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CITYSCAPES
My
cityscape paintings are of small town America. Twelve miles to the east
of my home the Fox River winds its way through a beautiful river valley
dotted with villages and towns. The Fox flows into the Illinois River
and, ultimately, into the great Mississippi.
These small cities along
the river were settled by pioneers moving west. People came to the Fox,
stopped their westward move, saw wonderful possibilities and started
foundries, banks, and other family businesses. They built churches of
many faiths. They constructed bridges across the river and built stately
homes on the west bank.
The rail road line came through, and the towns
grew. These were hard working blue collar cities, the home of watch
factories, mills, and breweries.
Today the old houses and buildings are
considered quaint, and many are preserved and restored for their
historical value.
I paint these places for a different reason. Each
skyline has its own personality. As I search alleys and back streets,
loading docks and factories, places overlooked and forgotten, I seek the
unusual subject for my work. I paint the town’s heart and soul.
The
well known landmark buildings, the bridges, the gardens as well as the
grittier old sections of town speak to me of the strength and spirit of
those early people. The paintings reveal an urban heartland, before
malls, before speedy marts, before big box stores, before local streets
became retail sprawl. Church spires sit close by the downtown main
street and people still live close enough to walk everywhere.
Art
collectors who purchase these paintings have a strong connection to the
past and a love for something unique. Due to urban renewal and
demolition, many of my cityscapes do have a historical value, and
collectors are acquiring them as a gentle reminder of the past.
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Whiskey Point
36" x 24"
2,900
Details
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Third Street
Graham's
Geneva #9
10" x 8"
Sold!
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Fabyan's Folly
Fabyan #5
10" x 8"
$370
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