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What's New!
What's New
Here are my latest paintings that reflect places I have travelled to recently, either personally or vicariously!
As always, all are available as my gift to those who donate directly to Hearts & Homes for Refugees.
Just click on a painting to see the suggested donation amount.
In 2022, the organization and its incredible volunteers have welcomed refugee families from Afghanistan, Ukraine, Myanmar, Venezuela and other countries around the globe. It is my honor and pleasure to support that work.
I get to experience the excitement of creating and of giving, all at once.
For inquiries, please go to Contact

Toppling Moroccan Tagines
Acrylic, 16x20-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep. 2022.
Available for $500 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees.
A tagine, sometimes spelled “tajine,” is a traditional Moroccan cooking vessel made of ceramic or unglazed clay with a round base and low sides.
A cone-shaped cover sits on the base during cooking. The conical lid traps steam during cooking and returns the liquid to the clay pot, resulting in a moist dish with concentrated flavors.
Tagine is also the name for a Maghrebi, or North African, dish cooked in the tagine pot. Tagine is closely associated with Moroccan cuisine, where slow-cooked savory stews made with meat, poultry, or fish, are cooked with vegetables, aromatic spices, dried fruit, and nuts.
Originally developed as a portable oven, the tagine has become an iconic decorative piece too!
Available for $500 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees.
A tagine, sometimes spelled “tajine,” is a traditional Moroccan cooking vessel made of ceramic or unglazed clay with a round base and low sides.
A cone-shaped cover sits on the base during cooking. The conical lid traps steam during cooking and returns the liquid to the clay pot, resulting in a moist dish with concentrated flavors.
Tagine is also the name for a Maghrebi, or North African, dish cooked in the tagine pot. Tagine is closely associated with Moroccan cuisine, where slow-cooked savory stews made with meat, poultry, or fish, are cooked with vegetables, aromatic spices, dried fruit, and nuts.
Originally developed as a portable oven, the tagine has become an iconic decorative piece too!

Domes of Kyiv
Oil, 12x24-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep. 2022.
Available for $750 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
Kyiv’s oldest church was built in 1037 and was named after the famous St. Sophia’s Cathedral in Constantinople. The majestic 13-cupola complex became a place of worship for Kyivites as well as a political and cultural center.
St. Sophia’s interior boasts rich frescoes and mosaics, many of which are still intact after roughly a millennium. Its bell tower, finished in 1752, is 76 m high. The upper Ukrainian Baroque part and gilded cupola were added in 1852.
Now a museum, St Sophia is one of the city's best known landmarks and the first heritage site in Ukraine to be inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Available for $750 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
Kyiv’s oldest church was built in 1037 and was named after the famous St. Sophia’s Cathedral in Constantinople. The majestic 13-cupola complex became a place of worship for Kyivites as well as a political and cultural center.
St. Sophia’s interior boasts rich frescoes and mosaics, many of which are still intact after roughly a millennium. Its bell tower, finished in 1752, is 76 m high. The upper Ukrainian Baroque part and gilded cupola were added in 1852.
Now a museum, St Sophia is one of the city's best known landmarks and the first heritage site in Ukraine to be inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

Rosso e Dolce
Oil, 16x16-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep. 2022.
Available for $500 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees.
Originally from Italy, red onions have a mild flavor, making them highly versatile for a variety of dishes where a splash of color and sweet flavor is desired.
They are native to three distinctly different regions: Tropea in Italy, Turda in Romania, and the US. Available throughout the year, their popularity is partly due to their health benefits as they are high in flavonoids and fiber compared to white and yellow onions.
Also known as purple onions, their crinkly colorful skin has also been used to make dye -- no surprise given their beautiful, intense color!
Available for $500 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees.
Originally from Italy, red onions have a mild flavor, making them highly versatile for a variety of dishes where a splash of color and sweet flavor is desired.
They are native to three distinctly different regions: Tropea in Italy, Turda in Romania, and the US. Available throughout the year, their popularity is partly due to their health benefits as they are high in flavonoids and fiber compared to white and yellow onions.
Also known as purple onions, their crinkly colorful skin has also been used to make dye -- no surprise given their beautiful, intense color!

All Come To Pray
Oil, 16x20-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep. 2022.
Available for $400 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees.
During a recent visit to Jerusalem, I was struck by the women praying so fervently at the Western Wall.
They came from many different places in the world, representing vastly different cultures. However their emotional reaction to being there – having the opportunity to touch the Wall and say their prayers in a medley of languages including Hebrew – was universal.
It was beautiful and moving to observe these women, side by side, as they murmured their prayers, hopes and thoughts.
Available for $400 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees.
During a recent visit to Jerusalem, I was struck by the women praying so fervently at the Western Wall.
They came from many different places in the world, representing vastly different cultures. However their emotional reaction to being there – having the opportunity to touch the Wall and say their prayers in a medley of languages including Hebrew – was universal.
It was beautiful and moving to observe these women, side by side, as they murmured their prayers, hopes and thoughts.

Rhythms
Acrylic, 18x18-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep. 2022.
Available for $400 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees.
Examples of ancient drums trace back millennia throughout Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. All over the world, people found ways to fashion drum heads from animal skins.
A djembe, in particular, is a rope-tuned goblet drum played with bare hands, originally from West Africa. The name comes from the saying "Anke djé, anke bé" which means "everyone gather together in peace" and defines the drum's purpose.
The drum is said to have been invented in the 12th Century by the Mandinka tribe in what is now Mali. Legend has it that the drum contains three spirits: that of the tree from which it was made, of the animal whose skin is used for the drumhead, and of the carver or the one who cut the tree and assembled the drum. The blacksmiths of old custom fit each drum to its player.
Available for $400 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees.
Examples of ancient drums trace back millennia throughout Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. All over the world, people found ways to fashion drum heads from animal skins.
A djembe, in particular, is a rope-tuned goblet drum played with bare hands, originally from West Africa. The name comes from the saying "Anke djé, anke bé" which means "everyone gather together in peace" and defines the drum's purpose.
The drum is said to have been invented in the 12th Century by the Mandinka tribe in what is now Mali. Legend has it that the drum contains three spirits: that of the tree from which it was made, of the animal whose skin is used for the drumhead, and of the carver or the one who cut the tree and assembled the drum. The blacksmiths of old custom fit each drum to its player.

Blooming Calla Lilies SOLD
Acrylic, 11x14-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep. 2022.
Available for $250 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees.
How interesting that calla lilies are fraught with contradictions.
First, they are not lilies! Native to the modern-day region around South Africa and Malawi, they somehow made their way to Europe and were first cataloged in the 18th century by a Swedish botanist who mistaken called them lilies; by the time the mistake was clarified, the calla lily name was already widely known and was not to be changed.
A second contradiction is in the flower’s meaning. Calla lilies grow from rhizomes that reproduce of their own accord, making them a symbol of fertility used in bridal bouquets. But they are also considered a symbol of rebirth and thus are often included in funeral arrangements.
Whatever their name and significance, and however they are used, calla lilies are appreciated the world over.
Available for $250 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees.
How interesting that calla lilies are fraught with contradictions.
First, they are not lilies! Native to the modern-day region around South Africa and Malawi, they somehow made their way to Europe and were first cataloged in the 18th century by a Swedish botanist who mistaken called them lilies; by the time the mistake was clarified, the calla lily name was already widely known and was not to be changed.
A second contradiction is in the flower’s meaning. Calla lilies grow from rhizomes that reproduce of their own accord, making them a symbol of fertility used in bridal bouquets. But they are also considered a symbol of rebirth and thus are often included in funeral arrangements.
Whatever their name and significance, and however they are used, calla lilies are appreciated the world over.

Rainbow Eucalyptus
Oil, 18x18-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep. 2023.
Available for $1,000 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees.
I first saw a red eucalyptus tree in Israel and was mesmerized by it. (These trees were originally brought to Israel from Australia to help dry out swamps, which were breeding grounds for malaria-spreading mosquitoes.)
Researching this tree, I discovered rainbow eucalyptus trees which are yet another level of stunning!
Rainbow eucalyptus trees grow in tropical regions such as the Philippines, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. They can grow to over 200 ft tall in their native environments. They can now also be found in some parts of California, Hawaii and Florida where they reach up to about 100 ft.
The trees are evergreens with spear-shaped, silvery-green leaves and tiny white flowers. Clearly their most unique feature is the trunk, which grows bark in shades of green, blue, orange, red, and purple. As it grows, the bark peels off in strips to reveal new colors and patterns, its beauty constantly evolving.
Available for $1,000 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees.
I first saw a red eucalyptus tree in Israel and was mesmerized by it. (These trees were originally brought to Israel from Australia to help dry out swamps, which were breeding grounds for malaria-spreading mosquitoes.)
Researching this tree, I discovered rainbow eucalyptus trees which are yet another level of stunning!
Rainbow eucalyptus trees grow in tropical regions such as the Philippines, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. They can grow to over 200 ft tall in their native environments. They can now also be found in some parts of California, Hawaii and Florida where they reach up to about 100 ft.
The trees are evergreens with spear-shaped, silvery-green leaves and tiny white flowers. Clearly their most unique feature is the trunk, which grows bark in shades of green, blue, orange, red, and purple. As it grows, the bark peels off in strips to reveal new colors and patterns, its beauty constantly evolving.

Sea of Galilee SOLD
Oil, 11x14-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep. 2022.
Available for $300 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees.
The Sea of Galilee (aka Lake Tiberias or Kinneret) in Israel is the lowest freshwater lake on Earth and the second-lowest lake in the world after the saltwater Dead Sea. It is fed partly by underground springs, but its main source is the Jordan River, which flows through it from north to south.
The Sea of Galilee region is especially well known to Christians because it where Jesus Christ is said to have walked on the water, calmed a storm and showed the disciples miraculous catches of fish. The area also appears in some Islamic prophesies and was the site of the first Jewish kibbutz in 1909.
Located between the Golan Heights and the Galilee region, the Sea’s turquoise blue color “pops” amid its surrounding brown rocky land.
Available for $300 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees.
The Sea of Galilee (aka Lake Tiberias or Kinneret) in Israel is the lowest freshwater lake on Earth and the second-lowest lake in the world after the saltwater Dead Sea. It is fed partly by underground springs, but its main source is the Jordan River, which flows through it from north to south.
The Sea of Galilee region is especially well known to Christians because it where Jesus Christ is said to have walked on the water, calmed a storm and showed the disciples miraculous catches of fish. The area also appears in some Islamic prophesies and was the site of the first Jewish kibbutz in 1909.
Located between the Golan Heights and the Galilee region, the Sea’s turquoise blue color “pops” amid its surrounding brown rocky land.

Jaffa Oranges
Oil, 18x18-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep. 2022.
Available for $400 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees.
Jaffa oranges, also called Shamouti oranges, are grown in Jaffa, Israel. They are unique because of their sweet taste, deep orange color, oval shape and thick peel.
This particular type of orange dates back to the 19th century when it was traded during the Ottoman Empire's rule. In Israel, which was part of Palestine at the time, it became popular because it is easy to peel, almost seedless, and has a tough skin which makes it easier to export worldwide.
In the 1950s and 1960s, Jaffa oranges became emblems of the Israeli state.
Available for $400 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees.
Jaffa oranges, also called Shamouti oranges, are grown in Jaffa, Israel. They are unique because of their sweet taste, deep orange color, oval shape and thick peel.
This particular type of orange dates back to the 19th century when it was traded during the Ottoman Empire's rule. In Israel, which was part of Palestine at the time, it became popular because it is easy to peel, almost seedless, and has a tough skin which makes it easier to export worldwide.
In the 1950s and 1960s, Jaffa oranges became emblems of the Israeli state.

Rainy Night on Times Square
Oil, 11x14-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep. 2023.
Available for $350 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees.
Known for its neon lights, giant digital billboards and bright Broadway marquees, New York City’s Times Square is all the more brilliant on a rainy night.
Times Square proper encompasses 42nd to 47th Streets from Broadway to Seventh Avenue although people commonly refer to Times Square as the area from around 40th to 53th Streets. It is one of the world’s most popular tourist locations, with an estimated 50 million visitors each year.
Times Square got its name in 1904 when The New York Times newspaper set up its headquarters in the building now known as One Times Square. The mayor of New York renamed Longacre Square after the paper, though the newspaper relocated within a decade afterward.
Available for $350 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees.
Known for its neon lights, giant digital billboards and bright Broadway marquees, New York City’s Times Square is all the more brilliant on a rainy night.
Times Square proper encompasses 42nd to 47th Streets from Broadway to Seventh Avenue although people commonly refer to Times Square as the area from around 40th to 53th Streets. It is one of the world’s most popular tourist locations, with an estimated 50 million visitors each year.
Times Square got its name in 1904 when The New York Times newspaper set up its headquarters in the building now known as One Times Square. The mayor of New York renamed Longacre Square after the paper, though the newspaper relocated within a decade afterward.

Rosebuds
Acrylic, 16x16-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep. 2022.
Available for $400 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees.
According to fossil evidence, roses are 35 million years old! However it was (only) about 5,000 years ago that they began to be cultivated in gardens, probably in China where most species of roses are native.
This flower has played a major role in arts of all kinds – written, visual, music, perfume, cuisine, etc. Color is significant too in that red roses have come to express romantic love and yellow the care of friendship. White roses symbolize innocence and purity, orange blooms convey passion and enthusiasm, and pink means admiration, thanks, and joy. All things of beauty!
Available for $400 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees.
According to fossil evidence, roses are 35 million years old! However it was (only) about 5,000 years ago that they began to be cultivated in gardens, probably in China where most species of roses are native.
This flower has played a major role in arts of all kinds – written, visual, music, perfume, cuisine, etc. Color is significant too in that red roses have come to express romantic love and yellow the care of friendship. White roses symbolize innocence and purity, orange blooms convey passion and enthusiasm, and pink means admiration, thanks, and joy. All things of beauty!

Dappled Light SOLD
Oil, 16x20-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep. 2022.
Available for $500 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees.
Meandering the side streets of Santorini one Spring morning led me to many tiny alley ways and doorways. The beautiful Greek island has deep traditional roots and breathtaking views around every corner.
This open, red-shuttered window caught my eye as it nearly sparkled in the dappled morning sunlight. Such a calming, happy and pretty sight.
Available for $500 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees.
Meandering the side streets of Santorini one Spring morning led me to many tiny alley ways and doorways. The beautiful Greek island has deep traditional roots and breathtaking views around every corner.
This open, red-shuttered window caught my eye as it nearly sparkled in the dappled morning sunlight. Such a calming, happy and pretty sight.

Majestic
Acrylic, 12x12-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep. 2022.
Available for $250 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees.
How enjoyable it was to create this abstraction of architecture - perhaps an Egyptian religious site with papyrus columns or some other Middle Eastern monument.
The creativity of the building lent itself to vivid coloration and imagination.
Available for $250 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees.
How enjoyable it was to create this abstraction of architecture - perhaps an Egyptian religious site with papyrus columns or some other Middle Eastern monument.
The creativity of the building lent itself to vivid coloration and imagination.

Floral Array I
Oil, 10x20-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep
Available for $400 -- or $750 as a pair with Floral Array II -- donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
Surprisingly, flowers did not always exist. They first appeared about 140 million years ago. Before that, ferns and cone bearing trees dominated the earth.
The earliest flowers were small and rare, living in the shadows of nonflowering plants. Around 120 million years ago, a new branch of flowers evolved. That lineage includes 99% of all species of flowering plants on Earth.
Today, about 80% of all cut-flower sales in the United States are imported from South American countries like Colombia and Ecuador, with the most popular imported flowers including carnations, roses, orchids, lilies, tulips, and gerbera.
With their colorful and beautiful blooms, flowers are often seen as symbols of joy and pleasure. However, different types and colors of flowers have unique meanings ranging from forgiveness to the sadness of death to purity and the beauty of friendship or romantic love.
Available for $400 -- or $750 as a pair with Floral Array II -- donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
Surprisingly, flowers did not always exist. They first appeared about 140 million years ago. Before that, ferns and cone bearing trees dominated the earth.
The earliest flowers were small and rare, living in the shadows of nonflowering plants. Around 120 million years ago, a new branch of flowers evolved. That lineage includes 99% of all species of flowering plants on Earth.
Today, about 80% of all cut-flower sales in the United States are imported from South American countries like Colombia and Ecuador, with the most popular imported flowers including carnations, roses, orchids, lilies, tulips, and gerbera.
With their colorful and beautiful blooms, flowers are often seen as symbols of joy and pleasure. However, different types and colors of flowers have unique meanings ranging from forgiveness to the sadness of death to purity and the beauty of friendship or romantic love.

Floral Array II
Oil, 10x20-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep
Available for $400 -- or $750 as a pair with Floral Array I -- donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
Surprisingly, flowers did not always exist. They first appeared about 140 million years ago. Before that, ferns and cone bearing trees dominated the earth.
The earliest flowers were small and rare, living in the shadows of nonflowering plants. Around 120 million years ago, a new branch of flowers evolved. That lineage includes 99% of all species of flowering plants on Earth.
Today, about 80% of all cut-flower sales in the United States are imported from South American countries like Colombia and Ecuador, with the most popular imported flowers including carnations, roses, orchids, lilies, tulips, and gerbera.
With their colorful and beautiful blooms, flowers are often seen as symbols of joy and pleasure. However, different types and colors of flowers have unique meanings ranging from forgiveness to the sadness of death to purity and the beauty of friendship or romantic love.
Available for $400 -- or $750 as a pair with Floral Array I -- donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
Surprisingly, flowers did not always exist. They first appeared about 140 million years ago. Before that, ferns and cone bearing trees dominated the earth.
The earliest flowers were small and rare, living in the shadows of nonflowering plants. Around 120 million years ago, a new branch of flowers evolved. That lineage includes 99% of all species of flowering plants on Earth.
Today, about 80% of all cut-flower sales in the United States are imported from South American countries like Colombia and Ecuador, with the most popular imported flowers including carnations, roses, orchids, lilies, tulips, and gerbera.
With their colorful and beautiful blooms, flowers are often seen as symbols of joy and pleasure. However, different types and colors of flowers have unique meanings ranging from forgiveness to the sadness of death to purity and the beauty of friendship or romantic love.

Jarred Spices II SOLD
Oil, 16x20-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep
Available for $500 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
Like other countries in the region, Turkey is known for its spices and herbs which include cinnamon, mint, yenibahar (made from pimento berries), cardamom, cloves, ginger, cumin, oregano, saffron, bay leaves and red pepper.
The popular marash variety of red pepper is a staple in Turkish homes. Sometimes referred to as Turkish paprika, it comes from the same peppers used to make an often-used hot pepper paste.
Spices are also part of the country's heritage. For example, the black nigella seed is one of the oldest known spices with traces of it having been found in Tutankhamen's tomb as well as in Hittite sites that date back to the second century B.C.
The deep and varied colors of the red peppers, of which there are at least five types that differ in flavor and heat, are complemented by the bright tones of other colorful herbs and spices.
Available for $500 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
Like other countries in the region, Turkey is known for its spices and herbs which include cinnamon, mint, yenibahar (made from pimento berries), cardamom, cloves, ginger, cumin, oregano, saffron, bay leaves and red pepper.
The popular marash variety of red pepper is a staple in Turkish homes. Sometimes referred to as Turkish paprika, it comes from the same peppers used to make an often-used hot pepper paste.
Spices are also part of the country's heritage. For example, the black nigella seed is one of the oldest known spices with traces of it having been found in Tutankhamen's tomb as well as in Hittite sites that date back to the second century B.C.
The deep and varied colors of the red peppers, of which there are at least five types that differ in flavor and heat, are complemented by the bright tones of other colorful herbs and spices.

Private Prayer SOLD
Oil, 16x20-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep. 2022.
Available for $500 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees.
Millions of people visit the Western Wall (or “Kotel” in Hebrew) in Israel – one of Judaism’s holiest sites - every year. It is the remains of the retaining wall surrounding the Temple Mount, the site of the First and Second Temples of Jerusalem, held to be uniquely holy by the ancient Jews.
For most of the day, the Western Wall is lined with people deep in prayer. Many lean forward and touch their foreheads to the stones. With eyes closed, they whisper prayers and and often leave written notes of wishes or prayers on pieces of paper, wedging the papers into the cracks of the ancient stones.
Available for $500 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees.
Millions of people visit the Western Wall (or “Kotel” in Hebrew) in Israel – one of Judaism’s holiest sites - every year. It is the remains of the retaining wall surrounding the Temple Mount, the site of the First and Second Temples of Jerusalem, held to be uniquely holy by the ancient Jews.
For most of the day, the Western Wall is lined with people deep in prayer. Many lean forward and touch their foreheads to the stones. With eyes closed, they whisper prayers and and often leave written notes of wishes or prayers on pieces of paper, wedging the papers into the cracks of the ancient stones.

Carpathian Pink
Oil, 11x14-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep. 2023.
Available for $400 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees.
The Carpathian Mountains are, in essence, a section of a bigger Alps-Himalaya System that stretches from western Europe all the way to southern Asia. Part of the Eastern Carpathians is within the borders of modern Ukraine.
These mountains are welcoming habitats for many unique plants and animals. Carpathian Rhododendron is one of the local species, and its blossom is a spectacular natural phenomenon.
The first blooms pop up on the shrubs when the nights become warm enough, and then the full rhododendron bloomage appears. By mid-June, the mountain slopes are blanketed with pink flowers but the overall explosion of flowering color only lasts for a few weeks.
Available for $400 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees.
The Carpathian Mountains are, in essence, a section of a bigger Alps-Himalaya System that stretches from western Europe all the way to southern Asia. Part of the Eastern Carpathians is within the borders of modern Ukraine.
These mountains are welcoming habitats for many unique plants and animals. Carpathian Rhododendron is one of the local species, and its blossom is a spectacular natural phenomenon.
The first blooms pop up on the shrubs when the nights become warm enough, and then the full rhododendron bloomage appears. By mid-June, the mountain slopes are blanketed with pink flowers but the overall explosion of flowering color only lasts for a few weeks.

Juicy SOLD
Oil, 12x12-inch offered with frame. 2018.
Available for $300 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees.
Peaches originated in China and from there, the “Persian apple” (the translated Latin name) was introduced to the Romans by the Persians (now Afghans and Iranians). Spanish explorers are credited with bringing the peach to South America and then eventually to England and France where it became quite a popular, but rare, treat.
During Queen Victoria’s reign, it is said that no meal was complete without a fresh peach presented in a fancy cotton napkin.
Eventually peaches were brought to the New World colonies where American Indian tribes planted the seeds as they traveled throughout the United States. Today, we all appreciate the fruit’s taste, texture and rich coloration!
Available for $300 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees.
Peaches originated in China and from there, the “Persian apple” (the translated Latin name) was introduced to the Romans by the Persians (now Afghans and Iranians). Spanish explorers are credited with bringing the peach to South America and then eventually to England and France where it became quite a popular, but rare, treat.
During Queen Victoria’s reign, it is said that no meal was complete without a fresh peach presented in a fancy cotton napkin.
Eventually peaches were brought to the New World colonies where American Indian tribes planted the seeds as they traveled throughout the United States. Today, we all appreciate the fruit’s taste, texture and rich coloration!

Silent Prayer
Acrylic, 18x18-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep. 2022.
Available for $450 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
Millions of people visit the Western Wall (or “Kotel” in Hebrew) in Israel – one of Judaism’s holiest sites - every year. It is the remains of the retaining wall surrounding the Temple Mount, the site of the First and Second Temples of Jerusalem, held to be uniquely holy by the ancient Jews.
Today it is a place of fervent prayer for the many who visit every day. Women and men worship separately on opposite sides of a dividing fence. Facing the wall, many touch their foreheads to the stones and silently speak their prayers.
Available for $450 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
Millions of people visit the Western Wall (or “Kotel” in Hebrew) in Israel – one of Judaism’s holiest sites - every year. It is the remains of the retaining wall surrounding the Temple Mount, the site of the First and Second Temples of Jerusalem, held to be uniquely holy by the ancient Jews.
Today it is a place of fervent prayer for the many who visit every day. Women and men worship separately on opposite sides of a dividing fence. Facing the wall, many touch their foreheads to the stones and silently speak their prayers.

Amber Waves
Oil, 16x20-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep. 2023.
Available for $500 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees.
There is a kind of romance about wheat fields: “America The Beautiful” celebrates our country’s amber waves of grain; artists and songwriters have depicted them time and again; every ancient culture had a god or goddess deemed to be protectors of the grain.
Wheat has essentially been a symbol of prosperity and blessing since the beginning of human civilization. Cultivated for 10,000 years, wheat is still one of the world’s most important plants today. It originated near what is now Iraq and is now grown worldwide.
The intrinsic physical beauty of fields of grain is inspiring and their resilience is somehow reassuring.
Available for $500 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees.
There is a kind of romance about wheat fields: “America The Beautiful” celebrates our country’s amber waves of grain; artists and songwriters have depicted them time and again; every ancient culture had a god or goddess deemed to be protectors of the grain.
Wheat has essentially been a symbol of prosperity and blessing since the beginning of human civilization. Cultivated for 10,000 years, wheat is still one of the world’s most important plants today. It originated near what is now Iraq and is now grown worldwide.
The intrinsic physical beauty of fields of grain is inspiring and their resilience is somehow reassuring.

Pears Abstracted
Acrylic, 16x16-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep. 2023.
Available for $350 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees.
I just like how pears look. Not so much their colors but the patchy patterns of light and dark on their skin. Abstracting the colors while keeping the fruits’ natural shapes was a fun way to paint them!
Beyond their visual appearance, it’s interesting that pear trees can live to 100 years and the fruit does not ripen while on the tree but instead ripens from the inside out.
Pears are a good source of vitamin C, potassium and high in fiber. Today there are more than 3,000 varieties of pears.
Pear history apparently started 7,000 years ago in the foothills of Tien Shan when a Chinese diplomat became obsessed with the fruit and began grafting and selling pear trees. At the same time, wild pears were growing in Europe.
The trees were introduced to North America in the 1600s; now most pears in the US are grown in Washington, Oregon and California.
More fun facts: In The Odyssey, Homer named pears a "gift of the gods." And pears were immortalized in popular culture alongside a partridge in the 18th-century Christmas carol, The Twelve Days of Christmas.
Available for $350 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees.
I just like how pears look. Not so much their colors but the patchy patterns of light and dark on their skin. Abstracting the colors while keeping the fruits’ natural shapes was a fun way to paint them!
Beyond their visual appearance, it’s interesting that pear trees can live to 100 years and the fruit does not ripen while on the tree but instead ripens from the inside out.
Pears are a good source of vitamin C, potassium and high in fiber. Today there are more than 3,000 varieties of pears.
Pear history apparently started 7,000 years ago in the foothills of Tien Shan when a Chinese diplomat became obsessed with the fruit and began grafting and selling pear trees. At the same time, wild pears were growing in Europe.
The trees were introduced to North America in the 1600s; now most pears in the US are grown in Washington, Oregon and California.
More fun facts: In The Odyssey, Homer named pears a "gift of the gods." And pears were immortalized in popular culture alongside a partridge in the 18th-century Christmas carol, The Twelve Days of Christmas.
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