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/

Violet

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

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