Slices of Light - 6 x 6 inches - Oil on canvas - SOLD

When looking for stuff to paint, I prefer to use natural light from a window instead of setting up a still life illuminated by a lamp. However, natural light changes quickly so you have very limited time to capture highlights and shadows before they change. As a result, I usually photograph my subject right away. I painted this during my gallery sitting time at Art on Main, so, before going to the gallery, I set up this arrangement at home, took a photograph, and then brought everything with me. Having the actual Clementine sections with me was extremely helpful in trying to capture the original feeling of the set up. They also became my snack at the end of the day :)

Opportunity Knocks - 12 x 12 inches - Oil on canvas

This painting is dedicated to my Dad, Kenneth L. Miller, who passed away on February 17, 2010. He loved spaghetti :)

Ruby Red II - 6 x 6 inches - Oil on canvas - SOLD

I enjoyed the previous grapefruit painting so much that I decided to tackle the same subject from a slightly different angle. This time, instead of blue, I toned my canvas with a wash of red. The end result is quite different with a much softer and “warmer” glow. The spoon was a challenge from that angle and I’m pretty pleased with the end result.

Ruby Red I - 6 x 6 inches - Oil on canvas - SOLD

This is actually my 2nd attempt painting this set up. In my first try, I made the spoon too small. When I stood back, it seemed funky and out of proportion. That was actually a good reminder to periodically step back when I’m painting. It is amazing how I can be merrily painting along and things seem to be going well. Then , I'll cross the room to look from a distance and something will immediately jump out at me that is definitely out of kilter!

Cupcake on Stripes - 6 x 6 inches - Oil on canvas - SOLD

I’ve painted cupcakes before and will probably paint them again. They are very cute and lovable (and usually taste damn good too!). In honor of Valentine’s Day, I picked a pink frosted beauty with red and white sprinkles. I wanted this painting to be fun, funky and festive so I used bright colors and just let the paints fly.
This painting is available for $50 and will hang at Art on Main. It can also be purchased directly by contacting me. 6.25% sales tax applies to MA residents. Shipping is $8.

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!

Limelight - 6 x 6 inches - Oil on canvas

I stole these limes from a friend ... I’m not much of a lime fan and never buy them. For whatever reason, she had about a dozen leftover from Thanksgiving…. she mentioned something about Margaritas. I didn't realize that was traditional as I'm used to the basics: turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce.

In any case, I wanted a strong light source to show the translucence of the limes. I added subtle touches of yellow-orange here and there which add a nice, warm glow. I tried to keep my brush strokes loose and expressive and not get too bogged down with detail.

This 6 inch square painting is available for $60.  Click the Buy Now button below or click here for other payment options.

"Pretty in Pink" - 12 x 12 inches - Oil on canvas

I spotted this cyclamen in a country store and had to buy it. After my purchase, they wrapped the plant in a shiny piece of foil that I thought would be fun to paint. But, after fooling with it for a while, I just couldn't get a shape that I liked. The foil just overwhelmed everything else. Eventually, I removed it and settled on the plain green pot.

I confess that I’m not great at caring for houseplants. My daughter left her spider plant (named “Algebra”) in my care. I remember to water it whenever she is scheduled to visit (every few months). I’ve found that spider plants are impossible to kill and don’t seem to mind having bone-dry soil. I hope my new plant is just as forgiving!

This painting is available for sale by contacting me directly, or, you can purchase it at “Art on Main”, 40 Main Street, Westford, MA where it will be hanging. The cost is $150. Shipping is $12. (MA sales tax applies for MA residents).

Big Mac Attack - 12 x 12 inches - Oil on canvas - SOLD

Meet Macintosh. Apparently, this big boy has quite the appetite! I've never met Mac but got to know him through a series of pictures. The actual photo that I selected as a reference showed Mac sprawled across the carpet but I felt there would be too much white space to include his entire body. So, I cropped the image and just kept enough of his torso to show his beautiful coat. The light blue area around Mac and the green bag is referred to as "negative space". I was careful to vary the size and shape of these areas as the negative space is just as important as the main points of interest in creating a solid composition. This painting was a commission will be shipped off to the owner after it has a chance to dry for a bit. Enjoy!

Monday Night Meeting - 12 x 12 inches - Oil on canvas - SOLD

I've been itching to paint a night scene for some time now. I tried to capture the glow of the lights as they illuminate the front entrance. I chose mainly warm colors – yellows and oranges – probably since the weather is still relatively warm and the fall decorations were in place. You can contrast this with another night scene I painted several years ago (mainly cool colors - blues and purples - using watercolors). The title, "Monday Night Meeting", stems from our weekly meetings at the "Art on Main" gallery.

Spring Morning - 12 x 12 inches - Oil on canvas - SOLD

This painting is based on a photo I took several years ago just after we installed a G-clef on the PCA's bell tower. This particular Spring morning, the Westford Common was filled with campaign signs and sandwich boards. Traffic was starting to pick up as people rushed to do errands. I tried to capture a sense of this energy along with the morning light as it reflected off the road and the cars.

Acorn Scramble - 6 x 6 inches - Oil on canvas - SOLD

I've become a bit obsessed with acorns. The past couple months, I've collected quite a few and have lined them up on my bedroom windowsill. When fresh, acorns are a beautiful shade of green. Unfortunately, they dry out and fade to a dull, tan color. These acorns were actually quite dull so I used some artistic license to punch up their color. 

"2nd Bloom" - 12 x 12 inches - Oil on canvas - SOLD

I’ve had my eye on this violet for a while now. I finally asked my friend Cathy if I could borrow it. She is very proud that it is in bloom for the second time (hence the title, “2nd Bloom”). I love the pinkish underside of the leaves as they make a nice contrast to the green on top. The plant is like a crown on top of this little hand painted pot. I just couldn’t resist.

To those who requested a photo of my reception, below is a nice panoramic taken by my sister.

View from the Ferry - 12 x 12 inches- Oil on canvas - SOLD

Well, my life has been a whirlwind this month. My Opening Reception for “Reflections on Fifty” was all that I dreamed of and more. I had 150+ guests come through and enjoy a really nice evening of live music, gourmet food and a lively and friendly atmosphere. My friends and family pitched in and it was a smashing success…thank you to all those that helped!  Of the 50 paintings, only 7 are still available. Wow. I never imagined the response to my artwork would be so overwhelmingly positive.

Well, on to new work. The above painting is based on a photo I took from the Boston Harbor Islands ferry. I had a pretty clear vision of how I wanted it to turn out. The sky was incredibly dramatic as storms passed through. The clouds were a strong mix of deep grays and purples. The foreground water was a blue-green, almost teal color. I kept the buildings simple and wanted this to be a fairly abstract painting.

Stony Brook Reflections - 12 x 12 - Oil on canvas - SOLD

I donated this painting to the "Westford Friends of East Boston Camps" for their Fall Foliage Festival which included a silent auction.  Over 600 people attended and they raised a chunk of money to help preserve and maintain a beautiful piece of property recently purchased by the town.

I don't think landscapes are my strong suit but, with each one that I attempt, I'm getting better so I keep plugging away.  At one point, this painting looked a bit too tropical so I had to rework the shape of the foliage and tone down some of the strong blue/green colors.  I'm fairly pleased with the final result and hope whoever bought it is enjoying it.