"College Street"

6 x 6"

oil on masonite

sold

This is a very painterly piece - an impressionistic view of what could be considered just an ordinary street on a bright, summer's day in Asheville.

Just to mention - between all of catching up on the mundane chores of life this past week, I've been trying out a couple of ideas and a bit too shy to show them yet. With a little breathing room with the galleries fully stocked up on paintings, I try to take the opportunity to step back and study .... experiment.

One thing that gave me a jolt was watching this BBC miniseries "The Impressionists". Rent it, it's good. There's reminders that we need to take the time and look and study the world around us. It reminds me to stick with what I think we really do see, at a glance - the blocks and shapes of colors, shadows and light - and to paint just that.

I also discovered an artist that reminded me of what I just mentioned. He's Doug Braithwaite, and you'll notice the thumbnails look somewhat ordinary until you opt for a larger view.

"Judgement Day"

9 x 12"

oil on masonite

sold

This is a painting I've wanted to do for a long time. I kept passing over it because.... well.....I didn't know if I could pull it off. The light is sweet, the walls have many tones, and the women is somewhat vague because she was a step back from the spotlights. It was a tough one. The result, I think, is a really nice warmth, especially with the gold tones of the walls and the reddish-brown of the floor. I love it.

This was a scene taken from my opening reception, at the 16 Patton Gallery in Asheville.

Have a great holiday weekend - I think I'll take a couple days off myself.

Please click here for a larger view.