“Balboa Tower” pictured above
“Dreamscape Psychedelia”Explore my inspiration for this energetic collection as I dive into the process and help you feel the magic behind each piece.
After a cross country drive from New Jersey to California to ring in the New Year, I found inspiration along the way. I’ve always had a fascination with skeletons and evolution, so it was a no-brainer to stop at the Museum of Osteology (study of bones) in Oklahoma City. I was able to photograph various skeletons and captured growth patterns through millennia in some of my references. Fusing these images into some of my compositions allowed me to explore repeating patterns in bio-organic textures that breathe life into the paintings. Using my own photographs gives me full creative license and enhances my connection to each painting. Digital renderings give me a clear vision when its time to pick up my brushes, however, I always allow wiggle room for creative adjustments.
“How can I paint something people can have an emotional connection to? How can I create something they would want to hang in their home, and still be able express my creativity and skill in a unique and creative way? The answer lies within the “Dreamscape Psychedelia” series. Enjoy! |
“Dreamscape Psychedelia” CollectionI am forever grateful to have been lucky enough to be born by the Ocean. Coming from the Jersey shore to sunny San Diego, I’ve been blessed to experience the beauty of both coasts. In a display of my love for and connection with the ocean air, i present to you my San Diego “Dreamscape Psychedelia” Series. I have combined my traditional approach to realism with my painterly bio-organic abstractions using methods developed over the years. I fine tuned my eye for lighting and texture by creating, photographing and painting sculptures. I have also incorporated techniques I’ve learned studying the oil paintings of my great grandfather, Walter Herbert Marler.
Take a journey through several iconic San Diego seascapes, landscapes, and architecture as I guide you to become hyper aware and see beyond what meets the eye. The Full SeriesThis series was started and completed in 2024.
The collection includes 5 paintings; 24 x 36 Oil on Canvas Behind the Process-
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Take a Journey |
I encourage you to slowly move your eyes across these dreamscapes. To begin your journey, start from the bottom of the canvas- imagine yourself walking through these worlds, peacefully traveling throughout each scene. Let go and exhale as your body escapes gravity. Focus on this experience as you’re lifted into the clouds. Feel the weightlessness as you float through the atmosphere. Embrace the warmth of the sun on your skin as you rise into the vastness of space and look back down upon the land you rose above. How different is the experience now? Calm your breathing and connect with the breath of life emanating from the trees and grasses and flowers below you. Feel connected. Now wonder, how often are you truly aware of your surroundings?
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Explore New Worlds |
Explore each painting with patience and discover more than meets the eye.
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Please Excuse the work in progress descriptions. Thanks for your patience and understanding.
Balboa Tower
The Balboa Tower of California tower is an Historic Landmark in San Diego. One of the more recognizable destinations in this series, it has an unmistakable beauty and timeless charm. I personally have yet to climb the tower, but there are tours available and visitors can climb the 125 steps from the entrance to the public viewing tower. I had wanted to get some photographs at Balboa Park and walked all around snapping photos, trying to find an exciting composition. Going through a very emotional time in life, I left the Spanish Art Village with some newly purchased artwork, some inspiration, and tears streaming down my face. I made my way to the courtyard where I was greeted with this beautiful view. I got several angles of the tower, archways, trees, bushes, and branches. I later digitally composed this layout and added a nebula rainbow to enhance the magical vibes. This particular painting had so much visual impact that I opted out of incorporating any skeletal designs to add organic texture. I relied solely on the space background to create immense depth and a seemingly endless visual path. Using a warm toned canvas, and a cool toned underpainting, I was utterly terrified when it was time to apply color because of the beautifully simple color palette I accomplished with the preliminary steps. With a bit of encouragement from a seriously talented coworker, I pushed through and here is the result of my perseverance.
Wind N Sea
Arguably one of the most iconic San Diego surf spots, this painting is of the shack at Windansea. Sandstone rocks have been carved by the elements, creating dynamic pathways along the shoreline. As the day melts by, shadows cascade across the rocks in a mesmerizing display of light and form. I was able to incorporate a few vertebrae photos, superimposed in my collage for this painting. It appears to have been some kind of fish bones that I referenced for this piece, which is quite suiting, given the location of this Dreamscape. Through the creative process, I’ve felt many strong connections from countless passerby’s who seem to have a deep connection with this magical place. The shack is home to an assumably endless array of memories that transport viewers to a special time in life; a certain wave, a certain woman, a certain sunset; the list goes on. Wherever this painting takes you, I hope it brings you to a place of joy, a carefree time in life, or a feeling of calm and comfort. I wanted this painting to have a ‘breath’ to it, and the meaty rock patterns and motion-blurred waves seem to help do create this living effect. The sky has gone through many changes since I began the painting, and I look forward to further developing it soon. This painting is a work in progress and has caught the attention of many collectors. I’ve received many offers despite the piece being unfinished. If you too, are interested in purchasing this original painting when it is complete, please send me a message so we can stay in contact for when it is available. I see this one going quick. CONTACT page will have an email link.
Shore Thing
Welcome to “the jewel” of San Diego. Whether you hate hearing that or embrace it, that’s just one nickname for this beautiful coastal town. I personally feel it has a nice ring to it. La Jolla, California is one of the most beautiful beach towns you can find anywhere in the world. The natural beauty and upscale village lifestyle of this gorgeous shoreline make it a top travel destination for lovers of nature and opulence alike. Although there are countless beautiful views to find here at La Jolla shores, I chose to create a collage of several perspectives to enhance this particular composition. From nearly the same vantage point, I widened the range of view to create a surreal seascape with a hypnotic visual path.
Swing in the Breeze
Despite living in San Diego for nearly fifteen years, I had never been to this spot before I started gathering references for my “Dreamscape Psychedelia” series. While walking to class with one of my canvasses in hand, I ended up in a conversation with another student also headed to class on campus. After explaining the theme and my vision for the series, he recommended I check out the “La Jolla Swing”. If you are reading this and you offered the suggestion, thank you for bringing me to this spot. Located behind the parking lot area of the Birch aquarium, it’s a short walk to a pretty beautiful view. I had quite some difficulty finding a good angle to provide a good sense of depth for a painting, and sat on these photographs for months prior to starting this piece. Many weeks and many failed attempts at completing a compelling composition later, time was cutting close to the impending end of the semester. With no more time to waste, I pushed through the hesitation and couldn’t have been more please with how this turned out! As the final of five canvases for the series (for completing my painting class) I had streamlined my process and rocketed into this painting with confidence. I felt no desire to layer in any skeletal imagery and relied on my photo collage to build energy through the layering process. Glazing colors for this painting was a blast, and allowed me to really capture the breath of every blade of grass. A very neutral palette emerged, and I intend on brightening this painting when I revisit it.
Other Paintings in the development of this series:
Road to Havasu
This is one of the most meaningful pieces I’ve ever painted. It is priceless and holds so much energy, where do I get started?
I had just gotten through a chaotic failed marriage and finally was able to display some of my paintings at Distinction Gallery in Escondido, California. The joy was short lived when a virus began spreading and the world shut down. No longer having the opportunity to share my work because of COVID restrictions, I was feeling defeated and needed to get out of town. I grabbed my easel, paints, and some camping gear and drove blindly into the desert. No GPS, no destination, just an escape. Moving east, I found myself in Yuma, Arizona and began driving in whatever direction felt right. Spotting some mountains in the distance, I found myself at what appeared to be an RV park with some nearby Mountain View’s suitable for making some art. I set up my easel and supplies but wasn’t fully satisfied with my angle of the mountains, so I packed back up and drove further into the desert. Long story short, I took my massive lifted truck on a quad trail and broke down in the middle of the desert. I slipped a caliper and busted my brake line, ultimately having to get towed to Blythe, California.
Desperate for help and stranded awaiting repairs, I called a buddy for advice and he said, “swipe on tinder!” I got a shitty hotel in methville, California and took his advice. I began talking with a woman in Lake Havasu, but never got together, just kept in touch. Back in San Diego, quarantined in the apocalypse for several weeks, I felt it was time to take the trip 5 hours to meet my new friend and try again to work on my very first Plein Air painting. I had a fun trip and made time to set up my easel between Lake Havasu and Blythe, California in an are Called Parker, Arizona. There was a beautiful pull off that I set up at and was able to capture an amazing sunset. I remember tears streaming down my face out of joy in the moment of finishing the painting. I left it as a gift to my friend for her hospitality and drove home. Due to several factors including distance, a relationship did not blossom, but I formed a relationship with Lake Havasu and Parker, Arizona.
When I posted the painting, my Mom couldn’t stop praising my artistry and telling me how much she loved that piece. I knew I had to go back and paint it again so a few months later, I took another trip into the desert with the goal of making a new piece of art for my Mawmuh. I wasn’t dead set on that spot but I felt pulled in. Once I was on the road I new I had to revisit that spot. When I pulled up it was really hot. I chose to stop in Lake Havasu to relax for a bit for the day to cool off. It was strange not seeing people outside, but it made more sense to me when I realized it was 110 degrees out! Despite the blistering heat, I headed back to Parker to set up. Sweating and flustered, I started setting up. When I pulled my chair out of my truck, a leg split clean off it. Off to a great start, I realized I forgot my canvases. Feeling defeated, I retreated to the Lake where I stayed the next two days and nights for a little relaxation before returning to Parker to take photos of the scene to paint later.
This painting is the finished piece I made for my mother, and sent it to her with a loving message written on the back.
”Every Sunset gives us hope for a bright new day.”
Now that my mom has passed, I now have this painting and it is one of my prized possessions. I learned a lot and felt a lot creating it. It was my introduction to landscape painting (during my professional career) - and my link to carrying on a family legacy.
I had just gotten through a chaotic failed marriage and finally was able to display some of my paintings at Distinction Gallery in Escondido, California. The joy was short lived when a virus began spreading and the world shut down. No longer having the opportunity to share my work because of COVID restrictions, I was feeling defeated and needed to get out of town. I grabbed my easel, paints, and some camping gear and drove blindly into the desert. No GPS, no destination, just an escape. Moving east, I found myself in Yuma, Arizona and began driving in whatever direction felt right. Spotting some mountains in the distance, I found myself at what appeared to be an RV park with some nearby Mountain View’s suitable for making some art. I set up my easel and supplies but wasn’t fully satisfied with my angle of the mountains, so I packed back up and drove further into the desert. Long story short, I took my massive lifted truck on a quad trail and broke down in the middle of the desert. I slipped a caliper and busted my brake line, ultimately having to get towed to Blythe, California.
Desperate for help and stranded awaiting repairs, I called a buddy for advice and he said, “swipe on tinder!” I got a shitty hotel in methville, California and took his advice. I began talking with a woman in Lake Havasu, but never got together, just kept in touch. Back in San Diego, quarantined in the apocalypse for several weeks, I felt it was time to take the trip 5 hours to meet my new friend and try again to work on my very first Plein Air painting. I had a fun trip and made time to set up my easel between Lake Havasu and Blythe, California in an are Called Parker, Arizona. There was a beautiful pull off that I set up at and was able to capture an amazing sunset. I remember tears streaming down my face out of joy in the moment of finishing the painting. I left it as a gift to my friend for her hospitality and drove home. Due to several factors including distance, a relationship did not blossom, but I formed a relationship with Lake Havasu and Parker, Arizona.
When I posted the painting, my Mom couldn’t stop praising my artistry and telling me how much she loved that piece. I knew I had to go back and paint it again so a few months later, I took another trip into the desert with the goal of making a new piece of art for my Mawmuh. I wasn’t dead set on that spot but I felt pulled in. Once I was on the road I new I had to revisit that spot. When I pulled up it was really hot. I chose to stop in Lake Havasu to relax for a bit for the day to cool off. It was strange not seeing people outside, but it made more sense to me when I realized it was 110 degrees out! Despite the blistering heat, I headed back to Parker to set up. Sweating and flustered, I started setting up. When I pulled my chair out of my truck, a leg split clean off it. Off to a great start, I realized I forgot my canvases. Feeling defeated, I retreated to the Lake where I stayed the next two days and nights for a little relaxation before returning to Parker to take photos of the scene to paint later.
This painting is the finished piece I made for my mother, and sent it to her with a loving message written on the back.
”Every Sunset gives us hope for a bright new day.”
Now that my mom has passed, I now have this painting and it is one of my prized possessions. I learned a lot and felt a lot creating it. It was my introduction to landscape painting (during my professional career) - and my link to carrying on a family legacy.
A family Legacy continues
I’ve had many artists in my family including my Uncle Jack and my Nana (grandmother on my fathers side) - but I’ve only recently come to to realize the level of artistry in my bloodline. My great-grandfather Walter Herbert Marler is pictured above working on a painting and displaying more of his work. I own a few of his paintings and love looking at them for answers when I’m painting and need some inspiration.
Lessons from the Grave
Despite passing away well before I was born, I have still had many painting lessons from my great grandfather. Pictured above I’m referencing a London cottage and landscape painting by Walter Herbert Marler. I’m picking up on tonal changes, color choice, and gestural brushstroke in the foreground to help me make choices on a painting of my own. I was also able to recreate my own version of mountains and clouds in the distance. I did this all while studying an oil painting that may have been done nearly 100 years ago by a man I never met. I’m very blessed to have inherited these treasures, and reference them often when I need a new approach or technique.
Celebrating a Life - no easy task
I love doing commission work, and embrace every opportunity as a chance to dig deeper in understanding the energy behind my painting. I’m learning a lot about the emotional connections and intentions of my art and harnessing that true raw power and love.
This particular request was a heavy undertaking. I was given a well written eulogy that just poured out descriptive imagery and symbolism, and I had the freedom to interpret it however I wanted to. So now I have to commemorate the life of a man who I never met; capture his essence and soul in one picture, having never met him… NO PRESSURE!
After about two weeks of brainstorming, writing, communicating with my client, collecting references, compiling images in multiple files, and digitally rendering multiple layouts, I had a design approved and it was time to paint. Due to strict guidelines in my painting class I was simultaneously enrolled in, my professor allowed me to have this be part of my series; this allowed me to get all of my other paintings to a solid point, and complete this commission. I learned a lot working on the clouds on this painting, and used tome of the layering techniques used here on the Dreamscape Psychedelia series. For whatever reason, I like to be consumed by my work, it helps me focus when all I do is eat sleep and breathe Art.
Depicted by a mighty oak tree in a cauldron surrounded by waves, and a fierce comet hurtling through the heavens- we created a very powerful scene for this painting. The candle burning at both ends represents exhausting oneself by trying to do too many things in too short a period of time. Meant to celebrate this fallen man’s dedication to helping those around him, I can relate to those dual flames in my never ending pursuit of creating all I can.
It is a beautiful sickness I have. I don’t know where I’d be if I didn’t have Art to calm my restless soul. I’ve never known how to relax and require constant stimulation. The only time I can sit still is when I am creating artwork, one way or another. I am truly blessed to be able to make Art with such an impact on other peoples life and cherish every opportunity I get when my painting can help others through tough times in their lives. Thanks Billy for the trust and freedom with this project. It’s been my pleasure and an honor, my friend.
This particular request was a heavy undertaking. I was given a well written eulogy that just poured out descriptive imagery and symbolism, and I had the freedom to interpret it however I wanted to. So now I have to commemorate the life of a man who I never met; capture his essence and soul in one picture, having never met him… NO PRESSURE!
After about two weeks of brainstorming, writing, communicating with my client, collecting references, compiling images in multiple files, and digitally rendering multiple layouts, I had a design approved and it was time to paint. Due to strict guidelines in my painting class I was simultaneously enrolled in, my professor allowed me to have this be part of my series; this allowed me to get all of my other paintings to a solid point, and complete this commission. I learned a lot working on the clouds on this painting, and used tome of the layering techniques used here on the Dreamscape Psychedelia series. For whatever reason, I like to be consumed by my work, it helps me focus when all I do is eat sleep and breathe Art.
Depicted by a mighty oak tree in a cauldron surrounded by waves, and a fierce comet hurtling through the heavens- we created a very powerful scene for this painting. The candle burning at both ends represents exhausting oneself by trying to do too many things in too short a period of time. Meant to celebrate this fallen man’s dedication to helping those around him, I can relate to those dual flames in my never ending pursuit of creating all I can.
It is a beautiful sickness I have. I don’t know where I’d be if I didn’t have Art to calm my restless soul. I’ve never known how to relax and require constant stimulation. The only time I can sit still is when I am creating artwork, one way or another. I am truly blessed to be able to make Art with such an impact on other peoples life and cherish every opportunity I get when my painting can help others through tough times in their lives. Thanks Billy for the trust and freedom with this project. It’s been my pleasure and an honor, my friend.