"Rocky" - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

"Rocky" - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas

I recently painted this Westie named "Rocky".  I've never met Rocky but was given a number of reference photos to work from.  Things got a bit tricky as I was asked to place Rocky in this outdoor setting but use this particular pose which was from an indoor shot.  Before I began, I used Photoshop to combine the two reference photos and basically cut Rocky out of the indoor photo and inserted him into this outdoor setting.  Combining references isn't too difficult as long as you pay attention to the light and shadows and make everything look consistent.

I love to paint animals so if you are interested in commissioning a pet portrait, click here for more information.

For those who live in the Westford, MA area, Art on Main is having our monthly "Wine and Nibbles" open house on Thursday, August 2 from 5 - 8 p.m.  I will be giving an oil painting demo from 5 - 6:30pm so stop by and say hello.

"Party Favor" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

I went to a "surprise" birthday party for a dear friend.  It would have been a surprise except we told her that she needed to supply the pool and an appetizer and that the rest of the group would bring everything else.  (Nothing like inviting yourself to a friend's house for a swim on a Sunday afternoon).  Like a good hostess, not only did she supply the appetizer and the pool, but she even made sweet little flower arrangements for everyone to take home as a party favor. 

I struggled with the composition on this one.  I decided to cut off the vase and simply focus on the flowers.  I like how the chair adds an element of interest in the background.  I'm always struck by how many decisions an artist must make when creating a piece of artwork...composition, color choices, canvas size and on and on and on. 

"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. 

"Before Hours" - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

"Before Hours" - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas

The Art on Main gallery is connected to two shops -- Eclectique and Le Gourmet Jardin.  I came in to work early one Saturday morning before the other shops opened.  As I glanced down the hallway to Ecletique, there was soft, morning light coming in through the sliding glass door.  I just couldn't resist trying to capture that morning glow.  Because Ecletique sells vintage finds, there were interesting (and challenging) objects to paint. 

I started with a bright orange ground and primarily worked from back to front.  I usually try to get the basic shapes, colors and values correct before adding the final details.  Claire, the owner of Ecletique, was thrilled that I painted her shop and decided to buy the painting... a happy ending for both of us  :)