeing the tobacco fields and barns for the first time particularly Horton's farm here in South Glastonbury and thought it was the "Motif #1" as in Rockport.

The Spirit of America lives throughout the year and before you know it, there will be another Independence Day to celebrate.

I painted this life size sculpture I called "The Private" for a benefit auction for the Pathways for Children in Gloucester in 2009. There are post cards available of The Private by emailing me for more information.

Marblehead & The 4th of July

Tuesday, June 29th, was a hot humid day for a drive but I hadn't been to the Marblehead Art Association for a while and wanted to enter two paintings into the next show. I was lucky getting a parking space near-by the King Hooper Mansion, home of the Art Association, but next week with the Arts Festival, parking will be hard to fine. It was nice to be back in town and thought I would also take advantage of the trip going down to the beautiful harbor. I thought you might like this little "tour".
Going to Crocker park is a must when visiting.......and a great place to see the harbor illumination and fireworks. I did a painting a few years ago of a whimsical interpretation of Arthur Fiedler "conducting " the 1812 Overture I once had the pleasure of hearing at the park on the 4th.
Another great place is Fort Sewall a short distance away on Front street where in 1812 it gave protection to the USS Constitution. Janice and I in 1997 waited several hours in the hot sun, to see the sailing into the mouth of the harbor and mooring between the fort and the lighthouse. It was a very special occasion to be a part of history that we'll always remember. There are plenty of benches to sit and enjoy the wonderful view making memories forever.
I did a painting of a character selling fireworks at the fort .... something completely made up but in my imagination could have been.

Every 4th of July I fly the American flag night and day at the end of the driveway and it once was featured in the late nightly news.
"Happy 4th of July"

House Tour & Dinner

In January we had a request from the Glastonbury Historical Society about having a house tour/dinner in June. Janice and I agreed and knew that there would be a lot of preparing to do. June 13th came and we managed to take a few photos to share with you. Every one of the 108 guests were very happy to tour our 1770 Cape house and my barn full of paintings. The tour is over but you are welcome to visit the studio/gallery where there are many paintings and country accents for your decorating.

May Exhibit

In May of 2009, I was asked by a collector from Wallingford, Connecticut, that I've known for over twenty years, if I would like to exhibit at the library in town. May 1st came and this was the day to set up the small exhibit of twelve works. It will continue through the end of the month. I thought I'd show both paintings on wood as well as a few canvases. Wallingford Public Library is a beautiful building of modern design and perched on a slight hill with plenty of accessible parking. The exhibit was easy to put together using nails to hang and I arranged the work in no time at all. Having Janice with me made it that much easier. We then headed along scenic Rte. 157 back to Glastonbury.

Mural Paintings

The front entry of 1313 Main Street in the morning sun.

This is the front entry of our home where after seven years living here I decided to finally paint a mural. It is typical of scenery along the Connecticut River with it's accents of houses, fields and barns. I also painted the chair rail molding and my wife Janice did the stenciling at the top. It all began by changing a lighting fixture and also getting the house ready for two occasions in May and June which I'll be writing more about it later.

If ever there might be a desire to have a traditional, decorative or an Old New England style mural, just inquire.

This is a painting that I did a few months ago and recently the wainscotting that was installed finished off the rear entry to Longfellow's Wayside Inn. This is one of my favorite places and for many others over the years to experience a beautiful place of early New England. The area is about 6x8 feet and encompasses all of the grounds for you to see. There's the Inn itself, the chapel, school house and the Grist Milll to name a few of the images.

The Inn is now open to the public for breakfast and I highly reccomend the experience or just stop by the gift & bake shop and have coffee and a treat.