Studio Chrysanthemums, (transplanted to a new home)

Oil on Canvas, 11 x 14" Sold

This still life is one of my favorites.  I had a good time painting it too.  It only took about two hours to finish; which is very unusual for me. (See post for January 27th).  This painting is also unusual because I didn't set up an arrangement of the objects on the table, but just put the potted chrysanthemums down on my work table, next to my painting tools and supplies, and started painting. Overall, I think it turned out alright.  

A year ago last February it received a second place award in a National Arts Program competition in Santa Rosa.  (Apparently a few other people liked it too)!  

Last week this painting went to a new home where perhaps it will become the new owner's favorite painting.

Quarry Rocks and Pool at Spring Lake

Oil on Panel, 8 x 10"

Here is a small oil study that I did of a small pool of rainwater, found along an out-of-the-way path inside Spring Lake Park.  I chose this subject because of its interesting combination of colors, shapes and textures found in the water, rocks, uprooted tree stumps and wildflowers.  I managed to include the sky in this close-up view by showing it in the reflection of the pool.

Keep Drawing

All last week, since taking part in the latest sketch crawl event up in Healdsburg, the importance of keeping a regular sketching habit has been on my mind.  To that end, I have started doing some sketches of whatever I happen to see around me.  I'm not especially looking for interesting subjects; rather, the important thing is to keep drawing.

A few days ago I did a small pen and ink study of some plant containers outside on our deck.

A minimal studio

A drawing with minimal hatching

Stormy Day at Bodega Head

"Bodega Head Rocks"

Oil on Paper

8 x 10"

This is a painting from a snapshot I took while standing on the Bodega Head cliffs on the Sonoma Coast. The water was very green and there was this very orange stripe of sunlight cutting straight across a dark overcast sky.  Here's my attempt to capture some vivid color effects lasting a only a few minutes.

Pottery and Potatos

"Pottery and Potatos"

Oil on paper

7 x 10" 

This is another winter still life that I did a while back.  I like to set up these compositions during times of the year when the weather is not so good for going outdoors to paint landscapes.  With a still life arrangement I usually like to take some extra time to draw a several preliminary sketches before starting the actual painting, especially if there are no flowers or fruit that will wilt or rot in the meantime. Note how in this painting, one of the potatoes has started a couple of green sprouts, which show that I had this arrangement set up for more than a few days! The pottery mug shown here is my favorite coffee cup.

Healdsburg Sketch Crawl

Today I sketched at the Plaza in Healdsburg, CA. for the "World Wide Sketch Crawl 34". 
Because of rain and wind, my drawings were confined to views obtained from the shelter and comforts of "Flying Goat Coffee".

Here are two sketches I did over cups of light roast coffee.

View from Flying Goat Coffe

Pencil on paper

5.75 x 8.5"

Two Readers, Flying Goat

BBB charcoal pencil on paper

3.5 x 5.5"

January - Farmers Market

Oklahoma City Farmers' Market

Oil on Panel
8x10 inches

This is a small painting I did a while back, based on a photo I took of a small building at the Oklahoma City Farmers' Market.  It was a clear, sunny day, but bitterly cold!  This seems like a good painting to post this week.  It is still one of my favorite pieces.

Luther Burbank House

Luther Burbank House
3.5 x 5.5 inches
Pencil on Sketchbook Page

This afternoon I did a quick sketch of the Luther Burbank House in Santa Rosa.

Notebook Page

India ink and acrylic wash on paper. 

A page from one of my notebooks with pattern ideas for a future project.

Christmas and New Year's Greetings

India ink, acrylic and gouache on paper

Wishing everyone a joyful Christmas and happy new year.