July Lunch

Although I wanted this arrangement to have a random look, I spent a fair amount of time designing the composition. I drew intersecting diagonal lines on my canvas to help determine where to  place the focal point and how to lead the eye through the composition. I also decided I wanted blue as the color theme. Before starting the large painting, I painted a small study to experiment with colors and composition.

"July Lunch", 16" x 20", oil on linen, Sold

Little Hen

I painted this hen from life... in my studio. Ok, she is mounted. I wanted to create the atmosphere of a dimly lit chicken coop.

"Little Hen", 9" x 12", oil on linen, Sold

More Lures

I'm continuing to have fun with the "Lure Series".

Each painting is 8" x 8" x 1.5", oil on linen, Sold

Figures

In June my friend Judy and I took a portrait workshop from William Schneider at the Peninsula School of Art in Door County, WI. The emphasis was on developing a loose technique when painting portraits and figures. Bill was an excellent instructor and we both learned a lot. We really liked the school. 

I painted this before taking the workshop. It's from a photo I took of my niece. I painted a smaller version a couple of years ago. This time I painted with a limited palette of colors: yellow ochre, ivory black, cadmium red and titanium white. This palette was often used by the Swedish painter, Anders Zorn. I'm amazed at the range of flesh tones and colors that can be achieved with these four tubes of paint. I used ivory black mixed with white for her eyes and they look blue in the context of the painting. 

"Mink & Pearls", 9" x 12",  oil on linen, Sold

Rebecca was one of our models during the workshop. I painted an oil study of her in class as well as taking photos. I created this painting later in my studio using the photos and oil study for reference.

"Rebecca", 18" x 14", oil on linen

This is a larger version of a painting I did last winter. I was happy with the smaller painting, but was struggling with the larger one. After the workshop, I started over and was able to solve the problems I was having. 

"Red Scarf # 2", 20" x 16", oil on linen, Sold

Square Format

Over the past couple of years, I've enjoyed painting in a square format. I'm not sure why, but I do love a grid. Here are some works created this winter and spring.

"Pomegranates", 8" x 8", oil on linen, Sold

Although I used a full palette of colors, this painting has a monochromatic look. I also experimented with a smooth gessoed painting surface which gave the brush strokes a different character.

"Spoons", 8" x 8", oil on board, Sold

I like these bold shapes and the simple color scheme.

"Tea with Lemon", 8" x 8", oil on linen

"Ready to Plant", 8" x 8", oil on linen, Sold

"Steam Iron", 8" x 8", oil on linen

"Pears & Spoon", 8" x 8", oil on linen, Sold

Shadows

Although I deal with light and shadow in all my paintings, I tried something different with these two. There is a strong cast shadow running across the subject. It seems to create an interesting atmosphere.

"Work Gloves", 9" x 12", oil on linen, SOLD

"Beer & Cap", 8" x 8", oil on linen, Sold

Red Scarf

Jane, our niece (and my favorite model), visited us this winter. She was kind enough to pose outside while I shot photos. This was my favorite pose. I like the warm light coming through the cool shadows and the bright splash of red.

"Red Scarf", 12" x 9", oil on linen, Sold

Lure Series

This winter I worked on a series of lure paintings. I'm fascinated by the elegant and sometimes wacky designs of lures. The tackle boxes of family and friends held treasure troves of interesting subjects. While the paintings are representational, they are not "lure portraits". The lures were starting points, inspiring the color palettes, textures and shapes in each painting.

Each painting is 8" x 8" x 1.5", oil on linen     All these paintings have been sold.

Farmers' Market

In a couple of weeks the farmers' market in Cable will be open for the season. I always look forward to my Saturday trips to buy beautiful veggies for eating and painting. Below are three paintings inspired by last summer's market.

"Farmers' Market Sunflowers", 10" x 8", oil on linen, sold

"Cherries", 9" x 12", oil on linen, sold

"Garlic & Scapes", 24" x 12", oil on board, sold

Oranges and Pitcher

I was thinking about achieving a sense of space when I set up this composition using complimentary colors.

"Oranges and Pitcher", 16"x17", oil on linen, SOLD