My sometimes dramatic and colorful impressions of the natural world are inspired by the ring of wilderness surrounding the cities and suburbs of Northeast Ohio. An "Emerald Necklace" of wilderness that was planned by Cleveland's sensible-minded founding fathers. Living on an outside ring of the metroparks—in aptly named "Fairview Park" —an amazing array of wilderness vistas is within a few miles travel of my home. The paintings inspired by these forests, rivers and glens I term "woodscapes" because unlike landscapes, the sky is rarely seen due to heavy canopies of green. The sky is merely a natural light source that backlights and illuminates the deep woods in beautiful, mysterious ways.

"The Path Chosen" - 11" x 14" - Watercolor on #140CP Courtesy collection of Randy Paden

There, I said it. I make art and create. I use various mediums; visual, musical, and I write rambling essays on life and art; and fiction. I can't help it, it's what I do. Expression as compulsion. Ah, life. There are some original works of art for sale on my site so it is equipped with a PayPal purchase buttons for my and your convenience. I'm coming out of an extended dry spell so look for newer paintings showing up in the summer of 2005. ...sooner if I can catch my mojo. I also raise the herald and champion the cause of free online watercolor instruction through my watercolor painting site: www.watercolorpainting.com Enjoy the site, make some art, drop me a line, and smile dammit! —Greg UPDATE: I'm now living in California. The light, landscapes and wilderness are amazingly different here. When I start painting again, I'll show you what I mean.