On the Easel

These are all works in progress. The gnarly tree is a color study for a commission. It's coming along. One of the things I'm working on these days is slowing down and begin more conservative with my paint. There is a tendency to just slap down lots of strokes to get it done quickly. But the painting goes more smoothly when strokes are thought out and the paint has a nice mix of transparency and opacity.

Beginning Jan 4th, I'll be studying with John Morra in his workshop at Gage Academy. I plan to pay very close attention to his treatment of backgrounds and edges.

Sunrise

It's almost time to say goodbye to 2009. I love the idea of a new year and starting fresh. No more new years resolutions though, instead steady effort to live a good life works for me. There are big things in store for me in 2010, I'll be pushing many bounderies, which is exhilirating as well as scary! Change is good, I hope.

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year!

satsumas, YUM

This time of year, one of my favorite fruits is at the local grocery. They're wonderful to eat and fun to paint!

The Frog Prince and Papa's Cookies

Here are some new paintings in progress. It's fun to work on something light hearted, especially this time of year. These paintings make me smile!

Happy December 1st!

Each December I begin decorating the house for the holidays. We have a small alcove near the fireplace where I like to create vignettes. This years it's a winter fairy garden. Lots of work and many hot glue gun burns later it's almost finished.
Here it is so far.