The Perfect Pair - 6 x 6 inches - Oil on canvas - SOLD

I have Marie to thank for the title of this one. Marie's shop, Le Gourmet Jardin, is connected to Art on Main. I always bring my paints and use my gallery sitting time to work on a painting. Marie wandered down the hall and asked if I had already thought of a title. When I said no, she told me she had the perfect title and I agree!

Waiting for Spring - 6 x 6 inches - Oil on canvas - SOLD

Saturday was a gorgeous, sunny, winter day. I gathered up my painting stuff and headed out to find an interesting spot. I decided to head to Forge Pond and spotted this stream which leads down to the beach. I was very happy to sit in my car and paint although it was a little cramped having my canvas up against the steering wheel. I probably should have moved to the passenger seat but I was too lazy to move and just wanted to get the paints flowing. It felt really good to be painting "en plein air" once again.

The Chaperone - 6 x 6 inches - Oil on canvas - SOLD

This painting is unusual in that I actually thought of the title before I started painting. I lined up these cherries on the windowsill. I put the two smaller ones touching with their stems crossed and the larger one “looking” over them. The title just seems like a natural fit! I tried to keep this painting very loose and expressive and not get bogged down with too many details.

Clementine with Leaf - 6 x 6 inches - Oil on canvas - SOLD

I had a really hard time thinking of a clever name for this painting and finally gave up and simply stated the obvious. Actually, I'm not even sure think this is a Clementine. If anyone knows what this fruit is, please let me know so I can rename my painting! I was particularly pleased with how the leaf came out. I think the key to success is to really study the subject and note the shapes and the subtle changes in color and value.

Life is a . . . 6 x 6 inches - Oil on canvas - SOLD

I had to look up the spelling of “maraschino” to write this post. I was surprised at how difficult these maraschino cherries were to paint (and to spell). Their liquid is very opaque so it is difficult to see the individual pieces. I used a bit of artist license and added in strokes of yellows and orange to add more interest to an otherwise solid block of red. As always, the height, placement and direction of the stems was very deliberate and is an important part of the composition.

Cup and Clementines - 6 x 6 inches - Oil on canvas - SOLD

First of all, Happy to New Year to everyone. It felt good to put brush to canvas as I had taken a brief vacation from my palette. One of the best parts of the holidays is that clementines are in season. They are such a perfect fruit…easy to peel, easy to eat, sweet and delicious. I specifically picked a blue coffee cup for this still life to compliment the orange color of the clementines. Since it is such a simple subject, I wanted to add interest by making a reflection in the table top. I’m pleased with how it came out and think it is a good way to start off 2010…enjoy!