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!