Adventure In Abstraction (2009)

I had an interesting adventure this summer. I went to Taos to take a seminar with Gwen Fox, an artist from Colorado Springs - and Taos. Gwen is a great artist who has done some very nice abstracts. She also is a fun art instructor with lots of ideas - and a passion for letting you make mistakes. I like that!

The workshop was really fun, with three other artists, all ladies, and I had a super time trying to paint in a "non literal" style. It was very hard, but I ended up with two pieces that I liked enough to show. Having to think in a completely different way will help my work, in any style.

Italian Column (2009)

This is the result of a commisssion from our friend, Terri. She had a specific place in mind, by her wet bar, and it required a custom size, 2o" by 44". Pretty big. She also wanted the focus on a large column in the foreground, to fit in with columns in the room.

This one turned out pretty cool, as I was able to play with the reflections, the clouds, as well as add a vase with some flowers to balance the painting.

I'm always leery of commissions because of the possibility that the person might not think that I met their expectations. This one did, I think.

Madison In Study

During the September trip to Mill Valley, we also had some time to "chill out" at Julie and Brian's house. During that time, the light was just right to capture a pensive Madison, completely enveloped in the big red chair, as she was watching something on tv.

I don't think that I'm too good at portraits, as they are very hard, and my sense of detail makes me crazy trying to get it perfect, especially with a subject that I know, like Madison. But, I had to do it. I like the way it came out.

Arturo helped me a lot on this one, as he is a super figurative artist.

Madie In Motion

This is a painting of our first granddaughter, Madison, at two years old. We were in California for her birthday party and went to see Fritz, Joan, and Lily, their friends in Mill Valley. They had just returned from Viet Nam, where they picked up their second child.

Anyhow, Madison was so anxious to see the new baby in the family, Quinn, that she was really motoring up the lane to their house. It struck me immediately that I couldn't wait to paint "Madie In Motion" as it captured her frenetic energy and Madie-style clothing. I even included the package of raisins that she had in her hand.

Go Madie !!!

Mystery Canoe (2009)

This one was an exercise in colors, as I got the idea from a black and white advertisement in the "Journal". The composition spoke to me, as it askes a lot of questions about "who?" and "why?" It was really fun to create my own mood through color selection.

Another aspect of this piece is the glow from the lantern. It adds a mysterious aspect to the whole painting. Getting the glow right was a lot of fun.

Hawaiian Vase (2008)

Several years ago, we went on a trip to Hawaii with several couples. During checkin one night - the Big Island, I think - I saw a vase with some beautiful orchids, as well as some other Hawaiian flowers. When I got back, I put it on canvas.

Barbara, aka "Princess Foo Foo", one of the fabulous ladies who went with us on the trip said that she wanted the painting to remember the times there. This photo was taken in her home where the painting has a distinguished position.

Corsican Cafe (2009)

Another stop on our cruise was Corsica. Saint Bonificio, I believe, was the town that we toured. We stopped early in the morning and when we toured the walled city, many of the shops and restaurants were closed and waiting to open. This cafe is an example, with its closed umbrellas, etc.

In spite of this, the early morning light made for a dramatic slash, both in the photo, as well as on the canvas.

Amalfi Door (2009)

During July, 2008, we went on a cruise around various places in the Mediteranian, including Corsica, Sicily, Montenegro, as well as numerous stops in Italy.

On one day ashore in Amalfi, a wonderous place, we went on a walk to an overlook to look down on the ship. Along the way, we passed through this doorway on the path. As a lover of open doors, with their mysteries, I had to photograph and paint this doorway.

I love the pots!!!!

Gerbera Daisys (2009)

As a "thank you", a friend of Janiel's sent her some beautiful Gerbera Daisys. They were so beautiful that I had to take some photos for a future painting. And, here it is.

Arturo Samaniego, my art teacher in Naples really helped me with the colors for this one. And, without bragging too much, I think they came out great!

Sunflower Table (2009)

Saw this great sunflower photo online and felt that the flower, with its associated reflections in the table, would make a great composition. It's pretty big at 20 by 30 inches.

I have to credit Arturo Samaniego, an artist in Naples, FL for helping me on this one. He added a lot with his comments and help in color mixing.

Woody, a friend from Kansas really liked this one since the sunflower is the state flower in Kansas. He now gets to see this one every day in his home.

So do the Tony and Pam Nicholas. They liked it too, so I did one for them. I must like this one, as it is on my new art business card.

Janice at the Beach (2008)

A Canadian friend of ours saw a "doorway piece" that I had done in in 2007, liked it, but wanted more of a Florida theme. So, I went out to the beach in Naples, got some ideas, and merged the beach scenes with the open doorway concept from before.

I like this one as it makes you think of who the umbrella is waiting for. I know the answer......... Janice!