Over 30 recent paintings were inspired by interesting boats and shorelines that Kates found in St. Augustine and the Florida panhandle.  A retired art museum director and native Floridian, Kates has a passion for old working boats, sailboats, salt marshes and the undisturbed sand dunes that were common during his 1940's youth years. 

He documents his subjects in a style he describes as "painterly realism" which employs diligent draftsmanship as well as light and shadow to give his works clarity and depth.