SPIKE IT!

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

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...

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

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

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

Let me know what you think!

Veridian Jar

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 ...

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...

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

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