I have 3 paintings currently on Ebay - the bidding ends tonight around 8:30. Check them out!

http://tiny.cc/melvintoledoebay

Opening reception: Friday, February 4th 5:30

"Lemongrass tea" Oil on canvas (12 x 16)

People are often surprised to hear that beisbol (baseball), not soccer, is the most popular sport in Nicaragua. It's understandable since our neighbors in Honduras and Costa Rica simply love soccer. But no, in Nicaragua baseball is "el deporte rey" (the king of sports).

Some say baseball's popularity started with the occupation of Nicaragua by the US Marines in 1920, others say it was Nicaragua's president Adan Cardenas. One thing is certain - no other sport captivates Nicaragua like baseball. 

When I was little, there was no stadium in my hometown, so we played baseball in the plaza in front of the church. In the summer after the harvest, we played baseball in spite of the afternoon heat. Some of my fondest memories are of playing ball in that plaza. 
 
With this painting I celebrate baseball and the joy that millions of people around the world feel and share the moment the umpire shouts: Play ball!

Here's another pet portrait I was commissioned to paint las month. Willis and Possum are the two very noble dogs of a friend in Hillsborough, NC who I used to work for when Lauren and I were living in Chapel Hill.

This is a pet portrait of Zoey, a great pup that my friends adopted. I had the great pleasure of meeting Zoey last summer - she is a sweet dog. If you're interested in adopting a dog, Petfinder is a great site, especially if you have a specific breed or size in mind http://www.petfinder.com/index.html or, if you're in the Atlanta area, I recommend Atlanta Pet Rescue.

I hope everyone closed out 2010 with a bang and I wish you all a great 2011!!