The Old Farmer’s Almanac Garden Calendar
Welcome to a curated selection of original paintings created for The Old Farmer’s Almanac Garden Calendar from 2008 to 2015—before the days when my commercial illustration work transitioned to digital.
These pieces were painted in oils on treated 140 lb D’Arches Hot Press paper, a surface I chose for its speed, flexibility, and practicality. Paper is not only lighter than canvas or board and easier to ship in stacks, but its pliability allowed me to scan the final art directly, creating high-resolution files for publication.
Once I had approval on the final drawing, I would brush on two thin coats of gesso—just enough to preserve the pencil lines beneath. Sometimes I’d airbrush a soft tone across the surface to subdue the stark white, or use a thin layer of alkyd resin tinted with color to create a toned ground. From there, I’d begin blocking in the main colors. Most paintings have at least five layers of oil paint—some more, depending on the complexity.
A Note on Alkyd Resin
Several of the works here were painted on paper treated with alkyd resin, a medium derived from petrochemicals that becomes inert when dry. Once cured, it forms a tough, translucent, and stable surface ideal for painting. Unlike traditional oils, alkyd doesn't bleed, and it dries quickly. Remarkably, paintings I created this way more than 30 years ago remain pristine—no cracking, fading, or deterioration.
One of the things I love most about alkyd is its ability to preserve and reveal the original pencil work. In many of these paintings, you can still see those delicate underdrawings ghosting through the color—like a memory beneath the surface.
Looking for Something Specific?
All the paintings in this collection are approximately 11–12" x 14". Having worked on this project for so many years, I have a sizable archive of florals in a wide variety of palettes. If you’re seeking a particular flower—or one in a certain color range—there’s a good chance I might have just the thing. Feel free to reach out. I'm happy to help.
