The Castle 2015

This is the latest of my 2015 pieces.  I actually saw a similar image on the brochure of a cruise line.  But, I forgot to research where it was.  I believe that it is in Spain.  But, in any case, I liked the composition.

 

I used palette knife to do the bricks as it is a fast technique and gives a lot of depth, especially for bricks and walls.  The effect is fun.

 

I've done numerous "looking through the doorway" pieces and love the feeling that it gives.  The doorway just frames the entire piece.And, this one is no different.  I love it so much that I have it in a special place in my home in Florida

Pink Rose - Rosemary

Last year, I was looking at Facebook and a friend, Rosemary, had posted a photo of a new, blooming rose in her garden.  I downloaded the photo and later on decided to paint it myself. So, here it is, Rosemary's rose.

One thing unusual about this piece is that I painted some of it live during our annual country club art show.  Once I got over the fear of painting in front of real people, it was fun to paint and talk at the same time.  I couldn't, of course, paint the whole thing in that small time frame.  But, it was partially done and I was able to get close to finishing it.

Russ's Winter Hike

The son of our good friends, Barb and Dave, named Russ, lives in Columbus, Ohio.  On his Facebook page recently, I saw a great photo of this park setting during Winter.  It is where Russ walks his dog every morning.  I decided to surprise Russ when he was down in Florida by painting the scene and give it to him since he and his Ann were re-decorating their home.

 I really liked the reflections and the morning sun in the background. He really liked it and recognized the scene immediately and can't wait to hang it up.  Have fun, Russ!!!

Antibes Street

I was looking through a cruise company brochure this Fall and saw a photo of a street scene from Antibes, France.  I loved the perspective and the colors, especially the flowers.  Using "artist's license", I decided to add some dimension by using strong light against shadow.  It turned out pretty neat, I think. 

Most people comment on the blue flowers, which really contrats well with the orange/yellow walls.

Pinehurst Reeds

Earlier this Fall, a group of us went to Pinehurst, the golf "mecca" in North Carolina.  During a round, we went past a swampy area that had the most beautiful red reeds.  I thought that they would make a great semi-impressionistic painting.  This is the result.  It was done almost completely with palette knives.

 I love the color!!