"Two Out One In" - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas

"Two Out One In" - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas

Cherries, with their shiny reflections, are one of my favorite subjects to paint.  I also love to place them on a window sill to create strong, interesting shadows.  I spent a fair amount of time thinking about and then adjusting the curve and movement of the stems.  This arrangement creates a nice circular flow and brings all three cherries together.

This 8 inch square painting is available for $95.  Click the Buy Now button below or click here for other payment options. 

"Cathy's Forsythia" - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas

"Cathy's Forsythia"  - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas

I never know when inspiration will strike but I'm usually inspired by the way the light hits an object or perhaps by an interesting shadow or reflection. In this case, my friend Cathy had a vase of forsythia sitting in her living room. I was struck by the light in the vase along with the contrast of the deep blue curtains and the bright yellow flowers. I was also inspired by the reflection on the tabletop. To me, this is a very peaceful and meditative painting.

This 12 inch square painting is available for $175. Click the Buy Now button below or click here for other payment options.

"Peppermints" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

I found these peppermint candies in the bottom of my backpack.  I have no idea when I tossed them in but they looked pretty sad so I'm guessing it was quite a while ago.  Painting these mints was a bit of a challenge as I've never attempted to paint cellophane.

Like any new subject, the key is to focus on what you actually see as opposed to what you think you see.  I would have thought that the center of the mints were a very bright, white color.  However, the brightest color is the highlight on the wrapper and the mints are actually several shades darker.  My other observation is that the shadow under the mint is much darker than the shadow under the twisted cellophane wrapper.

In other news, congratulations to Jo Wray who won my January give-away!  To become eligible, sign up for my mailing list ... each month I randomly select someone to win.

"Sunlit Pears" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas

"Sunlit Pears" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas

Pears are probably my favorite fruit to paint.  Because of their shape, they have great personality and attitude.  I always laugh at myself when I buy fruit since I'm constantly evaluating each piece as a potential model for a future painting...shape, color, does it sit nicely, etc.  Yes, it can complicate the shopping process immensely!

In this painting, I really let loose on the color.   My main goal was to show the bright sunlight illuminating the pears as they sat on the windowsill.  I laid down broad strokes of color and didn't fuss with it much at all.  So, what do you think?  Did I go too funky or do you like it?  I'd love to hear your thoughts.

This painting is available for $60. If you are interested in purchasing it, you can do so in several ways:

1. Art on Main: For those who live in the Westford, MA area, visit Art on Main,

40 Main St, Westford, MA 01886

. We accept credit cards, checks and cash.

2. PayPal: For those who live far away, click the "Buy Now" button below to pay by Paypal/credit card. I will carefully pack and then ship the painting directly to your door.

3. Personal check or money order: If you're not a fan of paying online, I accept personal checks and money orders. Just send me an email (LaurieGMiller@gmail.com) and we'll work out the details.

"Cat Nap" - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

 

About the Painting:

I started with a bright pink ground and allowed the pink color to shine through in various spots.  I love that effect and have used it in many paintings.  I was able to keep my brushstrokes very loose and expressive.

About the Cat:

His name was Vito.  He was tough as nails.  He was rescued from a research lab at the Cornell Veterinary School just prior to being euthanized.  The insides of his ears were tattooed with his “lab number” as proof of his inauspicious beginning.  After being passed through a couple households (for various reasons), he ended up as part of my family.

Like a dog, Vito would greet you at the front door, usually meowing for food.  He was a voracious eater and never missed a meal.

Vito loved dogs and was more than happy to spend his senior years curled in front of the wood stove with his buddy Rain. 

"Cherry Line Dance' - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

"Cherry Line Dance" - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas

It's that time of year again when cherries are in season.  I had a hard time saving a few cherries for my still life and couldn't resist eating them after the painting was finished ... I usually avoid eating my models if they've been hanging out with oil paints.  So delicious!

"Stonewall Trio" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas

"Stonewall Trio" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas

Le Gourmet Jardin, the small shop connected to Art on Main, sells Stonewall Kitchen products. Lately, I’ve been buying the “Spicy Corn Relish” which tastes very fresh and has a nice kick to it. I always wanted to paint it since I really like the shape of the jar and the color of the relish: yellow corn mixed with bits of red peppers and green Jalapeno peppers.

The main rule of creating a good composition is variety. Take note of how the jars face slightly different directions, there is a larger gap between the middle and right jar, and I selected three different flavors to vary the color of the ingredients.

You can purchase this painting for $60 at Art on Main or directly from me by clicking on the "Buy Now" button below.

"Darlin' Daisies" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

"Darlin' Daisies"  - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas

“Darlin’ Daisies” is the result of the painting demo I gave at Art on Main during the Strawberry Festival. Flowers are ALWAYS a challenge to paint especially when someone is looking over your shoulder :)

 

"Just Ducky" - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD



"Just Ducky" - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas

Last week I took a still life painting workshop with Sam Vokey.  We were supposed to bring stuff to paint and Sam would help us design our composition.  Most people brought china vases, delicate linens, and beautiful flowers.  I’m just not a roses and teacup kind of person so I had one heck of a time figuring out what to paint.  At the last minute, I spotted my trusty Peterson Field Guide and binoculars.  Knowing that I needed something else, I added a rubber ducky which adds a nice color contrast (and a wee bit of humor).

"Ode to Andy" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas

"Ode to Andy" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas

My paintbrush has been busy for the past few weeks although I still don’t have anything to show for it. I’ve been working on a commission piece – a dog portrait. It is going well but I ran into a snag (too complicated to explain) so I just needed to put it aside for now.

I was looking through the cabinets for something fun to paint and came across this soup can. Of course, Andy Warhol made these cans famous in his first exhibit in Los Angeles in 1962. He created one canvas for each type of soup, 32 in all. He sold the entire set for a grand total of $1000.  About 5 years ago, one of his 1962 soup can paintings sold for 11.2 million! (That painting was not part of the original series of 32 which are now in the Museum of Modern Art). Just think, you can own mine for a mere $60!

You can purchase this painting Art on Main or directly from me by clicking on the "Buy Now" button below.  Speaking of Art on Main, we're hosting an opening reception on Thursday June 2 from 5 - 8 p.m. for watercolorist Joyce Youngberg.  If you live in the area, be sure to stop by!

"Do Si Donuts" - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

Do Si Donuts - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas

There is something comforting about a donut.  Every once in a while you just have to eat a donut.  'Nuff said.

"Double Date" - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

"Double Date" - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas

I was really proud of myself when I came up with the name for this one! 

"Winter Sun II" - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas

"Winter Sun II" - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas

Here’s a 2nd stab at the “Winter Sun” painting. This one is larger and a bit looser with the color. I’ve always loved to paint “backlit” scenes as the light is so dramatic. This painting has a nice warm yellow glow. If you look closely, I put a small purple edge on the window panes to really make that yellow “pop.”

You can purchase the "Winter Sun II" painting for $175 at Art on Main or directly from me by clicking on the "Buy Now" button below.

I’m really happy to report that the “Ocean Dip” painting that I auctioned on ebay was won by a NYC collector who is thrilled with the painting. It shipped off on Saturday to its new home. I happily wrote out the donation check to AmeriCares to support the disaster relief efforts in Japan. Many thanks to everyone who bid and supported me by spreading the word.

"Ooze" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas



"Ooze" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas

I had a hankering to paint a donut and picked out this beauty from the bakery case at the market. I had the pleasure of taking two or three bites to let the sweet, sticky jelly ooze out from the center.  It was a tough job but somebody had to do it.

You can purchase this painting for $60 at Art on Main or directly from me by clicking on the "Buy Now" button below. 

REMINDER: My ebay auction ends tonight, March 24 at 8:17 p.m. I’m donating 100% of the purchase price of the "Ocean Dip" painting to AmeriCares to support relief efforts in Japan. Click here for more information or to place your bid. Good luck and thank you for your support!

"Pepper on Plaid II" - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

When trying to improve your art skills, it is really a great idea to do a series of paintings on one subject. In repeating the same subject over and over, you can learn the intricacies and subtle nuances and really, really get to know it well. I don’t know if it is ADD or what but I get bored quickly with the same subject and rarely paint two consecutive painting of the same thing. In this case, I almost painted two pepper paintings back to back.

As a reminder, my “Ocean Dip” painting is up for auction on eBay and I will donate 100% of the purchase price to AmeriCares to support the relief efforts in Japan. The auction ends on Thursday, March 24. Click here to learn more and/or to bid.

"Winter Sun" - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

"Winter Sun" - 8x8 inches - oil on canvas

I walked into a friend’s house and was struck by the strong light streaming in from the windows in their sitting area. I had to go back to my car to grab my camera to capture the moment. What you can’t see is that this chair and couch face a fireplace which is frequently used. I can’t think of a nicer spot to sit, read and enjoy a cup of tea.

"Pepper on Plaid" - 8 x 8 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

I've been craving peppers lately and eating them raw. This is pretty strange considering that I've never been a huge raw pepper fan!  My theory is that I'm deficient in some vitamin and somehow these peppers contain exactly what I need. (Right now, Lilo, my pepper-phobic friend, is freaking out as she reads this post). Peppers are really fun to paint with their shiny surface and bumps and curves. So, while my cravings continue, you might be seeing more.

"Be Mine" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

I hope everyone has a chocolate-filled Valentine's Day with lots of love from friends and family!

"Late Day Apples" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas - sold

I set these apples up by the window. I like the “slices of white” between the apples which create interesting shapes on the windowsill. I tried to capture the subtle shades of deep red to light pink as the apple is illuminated by the light.

Gather 'Round - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

The big onion looks like he’s trying to round up the 3 little ones hence the title, “Gather 'Round.” I bought these cute little red onions at the Farmers Market last week. I was getting quizzical looks from the vendor as I examined the onions carefully, turning them over, etc. I finally explained that I was more interested in painting them than eating them.

In my composition, I originally had the three onions across the top and thought the shadows would be interesting enough for the bottom half of the canvas. When I finished, I realized that it needed something else so I added the fourth onion. As always, I tried to vary the placement, the color and the shape of each onion for the strongest composition.