The Little Mermaid

Believe it or not, I am a huge fan of “The Little Mermaid.” I honestly believe it is the film that sparked the renaissance in Disney animation coming out of the 1980’s. While ”Beauty and the Beast” may be the most purely romantic of the modern-day Disney classics and “The Lion King” the most powerfully dramatic, “The Little Mermaid” is clearly the most enjoyably enchanting of these films and certainly best captures the innocent nature of first love. Watching my four daughters all grow into young women I have been privy to the emotional peaks and valleys of young love. I understand King Triton’s concern and desire to protect his youngest from a relationship facing so many obstacles. But, I also recognize the desperate love Ariel feels towards Prince Eric and the purity of her belief that their love can conquer all. Love is powerful, love is captivating and first love absolutely enchants!

The creation of “The Little Mermaid” much like “Tinker Bell and Peter Pan Fly to Neverland”, presented special technical and aesthetic challenges for me that were not present in most of my other Disney paintings. Thematically, this film deals with the clash between two worlds and how to best integrate them together. So it was with my painting. I had to bring the undersea world of Ariel’s childhood into peace with the land-bound life she so longed for with her beloved, Prince Eric. I felt the sea life at the bottom of the composition did this, allowing both parts of Ariel’s life, past and future, in all their regal and colorful glory. I truly hope the loyal fans of the film enjoy my narrative tale of “The Little Mermaid”.

Gone With The Wind

Romeo and Juliet. Anthony and Cleopatra. History is filled with couples bound together forever in the social mind because of their undeniable and storied relationships. As it was with these others…so it is with Rhett and Scarlett. Indeed, to me, there has been no greater romance ever chronicled than that of the dashing hero and strong-willed heroine of GONE WITH THE WIND™. Perhaps it is the tragic backdrop of the Civil War that serves to enhance the emotional impact of this storied love affair. The ultimate triumph of the hu­man spirit, so well displayed in the film’s masterful conclusion kindles the romantic within me…as it can within you.

In my painting, Gone With The Wind, I wanted to capture this central romance but also give a small taste of the gentile old south. Fragrant flowers and lush rolling hills surround Tara, the homestead of the O’Hara family, and serve as quiet sentinels to this way of life. My painting is populated with favorite film characters and rendered in small cinematic vignettes designed to capture all of the drama and nostalgia of this Hollywood spectacu­lar. I truly hope this painting delights all fans of GONE WITH THE WIND. Beyond this, I pray it reminds us all that true love does exist.

A Victorian Christmas Carol

Of all the great memories and current impressions I have of this magical time of year, none are more profound than those tied to the era of Charles Dickens. The crisp winter weather with the snap of Jack Frost in the air, the windows glowing welcome, the excitement of children wondering what gifts Santa might bring, and the strong sense of community gained from sharing the joy of the season…I love this time of year.  My first painting in the Old Time Christmas Collection, “A Victorian Christmas Carol”, honors this joyous season. Period characters populate this quaint Victorian neighborhood, each enjoying the day with a merry chat, a peaceful stroll, a Yuletide carol, a stolen kiss under the mistletoe, a sleigh ride with Santa and, of course, a joyful snowball fight is in the making! Look closely you might even find a few characters from stories of Christmas past. I hope that my painting, “A Victorian Christmas Carol”, fills both your heart and your home with that same holiday cheer. And as only Tiny Tim can say, “May God bless us, everyone!!!”

Sleeping Beauty

“Sleeping Beauty” is my eighth creation in the Disney Dreams Collection, and is the most lavishly detailed of the series that I have painted to date. My painting is filled with the enchantment of the original story. From the woodcutter’s cottage where Briar Rose was hidden by the three good fairies to the magnificent castle where Princess Aurora would awaken to “love’s first kiss” . . . then in the distance we see the climatic fight between the good Prince Phillip and the evil Maleficent in dragon form; I’ve interpreted the entire story in a narrative panorama for all to enjoy. Of course central to the painting, and as testament to the strength of true love, we see the prince and his awakened beauty in each other’s arms as friends great and small gather in celebration of their undying devotion.  Whether you are a fan of “Sleeping Beauty” or simply an unabashed romantic who believes love conquers all, enjoy this painting as my gift to you!  Fans of Disney and of my other traditional work should also find numerous details in

“Sleeping Beauty” to satisfy their collector’s heart. The flowers and trees were completed in my classic style in an effort to delight the fans of my garden creations. The heightened depth of field I created through the use of the dramatic evening sky, the quaint village and the towering castle should please those who enjoy my vista scenes. And finally, for the Disney enthusiasts, all seven images of my prior Disney Dreams Collection are represented on this canvas. I hope you enjoy trying to find my homages to “Bambi”, “Beauty and the Beast”, “Pinocchio” and the rest that are hidden. Look closely! I promise they are all there. I also promise that I will continue our journey together into the heart of other classic cinematic masterworks that so define the magical world that Walt Disney wished to provide to children of all ages.