I first set foot on Boston University’s campus as a 17-year-old, 123-pound runner, looking to channel the Terrier. Despite graduating from the College of Fine Arts, I never painted live on the streets of Boston.

So, when I found myself in town for the first time in ten years… I decided to rectify this egregious error. With my penchant for neon, and the recent drama surrounding Citgo… the subject chose me.

Arriving in town, I was pleased to discover this view from my apartment. Prudent to snap a photo, I thought.

And there I was, in a park filled with pigeons, with a near perpetual scent of maryjane… set-up, and ready to paint.

A quick freehand drawing, under painting, and the identification of all key sign elements.

During this adventure, I was joined by my college roommate and very close friend — Paul William. He painted three pieces in the time it took me to create one. Clearly, I need some steroids, or at least a barrage of Dunks.

Nailing down the major forms… darkening-up the scene… we began painting at 11am, so it required some abstract thought to predict twilight.

Everything blocked-in, it was time to paint light… my fave.

Here is Paul, painting piece #2… the bus depot in Kenmore Square.

We weren’t done for the night… but I did snap this photo to guide me on day two.

We banged over to my new favorite Boston Bar, The Corner Tavern… they allowed us to set-up and paint late into Halloween night, which was great fun.

Still wet from window gradients… my painting for the evening had come to a close.

Paul’s Citgo Sign painting came out wicked sweet. Wicked.

And so, day two… overcast, slightly colder, and solo. Fortunately, I had a barrage of visits from good friends… thank you for that Chris (thank you for the burger), Matt (congratulations on #3) and Susan (appreciate the snaps!).

Here, close, I wanted to capture the work in context.

And boom! 14″X18″ of iconic Boston skyline, captured for posterity.

Here, during one of our many Corner Tavern trips… I got to hang with artist’s Brendan Ben Feeney (we are currently collaborating on a painting) and Paul William.

Oh yes, and you can acquire Paul’s sweet Citgo…

Ben snapped this shot of Paul and Me, being pensive, enjoying beer.

I met up with my boy Neel for the first time in a decade… ironically, Evan happened to be strolling by, saw us, and joined the fun!

High School friend and former teammate, Leif-Ann, joined me for a stroll through the city. I was grateful to be walking, because I thought I broke my toe during a hockey game the night before I arrived. Fortunately, it was just badly bruised.

Some total moron spray-painted the sculpture on BU Beach… shameful on all levels (spelling, execution, location).

And, of course, a big thank you to everyone who took the time to meet-up… Professor Bacevich, Mike, Rick Frank (thank you for the massage!), Bobby, Blaize, Liam and the rest of my crew. Much love and gratitude.

Finally, I had the honor of attending a beautiful memorial service for my college track and cross country coach — Bruce Lehane. Bruce was more than a coach — he was a mentor, a friend, a thinker — someone focused on developing people first… athletes second.  I will never forget you and everything you did for me — thank you Bruce.