Tissue Paper

I've returned to the tissue paper theme. I'm fascinated by the the play of light on these translucent, colorful papers. Like "Purple Tissue" painted earlier this year, I decided to construct the composition by taping the pieces to my studio wall. The paintings have a trompe l'oeil effect, but with a painterly quality. I don't want viewers to forget they are looking at paintings.

The bright spot of red contrasts with the subdued colors in the paper bag and grey wall. Cast shadows are an important part of the composition. They add dimension and interest. The red shadow created from the light passing through the tissue is what makes the paper "read" as translucent rather than opaque.

"Red Tissue, Bag & String", 24"x 18", oil on board

I like this super bright color combination. The tissues light up the wall with their intense colors. They almost seem to float. I wanted to capture that light airy feeling. The origami crane echoes the idea. Again, shadows are important. The crane's cast shadow is a dominant design element.

"Taking Flight", 18"x 24", oil on board, Sold

Memories of Italy

The espresso cup is a souvenir from last October's trip to Italy. The focal point is the espresso and biscotti. Their warm hues contrast with the cool, monochromatic blues in the rest of the painting.

"Memories of Italy", 12"x 9", oil on linen, Sold

Vanity Paintings

This series is inspired by a couple of things. The first is this little round mirror that sits next to the clutter of cosmetics on my vanity. The second is the word "vanity" and its various definitions. 

I'm always a little embarrassed by the number of products I buy to enhance my appearance. Considering the size of the cosmetics industry, I guess I'm not alone in my search for the perfect color. The circular mirror is almost like a target framing the focal point in the composition. I like to paint reflections, but I think this is the first time I've incorporated a mirror in a still life. The painting with the faded rose is a nod to the "vanitas" theme of 17th-century Dutch paintings.
                                                                                                                                                                                   

"Vanity — Nail Polish", 8"x 8", oil on linen, Sold

"Vanity — Lipstick", 8"x 8", oil on linen, Sold

"Vanity — Faded Rose", 8"x 8", oil on linen, Sold

Smoked Ciscoes

It has been a few years since I've painted smoked fish. I'm fascinated by their iridescent bronze finish. The white butcher paper reflects the warm tones of the fish. 

"Smoked Ciscoes", 11"x 14", oil on linen, Sold

Bag of Donuts

This painting is an exploration of the colors of white. The range of values in the bag were limited which meant paying close attention to all the warm and cool color changes in the folds. I used warm colors to create the illusion of light passing through the bag. The cake of the donuts made some nice warm spots, too. I only ate one donut during the painting process. It was delicious.

"Bag of Donuts" 10" x 20", oil on board, Sold

Pitcher with Glasses and Lemons

I've had this pitcher for many years. I like the way its facets break up and multiply the object behind it. The pitcher anchors the composition, but the focal point is the glowing lemon wedge and glass in the foreground. I think the seeds are an important part of the painting even though they are a small element. I'm not sure why that is.

"Pitcher with Glasses and Lemons", 16"x 20", oil on linen , Sold

Purple Tissue

This is the painting I just completed for the "Purple Passion" exhibit at Art Beat in Hayward. Each year, Deanna and crew organize a show based on a color theme. Everyone is welcomed to exhibit a piece and the gallery's commission goes to our local arts organization, CHARAC. Very cool. I got an early start and worked and worked on a piece that ended up not working. At the last minute, I got this idea. It dried just in time! The exhibit is on display until March 7th.

"Purple Tissue", 18"x7", oil on board

Popcorn

While enjoying my favorite snack, I decided to try painting popcorn. I thought I knew all about popcorn, but discovered there are certain varieties that pop into more pronounced "mushroom" formations. The challenge was simplifying the masses of corn in the bowls while making them read as popcorn. These are my first paintings. I plan to work on a larger painting. Maybe include my popper?

"Popcorn in Silver Bowl", 8"x8", oil on linen

"Popcorn in Green Bowl", 8"x8", oil on linen, SOLD

Heirlooms

After a busy autumn that included an inspiring trip to Italy, I'm back to posting on my blog. I bought these heirloom tomatoes last summer at the Namakagon Grocer in Cable. The store owners grew a bumper crop. They were as delicious as they were beautiful. I enjoyed capturing the variety of colors from purple to red, yellow, orange and green. I thought the aqua carton was a good compliment to the warm colors of the tomatoes.

"Heirlooms", 11"x14", oil on linen, Sold

My Singer

How many objects have you carried with you throughout your life? This Singer sewing machine has been with me my entire 62 years. My mom made my baby clothes on it; then school clothes, prom dresses, and my wedding dress. She used it for countless curtains, slipcovers, tablecloths and pillow tops. I learned to sew on this machine. After I married, Mom gave me the Singer and I continued sewing for myself and our home. I wish it had an odometer. I'd love to know how many miles it has stitched over the years. I don't sew much anymore. My Singer is tucked in its original sturdy black case. Occasionally I pull it out for a mending job. When I open the case, I'm greeted with the familiar smell of electric motor and fabric lint mixed with a lifetime of memories.

"My Singer", 24"x18", oil on board, Sold