All wet

All Wet

Oil with a palette knife on canvas

10" x 8"

SOLD

OK-it's actually NOT raining today, but this painting was done from a photo that my friend Kim took of her daughter Lucy on one of the many days that it has been raining this summer. She has it posted on her blog. I just loved all the colors and doesn't she look like the Morton Salt Girl? Lucy might be getting a new baby sister today so three cheers for that. Good luck today, Kim.

JULY 30 UPDATE Elizabeth Dianne was born at 5:22am Thursday morning. Welcome Elizabeth and Happy Birthday! 

Looking for that perfect gift?

I've updated my blog side column to include a price list for commissioned paintings. I love to paint from family photographs and they make a unique and special gift for birthdays, weddings, and other important occasions. Take a look at the paintings in my Family Album Series to get an idea of some of the previous commissioned work that I have done.

I like to paint on these artist panels that come in 3 different thickness. This photo gives you an idea of what they look like. So send me your photo and let's talk!

Quiet Time

Quiet Time

Oil with palette knife on canvas paper

10" x 7.5"

$50 unframed

This is my entry into this week's Different Strokes From Different Folks challenge.

I started out with this pencil drawing to really study the figure as Karin suggested. I find that my train commute into work is a great time to sketch. As I was getting off the train, a woman commented "Your drawing is really nice. I was watching you draw in the window reflection as I was sitting behind you." A compliment like that from a complete stranger can be the best kind ever.

Looking at my painting now, I do see some flaws in the drawing. His torso looks too squat. But I do think that the drawing helped me to really study the figure in detail before I attacked the painting with a knife. I wanted to focus on the figure and really downplay the background. I also deliberately put him in the corner, emphazing his isolation from the surroundings. Here is a close up of the face.
And I didn't wait until the last day this time. Yeah!

Sparkle Sisters

Sparkle Sisters

Oil with palette knife on 1.5" cradled board

8" x 8"

SOLD

I painted this for my sister Cathy. It was painted from a photograph that was taken on a vacation that she and her best friend Christine took to Mexico a few years back.

They call themselves The Sparkle Sisters. I was thinking that I might add a few small fireworks in the background for a little "sparkle". What do you think?

Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria

Nina, Pinta, Santa Maria

Oil with palette knife on canvas paper

8" x 8"

SOLD

This is my entry into this week's Different Strokes From Different Folks challenge. I found it difficult to get the boat to look right. I scraped it off a few times because the color got yucky. And I kept hearing Karin's advice in my head as I was painting "Remember that there is weight to this boat in the water - pay careful attention to the woman and the boat resting in the heavy water." Of course, I waited until the very last day to enter this challenge. But they are such fun to do. I can't NOT at least try it.

Art cafe

Today we hung our paintings at the Barnes & Noble in Walpole. Here are a few shots of the exhibit which will be up for the month of July. We hope that everyone enjoys the view while they sip their Vente-Two-Pump-Vanilla-Non-Fat-Extra-Hot-Lattes.