Portfolio of Works

 Attention: Wondering what "Mertz" means, or why these pictures look the way they do? Click on this link for a brief explanation: https://www.johnmorrapainting.com/blog/113948/what-is-a-mertz-painting

These pictures are shown from most recent to earliest. Sometimes there are doubled-up numbers for "side projects." To see the order in a slide show, and to observe the changes over the years, click on "Mertz 28" and the rest will follow in their correct order, from most recent (Mertz #28), back to Mertz #1.

I am excited to announce a show of paintings in France!  And what a location--a beautiful little chateau, located in a park called The Domaine de Varye.  Shown below are some of the works that will be on display in this beautiful place-- in addition to the chateau/gallery, there is a theatre, a historic barn, gardens, and plenty of nature to take in. Should you be in the region called Berry, come take a look! Here is a link with some information about the place-- you can request an english version of the website when you open it:

https://www.my-loire-valley.com/2021/09/domaine-de-varye-berry/

The park and chateau are open to the public from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and is closed Tuesdays and Thursdays. 

Still-Life Paintings

Spanish-Style Still-life Paintings

These paintings are my homage to the great tradition of Spanish Still Life Painting. Like the "golden age" of Dutch art, many of the greatest Spanish works were made in the 17th century, by artists such as Juan Sanchez Cotan, Pereda, Van Der Haman, and Zurburan. But I am also interested in the tradition as it moved into the next century. Although the ascendancy of French art and culture was already in effect in the 18th century, Spain continued to produce some geniuses, notably Egidio Luis Melendez, whose work I have imitated at times, and at others combined with the work of Cotán from the previous century. These periods are rich sources for still-life artists, and will remain so for me.

These images represent an activity that I use as a departure from my usual studio practices, as many of them are painted outdoors (En Plein Air). I hope to do more of these, as I can think of no other art activity that makes for such immediate pleasure. I often make these sketches  while on vacation with my wife.  
     There are a few "Studio Paintings" here as well,  and these are easy to spot by their larger dimensions and higher level of finish. I hope to explore this tradition in greater depth, as it affords the artist greater opportunity for experimentation, both formally and in content.