www.world-wide-art.com “Life is filled with quiet surprises. One such delight can be found in an autumn weekend on Mackinac Island, that charming retreat from modern living nestled in the sparkling waters between Lakes Michigan and Huron. The only way to reach Mackinac Island is aboard ferry, and once you’ve arrived, the only modes of transport are walking, bicycles, and romantic horse-drawn carriages. No automobiles or motorcycles disturb the enchanting timelessness. In autumn, crisp beds of red geraniums highlight the lush greenery, while the heady aroma of chocolate fudge blankets the island. The array of charming Victorian homes and hotels, crowned by the magnificent Grand Hotel transports us into centuries past. The nostalgic mood is further underscored by musket fire echoing from the restored Ft. Mackinac. In Autumn on Mackinac Island, carriages clatter down the enchanting lane while bicycles weave languidly to and fro. Nan’s Fudge Shop (a tribute to my wife’s famous fudge recipe) invites us to sample the island’s chief product, while the Grand Hotel peeks proudly from behind the autumn foliage of the trees at the left of the lane. The steeple of the famous Little Stone Church rises above the trees at the right of the composition and geraniums festoon the town with patches of red. Now, with Autumn on Mackinac Island, you can enjoy the season of plenty in this charming, nostalgic haven all year ’round.” – Thomas Kinkade

www.world-wide-art.com “It is possible to embrace the world of our deepest dreams. I do that as an artist, and it is my fervent hope that canvases like my new Mountain Paradise enable you to do that as well. My Mountain Paradise is set in one of God’s heroic mountain landscapes – I have found that I cannot dream anything grander than the glories He has created. Here is a rustic cabin nestled into a truly idyllic hideaway. A mountain stream cascades over an array of ancient stones, creating myriad waterfalls that sing their praise of the Lord in the voices of water. Perhaps the strumming of bluegrass music might add to the chorus as evening lingers – isn’t that a guitar and fiddle resting in the shadows of the cabin porch. Access to my paradise is provided by an old wooden bridge. Intriguing trails and a waiting canoe entice the camper to explore the nearby hills by foot or water. A handsome stag and mate and a lively flock of wild turkeys attest to the abundance of wildlife; wild ducks drop in for a landing. The light of sunset pours from the sky, painting the clouds and nearby hills with a heavenly radiance. My Mountain Paradise is truly my daydream of an idyllic mountain hideaway.” – Thomas Kinkade

I worked on Caesarea at sunset, as the sun touched the wispy clouds with gold and painted the azure Mediterranean a rich cobalt blue. I worked at a frantic pace as I struggled to keep up with the setting sun. I think you’ll note the broken colors and bold brush strokes that give plein air studies like this their energy and dramatic power. Caesarea may not be a vigorous port any longer, but I certainly attempted to make my Caesarea a vigorous painting.

Chicago’s Water Tower looms like a nostalgic monument from an ancient age. Indeed, the limestone and concrete tower, built in 1869 to resemble a Gothic castle from a much more distant time, is one of the very few standing survivors of the great Chicago fire. In my painting, quaint hansom cabs convey tourists to and fro, and crowds of shoppers and celebrants fill the streets. It’s winter in the city; for the visitor, winter is a romantic season in Chicago, softening the city’s hard lines with its shimmering light.