The Story
Behind the red umbrella
I am frequently asked what inspired me to start creating paintings with red umbrellas. In 2002, I traveled to Italy with the intention of creating artwork for an exhibit in the States. While working on a painting titled "Venetian Snow," I felt it needed a pop of color. I decided to add a figure with a red umbrella to brighten the composition. This particular painting was a hit and sold out quickly.
The next year, I visited France and continued to incorporate the figure with the red umbrella into my artwork. Once again, these pieces were immensely popular when I exhibited them.
I learned that not only did I enjoy painting this figure into different settings, but customers also loved collecting these paintings. This led to the creation of the Red Umbrella Collection, which I have continued to expand as I travel to different places.
The collection has since expanded to include scenes from New England, Savannah & Charleston, England, Scotland, Switzerland, the Greek Isles, Ireland, and even recognizable landmarks in Lancaster, PA. Additionally, I've received private commissions featuring the red umbrella in various contexts, such as people walking with the red umbrella or including it in portraits.
This collection has become my signature style as an artist, and it continues to evolve as I do.