Vintage-Style Works

Remember when a soda cost 10 cents?!?

Over the last year Brendan has been so inspired by the engaging and beautiful work of mid-century artists & illustrators such as Gil Elvgren, Andrew Loomis, Haddon Sundblom and Norman Rockwell, that he decided to try his hand at the stylings of such. What he found along his journey was his own passion for capturing beautiful, wholesome-looking women in a variety of iconic local settings, while showcasing some of his wonderful animals and fish. His target period for the paintings is the late 40's through the 50's -- a time of robust change in our world, as well as, a time of lost innocence.

Take a look at the first collection of images. All are oil on panel, 36X24 in size. More are on the way, including some that may not be 'attached' to a particular location, but capture the same elements as those outlined above.

To order vintage-series prints, please visit our 'Prints' page for more information.

Fishing on Gasparilla and Useppa Islands has been part of the area's heritage dating as far back as 5,000 B.C. during the days of the Calusa Indians. In fact, Boca Grande Pass is known today as the tarpon capital of the world, since thousands of the majestic fish congregate there from mid-April to mid-July, when anglers flock there for the exciting annual tournaments. This beautiful gal, aboard her vintage Cris Craft boat, jumps her first tarpon while her little pal cheers her on, and the Boca Grande Lighthouse stands like a beacon in the background. Does fishing get any better than this?!?

Longboat Key, long known for its elegant and tasteful lifestyle, is the setting for this beauty and her little dog, out for a fun afternoon sail.

Throughout the 40's and early 50's, Lido Beach Casino was the place to be in Sarasota. Many hung out at the beautiful facility, flanked by huge seahorse statues, where they enjoyed the pool, beach cabanas, restaurants and dancing to Rudy Bundy's Big Band. In fact, many young gals posed on the seahorses as a remembrance of the special place. Its demolition in 1969 is still a sad memory to those who spent time there in their youth. . .

"Florida's Wild & Scenic River" -- this really sums it all up. The Myakka River is known for its diverse wildlife, including alligators, birds, and of course, fish. It winds through several miles of a narrow, serpentine channel, bordered by live oaks and palms and is an ideal place for canoeing. This lovely young lady had quite an adventure catching a bunch of bluegill, as well as, an unexpected little friend. . .

John Schroeder, a businessman from Milwaukee, came to Manatee county in the early 1900's and purchased land which became known as Schroeder-Manatee Ranch. In the early 1920's the land was acquired by another family which continued the tradition of using the land for cattle ranching and vegetable & citrus farming, among other industries. This painting captures some of those elements, but also 'plays' on the name of the land which is now called Lakewood Ranch, a beautifully designed real estate development, which has carefully maintained the natural beauty of the property, while creating a self-contained community for our growing population.

Anyone who has been to Siesta Beach in Sarasota knows of its beautiful, powder-white sand and its gorgeous shoreline. Here's a lovely lady enjoying a beach day while feeding some feathered friends. Harry Higel was an early developer/promoter of the Key, and we can thank him daily for his vision of the area. In its early days, advertisements beckoned northerners to what was known as 'Siesta on the Gulf’. . .now called Siesta Key.

The Tamiami Trail officially opened in 1928 (and was later expanded in the 1950’s), thus connecting two worlds between Florida’s Gulf and Atlantic coasts. For those who traveled the much-needed road in the years to follow, endless possibilities awaited them. This lovely gal and her little companion are taking to the road in their cool car. We don’t know where they’re heading, but we’re sure it’s a fun place and that there will be adventure along the way. . .