Pastel Landscape

"Cape Elizabeth", 10 3/4" x 8 1/4", Pastel on Sennelier La Carte
I haven't done anything with my pastels in quite some time so I thought I would give this landscape a try. This piece was initially laid in with some harder pastels like Rembrandt and then as I build up the surface I use my Sennelier, Schmincke, Great American and Unison pastels. When the painting is finished, I usually do not use a fixative (which my framer hates) because it really changes the color of the pastel. For me personally, it feels good to work in a different medium once in awhile. Take care Everyone!

Old Playthings!

"Blocks and Marble", 6"x8", Oil on Linen
I finished this piece yesterday but I've been having a difficult time getting a good shot of the painting to post. I often wonder if other artists struggle as much as I do photographing art work. At any rate, I'm not happy with this piece but thought I would post it just the same. I've also been busy working on some pastels lately which I'm not sure if I'll post on here or not. I guess it will depend on how they come out.

Who Likes Cherries?

"Sunlit Cherries", 4 1/2" x 6", Oil on Board
I actually finished this piece yesterday. Probably my biggest challenge with this piece were the reflections on the bottom of the cherries. I had to do a lot of transparent glazes to get them just right. Some of the reflections had an almost graphic quality to them but that's really how they appeared. I think the arrangement of the cherries works and for some reason I was worried about it because I used four of them. For the most part, I'm happy with the piece!

I Finally Finished This!

"Trio", 9"x 12", Oil on Board
Thank God I finally finished this! This is probably the third painting of pears that I've painted. I guess it's my favorite fruit to paint! I'm actually happy with the results and feel that it came out better than I had anticipated. My biggest challenge with this piece was getting the values correct and capturing all of the subtleties in the shadow areas. Enjoy!

A Small Painting

"Three Marbles", 4"x4", Oil on Board

I Just finished this small piece tonight! I'm probably a little happier with this painting than my last one and that's probably because I enjoy painting reflective, shiny elements more than I do fruit. I placed these marbles outside in the sun and was really intrigued by the dark cast shadows that each marble produced. I'm not sure if I'll continue working small or paint something larger next. I guess it will depend on where I go with my subject matter.

It's Been Awhile!

"Macs", 8"x8", Oil on Board
Hello Everyone! Yes, I know it's been a long time since I've posted any new paintings. I've been dealing with some health issues which have really put a damper on my ability to paint. I'm trying to get back at it here and finished this piece of McIntosh apples. I'm not happy with this piece but at least I'm painting again. I also haven't been on-line very much either so hopefully I can get a chance to look at all of my favorite art blogs and catch up on everyone's new work.

More Candy

"Plain M & M's II, 6"x6", Oil on Board

I finished painting this a couple of hours ago and decided to go ahead and get this posted tonight. I ended up painting this candy piece because I really wanted something colorful after painting the teapot. The biggest challenge painting these pieces are all the lettering on the packages. I might have to reshoot this piece because the yellow M & M looks jagged on the edge. It's not like that on the painting so I'm not sure what's going on. For my artists pick of the week, take a look at Scott Fraser and Linden Frederick's work. I was fortunate to see Linden Frederick's work at the Farnsworth Art Museum back in 2007 and it's impressive.