More photos from my 3-day workshop in Port Clinton.

Although I no longer conduct a regular weekly class, I enjoy teaching for various art leagues throughout the year who invite me to conduct seminars. I spent the first day of a 3-day workshop in Port Clinton, teaching a group of ten artists, varying in experience from beginners to advanced. I really enjoy the experience of passing on my decades of knowledge to a new generation of artists.

For the first time the canvas is fully covered, and the perfecting work is proceeding. Every element still lacks refining and requires increased sensitivity on my part to perfect each part of the portrait. My hope is that you can see some progress with each stage. It is for this that I submit these images.

The portrait is now about 50% complete. I continue to add details to the background as well as to refine my work on the subjects' faces, hair, and clothing.

After two more days of blossom and greenery painting, I reflect on how the multiple aspects of this portrait have come together. On the Cancun morning of the photography portion of the project, taking images of the beautiful blossoms near the pool was my focus. Later that afternoon, I photographed Isabel and Brianna, and I remain so grateful for their willingness to participate, even after the monkeys intruded on our session. The pose was orchestrated by my dear wife, Karen. Her input into my paintings has been helpful over the past 50 years!

I spent the last couple of days working long hours on the new background for this portrait, and I am pleased with the way it is coming along. Although these small flowers are far more complex to paint than the dark red ones I had been using, they are also lighter and fresher while not distracting from the beauty of the subjects.

After lengthy consideration, I was troubled by the initial background, so I spent most of the last two days removing it by a combination of washing and sanding it away. Next, I drew in a more complex series of flowering bushes, which I had photographed for this purpose initially. I will proceed to paint in the extremely complex new background. I believe the results will be worth my time-consuming effort.

After taking a break to visit my son and his family in Milwaukee, I have resumed work on Isabel and Brianna's portrait by developing both faces and adding the two monkeys.

Due to the complexities of the clothing, the painting is still in a rather rough state, but I am getting closer to covering the whole canvas, which will be followed by weeks of refinements.

This is as far as I'm able to take the two faces while they are wet. I will move on to other areas of flesh while the faces dry.

This photo was taken after the completion of my third day of painting, but it was only my first day of working on Brianna's portrait. It will be adjusted and refined over a period of the next three months.

This is the first stage of many in the development of Isabel and Brianna's portrait. Tomorrow I will do more refining work and begin portraying the hair.

We met these two lovely young women from the rural heartland of the USA in Cancun earlier this month. Isabel and Brianna are cousins, and I enjoyed getting to know them a little during our photo shoot. We were interrupted by four spider monkeys, which boldly walked between them and me. You will see a nod to them in the lower right hand corner of the painting. After a very long day spent completing the drawing, I'm really looking forward to beginning work on this portrait.

I was happy to receive this letter from former President Trump yesterday acknowledging the portrait I did of him a few years ago.

I have finished the portrait and entitled it "Donald J. Trump: Honoring Sacrificial Americans."

The portrait is now 80% complete. My striving is not only for the details, but also to capture the emotion of the moment. I encourage viewers to enlarge the image and note the tears welling up in the eyes.

After applying my art school training in abstract artistry to work on faux painting my bathroom walls for several days, I was eager to return to realism once more in this portrait. Here I sought to capture the emotion of the moment in which former President Trump acknowledges the heroism of one of our military members. The painting is about 50% complete.

After almost two months of long days of painting, I chose fabric, made a liner, joined the frame, and hung the painting this week. I haven't decided on my next project yet. For the next few days I'll be busy preparing the gardens and lawn for winter.

I am continuing with subtle adjustments. I added the star sapphire necklace this week, which I feel is in keeping with Kara's dress and the background. From now on my adjustments will be slight and only noticeable to me or the most careful observer. I will soon be choosing a frame for this portrait.

This portrait of Kara has been such an inspiration that it has become my habit to arise around 4:00 a.m. to begin my work day. I have been putting in 12-hour days except for working a half day on Sundays. The painting is now approximately 85% complete with the remainder consisting of fine adjustments.

At the end of my third week of putting in long days on Kara's portrait, it is now about 60% complete with every element still needing to be perfected.

This is the portrait, which I have entitled "Kara: Star Dust," after finishing a second long week of painting. I consider that I am now approximately 40% of the way toward completion, with Kara's dress being the element that is furthest away from being perfected.

This shows the results of my first week of progress, painting up to 13 hours per day.

This is also a week filled with grief for me and my family as we lost my dear daughter-in-law, Sylwia, Mark's wife, after a long battle with cancer. She added so much beauty and joy to our family and we are devastated by her loss.

I've decided to do a third painting of Kara. This is the drawing and I've already begun the painting. Stay tuned for photos to come.

I've also been fishing quite a bit this summer on the small lakes around northern Ohio. Click "more" to see my fishing photos.

This week I finished "Leslie" and framed it.

I also re-framed "Me Llamo Vicoria Y Esto Es Mi Hermano." Click the link below to see it with its new frame.

This was a demonstration piece for the Port Clinton Art League where I taught a 2-day seminar earlier this summer. I've entitled it "Leslie," and it is an oil on canvas, measuring 16" x 20". This portrait is a follow-up to a project I was commissioned to do for American Greetings in 1982. The assignment was to use as my model, an 8-year-old girl with blond hair and blue eyes in front of a trunk. Here Leslie is portrayed with her natural hair and eye colors.

My paintings were inspired and supported only by my desire as an artist to represent permanently the treasures of both God-created and human-fashioned wonders. These efforts follow the French realist tradition of the 19th century in contrast to the modern movements that followed. This does not mean that realistic work such as mine has been “done before” or is “old hat,” for these works are the pictorialization of today’s life and times to be enjoyed by all who possess a heart for such beauty.

True art has components much as a fine piece of musical orchestration does. These include beauty and passion, dynamic and passive elements, movement and balance, and recurrent themes and patterns, along with complexity and wonderful detail. An artist offers a feast of colors, which are both warm and cool, vibrant and subtle. The contents of any painting should be endearing since each piece of art is a visual statement that leads to discovery, appreciation, and fascination even for generations to come. Ask yourself if the display hanging above your couch or fireplace gives you all of these!

Art should enrich one’s environment just as music does. The eye needs to enjoy the beauty of human expression displayed by both faces and hands. It also must feast on both natural and manmade wonders, which an artist should capture in their work.

“Why not just take a picture?” you may ask. Unfortunately, color photography inevitably fades, especially when put on display. A properly crafted oil painting, however, will neither fade nor deteriorate as long as it is cared for and respected. Oil paintings have historically lasted for centuries.

Unique times and memories with our families and friends should be preserved. Loved ones should be honored and not forgotten. This is the essence of an oil portrait and each one has a unique story. I’ve begun adding these narratives to my website. Click on the images in my “Gallery” section to read about the story behind some of my most memorable works. I’ll be adding more regularly.

I completed these two portraits last month of Mr. Hyman Blaushild, founder of the Famous Supply company in Akron and his son, the late Mr. Jay Blaushild, who led the company until recently. They will hang in the corporate boardroom at Famous Supply headquarters.

I am so honored to have recently completed this portrait of Packy and Marian Nespeca. I first met Marian at a show, and the following day she brought her husband, Packy, who was a vice-president at American Greetings. For decades after that, Packy was responsible for several AG portraits each year, and this work supported my family through all the years that Karen and I were raising our children. We are so grateful for the friendship we developed with this dear couple who were married for over 70 years and mean so much to us.

This is the completed Port Clinton demonstration for the class I held there this past summer. I promised the art group that this was much more than a teaching device since I would be developing it into a highly finished portrait. Between the start and finish of this painting, I have completed two other portraits for a local company to their full satisfaction.

Although "Samantha" is only about 55% complete, I will set the canvas aside to dry while I stretch canvases for two memorial boardroom portraits. The timing is very good. Per the customer's request, I will not be posting my progress on these portraits here as I develop them throughout the remainder of the summer and well into the fall.

Last week I taught a 2-day workshop in Port Clinton, Ohio for the Port Clinton Art League. We had 14 students, most of whom were doing their first oil painting. It was such a wonderful experience working with each of these students. Let me know if you’d like to organize an intensive workshop. I’m willing to travel!

This portrait of Sam (Samantha) was started as a painting demonstration for a workshop I conducted for the Port Clinton Art Club this past week. Since I cannot bear to start a painting without finishing it, I've decided to complete and perfect this portrait now that I'm back in my studio.

The painting has been completed, signed, and framed. I gave this portrait my all, as I do each painting. It is entitled "Blumenfest in der Karibik." I await and cherish comments from all of you and especially from Luisa and her mother, Karen.

This week I worked on developing the face, hands, and arms further. All of the adjustments are fine and subtle. Every element except the dress has received painting time, but I don't expect anyone to notice the fine progress. I press on with my fussiness!

I am continuing my schedule of rising early in the morning to work on the portrait. Although obvious changes may not be apparent, I have made numerous adjustments in the face, the hands, and the arms. Many more are still to come. I am captivated by all the details and never cease to enjoy developing the painting.

As you can see, I am making slow but steady progress on the many flowers. I have also worked more on the lower portions of Luisa's hair and on her right arm. Happy Mother's Day to all the moms who contribute so much to their families!

Progress is gradual due to the complexity of the flowers and the foliage. I am greatly encouraged by the supportive comments from Luisa and her mother.

I have done further refinements in the face, hair, and the flowers. Happy Easter to all of you!

The face has been repainted after some helpful input from the model and her family. I am also beginning to add the central portion of the floral arch.

I enjoyed working on the beautiful ocean colors today after spending many days painting the details of the floral arch. Next I'll be bridging the gap in the flowers along the top of the portrait.

I must give the face some time to dry, so I am proceeding with painting the Caribbean Sea and the floral portion on the right side of the canvas.

My day of painting runs from 7:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. I strive with my 55 years of painting experience, being motivated by a captivating subject!

The complexity of this background is nearly beyond me, but by applying my strong work ethic, I am making slow progress.

The painted image is only foundational. Fifty percent more refinement, development, and detailing are yet to come. At this point I must allow the painted areas to dry so today I will proceed to the complicated floral and Caribbean background.

This portrait has been a joy to work on, and much has been accomplished after one week of intense work.

I have been rising early to begin painting each day. I expected this view of the hand to be simpler to paint than it actually is, but I have been making good progress.

After putting in three long days of work, Luisa's portrait is coming along nicely. I am allowing the face some time to dry while making great progress on the hair.

This is Luisa's portrait after the first day of painting. I put in a twelve-hour day. This is the foundation, from which I will perfect the portrait, but it is just the very beginning.

I spent half of February in Cancun, Mexico with my wife, sister, and brother-in-law. We met Luisa and her mom from Munich, Germany there. Now that I'm home I have started a drawing of Luisa. It's 30"x30" on canvas. I'll post more pictures as I begin painting.

I am very pleased with this frame because it crowns the imaginative world of a nine-year-old "princess."

Trinity's portrait is now approximately 90% complete. I have redeveloped the hair, face, arms, and stream.

The portrait of Trinity is now approximately 75% complete. I have been spending long days to get the details just right.

The portrait of Trinity is progressing well. I am pleased to have begun work on the arms and clothing.

After two days of painting, the foundation on the face has been established. Of course, much development and detailing is yet to come.

I have just completed a drawing for a new painting, which I will be starting shortly.

Miriam is my most recent understudy. This image shows her at 13 days into her first oil painting. It is professional in quality, and she has achieved an excellent likeness. She came to me with an extensive background in drawing from life, and it has been my privilege to introduce her to oils. I am extremely proud of her.

The frame that I chose for the portrait works well with it. I am pleased with the finished painting.

This is the final image of the painting prior to framing, which I am currently assembling.

This seems to be the most "complex" face that I have ever done. You won't notice the details in the images unless I give you the close-up pictures. I will start with the face and then supply images of various parts of the portrait as I continue working on them.

In the lower right hand corner of the painting, I've added an element of the Mar-a-Lago, a gilded angel displayed on a small marble-topped table.

Much fine tuning has been done, especially on the hands and also the addition of the chair.

This is the halfway mark. Perfecting of every detail continues to take place.

Although the adjustments in the painting are subtle, I'm still putting in 10-12 hour days. From now on, you will not see any drastic changes, since I am perfecting all the details.

This is the first time the entire canvas has been covered. I consider that the painting is now approximately one-third finished. The remaining two-thirds will include perfecting each and every element in the painting.

My long hours of work are beginning to pay off, and I feel the painting is progressing well. I have done some refinements on the face and hands. It is helpful to work during the winter months since oil paint dries more quickly, allowing me to return to areas that need further work without having to allow for a lot of drying time.

Working hard on this portrait, having celebrated my 77th birthday yesterday and having received my first dose of the coronavirus vaccine today!

The snowy weather has afforded me long hours of painting time although this portrait still has a long way to go.

Here's the painting at the end of Day 3. The inspiration to create this portrait is strong. Today I started at 5:30 AM!

Day one of a three-quarter length oil painting, which will include hands.

This one is dated 1982. It came back to me for some frame refurbishing as it transitioned from a private collection to an animal hospital waiting room.

Here’s another framing project I completed recently. While I commonly will touch up a frame with paint to cover any nicks or scratches, this may be the first time I’ve painted a design on a frame. It appears in photos and in person like it may be a wood-burned design, but it’s actually done with a dark oil paint mixed with metallic powder.

Over the past few months I’ve been focusing on framing a few of my latest works. This one is solid walnut.

Since the subject was a well-respected attorney, my client requested that part of the bar be included in the portrait. I think this makes a great addition.

Here is the tentative final image of this gentleman's portrait. I await my client's comments.

The portrait is now 75% complete. Further development needs to take place in the head, the shirt, and the necktie. I am looking forward to feedback from my client at this point.

All the major elements of the portrait: the face, both hands, and the pillar, are now represented. The original photography did not include the left hand. Everything, especially the face, needs to be perfected, and I haven't worked much on the clothing yet. This project is going well, and the subject is an interesting person to portray.

The foundation for further development of this gentleman's portrait has been laid after two long days of steady work. I am pleased with my progress and the opportunity to paint such a distinguished and accomplished subject.

Honoring a distinguished attorney who is sorely missed by so many in the Cleveland community.

This portrait is a gift to my daughter to celebrate her two years of hard work and diligence in becoming a certified Physician Assistant.

I have been working on Christy's portrait for a little over a month now and consider it 95% complete. I wish her the best of luck as she takes her certifying exam to be a PA in a couple of days, which is also my 45th wedding anniversary.

The process of refining, perfecting, and detailing goes on daily. Much still needs to be done, but I feel the painting is about 65% finished.

Here is Christy with the Isla de las Mujeres seascape in the background. I was so impressed with the view of the Caribbean while going to this island from Cancun last February that I longed to include it in a painting. At this point, everything is established but needs a lot of perfecting.

This is the portrait of Christy after six days of painting.

Here's what Christy looks like after one day of painting.

This is another portrait that is long overdue. I have not portrayed my youngest daughter, Christy, since she was less than a year old. I’m so proud of her for graduating recently from the Physician Assistant program at Baldwin-Wallace University with a 4.0!

I’m starting to work on the frame for my painting of Victoria and her brother. Here’s a sketch of a frame that our neighbor, Dan, has agreed to make out of solid walnut.

I'm finished and in the process of designing a walnut frame for the portrait. The paining measures 17" x 22”. I’m calling it "Me llamo Victoria y Esto Es Mi Hermano.”

After two weeks of intensive work, this portrait is now about 80% complete. I am grateful to have this project to occupy myself productively during these days at home. I look forward to doing the endless modifications and fine tuning that is still needed.

I'm making quick progress on this painting. This photo shows about one week's work.

Last Tuesday I started a new painting of a brother and sister from Argentina that I met on a recent trip to Cancun, Mexico.

I am certainly thankful to have enjoyed my travels while we could.

I've finished this painting and framed it. I’m calling it "45 Years of Grace-Filled Bonding: Bill & Karen Kufahl.”

I've already got another painting in the works I'll share soon.

I know we don’t look too happy, but I thoroughly enjoyed playing with my wife last night at our church’s coffee house.

Here's my painting at about 95% done. There's just some need for refinements.

I believe travel and exploration are so important for creative renewal and inspiration. I spent last week in Arizona. Among so many places my sister and her husband took us to, I took a few pictures at Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s desert laboratory.

I took a few weeks away from this project to work on a tight-time-frame commission. I’m back at it now and have the canvas mostly covered.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone, and safe travels. After losing Karen’s mom this year, we won’t be traveling for the first time in many years. Perhaps I’ll find more time to paint.

While the weather here is gloomy, I’ve been enjoying recreating this beautiful, summer sunset.

Here the hands are established. Next up is the sunset background.

On Wednesday nights I have the joy of playing music for our church’s open house. For my local friends, that’s 7:30 to 9:30 at 3170 Warren Road in Cleveland. My fellow guitarist, Austin, and I would love to see you there.

This self-portrait was done at the request of my wife and my students. First time I have painted myself as a subject in 55 years and the only time I've include anyone else with me. It's a reflection of a very happy and fulfilling marriage.

Happy Veteran's Day. My gratitude to all who have served.

Here’s my progress after about a week. My apologies for the cell phone camera and angle distortion. But hopefully the snapshot captures the joy of working on this painting.

Here's my progress after one day of painting. This project is overdue by 20 or 30 years.

It's been many, many years since I've done a self-portrait or a painting of my wife. I've very excited to get started on the painting portion of this project.

What a beautiful day in the Cleveland area. I hope everyone was able to enjoy their Sunday. I got in one of the last boating adventures of the season today at Wallace Lake in Berea. I’ve found that relaxing and exercising in nature is vital to my creative process.

The last 1% took the longest. Here's the final painting.

I'm at about 99% done now.

Here's the Jimmy Dean painting at about 98% complete. I'll start considering framing options soon.

Progress at the beginning of a painting is noticeable and dramatic. Now that the canvas is covered, there will be another 2-3 months of perfecting. I’ll post a picture about once a week from now on since the changes will be much more subtle.

I thought you might like to see the progress I made in my second day of painting.

I’m making quick progress after my first day of painting. Working on this one has been like revisiting a good friend. Click “read more” to see photos of just the drawing before I started painting.

In 1994 I spent a few days with Jimmy Dean taking photographs in formal and informal settings at his home in Virginia. I created this work from my favorite candid shot I took at breakfast. Since the painting is currently in the possession of his wife, Donna, who acquired it as a Christmas gift for Jimmy in 2007, I’ve decided to recreate the work as a demonstration for my students. So, stay tuned for photos and maybe even some videos.

From taking photographs and stretching the canvas in March, to painting in March through June, and framing in July, I have thoroughly enjoyed this work and sharing the progress with you. Thank you all for your kind comments and encouragement. Let me know what you think of the final product through my contact page or social media. Click "read more" for more pictures of the frame at different angles.

My neighbor, Dan, delivered my new Amish Red Oak frame. I’m staining it with cadmium red deep and ivory black oil paint thinned with mineral spirits. Then it will get a coat of polyurethane and I’ll smooth it with a fine steel wool before I cut and join it.

While in Milwaukee to visit my cousin Eileen, I took my family to the art museum. Here I am pointing out the particular painting that inspired my career back when I was a young student: "The Latest Acquisition" by August Johan Holmberg (1891). I admired the German artist's portrayal of light and reflection. We also enjoyed their feature show, "Coming Away, Winslow Homer and England."