White Rose

I painted this rose from direct observation as a demo during our last Gallery Night here in Newport, RI at Spring Bull Gallery. I wanted to talk about and show how "white is not always white". I had toned my panel with acrylic Payne's Grey which is more dark blue than grey. You can see where bits of it come through. Many subtle shifts of color, from warm to cool, along with value shifts are needed to make this rose come alive. Keeping the shapes is always a priority and is part of my painting style! Would it be fun to paint this BIG? I think it would.

Grace is a DPW FB pick of the day

My 5x7 painting achieves several of the things I hope will happen when I spy a potential painting.
First, the light was lovely, even though the sun was hot; I positioned my panel so that it would be in the shade. This makes it easier for me to see the value shifts.
Second, it had the great complementary combination of blue and orange, with the orange playing a bit part. It's more about the fabulous color of the purple cone flower for me. 
Third, I had opportunities to simplify with both the vase and the tablecloth. Even though I can appreciate the detail in both, it's more me to "keep it simple". 
Simple, strong shapes and color are what worked to make it a Daily Paintworks FB pick of the day. 

This was painted plein air in the garden, but here's a reference photo so you can see what has been left out.

Red White And Blue ll

Another red,white and blue painting. This just says summer to me. 8x8 Gallery Edge canvas.

Red White and Blue 1

Have been thinking about a red, white and blue series, inspired more by the color combination than a sense of patriotism, but heh, it IS July! This was done on an 8x8 Gallery Edge canvas, natural light at the dining room table, too hot to even make the trip to the studio!Continuing my study of striped fabric which I find intriguing.

Gallery Sitting

Donated this painting I did while gallery sitting to the 1st fundraiser for The Portsmouth Arts Guild which was held last Tuesday night. A well attended event, with proceeds exceeding our goals! Now that's what we were hoping for.

Pear 1

After looking at (and being inspired by) so many blogs of artists who paint daily, I've decided to spend some time doing small studies of simple objects. I am curious to see how it affects my abilities to observe, to edit, to simplify, to get the paint ON without being fussy. No expectations, no judgment, just painting.

Open Figure

This was the last day of the open figure studio at the Portsmouth Arts Guild. I wiped the drawing off 3 times before I settled into this rendition. Was totally challenged by this pose. Humbled,really. That's how it is sometimes. Stay persistent as the way to improve.

1st Angel Facing South

Happy Thanksgiving to all! Feeling grateful for my family and their support with my art, whether I'm off to the studio or have pen to pad writing, they are the best! I'm interested in how this one angel appears so different each time I paint her... will change up background color for next time.

1st Angel Looking West

My 2nd attempt at this angel, and I saw the light on the porcelain completely differently today! I have her standing in a box with a sheet of cream paper behind her, purple underfoot, spotlight pointing up. What do you think of angel as subject matter? Relevant, cliche?? Can we look at her without conjuring up some stories from our past? This is all intriguing stuff to me. 5x7 oil painting