Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Bird of Paradise

It was a frustrating painting day, the painting I had planned just didn't come together.

So I did a quick loose painting of the Bird of Paradise that I had received on a special occasion

6" x 6" acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas

Monday, November 26, 2007

In Search of Gauguin


When I studied Paul Gauguin in university, I didn't appreciate his art as I do now. It's interesting how as we change and grow, so does our taste in art.

The pot is from Oaxaca, famous for its "black pottery". While painting, I was reminded of good times spent in Mexico.

6" x 8" acrylic painting on gallery wrapped canvas - SOLD

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Coffee Table Collection


One of the perks when I worked in a bookstore was ordering books out of a catalogue for a very good price, needless to say I have a whole collection of big coffee table books.

I almost always chose the book for it's cover.

6" x 8" acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Indulgence


This painting is about indulgence, an expensive half bottle of wine on our recent trip.

It continued (the indulgence) today, my day off, with coffee, the cat and laptop in bed. I then wandered over to the studio and painted all day, neglecting to pay the bills, do the laundry and grocery shop.

I started the painting in a much more realistic detailed way and after taking a break decided it wasn't working for me and loosened up adding more colour and taking out the detail. I like it much better.

8" x 10" acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas - NFS

Monday, November 19, 2007

Thirst Quenching



On our trip to San Francisco we were treated to a beautiful room on the ocean. The glass of water came with room service, I indulged and it was wonderful.
This painting was a bit of an experiment. I painted the glass and table with depth while leaving the curtains and chair as decorative backround. I was quite pleased with the outcome.
8" x 10" acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Fisherman with Pelican


This is a quick painting of the pelican waiting for his treat. It was a cool, misty day on the pier.

6" x 8" acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Pelican

He was the star on the pier in Santa Cruz. We don't have pelicans where I live, so I found him quite fascinating. He strutted around and posed for people taking pictures.

He also waited for treats from the nearby fisherman. If I can get my act together, you might see that tomorrow.


6"x 8" acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas



Sunday, November 4, 2007

Venice Musicians


When we were having lunch in Venice, these two musicians showed up and played for us. I am quite pleased with this painting, there are a few things I would like to change but thought I would leave it for now as I'm going away for a week.

I am tagging along on a business trip to San Francisco, I hope to be inspired, have some fun and check out some of the art galleries while I'm there.

8" x 8" acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas - SOLD

Saturday, November 3, 2007

Venice Alley


I was very fortunate to be able to spend some time in Venice this past Spring.

This painting is a more traditional painting and the warmth of the Venetian sun that day, found it's way into my studio on a rainy Saturday morning.

8" x 8" acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas - sold

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Masks of Venice



It's probably not what most artists paint when they visit Venice, but I have found it always interesting to watch people. This group was looking at the kiosks of masks that were being sold.

It is one of my regrets that I didn't buy a mask. I had one all picked out that I found in a little artisan shop but it was the beginning of the day and I thought I'd pick it up on the way back. It never happened.

I painted random bright colours as an under-painting and then filled in the masks and people.

6" x 8" acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas