Golden Nugget was on exhibit in New York City at the Salmagundi Club for the non-members show 2016, and was also selected as part of the FAV15% (jury's favorite 15% of the entries) in the September 2016 BoldBrush Painting competition.

Golden Nugget was my first step into my new series on working boats and my official re-launch into maritime art. I left a photo-realistic style for a more loose and colorful approach by learning Plein Air (painting outdoors and on-site). Now, I merge what I enjoy most about each style.

What inspired this painting was a spectacular sunset. The light was so striking on this boat I had to stop. I had been watching the repair progress for a while (some boats just capture your attention), I noticed the name, Golden Nugget.