Interior Spaces

“Maeve the Rave” - 18”x24” - The DJ intently focuses on creating music with a measured turn of an EQ  knob and a flip of a switch.  She is controlled at the control board, focused, and unfazed by the mesmerizing streaks of funky lights and floating bars in the party space. Loops and linear patterns match her wispy hair, electronic wires, and other features of the sound machine. All the components are in synch with the beats of sampled music we do not hear, yet can easily imagine.    

“Sometimes I listen to electronic music as I paint, wondering how songs are created by an artist whose only instrument is a computer board of switches and buttons.  Where is the drum? Keyboard? Who is singing?  It is all a mystery to me on how house music is created.  This painting portrays my inquisitiveness with hopes that viewers will also become curious.” —- C. Frances

“Picking Up Good Vibes” - 24”x18” - “Such a mundane slice of life. I could stare at this for hours. A moment frozen in time but so full of motion and gesture. That’s a tricky combination.

The design is exceptional. Just enough information to say “where” but leaving the viewer to answer their own questions of when and where.

Iain Stewart’s comments for the First Place Award at 2025 VA Watercolor Society Exhibition

Mindfulness Leads to Surrender - 7”x21” This piece, like many of my works, developed a life of its own. The paint, the brush, the water were all a struggle. Eventually, I let the watercolor go where it wanted to be, similar to Jacob’s wrestling match with God that resulted in a dislocated hip. It was not until he let go of trying to control everything, that he was able to be at peace. Sometimes, you got to let go to get where you should be. Enquire

Curry Flavor Curries Favor, 14"x20". In a sparse Indian restaurant, a quiet lunch of cardamom chutney and Kashmiri cocoanut curry are being served.  South Asian artwork and textured teal wallpaper pair nicely with the exotic flavors as a melange of colors reflect off the flooring.  The outside world, conversely, is bland, more subdued.  Things get spicy inside.

Reflecting Inward - Being in the vintage Exmore Diner is like a shiny, cozy Airstream that has been folded from the outside in. The 1954 eatery is a place of comfort for those seeking comfort food.

“Watercolor is a difficult, stubborn medium, but in skillful hands, such as those of the First-Place winning artist, the result can be magnificent. This is a complex image, but its excellent composition and masterful depiction of light and perspective imbue it with a serene simplicity. It is a compelling picture from different distances and angles.” - Robert Kennedy, Judge for VB Artists Gallery “What’s New” Exhibition

Light Roast - 18”x24” - Recipient of the Everett & Miriam Birdsong Award. I continue to explore the Eastern Shore of Virginia. This time I am in the historical Cape Charles Coffee House. The space, originally a bank that was built in 1910, has soaring tin ceilings, rich paneled walls, and art deco chandeliers. Upstairs is home of the “Artist Loft.” Every time I venture up the Shore, I must hit this java casa for a dark roast cup of joe and a gab with Marshal, Jr. Prints Available

“In DnD” - 24”x18” - I found myself inside a Dunkin Donuts getting a coffee following an afternoon rainstorm. After my order of coffee and cream, the sunlight flooded the empty store. I loved the dramatic shadows, the iconic colors of America’s donut chain and the complimentary colors of the new sky. The painting was accepted into the VA Watercolor Society 2022 Exhibition Enquire

Coffeehouse Connectivity - 24”x18” Enquire

Parksley Market - 18”x24” - As I was exploring the Eastern Shore, I stumbled upon a tiny Caribbean grocery in Parksley-a small dot on a Virginia map. I felt like I was walking out of a worm hole into this fascinating establishment with tropical produce and general goods operated by kind, generous Haitian ladies. When I saw the light flooding into the store, I knew immediately I had to paint my experience. Sold. Prints Available

“Everything is All Right in the Grill” - 24”x18” - Charlie captured the interior of Shep’s Grill in Washington, home of the Big Sloppy hamburger. Each person just happens to be looking to their right.

“Expresso” - On the corner of every old neighborhood, there is that special coffeehouse that has a vibe, a sense of community. The establishments are a place to pause and enjoy a book with a cup of java. I love the quiet energy in this one.

Next Customer Please - 18” x 28” - “…. a delicious palette of color and dynamic perspective. I applaud the creative use of color to unify and add to the depth in this scene.” Vinnie Bumatay, Judge of CBW Winter Show - SOLD