Pic a Day Zenspot

Amaryllis I

2010-02-28T23:28:00.011-06:00

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

2009-08-17T00:25:00.006-06:00

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

2009-05-01T09:55:00.004-06:00

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

2009-04-26T11:49:00.005-06:00

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

2009-04-26T11:39:00.003-06:00

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

2007-11-13T20:11:00.000-06:00

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

2007-09-15T12:35:00.000-06:00

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

2007-07-19T01:25:00.000-06:00

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

2007-07-18T00:03:00.000-06:00

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

2007-07-17T23:40:00.000-06:00

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/

Violet

2007-03-18T21:54:00.000-06:00

Many years ago my family used to gather in New Orleans to visit my Brother, who was attending Tulane, and partake in the joi de vivre that only the Crescent City offers. One particular evening we dined at The Upperline Restaurant and sat in the yellow dining room. In the corner near my seat was a trio of Bulldog portraits adding to the unique character of New Orleans. It was by far one of BEST meals and evenings ever. We returned many times to Upperline and were greeted warmly by the Lautrec-esq Proprietrice and the Bulldogs; great meals and even greater memories with Family took place in those dining rooms.

This Bulldog is Violet - delicate and demure! I have a feeling you will see this subject again. I enjoyed painting Violet and sharing the memory. (14"x11" oil on canvas). I welcome feedback - would you hang it in your home? ~NEXT

NFS - SORRY..THIS ONE IS SPOKEN FOR - SOLD

THREE FIGS ON A PLATE

2007-03-07T01:10:00.000-06:00

I have not been posting as of late, due to visiting Family, exhausting work obligations, and a bit of a cold. I have been working on quite a few new paintings. I going to post some small paintings that I haven't posted yet, recent but not brand new. Let me know what you think. This is a twist on a classic still life. I love figs - the taste is an aquired one and a wide variety offers a great color palette. I thought I'd have fun with the contrast while trying to capture the frosted skin tones. A simple, modern plate gives them an almost sculptural quality while the vibrant background emphasizes the freshness of the figs. I found a great framer here in Dallas and this was one of the first I had done. ~NEXT

Departing Storm

2007-02-18T01:24:00.000-06:00

Another seascape in a new style. I was pleased with last weeks Trestles seascape. I'm still dealing with foreground issues in these early evening paintings. This is a 5" x 7" so I can't wait o start a large seascape in this style.

Edge of the Ocean

2007-02-18T01:05:00.000-06:00

Ididn't think I would finish this small 5" x 7" but, sometimes you just need to stop. Pick a point to stop painting and don't touch it again. This semi-daily painting has taught me the importance of that lesson. I am happy with what I have learned here.

I was trying to be very simple and still have a a little something going on with the background, a la Matisse. The title comes about because the shell is on the edge of the table and looks so lonely.

Aldergrove Moonrise

2007-02-11T01:48:00.000-06:00

Reference photos can be deceiving because they are two dimensional which poses a problem for most painters. I prefer to paint the effect of the light with reference to observations outside my studio windows. So it is that I came across this photo of the Moonrise on a farm in Aldergrove, British Columbia. The mountains reminded me of their counterparts in Southern California with the only difference being the California mountains tend to be a bit more purple. The cows were a first for me as well - 2 out of 3 isn't bad. I liked the double effect of the setting sun and the the rising moon; warm reds & oranges versus the cool aqua blues & violets. I cant wait to paint a similar subject in the style similar to my previous Trestles seascape. I think this would do well with a dramatic color approach. It took me a few extra days to complete but I'm satisfied with the finished painting. This was a very difficult painting to photograph, but thanks to my friend Paula, it's better than expected. Comments please. (16"x20" oil) ~NEXT Detail -

Surf's UP!

2007-02-03T15:03:00.000-06:00

The surf is up at Trestles Beach in this early evening view during a storm. I've been reviewing VanGogh and Gauguin's work recently so was looking to put a few of their techniques to practice. Thicker paint and more definitive outlining give it a different feel and mood than may of my other paintings. Trestles is a world famous surf spot and a great view. More pictures to keep the great memories of San Diego North County alive.

Speaking of pratice, this surely was practice! I'm very happy with the clouds but I think the foreground could use a little thought & work. ~NEXT

Here are a few detail photos to give a clearer view. Enjoy!

A Look Inside My Studio

2007-02-03T14:00:00.000-06:00

I completed another painting last night and I'm working an a few others so I thought I'd give you a peek inside at the work in progress. The Monet painting is a favorite of mine and I've painted it several times; I'm not sure why I'm drawn to this particular painting. Maybe it's the simplicity of the color scheme and the subtleties of their application. I have learned quite a bit every time I paint it. (9" x 12")

The lagoon painting is again a favorite subject of mine and is an early morning view of Batisquitos Lagoon in Carlsbad, California down the street from where I grew up. Growing up being a temporal term. I' trying to capture the early morning fog and impending warmth of the day. Just a bit more to add to this one. (18" x 24")

This painting of an Aldergrove, Canadian farm at moonrise is a new one for the week and I hope to finish it today or tomorrow. Reference photos are a source of inspiration for me lately as I work a full dime desk job in finance that precludes me from sunlight in my studio during the week. After completing last night’s painting I wanted to try a few new techniques on a different subject. I’m excited about this one. (16” x 20”) Stay tuned for more peaks inside my studio....

SPIKE IT!

2007-01-31T23:12:00.000-06:00

I found this railroad spike years ago and after seeing some of the other artists on Daily Painters Blog - especially http://dailylifepainting.blogspot.com/. I liked the sharp edges in his paintings because they were not harsh and curt, but rather tactile. The tone of D. B. Ellis' still life paintings (http://dbellisart.blogspot.com/) inspired my palette, as did the simplicity of my new friend Pilan's small paintings (http://pilan.blogspot.com/). Trying new things seems to be working for me lately so I continue it here with new subject matter, new tone, and an altered approach. Fair warning, I will probably paint his subject again. I like the challenge it presents. ~NEXT

Spike IT DETAIL

2007-01-31T23:01:00.000-06:00

A bit of detail on the above picture to see the approach to the hard edges of the spike and the soft double and triple edges of the shadow. I think I learned a bit with this painting.

Just A Memory...

2007-01-29T23:44:00.000-06:00

I ran across the reference photo of these bright eyed Echinacea Flowers the other day when I couldn't find a subject to paint. I could almost feel the warm summer sun and its' bright colors. I just attacked the canvas with more of an eye on the negative space first, then on to the color. It just worked for me. Let me know if it works for you. I'm working on a few new canvases for the week and finishing up a few that have been gathering dust. (5"x7" on oil) ~NEXT

2007-01-25T08:53:00.000-06:00

This "new" seascape was rescued from a pile of unfinished paintings from last year. I attacked the painting with a new approach and I'm fairly happy with the finished product. I have always loved the approaching storms and the intensity of their clouds, ocean surge, wind, and odd glimpses of light on an extra large horizon. I have many reference photos from back home to keep this new approach moving forward; We'll see where this takes my painting. 9"x 12" oil ~Next

Approaching Storm - Detail

2007-01-25T08:46:00.000-06:00

Many of my previous seascapes have been soft brushstroke interpretations that didn't always capture the true power of the Pacific. Here you can see the more intense strokes and thicker pigment of my latest seascape in detail.

Veridian Jar - DETAIL

2007-01-22T23:22:00.000-06:00

Let me know what you think!

Veridian Jar

2007-01-22T22:57:00.000-06:00

I was putting the studio back in order this weekend and came across my Cezanne & Renoir books. A moment of inspiration and a few props later and my contribution with a nod to Manet as well. This particular shade of green makes me want to paint, so I experimented with the surrounding colors and textures - I LIKE! OK, so I couldn't help but throw in an homage to Borat! I'm throwing in an extra photo for you detail junkies. It's late; I'm tired. I'll write more tomorrow. (8" x 10" oil)~NEXT

Sugarplums in My Head ...

2007-01-22T03:31:00.000-06:00

These too, soon perished after this painting, but their wonderful flavor is the essence of this painting. I like the color risk here, I hope it shows well. Another rainy weekend in Dallas, but productive so, I'll be posting a couple this week. I'm trying something new all the time keeping what works and reinventing the rest. (5" x 7" oil) ~NEXT

The Ocean...

2007-01-19T00:59:00.000-06:00

I have been missing the ocean lately, especially with the BIG weather events here in the Dallas, Texas area. I used to drive to Swami's (Encinitas, CA) and watch the storms roll in. The reference photo for this quick painting reminded me of those afternoons. It has been very calming getting back to painting. I hope you enjoy it. (5"x7") ~NEXT

Premier Posting - Golden Smoke

2007-01-14T14:44:00.000-06:00

Sometimes I get to combine two of my passions. This one started in the afternoon and I was finished soon after this soldier bid adieu. I didn't like this after finishing it but the next morning I liked it so much it became a Christmas present for one of my best friends. It has an odd sense of perspective but it works for me. (5"x7") ~NEXT