Chapin Fortress

This outcropping of glacial sandstone is located in Chapin Forest, one of the Lake County Metroparks.

Why we say "yes" instead of "oui' ".

This 12 pounder British cannon guards the entrance to the parade grounds at Old Fort Niagara. The capture of this fortress by British forces in 1759 was pivotal in driving the French from North America during the French and Indian War, ending the struggle between the two superpowers for the control of the continent. This affected our destiny even more than the Revolution, but is largely ignored in modern teachings.

Windsor waterfall

The Erie Indians woke up each morning to the view of this beautiful waterfall at what is now Camp Whitewood, a 4-H facility in Windsor, Ohio. I painted this from what was a village located high on a bluff, bordered by steep hills on two sides.

Lake Metropark sycamore

This grotesque sycamore is at the Lakeshore Reserve, near the stairway to the beach. I love the gnarled appearance- all it needs is lightning on a dark night in front of Dracula's Castle to show off it's true potential. There was ice still on Lake Erie as I painted it.

Lakemetroparks wetlands

This wetland is located at the Girdled Road reserve on Radcliffe Road. Lots of waterfowl here.

LakeMetroparks Schoolhouse

My father started school here in 1920. It is now used as a nature learning center.

Mountain Glen Sugarbush

This beautiful old stone sugarbush was built in 1904 and has been in continuous operation ever since. It has been updated with new reverse-osmosis equipment that removes up to 75% of the water from the sap before it goes to the boiler.
I was lucky enough to witness the old method of wood-fired boilers and sap collection using horse teams as a young child, but the new ways are far more efficient.t