Narrative Paintings
These paintings are what are referred to as Narrative. They tell some obscure story and are based on personal experiences. Some are from the 70's and continue until recently.
Aces and Eights 20x24", 2003
This painting refers to a nefarious character in my family tree, Jack McCall, who shot Bill Hickock in the back of the head, whilst playing cards with Martha Jane Burke, AKA Calamity Jane, at the #10 Saloon in Deadwood, SDT, 1876. Bill held aces and eights (the Deadman's Hand) in his last hand of poker. The candle flame indicates the door has just opened and some dastardly act is about to befall Wild Bill. The horrid and infamous Uncle Jack was eventually hanged by the neck in Wyoming, after he waltzed into town, bragging that he was the man who shot Wild Bill, proving the theory that the apple does fall far from the tree, sometimes, as Jack was obviously a severe romantic who had fire in his blood.
Uncle Jack 11x14" Sold
Essence, Presence and Imagination 1996 oil on canvas 36x36 SOLD
A painting depicting numerous people in my life at various times, like many of the narratives,
'O' Zero Flat Sable 1976 36x36"
Truly, one of my favorites painted at a time in my life where I was broken hearted from the lost affections of one diabolical redhead who eventually married a dart thrower.
Radio Radio 1979 15x22"
Crossroads 1994 16x24
Tower 1994 18x24"
Figure 1999 16x20" detail
Blind Temptation 24x30 1999
Hrumph 36x36" 1976 Oil on Canvas
Blue Pitcher 36x36" 1973 Oil on Canvas
I have never offered this piece for sale before as it has been one of my favorites
Two Tables 1974 Oil on Canvas 72x48"
The Voyeur 8x10" #101799 Oil on Canvas, 1999
The Hat makes the Man 11x14" 1999
Based on a very good friendship with a man Sidney P. Mankeweicz, who was 50 years my senior and a good friend of my father's. He was a mentor and always a gentleman around women. Sid was the first arresting officer for the Kansas City police department to show up at the Union Station Massecre where Pretty Boy Floyd met his end and Burt Nash was finally apprehended. The bullet holes are still on the stone facade of the building. Sid's famous quote, "I already forgot more than you will ever know about this subject!" Sid passed away in the 90s at the age of 94 or so. He also knew Al Capone and stole whiskey from him to live and tell about it.
The Hurlist 20x28, 1999
I knew a delightful woman who sat on my couch, nude to pose for this. Is she throwing or catching the apple? She had 'helmet hair' and I always wished I had gotten to know her better.
Three Graces 24x30" 1999
All about three women I knew who had some animal qualities in their stance.
Waving Man #122998 22x28", 1999, Oil on Canvas
The Fishes Under the Sea, 1985 Oil on Canvas 48x30"
Related to my father, Henry, who if reincarnated, came back as a bird and warns me on occasion, mostly through murders of cawing crows.
The Kiss 32x28" 1999
The kiss of Lady Luck when I signed a show in New York, she came to me in a thought.
Uncle Jack 11x14, 1999 sold
Another painting about Jack McCall.
Details
Zwo 36x36, 1985 Oil on Canvas
An old Chinese friend who conducts orchestras. His wife coveted soft serve ice cream. My mother, Lois, is in the right foreground, hissing in her leopard-skin suit, just in case anyone should try to harm me.
The Stool Piece 1999 24x28
Relating to a man who swam across the Kaw River from KC, KS and became a designer for the stars.
Rado 11x13, 1979 SOLD
My airplane dealer friend who is staring at the standing Mona Lisa with two women from the sidelines, one whom I knew quite well and the other, her sister, squatting, who had a birthmark in the center of her forehead whom I always referred to as 'Spot'. She detested the nickname and her sister ran off on me to the dart thrower. She 'did me dirty' as the old lady next door said.
Para-dice 15x23.5" 1979
Back to a time when I learned how to throw dice and how much I respect Lady Luck. The elegant terns were symbols of flight and freedom.
Santa Fe 26x48 1989
Another narrative with various people in my life. The airplane guy is a great friend of mine who ventured into the used airplane business a while. The dancer at the back is April May and the English Trumpeter is my mother, Lois. The man playing the organ is a former teacher of mine who is Japanese and is still reminding everyone that he had to spend time in a prison camp in WW2 as a child. He is playing some old, tired tune that we have all heard enough of by now. Proceeding out the lower door with his guards or shamen, is the King of Art. I am standing there awaiting his arrival as if I need some further edification. The men on the ground are gold panners who are sifting through the miasma of art, trying to find some nuggets.
Dragon of Courage #083090 16x20 oil on Canvas . 1989
A friend loaned me his truck and I appreciated in very much at the time.
Gauguin's Way #100199 24x36" Oil on Canvas 1999
Several Gauguin like figure poses from his time in Oceana. I always wanted to run off to some tropical island and live the life of solitude in the jungle, but with some of the trappings of civilization....ergo the buildings.
Mona #020899 24x30" Oil on Canvas 1999
Very influenced by some of the mystery surrounding Leonardo da Vinci.
Mona II 1999 22x28 SOLD, 1999
Elegant Terns 48x48 1975
Leonardo 24x28 SOLD
Black Vase 2 010191kcb 16x20
Black Vase 1 010191kca 16x20
Green Still Life 1976 29x24" Oil on Canvas
Fiestaware 11x14 1992 Oil on Canvas
Fiesta #4 1992 Oil on Canvas 20x24
Fiesta #5 1992 Oil on Canvas 20x30"
Fiesta 6 1992 20x24" oil on Canvas
I did eight of these Fiestaware paintings as I was collecting a large assortment of this pottery.
April May 1989, 36x48 Oil on Canvas
A woman I had a brief stint with who was magical in her bounding, ringleader energy. She eventually became a successful stock broker and retired to Ohio and was half my age. I am looking up in my Stetson and sunglasses in the painting one the side The doorway on the left is from an apartment I had in art school which had an interesting design carved above. Seven shamen are on the opposite wall giving their approval of April May marching out of my life. .
Evening of meteors #010690 17x13" Pastel on Black Charcoal Paper
The seven shamen, one with violyn, all looking in different directions and looking out for me.
Hearts and Flowers 1985 48x36 Oil on Canvas
A rare moment of joy in my life when I realized I was in love with the blonde, who became my wife for 15 years and her step-mother, seated. The blue and red/orange overstuffed chair that had the loose springs and made everyone who sat in it do the 'hooley-gooley' when they first sat down. The chair represents my wanting to offer comfort to my lover, although with a couple of loose springs, it would promise to be a troublesome ride.
Figures from My Times #091497 20x24" Oil on Canvas
A bizarre combination of people in my life who all had some unconnected effect on my life at various times.
Blue Pitcher 49x48, 1974
A very early narrative when I was influenced by Matisse and thought I should become a painter.
Three of the "dark" paintings done in late '01, 24x20"
I always loved the dark paintings, troubling as they are to some people.
Tornado 28x40 SOLD
Naturally, growing up in Kansas, I have been exposed to many tornadoes. Have always marveled at their power and force. Sold this to a man who became enchanted with it and then bought some other paintings of mine.