"In the Rose Garden"

One of the rules I have been instructed to follow is to avoid placing an attractive young lady next to a colorful bouquet of flowers. (Brides are an exception). The reason being that the eyes of the viewer would be confused not knowing the real center of interest. But in this case the family prevailed upon me to take a few shots in their rose garden. I did so reluctantly, but when I looked a the the file on my computer screen later in the evening I was amazed how well the girl and the roses complemented each other.

"In the Glamour Mode"

The vast majority of my painting and photography portraits and figures is of my own initiative. I have requested the opportunity to include images of various individuals or groups in my art work.
I am very appreciative for the time and effort of all those who were willing to participate. My works belong in the category of art which was never asked for.

"Reading The Good Book"

Bible reading and prayer were part of my aunt's daily routine. She knew the Old and the New Testament like a scholar and could recite long passages word for word from memory.
The sitting for the photo was not posed. She would sit by the window when the light was strong so she could see the small print. For the purposes of being photographed she refused to wear glasses because she did not want them to make her look older.

"Aunt Melissa"

My dearly departed aunt made it to almost 95. She lived through WWI and WWII in what was then known as Yugoslavia. Her faith kept her going through times of near starvation and homelessness. The photo was taken when she was in her mid 80's - one of the few of which she approved.

"The Mandolin Maker"

Through a series of fortuitous circumstances I met this gentleman in the early 1980's after years of disappointments in the art departments of local colleges. The conflict was simple: I had a lifelong desire to learn how to draw and paint in a realistic and representational manner of the Old Masters, but the local and the vast majority of national art schools and colleges preached the gospel of modern art. I was willing to pay for private lessons, but there were no takers. Instead, I was told by the professors of art that the 20th century is the era of modern art and that I should be learning to express myself in an abstract sort of way. (Imagine walking into Juilliard School of Music with the intent to learn how to play the piano and being told that in the 20th century that is no longer available and only electric guitars, drums and synthesizers  classes are offered.)
So I met the mandolin maker who at the time lived in a warehouse building in a downtown alley. We sat up weekly art lessons which went on for a few years. Starting with drawing techniques for about a year and continuing with the basics of stretching and priming the canvas, making copies of Old Masters and years later attempting a few paintings of my own. Just being in that warehouse was an inspiration in itself; the place brimmed with activity - oil paintings, pastels and drawings being produced; bronze casting; mold making; marble carving; photography; wood carving; etching  and making of musical instruments.
All of that after a day job. In addition to the art of painting we discussed religion, politics, current events and literature.  Those were some of the most instructive lessons in my life and I discovered that I could apply them to a wide range of creative problems that I would encounter over the years.

"Dolls in Antique Rocking Chairs"

Occasionally one is lucky when ideas for an interesting image just present themselves. During a visit with a friend and her family I noticed a couple of dolls  in antique rocking chairs in the corner of their living room. It seemed that a mother and daughter portrait would be enhanced by these accessories.  The only missing piece of the puzzle was an adult size rocker.  Not a problem - they borrowed an old rocking chair from a neighbor and a few days later I returned with my camera to capture a timeless moment.

"Tribute to Felix, the Photographer"

I met Felix through my art teacher. Felix worked as a barber, but photography was his passion.  He also loved to teach and he became not only my mentor but also a friend. He was a perfectionist and pushed me beyond endurance - testing, retesting and ever fine tuning the art of  a photographic print. He also taught me the skill of studio lighting. He had a big Cadillac in those days and would drive up to my place with the car full of equipment. The neighbors were eyeing us suspiciously as Felix brought out mannequins to show a variety of portrait lighting schemes. We received even more attention when he brought over live models.

"The Flautist"

Taken near the banks of American River in Folsom, CA, the hand colored black and white image of the flautist is often mistaken for a vintage color photograph that has simply faded.
Amazing what could be done before the days of Photoshop.

"After The Rehearsal"

Dancers and performers before the camera are a photographers dream come true. They are disciplined, know how to follow directions, (not that many are needed), usually have becoming costumes, are capable of assuming different looks and moods, and above all have had training from early years in a variety of poses. The only thing that they cannot do is to take their own picture.

"An Inquisitive Young Lady"

In photography odds and ends are endless. The best advice I received as a young amateur was to stick with one camera, one lens, one film, one paper, one set of darkroom chemicals, and one subject matter for at least one year. I followed his advice with favorable results. One of my all time favorite models is Alisa who is the daughter of a former colleague and a dear friend for many years. We started as a creative team when Alisa was two years old - she is getting ready for college now. From day one she showed that she is an artist in her own right and for the most part posed and directed herself. Over the years she has offered memorable photos from every session.

"The Renaissance Man"

The Renaissance Pleasure Fair in Novato assembled all sorts of characters of interest to photographers and painters. The atmosphere and the costumed participants seemed appropriate for hand coloring of black and white images.

"Little Girl's Best Friend"

Few subjects are more challenging and more endearing than a child and a pet in the same picture. While the children and the dog were playing outside I was setting up my portable studio lights, background, and the camera on the tripod inside their home. I didn't know that the dog would be part of the picture, but when their mother told them to come in and get ready, the dog ran in first, jumped up on the platform facing the camera and the youngest little girl followed and snuggled up to him. I clicked away before even realizing what had happened - a rare and lucky event.