Portrait Gallery

Ralph and Ester

The two photos shown here are of my late grandparents, Ralph and Ester. Taken in a photo booth they took these photos when they were still dating. The first time I saw these photos I was moved by them. They really capture the moment of their love and happiness. I am inspired by vintage photography and these photos have started me on a journey back into this time. Working in the antique business as well I see many photos of peoples' memories. Memories that have been lost by time or discarded through a lack of connection with these people. I have discovered that through my paintings I can revive these images and show the world how pure and wonderful these moments were.

"American Treasures"

14"x11"

While searching for images I could

use for practice my spouse came across

an old photo of his grandparents. Sitting

on the front stairs of their home they

have this pure and real look about

them. Appropriately named,

"American Treasures" this painting

has become a favorite of many. NFS

"Remembering Byrd"

8"x10" NFS

This is a small, but very moving little painting. The image of byrd gives a wonderful feeling about who she was and what she brought to the world in her life. Everytime I look at it, she makes me feel calm and at home.

"Granny"

A very small painting, infact only 8"x6" this is one of the first portraits I attempted. Granny used to sit in her kitchen by the radiator often. She loved to talk about the past and work in her flower gardens. Visiting with Granny is one of my favorite childhood memories. A very independent woman, she lived in her home in Sheboygan, Wi until her death at the age of 94. Her name was "Emma". NFS

"Emma Haack c.1913"

oil on canvas, 16"x20"

A portrait of my great grandmother when she was about 18 years old. I had a lot of fun working on her dress. The many shadows and textures were great to learn from. NFS

"Lum and Abner"

11"x14"

Working from a vintage photograph this painting is all about capturing a mood. There are many differences of opinion on what this painting represents. I leave people to form their own thoughts about this one. Available - Please email

"The struggle to get it right"

Hey it's me!

I have recently started to work on self portraits. The challenge in painting people is not only to get good likeness of the person, but to get their personality as well. Seen here is my progress in this endevour for better or worse.

Recently I have started to paint portraits and this is truly where my passion is. Working to strengthen skills and perfect techniques I practice everyday to make the next portrait better than the last. I have an endless amount of ideas for more portraits and can't wait to bring them to you. Custom portraits are available, please email me for details at orby2sea@new.rr.com

"Chicken Dinner"

Everyone seems to have a memory of a wedding from there childhood. Grandma was there, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Everyone was dressed in their best and brought a smile with them. Laughter and stories were shared all through the evening. These good time events are still shared today by many. Seen here is a single moment from the past that captures that time.

30" x 36" Oil on Canvas Available-

Please email

"The Falcon"

Remembering our grandparents can be some of the strongest memories. Separated by a generation and a way of life there seems to always be a strong connection between those at the beginning and those who have seen it all. 24" x 36" oil on canvas Available-please email