Drawings and Painting

This page is under construction

"Ridge in Summer" Watercolor

About my work

In four decades, my art has varied considerably, ranging from avant-garde to quite traditional. From 1965 to 1976 I worked exclusively in oils. My earliest work included Biblical themes with an emphasis on contrasts of light and darkness. Later works were primarily portraits with a psychological emphasis. While living and painting in Spain in 1977-78, I began to work with landscape subjects and with watercolor. In recent years I have worked with landscapes, figures, and still lifes with religious themes.

Most of my landscapes (such as "Ridge in Summer") are based on areas in the Red River Valley of western Minnesota, particularly Breckenrdige. I lived in this small railroad town until 1969 and return there each year.

The content of my work comes from not only the subject matter but also the form. Order in the work reflects the underlying order in the world. Dark, ominous forms are ever present, but the work has increasingly been about light. Verticals cross horizontals. Geometry contrasts with the organic. The flat surface of the painting is in dialogue with a growing emphasis on space.

The Minnesota landscapes are documentary, but also have universal and personal symbolism. The railroad elements symbolize not only escape and power, but also my father's life as a railroader. Still lifes also have a double life as both everyday objects and religious symbols, such as salt, light, bread or crosses.

Details of "Ridge in Summer"

"Ridge in Summer" detail of Bruce

"Ridge in Summer" detail of cars

Other Works

"Burlington Northern" oil painting
"IBSTE" pen and ink drawing

Top of page

Art Department Home Page ( no return link)
Plattsburgh State Museum of Art ( no return link)

This page was last modified on 06/24/01