Joyeux Noel.

On my last day in Philadelphia, I had the thoroughly pleasant surprise of running into Philadelphia painter Scott Noel, for whom I worked for a bit of time back in the early/mid-90s. In addition to being an excellent painter, Scott may very well be the nicest person on earth. No, definitely is the nicest person on earth. No question. So, if you're ever in Philadelphia, be sure to check out his work - he shows at Gross McCleaf Gallery down on 16th Street near Rittenhouse Square. Here's an example of his painting, which is usually still life or figurative, or a combination thereof, sometimes with an allegorical bent, usually in his signature pastel palette. Enjoy:

Orpheus and Eurydice, oil on linen, 54" x 50", by Scott Noel.