Happy B-Day" - 6x6 inches - oil on canvas

"Happy B-Day" - 6x6 inches - oil on canvas

I usually don't go for too long without painting either a cupcake or a donut.  This particular cupcake was piled high with pink frosting so I decided to add a candle and turn it into a mini birthday celebration.

I started this painting with a bright green acrylic wash over my entire canvas.  In the end, I pretty much covered the green but you can see a bit of it peeking through in the candle, in the tabletop, and also in my signature.  (To sign most of my paintings, I use a rubber tip to scrape away the paint.  This only works if the paint is still wet enough so I always try to remember to sign my paintings right away).  

I tried hard to stay loose and not get too caught up in the folds of the paper in the base.  I was pleased with how the candle turned out and purposely picked a dark background so that the bright flame had a strong contrast to help it stand out.

"Happy B-Day" is a 6 inch square painting.  This painting is framed in a wood floating frame (see photo below).  You can buy it directly from me by clicking the Buy Now button below or, from Whiffle Tree Candle Co. in Billerica, MA.

Retro - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas

Retro - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas

This funky orange rotary phone was the inspiration for this week's painting.  My parents bought this phone many years ago and I remember using it as a kid and having a sore finger from dialing.  The phone is solid as a rock and probably weighs at least 5 pounds. 

This painting has a harmonious feel as I chose to paint it on a mustard yellow surface with a dark brown background so that all the colors are analogous.  I threw in a few pops of green here and there just to add some interest.  

"Retro" is a 12x12 oil on canvas painting with a wood floating frame (see additional photos below).  This painting is available at Artists Corner and Gallery in West Acton, MA, or, you can buy it directly from me by clicking the Buy Now button below.

Fujis - 12 x 12 inches - oil on canvas

"Fujis" - 12 x 12 inches - oil on cavnas

I love apples.  There is something very basic, comforting and wholesome about apples.  Lately, I've been buying Fuji apples and I really like the crisp, sweet taste.  I hadn't painted apples in a while so it was time.  I worked slowly and deliberately and really paid attention to the shifts in value and color to create the rounded forms.  In the past I've struggled with multi-colored apples but this one came together pretty easily -- a nice bonus!  Purchase info is below.

In other news, I'm now showing my work at the Whiffle Tree Candle Co.   This shop has been around for many years and is really charming.  The grand opening for the new Artisans' Market is the weekend of June 18 but they unofficially opened last week.  There are paintings, pottery, jewelry, woodcrafts, etc. -- a really nice selection of handmade items.  If you live anywhere near Billerica, MA, check it out.






"Fujis" is a 12x12 oil on canvas painting with a wood floating frame (see photos below).  This painting is available at Artists Corner and Gallery in West Acton, MA, or, you can buy it directly from me by clicking the Buy Now button below.

Button Down - 20 x 20 inches - oil on canvas

"Button Down" - 20x20 inches - oil on canvas

Some paintings flow and are nearly effortless.  This painting was not one of them!   The shirt was not the problem as that came together quite easily.  The paint flowed and I was happy with how it turned out in my first attempt.  

My problem was the background.  In my first version, I included some details of the door and I found it to be too distracting.  Second version eliminated the details but I painted it with some texture which was again, distracting.  With the third version, I went with a very light color.  I wasn't happy.  Fourth version was a dark background.  Again, not happy.  I finally found a middle ground with the fifth rendition!  A medium value with compatible colors and just enough texture to make the background interesting.  I'm really happy with the final version and am very glad that I kept at it until I was satisfied!

"Button Down" is a 20x20 oil on canvas painting with a wood floating frame (see photos below).  This painting is available at Artists Corner and Gallery in West Acton, MA, or, you can buy it directly from me by clicking the Buy Now button below.

Satsuma Mandarin and Grapes - 8x8 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

Satsuma Mandarin and Grapes - 8x8 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

There is a farm stand near my home, Idylwilde Farms, that I really enjoy.  It is actually much more than a farm stand.  They have a green house, a bakery, a deli counter, meats, fish, cheeses, wines, a large selection of gourmet products, and of course, great fresh produce.

On a recent visit, I spotted a bin of Satsuma Mandarins, a fruit I had never seen.  Most of the fruits had a stem with some leaves attached.  I probably spent 15 minutes digging through the bin to find a pleasing subject to paint.  Some had a giant cluster of leaves.  Some had leaves that were bent.  Some fruits didn't have a stem at all.  Finally, I found one that I liked.  

I never did eat the Satsuma Mandarin so I can't report on what it tastes like.  It sat in my studio a bit too long and spent too much time under a hot light surrounded by oil paints.  Hmmm.  Not too appealing for an afternoon snack.

"Satsuma Mandarin and Grapes" is an 8x8 oil on canvas painting with a wood floating frame (see photo below).