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