Willie LaWarre

Once upon a time, there was a very special little guy.

His parents, Claudia and Bill adopted him so that they could

give him kisses and hold him,

and Willie could give them licks and jumps and make them laugh and giggle.

Here he is -- in his puppy faced best.

Willie La Warre

Two of Fourteen Plus ONE

This is a painting of my Grandpa Habenicht, his brother, August, and

my Dad, George.  They were obviously happily

"strutting their stuff" between the car

and my adorable baby Dad.

By the way, Grandpa Albert and August were two

of fourteen children who lived on the farm where

this photo was taken.

Hope that you enjoy it!

Smoke

I was lucky enough to paint an image photographed by my dear friend, Gini.  Ted Nuttall's workshop in portraits at Scottsdale Artists School is always fun, a lot of work, and I learn a lot!!  Gini made this image in Havana, and this fellow was doing his manly thing.....

Ellis Island New Arrival

OK, I'll admit it.  I just couldn't give up painting this image.  

My grandfather, Julius Ludwig Van Pahlke

arrived on Ellis Island with a few belongings.  

I painted him previously, but my work didn't depict the STORY

I wanted to tell.  I think that this is better.

This tells of a little guy who just arrived off of the boat, 

with his few treasures in a bag and basket.  Tattered and torn

just like Madam Liberty held her arms to embrace.

Enjoy and be glad you are here in the USA!!