– Selected Paintings –
– Selected Paintings –
Gloomy Sunday
33.5x49 in, oil on linen, 2018
In the early morning, a disheveled girl contemplates taking a pill of an unknown nature. A sink overflows and bottles and dishes are strewn about, while her face and hair are glowing from the soft and warm morning light coming in from the thin window on the left. You are standing with a chair available to sit and engage her, but you may decide to walk away instead. The moment is crucial for both of you.
This work was painted fully from life using Myndin Nerdrum as the model.
Inspiration for this painting includes Edvard Munch’s “The Morning After”, and the song “Gloomy Sunday” by Rezso Seress.
Far Removed
48x72 in, oil on panel, 2016
A young woman lies in a state of mental paralysis as she contemplates the recent accident, as evidenced by the bandage around her leg. She appears to be looking at you, but instead is looking through, her reality distorted somewhere between the physical and spiritual world.
The ghost of her significant other gently holds her with an aggressive expression aimed toward you, the viewer, indicating his intention of protection from perceived threats.
Is she imagining him there? Or is he really there? If he is, who is capable of seeing him? Are you? Can you discern the liminal space she is experiencing? Have you experienced something like this yourself?
This work was completed during an extremely turbulent emotional period in my life. It was by far the best work I had made at the time, using Haley McManus and James Nickell as models. This work was inspired by the lyrics of “To the Key of Evergreen” by The Devil Wears Prada, paintings by Andrew Wyeth, and paintings by Jonas Burgert.
Man with Pig Knife
24x32 in, oil on panel, 2018
A rugged looking man sits wielding a recently used knife.
This work was painted fully from life using Jeremy Gardiner as the model.
Inspiration for this painting include portraits by Odd Nerdrum and Jeremy’s life.
Cradle
24x27 in, oil on linen, 2025
A swaddled infant shares a warm space with a femur, circulating a harmony of life and death amongst love and friction.
This work was painted fully from life using my second daughter as the model.
Inspiration for this painting include Odd Nerdrum’s “Baby” and the atmosphere surrounding my daughter’s time in the womb and delivery.
Self-Portrait with Virus
36x40 in, oil on linen, 2020-2021
A man occupies a strange space with a cough, rag, and glass of water. The tumultuous landscape through the window echoes a universal sickness that cannot be contained.
This work was painted fully from life using myself as the model.
Inspiration for this painting includes portraits by Titian, and the global reactions to disease outbreaks, recent and distant in history.
Girl by a Pond II
24x36 in, oil on linen, 2020
A young woman sits in a chair in a moonlit landscape with a note in her hand. She exhibits tension in her hand gripping her dress and expresses some kind of mental distress. What does the note say? Is it for her, or is it written by her for somebody else? Why is she in a chair outside?
This work was painted fully from life using Eliza Weese as the model.
Inspiration for this painting includes some of Eliza’s personal experiences, and Rembrandt’s “Portrait of Nicolaes Ruts”.
Two Migrants
32x52 in, oil on linen, 2021
A couple wanders through an unknown wilderness to reach a better destination. Their expressions and gestures represent dependency, strength and love as a single entity. Perhaps they were expelled. Perhaps their home was destroyed by fire. Perhaps their town was pillaged. Perhaps they are escaped, innocent prisoners. There are many forced reasons to leave and to wander, but they are still together.
This work was painted fully from life using me and my wife as models.
Inspiration for this painting includes the story of Adam and Eve, war, refugees, and immigrants.
Stranded
30x36 in, oil on linen, 2018
A shipwrecked man sprawled across a shoreline boulder presents a flag to the oncomer. International maritime signal flags give an indication to his situation. Who will save him?
This work was painted fully from life using Raul Campos and myself as models.
Inspiration for this painting include works by Albert Pinkham Ryder and stories about desperate situations.
Madonna
18x24 in, oil on linen, 2019
A dark-haired woman in a moment of ecstasy. Is she sitting up or lying down?
This work was painted fully from life using my wife as the model.
Inspiration for this painting include Edvard Munch’s “Madonna” and Bernini’s “Ecstasy of St. Teresa”.
Two Fishermen
59x79.5 in, oil on linen, 2018-2019
Two young men use whale ribs as fishing spears in a triumphant success. Their tools are minimal as they attempt to survive in their deserted state.
This work was painted fully from life using Sertap Yegin and myself as models, as well as the southern Norwegian landscape.
Inspiration for this painting include paintings by Sertap, and stories of survival.
Portrait of a Lost Girl
42x42 in, oil on panel, 2017
A young woman stands in a field with sunflowers covering her eyes. She is static, raising questions of vitality and consciousness. Does she know where she is? What is she doing? Is she just a part of the landscape and nothing more?
This painting was painted partially from life using Alex Kitching as the model.
Inspiration for this painting include my love for sunflowers, and the novels by Cormac McCarthy.
Archive
