Amaryllis I

Amaryllis I is the first in a series I have been sketching for the last few months. Growing up in a Christmas 'obsessed home, I owuld see these forced bulbs blooming all over the house and was always astonished at the variety of colors, and the distinct presence the pots had in the warm, bright winter light streaming through the windows. I wanted to make the composition simple & focus on the sculptural qualities of the plants. I've been reading this great book on the historical journey of Vincent van Gogh's last portrait - Portrait of Dr. Gachet: The Story of a van Gogh Masterpiece by Cynthia Saltzman. It combines three of my favorite subjects: history, art, & van Gogh. This inspired me to be influenced by Vincent when approaching the canvas and palette. His simplicity of structure and his exploration of the internal energy of his subject was a perfect fit for what i was trying to convey. I wanted to avoid the traditional red/green Christmas color scheme, so I took a twist by modulating the tones and adding the sunshine in both direct lighting and the vivid yellow s of the table. the table itself becomes a light source, emphasizing the violet, orange, & blues I used to add heft and structure. You can click on any picture to see a larger version with detail. The weight of the table balances the huge deep red blooms and keeps it from falling over. I had a lot of fun withthis painitng, I hope you enjoy it. Leave a comment to let me know your thoughts.

Here is a peek at my palette as I was painting the final touches.

Amaryliss I (15" x 30" unframed) offered at $350 + shipping & packaging

Lampasas River Girls

This is one I've been working on for sometime. I just couldn't make it work, these cows were odd. This breed is very angular and their heads are out of proportion so it makes them a challenge to paint. I've been using reference photos and site sketches to finish this up and I'm happy with where it is today. I believe it reflects the wide open spaces of Texas and the springtime blue of the sky. I wnated to capture something a photo would not, otherwise why paint it. It's really a painting about how it feels to have the Texas sun shining down on you while you stand in the cool grass and be free to go anywhere you want. I think I said what I wanted.

Detail #1

Like I said, their heads are so angular it makes them daunting subject. I liked how the sun bounced off their hide and how the cool of the grasses reflected underneath. I was able to try different combinations of colors to evoke the temperature and light and not get caught up in details.

Detail #2

In what is becomming a stylistic signiture for me, I have once again referenced Klimt in the rythm and repetition of both color & texture. It allows me some abstract expessionismwhile maintaining my subject. I really like this method as it gives just enough information and allows the mind to wander as well.

Let me know what you think.

Lampasas Girls 36"x48" oil on canvas, frameless 2" studio wrapped, available $2400.00 USD + shipping & delivery. Can be framed at your choice.

Clam Bake

This is third in a series about bowls. My Mother has always been facinated by bowls, all shapes, sizes, and textures and I inherited a bit of that, but with my culinary background I am intrigued with what is IN them. Although this is only the 3rd official work in the series, I've been painting bowls for several years now. The official series are all 12" x 12" format to unify them. The clams were a natural subject as we head into summer and I couldn't pass on the color combination. The still life was so vibrant it begged to be captured. i tried to become a little looser witht he brushwork and stay bold with my palette. Lemons show up in my bowl paintings often and I think it has to do with their vibrancy and their historical appearance in great paintings from The Last Supper to VanGogh's canvases. All in all I quite pleased with this one and I hope you enjoy it as well.

Cupcake

I couldn't resist this composition or the subject matter. The cupcake was Red Velvet with cream cheese frosting! Yum.

I was inspired by the paintings of Marc Whitney, Tony Merrithew, Manny Farber, Tom Brown, and of course Wayne Thiebaud.

I am pleased with the the tone and texture. I think it might translate to a larger format as well. Similar to Thiebaud I slathered on the oils for the frosting, although I want to try a different brush or pallet knife. As a Foodie I enjoy painting anything culinary and I think it show in this canvas.

Inquiries & comments welcome.

Red Velvet Heaven 11" x 14" oil on canvas, framed silver 19.5" x 16.5" overall. Available $450.

At Last

This post is a long time comming. I've really needed to update this blog more often. I have been painting, mostly prep stuff, but I've finished a few, which I'll post today. I need to make time for painting, even if just a few minutes a day or every other day. It is still relaxing and maybe I'll have a few more to sell. Work in progress: This one has changed in the last few days, so I'll post the final result in a few days.

Pre's Auction Post

Welcome Cigar Pass BOTLs! This post showcases some of my cigar themed art from this year. The first picture "Three for Pre" was painted especially for Mike's auction. Should you not be the winning bidder, but still want a painting please contact me through CP or on this site. Please leave your comments either way. Congratulations to Kevin (wanlail) on the winning bid, and thank you for your generosity on behalf of Mike! Three for Pre (9"x12") oil on panel framed (regular retail $225) click to enlarge The Golden Hour (5" x 7") oil on canvas panel framed $100 (click to enlarge)

Golden Smoke (5" x 7") oil on canvas panel framed $100

SOLD - PRIVATE COLLECTION (click to enlarge) (click to enlarge)

Chips n Sticks (5"x7" oil on canvas board) $100 framed. SOLD

Cigar Binge

Well I've been a bit lax with the posting but I think you'll like what is up now. Other than work, cigars and painting have been my only refuge as of late. A couple of smokes and some fresh breath. More to follow as time permits. Chips n Sticks (5"x7" oil on canvas board) $100 framed. SOLD The Golden Hour (5"x7" oil on canvas board) $100 framed.

Curiously Green (5"x5" oil on canvas) $85 gallery wrap.

Turn of the Century

The reference for this small painting was a photo of a friend's New Year's 2000 celebration with family at Fiesta Beach Florida. The sun and shadows were so intense it begged for a heavily textured painting. Fun to paint, I will paint a larger version of this and continue with the impasto technique. Turn of the Century (oil on canvas 16" x 8") $175 unframed.

Ventu

The wind in Nantuckett is ever present; it is only natural to include it as a "character" in any painting of the famous getaway. Although this is a portrait of sorts, of my neice Charlotte near Tom's River Beach, it could be your Daughter or another loved one, a bit of an everygirl. A bit familiar without being too general - kinda like you might know her. This painting reminds me of a Sari Staggs painting my parents purchased many years ago that they swear I sat for; it was not a portrait of me but you would swear it was. It is a bit more structured than my newer painting but it says exactly what I wanted to say about the setting and subjects. I have a feeling this tableau will be attempted again and again. Ventu - oil on canvas 36" x 48" framed $2600 (GIFTED) .

Latest Exhibition Submissions

Just to bring the blog up to date: I have two new pieces in the Fresh Voices Show at the Visual Arts League of Lewisville. Both of these pieces are a different approach for me. These are more of an exploration of an impression - just enough detail to convey the intent and just enough color to lend insight. Each perspective is a bit "off" showing a unique view. Parts were execute fairly quickly other sections were layered to provide texture and depth. As always, I welcome comments. Sunset XI (oil on canvas 24" x 48") framed and offered at $1400 USD, contact me to purchase.

This is a portrait of my neices and my "Belle Soeur" Laurie and is entitled "Embrace" (oil on canvas 30" x 30") framed and offered at $975 USD, contact me to purchase.

These paintings are on view through August 12th at http://www.visualartleague.org/