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"Switchback"
14" x 18" acrylic on canvas

"Switchback" reveals a moment suspended between certainty and doubt—a symbol of shifting perspective that quietly transforms the mind's landscape. Against a deep blue expanse, a raised hand emerges like a signal, marked by unexpected touches of orange and yellow, its palm hosting a cube that feels both grounded and mysterious. Nearby, a swirling red spiral pulls the eye inward, weaving through delicate white branches that suggest growth and renewal. Shapes collide and layer, colors converse, inviting a contemplation of change that is both unsettling and necessary. Creating this piece was an exploration of how the act of turning back, rethinking, becomes its own kind of forward motion—a visual meditation on the power and complexity of reconsideration.

"The Missing Apostrophe"
16" x 20" acrylic on canvas

The Missing Apostrophe unfolds as a layered interplay of form and color, where vibrant hues converge with subtle textures to create a compelling visual rhythm. A dynamic balance of purples, blues, pinks, oranges, and yellows weaves through the composition, guiding the eye across circular and linear elements that coexist in deliberate tension. Within this abstract field, a central circular motif emerges—not just as a focal point, but as a gateway into a space where geometric patterns and organic shapes merge in quiet dialogue.

"Under Stress and Extreme Pressure"
24" X 30" acrylic on canvas

"Under Stress and Extreme Pressure" unfolds as a striking meditation on transformation through tension. At its core, a multifaceted geometric circle—reminiscent of a finely cut gemstone—commands attention with its precise facets rendered in muted whites, grays, lavenders, and pale blues. This central form, grounded in exactitude, floats amid a restless sea of layered brushwork where blues and greens ripple with subtle hints of pink, suggesting both fluidity and strain. Two understated diamond outlines trace gentle echoes around the focal shape, offering a quiet rhythm that balances complexity with simplicity.
The composition vibrates with contrasts: smooth, expansive strokes blend seamlessly with textured accents, while slender lines in red and green slice through the cool palette, introducing moments of charged energy. This tension of brushstroke and geometry mirrors the delicate interplay between endurance and creativity, a visual allegory for the pressures that shape beauty. In a world defined by rapid change and relentless demands, the piece invites reflection on resilience—the capacity to emerge refined and whole despite external forces. Here, abstraction becomes a space where struggle and grace coexist, capturing the paradox of creation itself.
The composition vibrates with contrasts: smooth, expansive strokes blend seamlessly with textured accents, while slender lines in red and green slice through the cool palette, introducing moments of charged energy. This tension of brushstroke and geometry mirrors the delicate interplay between endurance and creativity, a visual allegory for the pressures that shape beauty. In a world defined by rapid change and relentless demands, the piece invites reflection on resilience—the capacity to emerge refined and whole despite external forces. Here, abstraction becomes a space where struggle and grace coexist, capturing the paradox of creation itself.

"Rite of Spring"
48" square, acrylic
Collaboration between
myself and Larry Spear
Collaboration between
myself and Larry Spear

"Rite of Spring" emerges as a compelling dialogue between nature’s rebirth and abstraction’s boundless language. The composition is anchored by an expansive field of deep blues that ripple across the wooden panels, creating a textured atmosphere where color feels both grounded and fluid. Above, floral forms—an arresting purple iris alongside a delicate white daisy—rise from a structured canvas of leafy greens and flickers of bright orange, suggesting growth and renewal amid shifting shadows. Below, the palette settles into earthier, more contemplative tones where burnt orange and muted browns intertwine with lingering blues, inviting a moment of introspection beneath the season’s surface.
The piece unfolds like a lyrical exploration of spring’s dual nature: vibrant and fragile, familiar yet enigmatic. Abstract shapes weave through this layered environment, their lines and circles offering visual cadence without dictating narrative, allowing emotion and imagination to fill the spaces between. This tension between the recognizable and the abstract reflects the unpredictability of change today—how cycles of transformation are both deeply personal and universally shared. The artwork, rendered in acrylic on wooden panels, asserts itself with confident brushwork and thoughtful composition, blending two creative voices into a seamless whole that honors collaboration as a vital force behind artistic evolution.
The piece unfolds like a lyrical exploration of spring’s dual nature: vibrant and fragile, familiar yet enigmatic. Abstract shapes weave through this layered environment, their lines and circles offering visual cadence without dictating narrative, allowing emotion and imagination to fill the spaces between. This tension between the recognizable and the abstract reflects the unpredictability of change today—how cycles of transformation are both deeply personal and universally shared. The artwork, rendered in acrylic on wooden panels, asserts itself with confident brushwork and thoughtful composition, blending two creative voices into a seamless whole that honors collaboration as a vital force behind artistic evolution.

Artists Larry Spear and Alain Hentschel with their piece "Rite of Spring" as part of the "Collaboration" exhibition at the Larimer Arts Center, Palatka, Florida.

"Dream Boat"
8' X 4'
acrylic and multimedia
on wooden panel
acrylic and multimedia
on wooden panel

"Dream Boat" is a voyage into the unseen currents beneath daily life, where a simple vessel drifts through a liquid dreamscape. The white lines sketch a fragile silhouette, suspended between reality and reverie, while bold, unexpected blooms—like a purple rose and a fiery red star—pulse with quiet energy around it. This piece is as much about the place I call home on the St. Johns River as it is about the deeper tides of existence, where nature and human presence converge in mysterious harmony. The addition of artificial flowers blurs the boundary between the tangible and the imagined, inviting the viewer to navigate a space where surface and depth merge. It’s a meditation on our place in the world—a surreal reflection carried on waves of color, texture, and whispered line.

"Paradise"
36" X 36"
acrylic on canvas
acrylic on canvas

"Paradise" in situ: The artwork showcases a vibrant composition featuring a botanical theme set against a bright and airy blue background that evokes a sense of sky or water. On the left side, a large, striking flower with elongated orange petals and broad green leaves occupies a prominent position. The petals have a dynamic, almost flame-like shape, which contrasts beautifully with the softer textures of the leaves beneath. Adjacent to this, there is a stylized, delicate tree with thin branches and sparse leaves interspersed with small dark olives or berries, adding an intricate, textured element to the piece. The ground beneath the plants is a lively mixture of warm peachy and sandy tones with abstract patterns and circular motifs in pastel and bold colors—these circular shapes contribute rhythm and visual interest, enhancing the overall composition's vibrancy. The interplay of natural forms with abstract, almost whimsical detailing creates a harmonious balance between realism and imaginative expression.

"Birdsong"
24" X 36"
acrylic on canvas
acrylic on canvas

"Birdsong" in situ: One of the strengths of this piece is the sense of tranquility it imparts, inviting viewers into a peaceful natural moment enhanced by subtle surreal touches. The brushwork feels light and fluid, especially in the water and floral sections, which adds to the overall dreamlike quality of the scene.

"Earth on Fire"
48" X 18"
acrylic on canvas
NFS
acrylic on canvas
NFS

"Earth on Fire (Lava Flow)" in situ: Use of vivid colors and dynamic spirals effectively conveys an energetic and engaging atmosphere, drawing the viewer’s eye across the canvas and encouraging a sense of exploration. The interaction between the warm and cool tones creates a balanced tension that keeps the composition lively without overwhelming the senses. The textured, layered application of paint adds an interesting tactile dimension, inviting the audience to consider not only the visual impact but the physicality of the medium as well.

"Nice, Matin"
20" X 24"
acrylic and pastels on canvas
acrylic and pastels on canvas

"Nice, Matin" in situ: This painting beautifully captures a sense of energetic spontaneity and emotional warmth through its color palette and composition. The bold red creates an impactful emotional vibe that feels both passionate and inviting, while the floral and swirling motifs introduce a playfulness and organic rhythm that balances the intensity. The layering technique and textural variety demonstrate a confident handling of the medium, resulting in an artwork that feels both lively and thoughtfully composed. Also noted, Nice was Matisse's home for many years.

"School Days, Revisited"
20" X 24"
acrylic and pastels on canvas
acrylic and pastels on canvas

"School Days, Revisited" in situ: School Days presents a compelling blend of realism and abstraction, skillfully combining a realistically rendered apple with a vibrant, abstract background. The apple, grounded in rich, deep reds and subtle highlights, provides a strong focal point that draws the viewer’s eye immediately. Surrounding it, an eclectic mix of shapes and colors—from soft yellows to blues and purples—creates a lively, almost whimsical atmosphere. The use of spirals, doodle-like forms, and soft brushstrokes adds dynamic movement and a sense of playfulness to the composition. The interplay between the tangible and the abstract invites viewers to contemplate the relationship between everyday objects and the conceptual or emotional realms they inhabit. As an art piece, this painting excels in its balance between control and freedom: the craftsmanship in the apple demonstrates solid technical skill in realistic rendering, while the abstract, free-form elements allow creative expression to flourish. This contrast generates a harmonious tension that enriches the visual narrative.

"Secret Garden"
24" X 20"
acrylic and pastel on canvas NFS
acrylic and pastel on canvas NFS

"Secret Garden" in situ: This work demonstrates a wonderful balance between representational and abstract styles, where the vivid, tangible rose draws the viewer in, while the surrounding motifs invite exploration and contemplation. The use of layered textures and varied brushwork shows a confident hand and a thoughtful approach to composition. The subtle spontaneity in your brushstrokes, combined with the controlled ink-like sketches, adds an intriguing tension that enlivens the piece.

"Japonica"
24" X 20"
acrylics on canvas
acrylics on canvas

"Japonica" in situ: One of this artwork’s greatest strengths lies in its ability to balance intricacy with openness. The fine details draw attention and admiration, while the looser abstract elements prevent the composition from becoming overly literal or static. This interplay sparks curiosity and imagination.
Click on image for full view 4
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