"Quintessential Duvall"

14 x 4"
oil on masonite
sold

I worked and worked and worked on this new painting - constantly making decisions on tightening up or loosening the brush strokes. It's a different experience painting landscapes, where I want the depth, shapes and color to be the most important features - but personally I try hard to not illustrate the scene at the same time. It's been both a challenge and pleasure to switch over to landscape pieces - considering 95% of what I paint is figurative.

This serene farmland is in Duvall, Washington - outside of Seattle.

Please click here for a larger view.

Different Strokes from Different Folks - Week One

A week ago, I launched a new blog Different Strokes From Different Folks ~ the purpose is to provide one photograph and invite artists to draw or paint the image their way. This first week, the photo was of my dog Jack and I say this with a lump in my throat - I had 54 artists submit their work to my blog. Not only was this an unexpected response ~ it also helped heal the hurt of losing Jack and I thank you all for that. Some took the proceeds of the sales and donated to their local animal shelter or vet and some have offered to give me their artwork ~ both have touched me so deeply. No matter what - you're all good people. For a larger view of this collection, click here.

And to those who'd like to contribute a painting or drawing to the weekly subjects, please submit your image no later than each Wednesday night. If you miss out, there's gonna be a new photo to take on every week. Initially, I said I would accept any subject late, but due to the great response to this exercise, I need to keep it manageable on my end.

Week 2 will be a landscape - the photo can be viewed here - and remember, you can take any part of the photograph, crop it as I did, or use the whole image, whatever you wish. I can't wait to see what you do.

One last comment regarding the new blog ~ although I have nothing against digital art, my intentions are to push each of us to use all other mediums. Thank you.

"Borderline"

6 x 6"
oil on masonite
sold

I feel like I've been painting too tight lately. It's tension I suppose. So this morning, I vowed to keep it looser, more painterly. This is a good scene to tackle - not wanting to paint every stick or every blade of grass - I started it much different than the usual. And just when I thought I'd wipe it all off and start over, it started to work.

From Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

"Purple Night"

12 x 9"
oil on masonite
sold

My choices for landscapes are driven by not wanting to depict what is common - but to take from another perspective - from an otherwise overlooked place. Perhaps I have such a vivid memory of this moment too, as I faced the Atlantic Ocean, perched over the rooftops, thinking how lucky I was to be there under the bright, full moon ....... just at the right place at the right time.

As I post this new painting, I am cringing at the same time - thinking the thumbnail image looks a little too much like a Thomas Kinkade painting. Truth is, it doesn't in real life. The brush strokes are more interesting and evident, the dozens of different greys are subtle ...... I'm defending what you see. It's a good example of what can't be conveyed in an image.

Please click here for a larger view.

An additional note ~ it's hard for me to believe it, but our beloved cat Willy, died this weekend. He was nearly 18 years old, lived outdoors, lived 9 lives over and over again and passed away in the spot where we commonly saw him basking in the sun. It feels cruel, to lose two of our pets within a week. I've painted Willy a couple of times through the years, no doubt I'll paint him again and again. Happy trails dear Willy.

"Four O Four"

16 x 8"

oil on masonite
sold

The upcoming group show at 16 Patton is all about landscapes - which does push me to paint what I normally don't on a larger scale. And I do think all of those little daily paintings of houses and more rural scenes prepared me for doing a better job here. Please come see it at the gallery in the fall months - it's a sweet painting in person.

From the Delaware countryside, off US Hwy 404, someone's little slice of heaven.

Please click here for a larger view.

Different Strokes from Different Folks

I kick-started a new blog today - a weekly call for entries to all the painters, drawers, etchers out there in our huge community of artists on the web. It was inspired by Mona Conner, who painted her own version of my dog Jack and mentioned there might be more pouring in from fellow painters. It really touched me and I'd like to make this our first challenge - to take my photograph, which will be posted every Wednesday, and run with it.

I want you to enjoy it, not sweat it. Take an hour, take five hours. Whatever you want. Turn the photo upside down and paint it. Crop it. Add, subtract, embellish or fade the colors. Jump in the waters. Don't be shy. We all need a little inspiration and it's interesting to see the same scene through different eyes.

And dozens of paintings of Jack would make me happy. I can't deny that.

"Somebody's Up"

6 x 6"
oil on masonite
sold

Also a soothing subject to paint - the quiet and still moments in the night. A row of beach cottages - one household seemingly asleep but with the porch light on for a late arrival - the other with an upstairs guest still up, maybe with a good book.

From Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

Solace

8 x 10"
nfs

Painting my sweet Jack today gave me solace. I know there are brighter days ahead, there always is. Thank all of you - for the emails, the comments left, the thoughts - all of it. You must know just how much it matters.

A larger view of this painting is here.

Our valiant Jack

Our brave, stoic Jack was put to sleep. I pour over the photos to keep the visual memories in my head as happy and healthy as he once was. He was always brave, always sweet, always laid back - a contrast to his big brother Petey, who is full of drama. It will be impossible not to see him around every corner - he had his chair, his bench, his couch and his own little bed in the studio.
He even had his own hiding place, under a maple tree, where he quietly watched the squirrels and chipmunks. He loved going for walks first thing in the morning, rain or shine, then promptly jumped up on his bench and fell fast asleep while we read the paper. He loved romping through the cemetery with his brother and my man - a male-bonding treat that happened most every day for eight years. He was a man's dog, happy to share a Sunday afternoon watching MotoGP in the den. He had one trick - just one - where he would give us a big stretch right before we put on his collar. He howled when he heard sirens in the distance, prompting a chorus of all dogs in a 1-mile radius.

I lost a dog ten years ago, I remember thinking he had been through the hardest times with me and it would have been unimaginable without him by my side. Jack has been with us through the best years of our lives - we're not done yet - he left too soon. But it was because of him that we've had such happy times and lots of laughs. Happy trails to our dear Jack.

"Refuge"

8 x 5"
oil on masonite
sold

I'm joining in on another themed group show - coming up at 16 Patton in October - titled 'Landscapes: Of Hope & Glory'. I may not have done very many landscapes in the past four years of painting, but I am anxious to, and here is my first of several.

I found myself staying tight with the brush strokes - because it is a smaller format and it felt like every little stroke of color or glimmer of light mattered. This peaceful refuge is on the outskirts of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

Please click here for a larger view.

"X"

9 x 12"
oil on masonite
sold

I think I needed to see warm, autumn colors - I'm sooooo ready for fall. John Singer Sargent's painting 'Madame X' was my top choice, one of my personal favorites, a work of art that takes my breath away. This portrait of Virginia Amelie Avegno Gautreau hangs in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, a must-see. Sargent had to endure the scandalous response to this painting, even from the sitter's mother, who insisted the portrait not be exhibited in the Paris Salon. He did alter the shoulder straps, lessening the amount of flesh to please the masses.

In the flesh (pardon the pun), the skin is masterful, as Sargent accentuates the lavender-powdered, pale tones against the black and rich, warm surroundings. Perfection.

Please click here for a larger view.

"Group Hug"

7 x 7"
oil on masonite
sold

A few of us in the Daily Paintworks group painted tomatoes today. I enjoyed it very much - a change of pace, subject matter... always a good thing. And using oils for what they are meant for - free-flowing color and brush strokes.

"Boogie On"

6 x 6"
oil on masonite
sold

A scene from the beach, somewhat abstract surrounding the woman on the bicycle - I enjoy that about this new piece.

"Under The Rainbow"

9 x 9"
oil on masonite
sold

All's right under the rainbow umbrella - from Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

Please click here for a larger view.

"Walk With Me"

8 x 10"
oil on masonite
sold

Today is a special day - my mom's birthday and the day my dad passed away. I like to think they're walking hand in hand on some beach in paradise. They were a great example of how to love - they were kind to each other.... best of friends. They were an enduring love through thick and thin. I miss 'em.This new painting will be auctioned with 100% of the winning bid donated to the Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Home, here in Atlanta. They took great care of my dad and I'm forever grateful. In addition, I will personally match the amount - so please, consider a bid - and I thank you.

"Walk Through"

12 x 12"
oil on masonite
sold

I went away. Just for a couple of days, unplanned, but needed. I reached a point of (slight) burn out. My Jack has had good days and awful days and I felt overwhelmed, as we do when we take care of ailing loved ones. I needed a break - yet I anguished over leaving even just for an afternoon. But it gets to the point where you can't function and I don't have time for that.

So..... I took a nice, easy roadtrip to the South Carolina coast, enough time to visit the gallery I've got new paintings in, meet the nice people who take care of my work. I got a little time in on the beach, of course taking pictures of tons of people - then watched a nearly-full moon rise over the ocean. Pure bliss. Unplanned and just what I needed.

If you're saying to yourself another painting of Paris Street, Rainy Day, just know - I cannot get enough of this masterpiece. The couple up front, seemingly walking right through the frame onto the floor of the museum - it is the biggest draw in the Art Institute - capturing people's awe all day long.

Please click here for a larger view.

"Beefy"

5 x 5"
oil on masonite
sold

Another fascinating creature - spotted in the countryside of south Georgia. My first cow.

"Fred"

5 x 5"
oil on masonite
sold

My occasional pond visitor, who I named Fred. My first frog (painted that is).

"Georgia Girl"

6 x 6"
oil on masonite
sold

A cute, young lady eagerly waiting for a summer parade - from south Georgia.

"Pool Man"

6 x 6"
oil on masonite
sold

Great color and great scenery at the pool.

"Beside Herself"

8 x 10"
oil on masonite
sold

If I ever make it to the big time - I'll have 17 air conditioners in my studio, all blowing directly on me. And a swimming pool. It is hot.

This moment taken from the Art Institute of Chicago, a woman standing beside her likeness in Modigliani's 'Woman with a Necklace'.

Please click here for a larger view.

"Hallelujah"

16 x 5"

oil on masonite
sold

I've wanted to do this painting for a long time - a hallelujah chorus singing in the park, in Washington, DC. Very fun to paint, although it took a while to complete.

Please click here for a larger view.

All's Well

I've been working on a painting that I knew would be tough - that'll be ready to show you in a day or so....... but I did want to chime in and say that the Blogger robots redeemed themselves, evidently working overtime last night and restored about 400,000 blogs. whew. All's well today.

This is my handsome Jack - he's doing fairly well himself, giving us the time we so very need to love and spoil him. He's my studio companion and a constant reminder that we take what we can get and cherish every minute.

Enjoy the weekend -

"Tuters"

6 x 6"
oil on masonite
sold

Sometimes I just want to see a setting in miniature form - playing with multiple daubs of paint and not worrying so much about details. I think the color and light make it work and up close, there are nice sweet spots to enjoy.

A scene from the Art Institute of Chicago - I like to call it 'The Tute'.

"Shop Girl"

8 x 8"
oil on masonite
sold

This new painting was a nice change of pace for me. Using a white surface, I washed a mixture of asphaltum, burnt sienna and olive green over the board - removed the color with thinner where I wanted light and added thicker paint with a tad of black for the darker areas. In the end, I added a smidgeon of indian red in the woman's skin - a subtle touch similar to a tinted photograph. I think everyone out there who paints with oils should try this occasionally. It's a great exercise.

The scene was taken from Phipps Plaza in Atlanta.