Mediterranean Art

Silent Residents of Patara

Renowned as the birthplace of Apollo and is one of the oldest and most important cities of Lycia. The city was named Patara in the Lycian tongue. The city existed in the 5th and 6th centuries B.C. and was saved from destruction by opening its gates to Alexander the Great. After his death, it fell into the hands of First of Demetrios in 304 B.C. and later the Egyptian Ptolemaios II Philadelphos. Now that of the past does not seem to matter to the carefree "Silent Residents of Patara". Oil on canvas, 24"x30"

In the Company of Playful Friends

Original art toured galleries of Turkey along with "Stepping Down Into a Dream" in 2002. Juried Selected for exhibition in Crete, Greece, June 2005. Oil on canvas, 30"x40"

Panoramic View of Naples

Commissioned painting in the possession of a private collector in Delray Beach, Florida. A painting of the harbor bay of Naples, Italy with Mt. Vesuvius in the background. Vesuvius is the only active volcano on mainland Europe. Its most famous eruption was in 79 A.D., an eruption which buried Pompeii, Herculaneum and Stabiae, all of which remained buried until archeologists dug them out seventeen centuries later. Oil on canvas, 24"x36"

Dream and Reality

Cleopatra's Gate was built in honor of Antonius and Cleopatra's secret meetings in the Donuktas region of Turkey. The gate now serves as a playground for the dolphins. If you come upon this site while SCUBA diving, you will feel as if you are in a mixture of "Dream & Reality". Oil on canvas, 20"x28"

Passage Into a New Playground

Published as cover art for the August 2004 issue of the 'FLORIDA SCUBA NEWS' magazine. The television series 'Flipper' followed the adventures of a life saving dolphin. Today researchers are studying the healing effects swimming with dolphins have on sick and physically challenged individuals. But sometimes too much attention drives these charismatic mammals to find an undiscovered deeper "Passage Into New Playground". Oil on canvas, 30"x40"

Stepping Down Into a Dream

Seventh place winner in a participating 850 Turkish Juried art exhibition. Original toured Turkish galleries in 2002 as a placed winner. "Stepping Down Into a Dream" was the cover art for the June 2003 Issue of Florida Scuba News Magazine. The ancient seas hold numerous hidden secrets beyond the imagination. One can never tell when coming off the ladder if they will be "Stepping Down Into a Dream". Oil on canvas, 30"x40"

Unpredictable Encounter

Exhibited in a Juried contest at OVAL Gallery in Orlando, FL. in 2004. Anticipation of the wondrous sites of each dive. The exploration of the underworld and all it holds. A new adventure with each drop into the water. Preparing to expect the unexpected, but who could imagine such an "Unpredictable Encounter"? Oil on canvas, 30"x40"

Early Alaharan Morning

Alaharan is situated between the holiday resort Kemer and the village of Adrasan. The foundation of Alaharan is not thought to be extremely ancient but even so, it did not manage to survive beyond the Hellenistic period. Coins were struck there in the 2nd Century B.C.. The ruins of the ancient city are set along the banks of a stream, and although small, it is a very interesting site. An unforgettable striking position by the sea and curious for it's ever shining moon on "Early Alaharan Morning". Oil on canvas, 18"x24"

Feeling Free in Simena

From the inscriptions that have been found we know that the history of the ancient city of Simena dates back to the 4th century B.C.. On the shore are the ruins of public baths that serves the purpose even today. So why don't you stop by and be "Feeling Free in Simena". Oil on canvas, 24"x30"

A Land Called Atlantis

The city on the Pamphulian seacoast around 150 B.C. is said to be a settlement of Attaleia (modern day Antalya, Turkey). The city and its environs now lay deep in the turquoise blue waters…"A Land Called Atlantis". Oil on canvas, 19"x23"

Towards New Beginning

Seasons of life. Offspring to offspring. Ocean to sand.. Traveling the same path as they did before "Towards a New Beginning". Oil on canvas, 23"x36"

Trapped in Paradise

Displayed in a juried exhibition at OVAL gallery in Orlando, Florida, 2004. Gazing into the ancient harbor and beyond, fantasizing of days of world travels and adventures. The spraying of water upon their bodies and the winds of sea as they sail through the turquoise blue. Longing for exploration as they are "Trapped in Paradise". Oil on canvas, 40"x40"

New Living in the Aegean Metropolis

Castle of St. Peter is found in the city of Bodrum on the Aegean Sea in southwest Turkey. The castle contains a riveting blend of ancient and modern behind the imposing stone walls. Whether viewed from the land or sea, Bodrum's famous castle of St. Peter is an impressive example of medieval architecture. Building materials were not hard to come by for just across the bay was the collapsed ruin of the once magnificent Mausoleum; one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. In its day the castle was a monumental symbol of the unity of Christian Europe against the ascending power of the Ottomans. Today, the massive castle yet stands and the polished stone and marble blocks of the Mausoleum can be spotted within the walls of the structure as if a symbol of "New Living in the Aegean Metropolis". Oil on canvas, 27"x34"

Underwater Dreams of Hadrian's Gate

In 130 A.D. Emperor Hadrian visited Attaleia (modern day Antalya) during his peregrinations of his empire and to this we owe the monumental arch built in his honor. The arch later became a symbol of this exotic Mediterranean city. Sometimes it makes me wonder how it would look beneath the turquoise blue. As I fall asleep I see "Underwater Dreams of Hadrian's Gate". Oil on canvas, 16"x20"

Colorful Visitor

In the 7th Century B.C. Phaselis was founded as a colony of Rhodes. It possessed three natural harbors and was close to a richly forested region. A home for creatures in every size, shape and form. I call this one as..."Colorful Visitor of Phaselis". Oil on canvas, 18"x24"

Shying from the Unknown

A diver always hopes to see that rare creature when they take to the water. As the divers enter, little do they know the mermaid below is "Shying From The Unknown". In the possession of a private collector, Orlando, FL USA. Acrylic on Canvas, 20"x24".

Kapitas Beach

The ruins of Myra are situated 5 km. inland between the modern town and the sea. The acropolis of the city is situated on top of the cliffs containing the Lycian rock tombs. The city walls; dating from the Hellenistic and Roman periods, are still to be seen protecting the acropolis along with the sunbathers of the "Kapitaş Beach". Oil on canvas, 19"x19"

Fine Crusader

In 133 B.C. Antalya together with Pergon's other possessions in Asia Minor were taken over by Rome. Antalya (Attalia as the Bible calls it) is where Paul set sail along with Barnabas on his first missionary journey. Maybe her spirit accompanied them in this historical voyage as the "Fine Crusader". Oil on canvas, 20"x28"

From the Doorway of the Past

Aperlai is located on the Sicak Peninsula. Aperlai is a Lycian city known from coins bearing it's name that have been discovered dating back to the 4th or 5th Century B.C.. The city walls begin at the seashore and are fortified with towers at intervals. These walls with their Roman style rectangular and polygonal construction still stand tall as "From the Doorway of the Past". Oil on canvas, 20"x28". In the possession of a private collector in Istanbul, Turkiye. Prints, canvas prints, and posters available.

Goddess Athena

Arykanda; the site of the ancient settlement, is to be found near a small hamlet called Aykiricay. Arykanda was invaded by the Persians in the 5th Century B.C. and annexed by Alexander the Great in 333 B.C.. From the surviving sections of the baths fountain it is plain that the location was used as a terrace for it has an extraordinary view. One can still see and enjoy it under the watchful eyes of "Goddess Athena". Oil on canvas, 27"x34". In the possession of a private collector in Istanbul, Turkiye. Prints, canvas prints and posters available.

Fantasy Bazaar

Attaleia; the ancient name of Antalya, is derived from that of the Pergamum king Attalos II. Attulus II founded the city on the Pamphylian seacoast around 150 B.C.. The settlement of Antalya and it's environs stretch back to the dawn of humanity and today it is part of Turkey's "Golden Coast", an exquisite land of sun, sea, history and fun. If you use your imagination you may still be able to see her dancing for her king in the "Fantasy Bazaar". Acrylic on paper, 14"x18"

Surviving in the Lycian Landscape

From inscriptions that have been found we know that the history of the ancient Lycian city of Simena go back to the 4th Century B.C.. This is the smallest of theatres among the cities of Lycia. West of the theatre there are rock tombs here and there. Above the rock tombs is a Roman wall built of dressed stone. Located on the wall are late period embrasures thus giving one a glimpse of how elegant its residents lived compared to some of modern day Simena's newer occupants. Working very hard from sunrise to setting they are just "Surviving in the Lycian Landscape". Oil on canvas, 20"x28"

Invaders of the Lycian Coast

The city of Side became a Lycian possession in the 6th Century B.C., captured by the Persians in 546 B.C. and later taken by Alexander the Great in 334 B.C.. The region enjoyed its greatest period of prosperity in the second century but by the end of that period was invaded and fell under the control of pirates. Things haven't changed much since then. Visitors arrive regularly by sea reminding me of those back in centuries past... known as "Invaders of the Lycian Coast". Oil on canvas, 20"x28"

Dolphin Dance

The Hellenistic period gate near Perge dates to the 2nd century B.C.. Towers set on either side forming a semi-circular theater stage protected it until that period's worst earthquake cause the gate to submerge 24 feet below sea level. The gate now serves as a perfect stage for a "Dolphin Dance". Oil on canvas, 27"x34"

Mooning the Moonlight

Apollo Temple on the background glowing majestically. No visit to Side is complete without seeing the collections in the small, but very rich museum in the bath complex. Exhibits include sarcophagi, temple friezes, burial finds and other small artifacts of very great interest. Be alert, for you may even encounter exhibits including "Mooning in the Moonlight". Acrylic on paper, 14"x18". In the possession of a private collector in Daytona Beach, FL. Prints, canvas prints and posters available.

A Moray Dancing to the Beat of Drums

Above the surface everything is calm and serene as the fun leave the way for the approaching darkness. Distant islands appear so still in the cool salty breeze. But below, it looks almost as if the fund is just beginning as "A Moray Danced to the Beat of Drums". Oil on canvas, 19"x23". In the possession of a private collector in Orlando, FL. Prints, canvas prints and posters available.

Where the Gods Ruled

Kaş was originally called Habesos or Habesain the ancient tongue of Lycia and later was given the name Antiphellos. It is one of the oldest settlements in the region of Lycia dating back to the 4th Century B.C.. On a rise between the open sea and hill, which was probably the acropolis of the ancient city, no doubt is "Where the Gods Ruled". Acrylic on paper, 18"x24". In the possession of a private collector in Jacksonville, FL. Prints, canvas prints and posters available.

Greeting of a Mermaid

Olympus and the islands once served as a base for a pirate known as Zeniketes in the 2nd century B.C.. Zeniketes claimed to see mermaids regularly and believed that if he saw a mermaid greeting him before attacking a merchant ship, he would be successful and his loot plentiful. This fearless pirate was finally defeated by the Roman governor of Lycia; Publius Servilius Votian, in a battle in the open sea before Gedidonia and was forced to flee. Before that fateful battle, Votian must have been the first to receive the "Greeting of the Mermaid". Oil on canvas, 48"x24"

Spiritual Offerings

Forever free roaming the depths of the seas. A mystical creature of goodness, beauty and freedom. Touched upon by "Spiritual Offerings". Oil on canvas, 28"x18". In the possession of a private collector in Istanbul, Turkiye. Prints, canvas prints and posters available.

In the Shadow of Apollo

Side (see-de) is a city founded by the inhabitants of Kyme back in the 7th Century B.C.. On the ancient harbor side of the city there were two temples, one dedicated to Apollo and the other to Athena. The Apollo temple was in the Corinthian order. It had 6x11 Columns and measured 16.37x29.5 meters. In this painting, I can almost see a resurrection of Athena resting "In the Shades of Apollo". Oil on canvas, 20"x28"

Beauty and the Past

A woman's beautiful, tanned, curvy body…the ruins of Xanthos, Patara and Letoon. You can appreciate even more when those two elements meet together…"Beauty and the Past". Oil on canvas, 20"x28"

Odd Visitor in Dolphin Territory

In the depths of the ancient turquoise waters among the statue of gods they dance and play through the current and columns demonstrating their beauty and grace. Seemingly unconcerned by the "Odd Visitor In Dolphin Territory". Oil on canvas, 16"x20"

Beach of Cleopatra

In the 2nd B.C. this area was a favorite pirate lair then known as Korakesion. Often, Cleopatra met her Roman lover here bathing and spending sensual days and nights together. On the hill, sits an ancient temple depicting the three goddesses Hera, Athena and Aphrodite. Still, it is called as..."Beach of Cleopatra". Oil on canvas, 24"x18". In the possession of a private collector in Iowa, USA. Prints, canvas prints, and posters available.

Datça Sunset

The richest archeological monuments belonging to the Datça Peninsula, which can be reached today, were found in Knidos between the years of 1852-1858. Englishman, Sir Charles Newton, made several diggings in the area finding hundreds of statues and precious stones that were taken to the British Museum. But they were only able to possess the "Datça Sunset" within their memories. Oil on canvas, 16"x20". In the possession of a private collector in Antalya, Turkiye. Prints, canvas prints and posters available.

Sunset Fisherman of the Bosphorus Harbor

Kiz Kulesi sits beautifully in the Bosphorus Harbor. As the fisherman come back in with today's fresh catch, shoppers and seagulls rush to meet the fisherman to get the freshest fish. No one can resist the "Sunset Fisherman of the Bosphorus Harbor". Oil on canvas, 48"x60"

Becoming Friends

In the ancient coastal waters he swims among the columns weaving in and out seeking playmates. Trusting is a precious act, more so between creatures of the sea and land…"Becoming Friends". Oil on Canvas, 16"x20"

Gathering in the Shallow Waters of Side

Side is the site of the ancient temple of Apollo, which can be seen from the harbor. Behind the tourist establishments stand the harbour baths which played an important role in ancient Sidetan life. Seamen traveling to Side were required to wash prior to entering the city. While admiring the ancient surroundings, one may miss the dolphins "Gathering in the Shallow Waters of Side". Oil on board, 16"x20"

Longing For The Blue Voyage

Portrait commissioned for a private collector in Oldsmar, FL. Oil on Canvas, 16x20"

The Race Is On In The Bosphorus

The commuter boats traveling through the Bosphorus create playful wakes attracting the eager dolphins to join the race. As the commuter boat nears, "The Race Is On In The Bosphorus". Oil on board, 16"x20"

Tanner's Blue Voyage

Knidos (Datca) is a popular tourist attraction for those who favour Blue Voyage, and Tanner is no exception. The tourists will always remember Tanner's Blue Voyage. Oil on canvas, 18"x24"