An Experimental Painting

These Nova Scotia cows are standing on a hill and the land in the background is actually across an inlet. I had this sketched in and decided to use the mixtures left on my palette from another painting to block in. The colors are influenced by the pink light from the setting sun on the buckskin cows. I included this value image which tells me that my masses are pretty accurate. I'll clean up my palette and bring this one to completion.

Playboy Lighter

I love these parasols. They're the perfect compliment to the 'party' mood this lighter conjures up. A Chinese New Year party at the 'Mansion' maybe? This was painted in ambient light thus no strong shadows. It needs final highlights on the lighter and more color in the parasol and a touch of dark to make the parasol 'sit' down. Some of my blog paintings are featured in Holiday Small Works at Oceanside 17 Studio and Gallery in Hull which is a sweet little space just next to Saporito's restaurant on Rockland Circle. Franny Andahazy is the artist/gallery owner who also throws parties as a business. Stop by and visit her and check out the work of a number of the South Shore's finest painters. Thanks for the visits and the comments. I really enjoy reading them and again, it's more fun to paint if people are looking.

Rubber Duckie You're the One 4x4

I should've been a stand up comedienne with these title's. It's true. I have a bit of a corny side but, I wouldn't dare publish this post without a link to Rubber Duckie. At some point in the '70's you could actually hear this on a bar room jukebox. That speaks volumes about the '70's. If you want a good laugh click here to hear Bert & Ernie sing Rubber Duckie in Hebrew!

You Say Tomato 5x5

This is a little study I did in about half an hour.

I planted a whole package of Beefsteak tomato seeds (from the dollar store) when I arrived here in January. There are about 25 of them all in different stages of growth. I gave away some of the bigger ones which are already sporting flowers, to my neighbors. Still I have about a dozen left and some are still tiny. I planted one in a coffee can just so I could paint it. I'm entertaining the idea of bringing a few of them home with me in the car when we drive North in May. That's a typical snowbird kind of craziness. As if I could fit another thing into the car, the way I usually pack.

Partridge Island 6x8

Don sat in the car reading while I did this little painting of Partridge Island in beautiful Parrsboro, Nova Scotia. The rock formations are dramatic here on the Fundy Shore. It's a geologists dream.

Looks A Bit Seedy 5x5

Tommy, Anne and the babies went out to the beach this afternoon and I scurried to the studio and painted this orange, picked while riding around the Park on Pat's 3 wheeler with Ryan in the rear basket. It seems to take longer to edit and upload the painting than it does to paint it.

Lemons on Black 2.5x3.5

This painting is 2.5x3.5 on masonite. I've attached saw tooth hangers to the back of these miniatures and finished the sides so there's no need to frame. Although I do try to keep important elements of the work away from the edges, sometimes small paintings lose something when they are 'cropped' by the frame.

Outdoor Painting

I love to paint outside because you have to see it to paint it. Yesterday I went to Isles of Capri, a teeny village with a fish house and some restaurants and some beautiful scenery. After much reconoitering, I finally set up and proceeded to block in this little painting. I fought my way through for about 90 minutes because the wind was strong and I had to use one hand to hold onto my box, leaving only one hand to paint with. Well, you need two. You have to wipe the brush etc.. My towels were blowing away and I just finally packed it up after I felt I'd gotten a good sketch and finished it in the studio.

Incense Burner

I had an awful time trying to get a good shot of this painting and this still isn't what I wanted. Too much glare. It's 2"x3".