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

Departing Storm

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

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

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!

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

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....