Came across this delightful cottage and wanted to capture its beauty as best I could. The day was overcast and so this painting is about local tones and not light and shadow. I like the various shapes and the way they interact.
It looks like a place I would like to live. Very welcoming.
Painted en plein air, 9x12. oil on panel.

Sometimes I just like to walk up to the canvas and start painting. No pre-conceived ideas, no reference photo to guide or frustrate you. A palette, a brush, and your imagination, that's all. Its fun to see where your thoughts will take you.
I enjoy abstracting the landscape so that it is recognizable but imaginary. This is the first of 3. Each 20x20 on deep gallery wrapped canvas.

3rd in the series. Kitchen Moves, acrylic on canvas, 48x24...

Second in the series. Chef at Work, 48x24 acrylic on canvas....

My focus these days is to convey the essence of the subject matter. Not with detailed expression but with recognizable form and movement. I think this painting of "Chef at Work" captures that essence. Can't wait for the next one! This painting is done in acrylic and is 48x24.

By the River

I enjoy abstracting the landscape so that the viewer can participate in the interpretation of the subject. Not too literal. I have found that painting on a smooth surface with a palette knife can yield some interesting results. The implements you use (brushes, palette knives, sticks, fingers, whatever) to transfer paint from a palette to a substrate is directly responsible for how a painting will appear. Its not just the surface (canvas, linen, wood etc). I know that is elementary, but worth thinking about.
This painting is oil on metal via palette knife. (8x16)

Seeking a mood

One of my favorite subjects to paint is trees. They are so diverse in every way, yet we all know a tree when we see one! So it is interesting to me to abstract them in some way and create something interesting. This painting was started a year ago and never lived up to my expectation. It was boring. I decided to add glazes and layers of atmosphere until it morphed into something I enjoy looking at. I hope you do too.
"Morning Mist", oil on canvas, 36x48

Along the River

This is a scene from a Tennessee River trib. I took a photo years ago and I thought it would be a good subject as I am experimenting with trying to get the essence of a scene by abstracting it to basic value patterns. Fun and interesting. Looking forward to taking this concept further.
This is oil on wood panel, 32x34.

Three paintings accepted

The Energen Corporation, headquartered in Birmingham, AL, holds an annual art competition for all residents and former residents of Alabama. I am honored to have three paintings accepted into this year's show.
This first painting is inspired by the rare Cahaba lily which blooms in May along the banks of the Cahaba River in central Alabama. This painting is 32x32, oil on panel.

This painting is of a favorite dining spot in Birmingham, a nationally recognized restaurant, Highlands Bar and Grill. The painting is titled "Highlands Magic" and is 14x18, oil on panel.

Inspired by a visit to the village of Montmartre in Paris, this painting captures reflections of the old world quaintness. "Rain at Montmartre" is a 24x20 oil on panel painting.

All accepted paintings will be on display for public viewing and purchase at the company headquarters March 12-25.

Pastry Chefs

A lot going on in this painting, but then there's a lot going on in a pastry kitchen! This one was inspired by the chefs of our local culinary institute.

Oil on stretched canvas, 9x12.

New Beginnings

This time of year we begin to tire of winter with its cold, then warm front to tease us, then rain, then cold again. I look forward to spring and new beginnings once again.

I've had this painting on and off the easel several times trying to refine and adjust to get the feel I want.
We'll see how long I can keep it off the easel!
Oil on masonite panel, 24x30.

Apple Shadows-8x16

Lately I've been experimenting doing a few paintings on linen that is mounted on a foam panel. It seems to be a softer feel than canvas and a delightful surface for subtle passages as well as detail. I am enjoying doing 8x16's which can be completed in a couple of hours, giving a nice reward in a relatively short period of time.

I like the lost and found edges here as well as the shadow shapes appearing in the background.