Category Archives: Art

Oil paintings

Haw Below Bynum

The long story goes like this: I was looking for a spot to paint on the Haw River near the Bynum pedestrian bridge. Two boys with a pellet gun told me I could turn left at the end of the bridge (where there is access to the river, but no trail) and when I get to the gate at the end of the street, I could walk as far as I wanted. On the gate was a no trespassing sign with the name Ricky Spoon and phone number. So I called Ricky and he allowed access. It turns out Ricky is a well-known developer in Pittsboro with a reputation. I never found a trail to the river, so I cut through the unkempt woods to get there.

Red and black cicadas were all over. And it turns out that they like oil paint. Either that or the natural turpenoid I was using. One cicada was trying to eat the can.

Haw Below Bynum

Haw Below Bynum

Haw Cicada on canvas bag

Haw Cicada on canvas bag

Bynum Dam on the Haw River

Bynum Dam on the Haw River

Bynum Dam on the Haw River

Painting this, an observer told me he was the last person to work on the dam. About twenty years ago, the operator of the dam got disgruntled and lodged 2 x 4s somehow to sabotage the dam and render it useless. People were canoeing, kayaking, fishing, swimming and hiking. More information here.
24″ x 18″, Oil on canvas.