Caleb!

This was a painting project I decided to do for a good friend of the family. She is one of the best people I've ever met and never thinks twice about doing huge favors for others (as in, she mailed my KitchenAid mixer from Massachusetts to Texas, refused compensation, and included a card with $20). Since attempting to pay her back by any conventional means would pretty much be a wash, I decided to say thank you the best way I know how: painting a portrait of her beloved Labrador Caleb.

The Reminder

Peter introduced me to the wonderful, magical musical world of Feist, so for Christmas 2011 I gave him this silhouette of her as a present. She's got a really cool nose.

Ball and Chain

Janis Joplin. If you want to make your day better go watch Janis singing "Ball and Chain" at the Monterey Pop festival. Especially the part where Mama Cass is visibly freaking out in the audience.

Blue

If there's anything more haunting and beautiful than Joni Mitchell's Blue, I haven't heard it yet. This was probably the fastest painting I've ever done, and I would very much like to think that it's because somehow this album has imprinted on my soul or something.

Derek Trucks

I've found that if you're really missing someone one way to feel a bit closer to them is to make them something. So a couple of days ago I made this little portrait of Derek Trucks, one of Peter's favorite guitarists. Derek Trucks is not only an awesome musician but also looks like he could easily moonlight as a Dungeonmaster. Win-win in my book.

Voodoo Child

Jimi Hendrix for my rock god buddy Spencer.

What Did I Do to be So Black and Blue?

My friend Tim loves Louis Armstrong and for a slender white dude he can do a pretty solid impression. So, naturally, this painting resulted.

Just Kids

I read Patti Smith's memoir Just Kids the summer I traveled through Europe right before moving to Portland. You know how sometimes you read something that is just perfect for who you are and where you are at a certain time? That was this book. I can't begin to describe how much of a profound impact it had. I read this book in a day, sitting on a park bench in Prague and later over a beer at Cross Club. Patti's words somehow got me out of the blue funk that New York had sunk me into and I came to Portland with my mind clearer and my heart more optimistic than it had been in a very long time. This painting is my tribute to Patti and Robert.

Texas Flood

I love Stevie Ray Vaughan. He has been the subject of many, many paintings. I still remember the first time my dad called me in to the living room to watch him play on Austin City Limits. The man can rock a cowboy hat, a kimono and a Fender. He was the best.

Portrait of a Lady

As a present for my dad last Christmas, my sister and I decided to collaborate on a portrait project, where we'd watercolor portraits of one another! We got our friend Andrew to do the photos, which led to some considerable silliness:

Dodger podger!

A portrait of Dodger for me Mum.

A Boy's Best Friend is His...Dog?

Here's the scenario: Christmas is approaching (okay, fine, it was September, but Christmas was still approaching). You're dating a wonderful young man. You're spending Christmas with his family in Wyoming. You want to give him something meaningful, unique. What do you do? Give him a beer hat? Another University of Oregon sweatshirt (go Ducks)? A certificate of appreciation? No. The trick is to make him a picture of the one thing he might like even more than you: his dogs.