Sacred Bundles

Original Painting - Acrylic on Canvas 24x36

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It felt good to loosen up and paint an abstract with strong color, texture and bold contrasts!

Native American War Pony

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x20

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According to the dictionary, these horses are descendants of the animals the Spanish conquistadors brought to the Americas that were adopted by the indigenous people. They were also known as cow pony, buffalo horse, mustang, Indian pony, cayuse, and Spanish pony.

Mystery of the Lake

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x20

A sense of impending doom and the rising wind of an approaching storm creates many unanswered questions. Who is this woman? Why is she standing on the shore? Why is she wearing a formal gown in the forest? Is she holding a wand ...casting a spell? Quoting Edgar Degas, "A painting requires a little mystery, some vagueness, some fantasy. When you always make your meaning perfectly plain you end up boring people." See more Halloween images here; halloween art

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

Savannah

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 24x20

This beautiful young lady is my grand daughter Savannah Shropshire. She is an award winning young artist and is known to like and prefer pretty things. She is also a fan of "Hello Kitty". NFS

American Classic

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x20

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Okay, I know this is a corny and overly sentimental theme ...a nostalgic Christmas card rendition of a snow covered village complete with horse drawn sleigh. I'm not apologizing, because that's exactly what I was going for in this tribute to an idealized Currier & Ives type of snow scene. Sometimes a sugary sweet is just what you crave and this has been an unusual Wisconsin winter without much snow. snow scene canvas prints

Cloud Over The City

Original Painting - Acrylic on Canvas 16x20

Night has already descended on the city, but the sky is still fighting off the darkness. The light will soon fade and the sky darken but the city lights will still glitter even brighter than the faraway stars. $600.00

Olimbos Greece

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x12

This village clinging to the side of a mountain on a Grecian island is as picturesque as a scene can be. Another location for the bucket list! $500.00

Church Spires

Original painting - Acrylic on canvas 9x12

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This small study was painted directly on the canvas without drawing or underpainting. My goal was to capture the morning light and hazy silhouettes of the buildings in gradations of intensity from the horizon ...in other words, light in the back to dark in the front. $300.00

Back Alley Justice

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 20x16

The tenth painting in my "Sin, sex, and cigarettes" series features a sinister, armed man silhouetted by harsh lights in a wet and foggy alley. I don't know if there was ever a pulp novel with this title, but it wouldn't surprise me if there was. Available from the artist $950.00

I have been asked why I have chosen to create these paintings as a tribute to the lurid pulp covers of the past. I can remember that as a boy I would take the bus to downtown Milwaukee for a day at the public museum and library. Afterwards I would go to the old bookstore on Wisconsin Avenue. The musty smelling basement level was filled with pulp magazines, paperbacks, and comic books all at half off the cover price. Then I realized that these magazines were priced at .10 cents to .75 cents apiece before the discount! I loaded up on Weird Tales, science fiction, Southsea Adventures, True Detective, Amazing Stories and comics. The tantalizing element of the cover art was the mystery of the unexplained dramatic action and exotic locations portrayed, even though the stories rarely lived up to my high expectations. The melodramatic covers of pulp magazines helped influence and shape my art. I want these paintings to function as illustrations for unwritten stories. Back then, the cover art and captions of the pulps captured my imagination and fired my sense of wonder and adventure!

Leon's Frozen Custard

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 12x16

Leon's Custard is a Milwaukee landmark on south 27th Street. Family owned and operated since 1942, and that makes it older than me! $600.00

Deadly Surprise

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 20x16

Here is number nine in my "Sin, sex, and cigarettes" series, my tribute to the lurid pulp magazine covers and film noir genre. Nothing puts a damper on a romantic interlude like a loaded gun pointed at your cheatin' heart. As you can see, our leading man is a little slow on the draw in more ways than one. You can tell by the fact that she already has her dress off and he's still wearing his hat and coat! Available from the artist $950.00

Milwaukee's North Point Lighthouse

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x20

Each year I paint a special holiday scene to share with my family, friends, and collectors. This year I chose North Point Lighthouse, a Milwaukee landmark. Perched on top of the bluffs over Lake Michigan it provided a guiding light for sailors just like the star guiding the wisemen in the Christmas story. Happy Holidays everyone! Available from the artist $600.00

New York the Emerald City

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 20x24

I intentionally enhanced the greenish tint on this New York skyline as I thought about the immigrants coming to America and their first glimpse of the city. It must have seemed as strange and magical as the Emerald City in the Wizard of Oz. I used thin transparent washes of color to achieve a shimmering translucence to the buildings. Available from the artist $950.00

Bad Girl

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x12

This is number eight in the "Sin, Sex, and cigarette" series, my tribute to the lurid pulp magazine covers and film noir genre. The title comes from the old saying "good girls go to heaven ...but bad girls go everywhere." The background is typical of the paperback covers of the time, showing a slice of the seedy part of the big city. Available from the artist $800.00

Sunbather

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 12x16

My cat, Moe, always finds great spots to sunbathe and nap. I wanted to capture his backlit form with a halo of light, plus the haughty annoyed look on his feline face. I'm also pleased with the loose almost abstract background which I applied quickly with a palette knife. $450.00

Chicago Skyline Silhouette

Original Painting - Acrylic on Canvas 24x36

The twinkling lights of the city at night are a subject that I always return to. I also love the silhouette of man-made mountains against the evening sky. The Hancock tower dominates this view of Chicago but the backdrop of clouds is my primary subject and inspiration. This is a 1.5" gallery wrapped canvas and requires no frame. Available from the artist $1500.00

The Pack

 Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x20

In Wisconsin "The Pack" usually refers to our football team, but this is a more primitive group of team mates. They say today's domestic dogs are descended from wolves, but there is nothing domestic about this she-wolf of the frozen tundra.

Ballet Leap

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 9x12

This small study features my grand daughter, Callie Tuchel, in silhouette at one of her performances. The lighting and positions of the figures created an unusual dynamic that I wanted to capture. This painting was inspired by a photo taken by Annie Jones. SOLD! Prints are available.

Prints of this painting are still available.

Rainy Afternoon Milwaukee

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x20

The great thing about a rainy day is that you don't feel guilty about staying indoors. Listening to a storm roll through has always had a soothing effect on me and I love to paint while the rain beats on the roof and thunder rattles the windows. This one is for those that enjoy a rainy day! See more rain images; rainy night prints

Bear Creek

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x20

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Wilderness areas are rapidly disappearing but there are still many areas of untamed beauty for us to enjoy. This northwoods scene shows a bear on a fishing trip. $600.00

Incantations of the Witch

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 16x20

The Red Witch is casting a spell under the crescent moon in the shadow of the bare oak trees. The fire has suddenly flared up as she invokes the name of the demon she summons on All Hallows Eve. This painting is SOLD but prints are still available.

Full Moon on Halloween Lane

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 20x16

My kids, all grown up now, inspired this painting. From left to right are; Tanya, Gina, and Scott.

The kids are not so sure they want to trick-or-treat at the spooky house down the lane. Can't say I blame them. halloween paintings

Halloween Spider

Original Painting - Acrylic on canvas 12x9
What says Halloween better than a full moon, glowing jack-o-lantern, and a big hairy spider? Although this painting is SOLD prints are availablehalloween canvas prints

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

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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