Tug Boat in Trouble

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 12x16

The sturdy little tugboat struggles through heavy seas heading for a safe harbor as the wind howls and the cold waves flood the decks and threaten to capsize the craft. The immense and violent waves crashing against the tiny ship toss it about and then plunge it again down watery canyons. The dark vastness of the  ocean is terrifying and only the lights of the floundering boat offer any warmth to the scene.

Sunset Voyage of the James Standish

Original painting - Acrylic on canvas 20x24
(click image to enlarge)

I named this fictional schooner in memory of my older brother, James Standish Shropshire. 

Jim loved to be on the water and always owned a small fleet of watercraft, from leaky rowboats and canoes to speedboats and pontoon boats. He even had a cabin cruiser for awhile. He was the captain and I was only the deck hand, but I'll always remember his sunset cocktail cruises from the island he owned in northern Wisconsin.

Here's to you Big Brother ...sail on.

Pelicans

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 12x16

The hazy sun shimmers across the water backlighting a gathering of these prehistoric looking birds. I took photos of the California Brown Pelicans on a trip north from San Diego along Big Sur. In flight, they resemble flying Pterodactyls. I think they help create a somber timeless mood to this piece. This painting has been SOLD but prints are available

Rough Sailing

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x20

This painting began as a cloud study, then a seascape, and finally, a sailboat painting. I had no particular location in mind ...could be anywhere. I could almost hear the snap of the canvas and the splash of the waves. seascape canvas prints

Coastal Waves

Original Painting - Acrylic on stretched canvas 12x16

This painting is based on a fabulous trip to San Diego, California to visit my cousin Jackie Ann and her husband Bill. We traveled north through Los Angeles and then along the coast on highway 101 past Big Sur and all the way to Monterey. We also visited Hearst's Castle in San Simeon and took the tour. I guess all our recent snow and frigid weather has got me thinking nostalgiclly about warmer places. Available from the artist for $800.00