Train Engineer Bear Toy

6"x4" oil on masonite panel ••• There is a small, but quite vocal group that lambast me every time I present a painting of a toy. Apparently, they don't see the point in taking the time to paint a toy. Oh yeah, post post, the emails fly. (Actually, there is an "anti" group for just about every specific subject I paint and I appreciate every email.) • To the "toy" group, whom I respect and care for with all my heart, all I can say is... Here's another one! • Unlike many of the toys that exist in my small and ever annoying universe, this squishy and somewhat overweight little guy has made no attempt to hasten my demise. The squeaky noise he makes is a little annoying, but all in all, he seems to be a benevolent bear with no evil intentions. I don't trust him. • On another note... The fabulous crossword puzzle writer Merl Reagle recently passed away. He was only 65. I am not a crossword puzzle fanatic, but I do appreciate a good one and he created good ones. My experiences with crosswords are similar to my experiences with my paintings—some flow beautifully and some just make me cuss and spit whilst battling my way through them. Mr. Reagle's puzzles were a unique balance of whimsy and challenge without being esoteric. He provided us with joy, not hair pulling. He was also—as far as I know—the only, or at least the first, crossword writer to make a living solely from his creations. He was that good and 65 is far too young. • Rest in peace Mr. Reagle.


Posted August 26, 2015

sold • private collection brookline, ma