A Good Day to Wear Red

This street scene was fun to paint, capturing reflections on a misty day. This scene was one where, as a painter, you must remind yourself that you are not painting buildings, cars, and figures, but rather shapes and values. There is a lot going on in the scene but I think the strong focal point makes all the supporting elements believable. Actually I could have simplified those elements even more.
Painting is 10x8 on mounted canvas.

Arrangement in White

Sorry to have been away from my blog for many days. I have been busy painting for shows and considering new approaches to painting. I really feel like you can get in a rut by following the same procedures that you get comfortable with, even approaches that generally produce satisfactory results. When you have deadlines it is even more difficult to take the time to experiment in an effort to take your work to a new level. Anyway, that's where my thinking has been.
This floral still life was fun to do because of a free approach using some abstract elements and letting some of the paint run and drip. A very limited color palette and a strong light/dark design produced a bit of drama. It is 40x30.

Sweet and Savory

I recently attended an art workshop with master painter Quang Ho. Quang is a gifted artist and wonderful educator. I came away with a new appreciation and better understanding for ALL types of art.

While there I painted this still life of a pear and two onions on a mahogany dining table.  I wanted to do a simple, uncomplicated painting so I set up just three items. However, it turned out to be more difficult than I anticipated as I was dealing with both shadow and reflection. The room was lit only by the late afternoon sun. The painting is on a gessoed panel and is 11x14. I will keep this one as a remembrance of the experience.