Three Plums

Lately, I've been thinking about using more grays. In this painting I like the strong contrast of plums and light cloth but it feels like a big departure from my usual saturated bright colors.  Next time I'll try to find a more ideal compromise.

Happy Birthday Alex

Look who turns 17 today. My little muse.

Plum & Tulips

I tried to keep my brushstrokes loose today. I've taken a hard look at my painting style. I didn't do this on purpose and this wasn't my intention but it just sort of happened and I questioned everything. I found a painter whose work inspired me so much that I wanted to go in a totally new direction. This lasted a painful two days. So instead of changing what I like to paint which is still lifes, I decided to change one thing and that is to paint looser. For those interested in whose work I'm referring to, it's Connie Hayes at http://conniehayes.com. 

Bullock

This pastel drawing was inspired by a PETA calendar photo.  I know I have to go out and take my own photos but it isn't easy to find cows and steers that "moove" me. I'm enjoying pastel drawing but still figuring out what lines and texture I want to use, where to put them and in what combination.  Bill Creevy's book THE PASTEL BOOK has been helpful.

Candy-Coated Chocolates on Petal Plate

I've taken a couple of weeks off from painting and it's good to be back.  To make the transition to painting easier I chose my still-favorite blue petal plate and this time with candy-coated chocolates. It's amazing I didn't eat all the chocolates before now! Someone suggested I put apple slices on the plate and although a good idea,  it will have to wait its turn.

Wayne Thiebaud in conversations with Kenneth Baker

November 18, 2010

This is a video I've wanted to post for a while. If you have an hour in which to relax here's an interesting look at Wayne Thiebaud, some of his thoughts about art and his work. He's one of my favorites.

Growth

This painting is based on the Upstate Artists Monthly Painting Challenge "Growth". Our group of local artists meet monthly to talk about art, create a painting based on a changing theme and enjoy lunch together. My painting is of a living thing that grows and the apple, well it's just there because I'm currently enjoying painting apples. Another concept of growth is that this painting is on a larger panel and I haven't painted larger in a while.

Apple Challenge

I did this apple for the The Pare Down your Apple Challenge on Daily PaintWorks. The challenge was to paint an apple in as few areas of color as possible and have it read as 3 dimensional. This was a good challenge and one I've given myself  before. Today, I understood why I keep reworking; it's because I continue to see new spots of color. My challenge is to stop at the basic shape and be able to walk away.