This one is so impressive. The fact that you invented the ripples in the water is masterly in it self, but they also look so real; just as if you were on a lake; a dark reflective surface. The detail on the mans arm and the detail in the news paper he’s on is notable. But this one is dramatic because of the colors. The whole painting glows. Most of your paintings have a nice polish but this one just works perfectly. From the color of the wood to the color of the skin and the color of the drapery; and the drapery is done exquisitely, as usual.

I’m a big fan of the story behind this painting. The secret is held within the gaze between the men. The water is well observed, the ripples in the water flow into the drapery with ease.

“You better put that fish down on the newspaper” said Frodo with a knife. "Im sorry Mr. Frodo, it’s my fish now . You’ll just have to catch your own " , said Samwise feeling his fish, precious in his hands.
Seriously, not for everyones wall, but well painted and with an ambiguous story. Well done.

I remember spending an evening on the pier and at that co-op in 77. Crab lice had infested every object in the place, animate and inanimate alike. Good times!!

Scott, I just love what you have embedded in the newspaper. The eye of the storm, “War Crimes Trial!?”, “Gouge Out…” and the more obvious “Storms Batter Coast” … It just says REDRUM, doesn’t it?

Scott, This is a great painting! I’ve never seen this one an dI really find it appealing….everything about it, but especially the expression on the face of the lad holding the fish and the visual conversation between the draping and the water. Great piece!

Berfore I saw yor full commentary I was very impressed with the ripples. Now I know that they are invented I am even more so. A fine balance (in content as well as composition) so that the delicate rendering of the print of the newspaper is noticeable but not distracting. I like the gold/bronze fabric too.

You had to restore balance. Sounds like a healthy Bronze-Age response to New-Age strictness. I could almost picture your painting of the bloody kitchen.

Awesome composition (as well as content and backstory.) Striking and memorable. Bravo.

wonderful painting…the way he is holding the fish suggests a lot and the ripples are great. story like a waking dream.

Your feeling of shame is fascinating, Homoerotic? Sure. Violent? Absolutely. How much of who we are or who we were gets expressed in our art? I suppose lots of primitive stuff is going on under the beautiful water’s surface… One can trace some of these themes in your later work. I know that my “humor” in my work is driven by what I fear or am angry about or lust for… Sometimes I feel ashamed too. Have I said too much? revealed too much of a self that I am ashamed about? Fortunately, Scott, you didn’t let your shame keep you from making this painting.