At first I didn't paint the flag into this painting. Not because I don't love America. I do. But I left it out because these days flying it seems to say more than just "I love America." It seems aggressive and partisan. It changes a scene. I want my paintings to make feelings, but not those kind of feelings.
 
But then I thought, why should I just accept that? I love America too, just like whoever flew this flag in this upscale historic district of Boston. So I painted it in.
 
Anyway, the light in this painting is cool, isn't it?
 
BEACON HILL, BOSTON
12 X 16
Oil on panel