Daybreak at Churchill Downs
In 1875, Churchill Downs officially opened and began its tradition as "Home of the Kentucky Derby". Over the last hundred plus yeard renovations have been made to the fabled track, but original twin spires and the ambience remains the same. This unique scene shows the backside of the track, where thoroughbreds are being hand-waled and bathed after a good morning workout.

Gateway to Glory
Kentucky Derby contenders burst from the gate at Churchhill Downs. There is such electricity in the air at this point as they pursue the ultimate prize.

Churchill Downs the Paddock
This was a difficult painting for me to do because it was during the construction. The building was mostly torn down and I had to reconstruct most of it from photos. This is a actually as you see the horses leaving the paddock entering the tunnel to the track. Before they song "My Old Kentucky Home".

Race to Glory
This was my third Derby Poster in 1996. I was traveling on Interstate 64 one afternoon, towards Louisville, when the sun broke through the clouds, and rays of sunlight filtered down. It was beautiful, and definitely was the source of the idea for the poster that year. The rays of sunlight on the winner as an image of a rose appears in the sky.

The Chance of a Lifetime
I had an idea for artwork for the Kentucky Derby, so I sent Churchill Downs a sketch of what I had in mind. They liked it so much, they had me do the image as the Offical Kentucky Derby Poster in 1989. It was partially inspired by a song by Dan Fogelberg, called "Run for the Roses". You never know where your inspirations come from.