Last Light Twilight Landscape Painting

It has been a long time since I have painted on a black canvas.  I used to do it occasionally and the effects are often exciting, but it has been a long time since I've worked this way.  This acrylic landscape painting was created on a canvas prepared with black gesso. I wanted to increase the contrast between the sunny grass and trees and the dark and distant horizon.  It was fun and I like the effect. The painting is 9x12 inches on a gallery canvas.  Prints are available from my website.  Click here to view this painting on my website and select from fine art reproductions on paper, canvas, metal, or acrylic.  The print can also be framed and matted for a beautiful finishing. 

Violet Shapes

A friend of mine gave me an African Violet that he grew from a leaf.  He said the plant from which he took the leaf had been around for years.  The plant was healthy and happy, so I was inspired to paint.  This is a bird's eye view of one of several African Violets that I now own.  The original painting was created on an 8x10 inch gallery canvas with oil paints.  I began with a red under painting and added layers of color to develop the image.  Reproduction prints are available for sale at my website, and when the paint dries on this I will probably sell it in my Etsy Shop with some of my other still life paintings.

Pear Shadows Still Life Oil Painting

I'm still on a fruit binge.  I couldn't resist the color of these luscious pears.  They come home colored green, sit on my counter for a few days and turn a wonderful, sweet yellow.  A bowl of them in my studio while the wind whips and the rain pours reminds me that there is sunshine stored in these fabulous little orbs.  The paint isn't quite dry on the original, but when it does, the 8x10 inch oil painting will be listed for sale in my Etsy Shop where I sell my small originals.  Prints are also available from my website in sizes from 6x8 inches through 36x48 inches.  The entire collection of prints is available here.  I hope you will stop by.

Fruit Binge

I'm on a binge; a binge for painting fruit.  I go through these stages where I want color.  Fresh fruit provides it for me.  Three red apples, one with only a half life left, were my subject for this original oil painting.  It was created on a 6x6 inch gallery canvas.  When it dries, I will sell the original in my Etsy Shop.  Reproduction prints on archival paper, canvas, acrylic, or metal are also available from my website in sizes up to 35x36 inches. 

Color in the Fog

The weather is typical October--a lot of fog and damp air that makes people stay inside and drink tea. The cold has made me long for some bright color and sunshine.  It is these colorful little fruits that finally brought the sunshine home.  Sitting in my studio, painting bright colors make me feel a little more cheerful on the gray days of autumn.  This painting was created on a 6x6 inch gallery canvas.  When the paint is dry, I will list it for sale in my Etsy Shop.  Now it is available as a fine art reproduction from my website. I hope you will enjoy the bright colors like I did. 

Loving the Landscape

My paintings seem to emerge in spurts. I will paint a still life paintings for weeks or months, then move to abstracts, then to landscapes, then cycle through again.  Right now it seems I am moving back to landscapes.  It isn't a conscience decision; it just seems to happen.

This painting was inspired by a trip to Central Oregon a couple of summers ago.  As part of the trip, my family and I ventured to Smith Rock State Park.  It is a very diverse landscape.  Rugged rocks and cliffs make up a portion of the park, but the Crooked River runs along the edge and provides enough water for Pine trees and grassy vegetation to make a life.  We started out hiking Misery Ridge, which is very aptly named.  It is steep, rocky, and not for people who get nervous with heights. But, once the summit is reached, there is a beautiful view and you can meander down to the River Trail.  This original painting was based on a view along the River Trail.  The painting is 8x10 inches, but larger reproduction prints are available for sale here along with some of my other Oregon landscape paintings.

In the Mist

As those of you who follow my blog know, I've been on an abstract kick for a while now.  What can I say, the paint takes me where it wants to go, but recently I moved back to oils and landscape painting.  This 11x14 inch painting was the result.  I was working on creating depth, trying to create that feeling of the background receding.  It was nice for a change.  Change seems to come around whether we are ready for it or not.  Reproduction prints of this painting are available for purchase here.  If you are interested in the original, contact me here by clicking on the contact link. 

Swirling Spiral

A little color, a little swirl, and a lot of drippy paint--it was fun creating this squiggled swirl that twists and turns.  Fine art reproduction prints are available in sizes 6x8 inches to 24x30 inches for a room that needs some spark.  Click here to view availability of print types and a full range of sizes:  canvas prints, framed prints, art prints, acrylic prints, metal prints, and greeting cards.

A Little City Life

Playing with lines, shapes, and colors resulted in this abstraction of a cityscape.  As I worked, I imagined early evening, just dark enough that the light from the interior broadcasts itself outside to passersby.  Some windows, a door, a little light from a basement are all in my imagination.  Canvas prints, framed prints, and fine art reproductions are available to purchase by visiting this link. 

Abstract Painting August Ground Squall

Working on creating new art and photography skills has been my focus for the past couple of weeks.  This painting was inspired by some really hot days in August, those days when the sky no longer feels blue and the sun feels like it is melting.  I created the painting on a 9x12 inch canvas with acrylic paint and my goal, when photographing it, was to fill the view finder.  With the magic of digital photography, I was able to create an image that is reproducible up to size 35x40.  Reproductions are available from my website.

After Midnight Abstract Painting

Today's work shows I'm back to using paint, my favorite media.  As I painted this abstract I kept hearing Eric Clapton's song, "After Midnight" playing in my head.  I think it means that this painting is about being young, having fun, and, as the lyrics go, "we're going to let in all hang down."  It was wonderful to slap some paint around, feel loose, easy, and comfortable.  Fine art prints, reproductions, and greeting cards are available for purchase from my website. Hope you will visit.

Creating Digital Art

Usually my media of choice is paint on canvas, but recently I've started to do a little bit of digital collage.  This image has quite a few layers, can't remember how many anymore, but it is a nice mix of some of my original painted work, some Photoshop brushes and Photoshop effects.  The background layer was developed from one of my original paintings as was the tree image.  I added more layers, filters, created some new brushes, arranged, and rearranged until I found a pleasing composition.  It was nice to be able to create art when I was traveling and paint wasn't an option.  I am offering fine art reproductions, posters, and greeting cards of this image.  Visit here for more information on purchasing and availability.  My paints will probably remain my favorite tool for creating art, but it was nice to take a little vacation and experiment with digital imagery.  

Red Texture

Experimentation with texture continues!  I had a great time with this 16x20 inch abstract.  Crackle paste, fiber paste, gesso, fabric, and a whole lot of red paint worked together to create this painting that I call Morning Grit.  It is fresh like morning yet gritty like the streets.  Contact me if you are interested in purchasing the original painting; posters and fine art reproductions are also available for purchase.  More details are here.  You can visit Fine Art America for more red abstract paintings.

Earth and Sky and Modeling Paste

Earth, sky, and some modeling paste for texture were the inspiration for this abstract landscape painting.  I am fascinated by the sky, the way it changes, it's infinite size, but I also am curious about all those things underground:  rock, dirt, minerals, pebbles, stones, fragments, fossils, and moisture.  All of these ideas worked together to help me create this painting.  The original painting is 16x20 inches on canvas, but I have also made prints and greeting cards available to those who might be interested in placing this work in your home or office.  Visit here for more details on price, size, and reproduction options.  Visit my website or my Etsy shop to view some of my other works for sale.

Exploration

Although my blog may appear as though my artistic life is slow, it has actually been a very busy summer.  I have done quite a bit of traveling and exploring new media.  Abstractions have garnered my attention and I've played a lot with acrylic paint and the incredible array of mediums available.  The abstract painting above is one that is appropriate for this back to school season because it celebrates handwriting in this digital age where young people no longer learn the art of using cursive.  You can read more about it at this link.  I've also been dabbling in digital art.  Visit again soon and you will be able to see more of my work.