Dunkles Service Station

"Dunkle's Gulf"  Oil on masonite, 11 x 14.

This is sort of a study for a larger piece that I just completed.  Dunkle's Gulf is a gas station in Bedford PA. It was opened in 1933 by Dick Dunkle and is still in operation today.  It sits right on Rt 30, which used to be a major east-west route that ran from Atlantic City NJ to Astoria Oregon.  This painting is available at the Locality Gallery, in Bedford PA.

Antietam

Oil on wood Panel, 18 x 24.  This is a work in progress.

Late Night Donuts, and Sheetz Coffee

"Late Night Donuts" oil on panel, 5 x 5.

Dorothy and I picked these out late Saturday night, or maybe early Sunday morning after a trip to Sheetz for coffee.  The studio is pretty much a 24 hour operation.  Dorothy is up all hours, and I work evenings and sometimes until the wee hours.  I have a large commission to finish this month, coffee and the occasional unhealthy snack are brain food.  The powdered donut in this painting was my favorite part.to paint.  The places where the powder do not quite covering the donut is pink-purple and not the brownish color one might imagine.  Color relationships get very interested when you study an object closely.  The background is a very dark blue, almost black.

Painting Snack Food

Hostess Sno-Ball (RIP), oil on panel, 5 x 5.

This is what I sometimes wash down with turnpike coffee late at night.  The Hostess Sno Ball is one of those foods I wanted, but seldom got when I was a kid.  I like the look of them in the package, so inviting, and somewhat disappointing.  But late at night, on the way back to Maryland from Edinboro PA, I always grab one at the Pilot Truck Stop with a large coffee.

Painting at Antietam

I am working on a painting of a young lady at Antietam.  We live just a short drive from the battlefield.  This summer is the 150th anniversary of the battle of Antietam.  The area will be loaded with civil war reenactors this weekend, and the battlefield will be packed with tourists.  I am not really into the whole guys running around with rifles scene.  I find the dress of every day people more interesting.  This is a huge trip for many people that show up to dress the part for the weekend.  Hidden behind the artifacts are plastic tubs, smart phones, and coolers filled with 21st century conveniences.