"A New York Minute"

11 x 14"

oil on masonite

sold

I can tell you, as I stood in the same spot as this woman, looking at Georgia O'Keeffe's "Manhattan", I was in awe.I can't say I'm particularly crazy about modern art or O'Keeffe's flower paintings - but this is the exception. All of her cityscapes blow me away. One of the features I love about the Smithsonian American Art Museum is their placement of quotes on the walls. On the upper right of my painting, I wanted to hint at that, but not nit-pick at the accuracy of the lettering. Tough call to include it or not. But I did like the quote enough to accompany the painting. It is a quote from Georgia O'Keeffe reading "One can't paint New York as it is, but rather as it is felt".

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Warm Up of the Day

Warm Up of the Day

I think I'd like to start my days with a warm-up. Maybe a pencil drawing or ink or a quick oil - something quick. Something to loosen me up. I may sell them, I'm not sure if they're even going to be worthy - nonetheless I'd like to post them.

This quick study is a combination of ink and oil paints on drawing paper.

"Forming an Opinion"

12 x 12"

oil on masonite

sold

Sometimes I notice the perfect placement of art in museums. This was one of those times. Each piece stands alone as well as complimenting a nearby work of art.

This woman was viewing Joan Miro's "The Policeman", in the Art Institute of Chicago. I wish I could identify the sculpture. I suspect it is also a Miro. If anyone out there knows, please leave a comment.

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"Following a Lead"

9 x 12"

oil on masonite

sold

I feel like I'm finally coming out of a fog - getting over the flu and watching my dog recoop from surgery. I've lost time in painting and need to catch up with some new gallery pieces, so the small ones may have to wait a little while.

This young woman was viewing the very famous Renoir painting "Dance at Bougival", which hangs in the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. It is a truly marvelous work of art in person.

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"A Snooze"

6 x 6"

oil on masonite

sold

After a short walk around Union Square, I grabbed a taxi to a museum I missed on my last visit to San Francisco - the Legion of Honor. It was a bit cloudy, so it was a good time to duck inside and see some art. This gentleman had already settled down on a bench for a nap - assumably given the task of watching his wife's coat.

"Unions"

5 x 7"

oil on masonite

sold

This is another one of those challenges in painting, a lot of activity and depth - but I certainly wanted to focus on the two women. Outdoor scenes provide atmosphere and light, a plus because things pop out with color. These women were enjoying a morning coffee and conversation out on the plaza of Union Square, in the heart of San Francisco.

"Life in Layers"

6 x 6"

oil on masonite

sold

At times, when I start a painting like this, I think of how I can avoid the visual confusion of all the layers of activity. Paintings can be too busy especially compressed into a 6" square. Generally I start from the back, like the buildings across the street, and work my way in. I am very pleased with this piece, a little depiction of life in the big city.

Thus began the morning of my first day in San Francisco, fueling up with a Starbucks Mocha Cappacino and muffin to go.

"Taking Leave"

8 x 10"

oil on masonite

sold

It's been a cloudy, cool and mellow day out here in my studio and I painted this new piece, which I really like. These young, asian women are viewing Barent Fabritius's painting "Hagar & Ishmael Taking Leave of Abraham" - which hangs in the Legion of Honor in San Francisco. I was so struck by the womens' long coats, especially the colors - one being a warm gray, the other a wine. I do not know what particular religion or nationality their attire is connected to - perhaps someone would let me know.

Misery Loves Company

Jack seems to be doing okay today - after we came home from the vet's check-up this morning, he motored straight to the studio where he keeps me company when I work. The familiar seems to be the most comforting, especially napping next to his best buddy Petey. Perhaps I'll get a little painting done today.

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"Side Barred"

6 x 6"

oil on masonite

sold

The only way I know how to wait out Jack's surgery is to stay busy. So naturally I felt compelled to paint a dog. One of the many little sweeties that I spotted on my walk around San Francisco. This little guy was temporarily docked while his owner shared a cup of coffee with another friend. You might have read this before - when I go out of town, I miss my dogs terribly - but an occasional stop to kneel down and pet some fur and get my face licked really does the trick. I just love dogs.

My Dogs

I'm a nervous mother. Jack, the hound on the left, is going in for knee surgery tomorrow morning. I'm trying to convince myself I've been through worse, caring for both parents when they were terminally ill. And I know this is nothing compared - I'm just nervous and worried. Although I use this blog for art, I would appreciate anyone's thoughts or advice on the post-op care. The smallest comments can be so comforting and I thank you for it.

"Paperwork"

9 x 12"

oil on masonite

I did have a full day of painting today, with my dogs sleeping beside me. A most perfect day. This new painting is a scene taken from the Legion of Honor, in San Francisco - a schoolgirl spread out on the floor, working on a paper about the painting above, by Simon Vouet, titled "The Holy Family with the Infant Saint John the Baptist" done in 1626.

Click here if you'd like a larger view.

Things Happen

With all the best intentions of getting back into my painting routine, things happened instead. I caught a bad cold, probably from that lovely recirculated air in the plane - and one of my dogs ruptured the ligament in his knee. Which means surgery and a traumatic week for him and all of us. He should be fine, he's young and strong - but I hate when my pets are hurting. Bear with me - I'll be back to a normal pace of painting as soon as we all get our health back.

"Hospitality"

6 x 6"

oil on masonite

sold

And so to bed. The end of my short, first night in San Francisco. If you have to be away from home, the fine hospitality of a turned-down bed and a warm robe can feel quite nice.

It must be mentioned that these small, daily paintings are so beneficial to my work - the challenge of painting something I don't usually paint, to see and use color in unexpected ways. You tend to learn something new every day - and it really does matter in the long run. If you're an artist and you've taken on the daily practice of painting one piece, my advice is to remember to break away from the norm from time to time. Choose a completely different subject. Dab into a color you wouldn't normally use. Remember that things come alive with color. Enjoy and paint on, my friends.

"Three's a Crowd"

6 x 6"

oil on masonite

sold

This could be any city - what makes it San Francisco are those streetlights, which line the major pedestrian streets. They're very pretty. On my first night, arriving late, I popped out onto Market Street, just long enough to see the night life, listen to a band playing on the corner and grab a good cup of coffee. This guy was enjoying the band as well.

"Moon Over Market Street"

6 x 6"

oil on masonite

sold

I'd like to take you through my adventure in San Francisco, starting with the first night I arrived. I stayed nearby the bustling corner of Market and Fourth Streets, and when night falls, that area lights up like a Christmas tree. Your eyes dance around the colors and the movement of lights and people - it's just fantastic. This view is looking east, towards the Ferry Building way down in the unseen distance. I also had the pleasure of a bright, (near) full moon that added to the beauty of the city.

There's No Place Like Home

I love going on an occasional trip and I really love coming back home. Especially with brand new photographs and a huge desire to start painting again. And that should resume tomorrow.

My time in San Francisco was just fantastic. I took pictures around the city for two and a half days - all that leading up to the opening of my show on Saturday night. I can tell you that one minute it was 6 and the next time I looked at the clock it was nearly 9 and people were saying their 'goodnights'. I was so very proud. There were 25 paintings showcased and by the end of the weekend, 18 had sold. I still can't believe it.

You know..... there was a moment, when I was standing near the coast, looking at the Golden Gate Bridge and the bright, blue sky ....... thinking to myself, I am in San Francisco and my artwork is in a gallery ...... my God........how cool is that? Amazing. It was just amazing.

A Big Thank You for all the encouraging comments as I was progressing with the work for the show - to those who purchased my paintings - and to those who took the time to come meet me and see my paintings in person. All of that drives me and I appreciate it. Now it's back to the paints and a new series of daily pieces that are all about San Francisco.

The Happy City

I think this picture says a lot about San Francisco. It's a happy place. Nice people everywhere, the cab drivers are cheerful and friendly - I think it's all because folks really love living here. I would live here. I've got a few hours to rest up for the show tonight - I've taken about 700 photos since Thursday and I can't wait to start painting again.

I talked to my good friends this morning, Neil and Karen Hollingsworth - they had their opening in Atlanta last night - HUGE crowd and most of their paintings sold - I'm so proud to know them. Congrats to Neil and Karen! I can only hope for the same tonight - so come on down to the Cohen-Rese Gallery on Sutter Street, if you're in our neck of the woods.

Have a great weekend and I'll be back to painting in a couple of days.