Birch Buddies

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 9x12

This is the last of the small tree studies that I demonstrated for my student artists. The way the larger birch leans drunkenly towards the other gave me the idea for the title. The birch tree outside my studio window is just beginning to change color. $300.00

Oak Tree Trio

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 12x9

Another tree study, but a gnarly oak tree was my subject this time. Although the leaves aren't turning yet in Wisconsin, autumn has arrived. $300.00

Wilderness Skyscrapers

Original Painting 8x10

(Click on Painting to enlarge)

This small study was also used for a class demonstration of tree painting for one of my classes at River Birch Gallery. I like the way they are partially silhouetted by the setting sun. $150.00

Towers in the Snow

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 12x9

This is first in a series of "tree" studies that were used for demonstration and teaching purposes for my students at River Birch Gallery. It reminded me of church spires. SOLD Prints of this painting are still 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

Castle on the Hill

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x12

I love the mood of this scene with the morning light filtered through the early haze of a crisp autumn day. $500.00

Morning Mist - Soo Line 1003

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x12

Autumn mornings in Wisconsin often begin with a damp fog until the sun burns it away. I used the hazy atmosphere to add drama to the appearance of the steam locomotive thundering into sight and belching smoke like a storybook dragon. $800.00

Train Crossing Soo Line 1003

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 20x16

The Soo Line 1003 steam powered train is still operating in Wisconsin, traveling around the state to bring this example of railroad history to the people. It is stored for viewing at the Wisconsin Automotive Museum in Hartford. One year, in conjunction with the Circus Parade, this engine stopped in the village of Eagle right in front of my home. A great photo opportunity! I plan to paint many more train scenes. Although this painting has been SOLD prints are availble.

Walking in the Rain

Original Painting - Acrylic on Canvas 20x16

I love a rainy night ...The rumble of thunder, wet pavement, wavy reflections, and the swish of tires from passing cars! The plan was to keep this painting loose and impressionistic.
rain paintings

Giants in the Mist

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 20x16

The Chrysler Building, an Art Deco skyscraper in New York, was the worlds' tallest building for 11 months before it was surpassed by the Empire State Building in 1931. This painting features the two architectural giants emerging from the mist and towering far above the crowded city below. These buildings were constructed during the Great Depression providing construction jobs for many workers and became symbols of pride for the American people in difficult economic times, (not unlike our current economic struggles).new york prints

.38 Special

Original Painting - Acrylic on Canvas 16x12

Lucky number seven in the "Sin, Sex and Cigarettes" series has arrived. This lethal lady is armed and patiently awaiting the arrival of someone. I wouldn't want to be that guy. $800.00

Dance of the Jellyfish

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 20x16

These Sea Jellies remind me of Japanese Lanterns glowing in the night. Scientists say these ancient creatures have been around for over 500 million years. A group of jellyfish is sometimes called a bloom or a swarm. Some of these groups are very large and contain as many as 100,000 Jellies. Jellyfish have no hearts but do have poisonous stingers and kill up to 40,000 people each year. They could also be an alien life form that came from a spaceship that crashed in the ocean 500 million years ago. I'm going with that. $950.00

Tidal Waters

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 24x36

I had intended to paint a loose semi-abstract painting of the landscape with lots of texture and sweeping brushstrokes of bold color. As I refined the sky and clouds the representational painter took charge and gradually a realistic rendering resulted instead. I didn't get where I was headed but I like where I arrived. If I hang it vertically it would still make a pretty good abstract. $2100.00

Moose Rider

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 24x36

Here's an example of "Traditional with a Twist". I painted this traditional scene some time ago, but never felt satisfied with it. I removed it from the frame and studied it on my easel and thought about adding a moose. After sleeping on it, I had the answer ...a moose with a rider! The story unfolded as I painted. She has found the funeral platform of her grandfather with his shield and quiver of arrows hanging from a tree stump at the edge of the marsh. She says a prayer to the Great Spirit then turns and disappears into the darkening forest. Why is she nude and riding a moose? That's a whole 'nother story. Click on painting to enlarge. $2100.00

Megalodon Shark

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 12x16

This prehistoric predator made its' closest living relative, the Great White Shark, look like a minnow. Adults were between 55 an 60 feet long and weighed as much as 100 tons. The painting began as a class demonstration for our underwater theme and I completed it in my home studio. I love the luminance of the shark! $500.00

Trail West

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x20

The covered wagons climb up the mountain trail and a column of smoke tells them they are not alone in the wilderness. The play of light and shadow is what interested me the most in this painting. I wanted to capture the vastness and beauty of the landscape in the tradition of the Hudson River artists. $950.00

Burnt Reflections

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 12x16

Burnt pine trees are silhouetted and reflected as the sun sets in the Firehole Lake area of Lower Geyser Basin Marsh, Yellowstone National Park. $800.00

Red Peril

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x12

This is the sixth painting in my "Sin, Sex, and Cigarettes" series, my tribute to the lurid pulp magazine covers and film noir. All the essential elements are here ...from the gun, cleavage, dramatic lighting, to the cigarette dangling from her bright red lips. $800.00

Face of Fear

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 12x16

What is she afraid of, giant mutated insects, creatures from outer space or just plain murderers ...who knows? Another tribute to the pulps and B movies has emerged from my brush! These are a lot of fun to paint and I hope that others enjoy them also. $800.00

Man in the Shadows

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x12

Another addition to my "Sin, sex and cigarettes" series. A hardboiled private eye reaches for his gun in this nod to the cover art of the pulp detective magazines. $800.00

"He was tired of the run-a-round and this alley was as good as anywhere for a bloody showdown!"

Mean in Green

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x12

This is another painting in my ongoing series "Sin, sex and cigarettes" a salute to the cover art of the pulp magazines. This could be that double crossing client I referred to in my "City Noir" piece. This grieving widow chose to wear green rather than black to compliment her eyes and the setting sun cast shadows through the window blinds. $800.00

The Final Voyage

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x20

A Tribute to my Dad

Robert Standish Shropshire died early this morning at age 97. I received a call from my sister, just as I finished this painting that my Dad was failing and might pass at any time. My wife and I drove to the hospice care center and made it in time to say our last farewell and were at his side for the end. For me, painting is my one solace, my strength, and my haven when everything is falling apart and my heart is breaking. I started this the day I heard he was being transferred to hospice care.

This painting shows Bark Lake Bob piloting his pontoon boat the LaBob (a combination of my Dad’s name and my Mother’s name Lavon) on an evening cruise. He loved life and being at his cottage and nothing gave him more pleasure than to take family and guests on a boat tour of the lake, especially on the 4th of July to see the fireworks. He also loved me and my paintings and I wish he could have seen this one before he slowly cruised away into the sunset. I loved you Dad, and I miss you already.

Milwaukee My Hometown

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x20

Available from the artist for $950.00

I was born and raised in Milwaukee and began my art career in this great city by a great lake! As a teenager I was awarded scholarships to the Saturday Art Program at the Milwaukee Art Museum. Some of the best and most talented student artists in the city were given an opportunity to create art with professional materials and study with top notch art instructors, like Eugene Mecikalski and Ralph Cieslik, every week. We were also given free reign of the art museum and its world class collection of art to study, discuss, inspire and enjoy. I knew my way around the art museum like my own room. What an opportunity for a young artist to have! But the best part was meeting other kids that loved art as much as I did. Keith Halonen was one of them. You can view his website at http://keithhalonen.com/artist.htm , check his Biography.

To my knowledge there has never been a program like it before or since and I'll always be grateful to my city for a chance to be part of it during my "wonder years". Thank you Milwaukee!

Miss Ruby

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x12

Sin, sex and cigarettes ...these were the essential elements of a good cover for every vintage pulp magazine. I think Miss Ruby embodies all that and more. I am currently working on an ongoing series of tribute paintings that reflect my lifelong interest in pulp literature and cover art, from "Weird Tales" to "True Detective" and from the gritty back alleys to the castles of a forgotten race. My Kindle is loaded with enough classics, sword and sorcery, adventure, fantasy, science fiction and pulp fiction to keep me inspired for a long time to come. $800.00

Old Chicago

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x12

Here's my artist's rendering of the intersection of State and Randolph in Chicago. I loved the old black and white photograph that this is based on. The three story beer bottle dwarfs the pedestrians scurrying about their business on the sidewalks of the city. I think a little washed out color adds to the period feel of the piece. chicago skyline prints

City Noir

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 36x24

I love this subject! The garishly lit city towers above the mean and foggy streets as a trench-coated figure is illuminated by the headlights of a dark sedan. A jazz saxophone player can be heard down the alley while a bootlegger makes a delivery. I just know there will be a murder to solve and a double crossing client to find before the night is over. $2100.00

Historic Third Ward 2

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 12x9

Another smaller study of Milwaukee's historic third ward. I liked the dusky haze softening the furthest building and how the buildings, each unique, all seem to lean on each other. SOLD

Prints of this painting are still available

Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward

Original Painting - Acrylic on Canvas 16x20

This area just south of downtown Milwaukee is a vibrant area of trendy restaurants, art galleries, lofts and theatres. Of course there is also a farmer's market and plenty of taverns. It's fun to visit and even more fun to paint!

Downtown Lights

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x20

The glittering lights of the city are a subject I am drawn to time and time again. Although this scene is loosely based on Milwaukee's skyline, it could really be any large city. I intentionally try to portray the frenetic pace of all cities and the energy that surges through them especially at night. Available for $950.

Empire State Building

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 12x16

The Empire State Building is still an awe-inspiring landmark. I wanted to capture the glittering city lights as a backdrop to this amazing building in a loose semi-abstract technique. I think the lighting gives the painting an energy that expresses the pulse of New York City at night. I remember vividly my visit to the top as a teenager and my previous trip to the top of the Sears tower in Chicago ...I think that's when my love of city lights began and my love of painting urban landscapes. SOLD ts of this painting are still available

Rainy Day in the City

Origiinal Painting - Acrylic on Canvas 12x16

Another rainy day, but I have always liked thunderstorms and dark overcast days. Perfect weather for taking a nap or curling up with a good book. This reminds me of Milwaukee's Third Ward. I created my greys with mixtures of alizarin crimson and hooker's green for a warm urban haze.rain canvas prints

Fading Majesty Castle at Sunset

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 12x16

This is a purely romantic painting from my imagination and not meant to depict any specific castle, but rather to just convey a quiet, melancholy mood. It might have something to do with all the dark rainy days we've had lately. $800.00

Old Blue Eyes

Original Painting - Acrylic on Canvas 9x12

On the beach in Samara Costa Rica, this shaggy beachbum came and joined us. My friend Walt and I were sitting on a log in the shade of some palm trees while our wives waded in the Pacific ocean. He walked right up, wagged his tail and plopped down in front of us like we were family. He looked up at us with these startling blue eyes as if to say "Que Pasa, dudes". Available now for $600.00

Choco's Surf School Samara, Costa Rica

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x12

We had lunch in Samara in a beachside outdoor restaurant and this entrepreneur had his surf school propped up against the vine-covered tree. Great location, low overhead ...what more do you want? $800.00

Montezuma, Costa Rica

Original Painting - Acrylic on Panel 12x16

This laid back place is everything you think a tropical paradise should be. I had a Long Island Iced Tea in the open air beachfront bar. It was a hippie community in the 60's and although it has mellowed it still has that alternative vibe along with great scenery, warm tidal pools, and outdoor cafes. There's also a waterfall nearby. $800.00

Sunrise Nicoya Bay, Costa Rica

Original Painting - Acrylic on panel 12x16

This was the view that greeted me each morning on my recent vacation in Costa Rica. That's the car ferry taking vehicles and passengers across the gulf of Nicoya. It is a stunning location and as of yet, not many tourists have discovered it. I think it's the way Hawaii must have been in the early 1900's, dirt roads and all. $800.00

Moonlight Bay

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 12x16

I painted this for my Dad. He is 97 years old and wanted a new painting for his room. I know how much he loved spending time at his lake cottage and I remember that he would often sing (off key) a song called "Moonlight Bay" whenever he took us on an evening lake cruise. NFS

Sunset South China Sea

Original Painting - Acrylic on Canvas 16x12

I love the mood and the exotic feel of foreign ports and other cultures. I tried to capture the romance of faraway places and the majesty of the setting sun. $800.00

Snow Moon

Original Painting - Acrylic on Canvas 9x12

Since the heaviest snow usually falls in the month of February, Native American tribes of the north and east called this month's full moon the Snow Moon. We just dug out from the Blizzard of 2011 in Wisconsin and I gotta say the name seems very appropriate. $600.00

Mesa Verde, Colorado

Original Painting - Acrylic on Canvas 12x16

Searching for stray cattle, two cowboys discovered these magnificent ruins in 1888. Abandoned by the cliff dwellers in the 13th century, and now a national park, they inspire awe in visitors today just as they did hundreds of years ago. Available from the artist for $800.00.

Ta Prohm Cambodia

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x12

This is another in my "Bucket List" paintings and is loosely based on the Temple of Ta Prohm. This ancient ruin was also used as a location in the film "Tomb Raider". I added the Buddhist monks in their saffron robes for a touch of color. Available from the artist for $800.00.

Allen Bradley Clock Tower - Milwaukee

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 12x9

Another Milwaukee landmark, this was listed in Guinness World Records as the world's largest four-faced clock. It's also been called the Polish Moon referring to the historically Polish neighborhood where it is located. I think that the "three moons" make for an interesting contrast between man-made and natural illumination. Available from the artist for $500.00 city scene canvas prints

The Treasury of Petra

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x12

This famous location was featured in the movie "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade", as a secret temple. That is actually what it was when rediscovered by Swiss explorer Johan Ludwig Burkhardt in 1812. It is located near Jordan and is carved into the sandstone cliffs and is also called the Rose Red City. This is another place on my Bucket List! Available from the artist for $800.00

Christmas Tree Delivery

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 20x16

This farmer's old truck is lumbering down a snow covered dirt road delivering a Christmas tree to his family in 1940's rural Wisconsin. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of you and thanks for your support and encouragement throughout the year! $640.00

Snow for Christmas!

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 12x16

I started this painting last night as the snow piled up outside the gallery and finished it this afternoon to the sound of snowblowers. This is a typical winter evening in Wisconsin ...what's all that about global warming? winter scene canvas prints

A Special Gift

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x12

I just realized that with mini lites, LED bulbs, and battery powered flicker lights, this is really a nostalgic painting with an old fashioned screw-in light bulb! Christmas is approaching fast but hopefully there's still time to find that special gift (probably jewelry, right?). Available from the artist for $500.00.

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

Christmas Morning

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x20

I wanted to show the dawn of winter morning with the warm yellow sunlight breaking through the snow covered trees and lighting up a secluded forest stream. I titled it "Christmas Morning" because the best gift of all is a new day. Available from the artist for $950.00.

October at Holy Hill

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x20

Although I painted this last year, somehow I forgot to post it. I have painted this subject many times and I hope to paint it many more. The church looks like a fairy tale castle when seen from a distance against the sky. My Dad and I were on a drive to enjoy the fall colors when I stopped to take a few reference photos of this view. Available from the artist for $950.00, prints also available.

Beachcombers

Original painting - Acrylic on canvas 9x12

Got our first Wisconsin snow today so naturally I thought about warmer destinations. Here's a couple walking the beach at some tropical locale. SOLD