Untitled Dry Dock

A dry dock scene using pallet knife and a fairly subdued color scheme.

Untitled

The location of this early painting is unknown. It is from the many that were gathering spider webs and dust in the basement studio. The practice of signing his works evolved over years. Very early pieces were simply "Burg", then "Richard Burg", then finally "Dick Burg". Most of his business associates called him Dick.

Mendecino Mansion

This wonderful depiction of a rustic wooden clap-board house along the coast in Mendecino, is from the 1975 trip in my VW Pop Top Camper to Northern California. Capturing the distant ocean and subtle greys of the costal skies were so much of my father's mind set in conveying mood of a typical overcast seaside day. Dick owned a 1961 red VW bug similar to the one parked here.

Untitled, Three works using Pallet Knife

In the early sixties Dick was mastering the use of palette knife. Here are three examples.

Untitled, Large Sailing Vessel at Dock, 18x24 Oil on canvas, signed by Dick Burg.

The second I believe was signed later and was doled out in a group of painting as part of inheritance. The signature is unlike earlier signatures in part by its obtrusive white. Dick was suffering from Alzheimers later in like which could explain the uncharacteristic nature of signature. Reflections, Oil on Masonite, 12x16, by Dick Burg


This Oil, with its rich texture, loose application of paint and aggressive style, made for an exciting dock scene. There is indication of a blue under coat.





Untitled Dock with Boat 16x20 signed Oil by Dick Burg

Untitled Seascape Studies

Studies have long been a primary practice. Here are two early seascape studies done on canvas panels from the early 60's.

Seascape study, unsigned, Oil on Canvas Panel, 12x16, by Dick Burg

I purloined this early work from the damp basement studio to have something to fill my apartment wall on Sunset Blvd., when I moved out of the Muskingum house. The simplicity of forms and left point break is what attracted me. I was a goofy-foot surfer.

Seascape study, unsigned, Oil on Canvas Panel, 16x20, by Dick

Devil's Point, Carmel, 1965

One of the very few paintings that was dated on back of canvas with a specific year indicated.

Dick's M.O. was to find a suitable location, take several photographs, do some sketches and then return to his studio, work on composition, taking different elements from each photo, outline, block in shades, and then complete painting.

Beautiful View

My Father and I took an extended trip in my VW Pop Top Camper to Northern California the summer of 1975. We were going to stop where we pleased to paint and write and spend time together. Dad actually grew a mustache. A High School friend, Rick Redding, caught a ride with us as far a Santa Cruz. We stopped along the coast where Dick snapped a photo and later painted this picture of Rick and I.

- Peter Burg