Sugar Maple

Sugar Maple  7 x 5 acrylic on stretched canvas SOLD

I've not been at my easel enough lately. This little study at least took me out of my usual figurative/still-life groove, so that's a good thing. It's done from a photo I snapped last fall of a stunningly vibrant Sugar Maple. It was such a fabulous red against a brilliant sky.

The Visitor

The Visitor 16 x 14 oil on stretched canvas  NFS

This is one of my gallery-sized paintings, done from the same photo as "The Sentinel." We are fortunate to have a wonderful variety of birds visit our backyard to enjoy a drink at the birdbath. I loved the way this crow's feathers caught the light and managed to grab a photo.

Clementines and Blue Bowl

Clementines and Blue Bowl 5 x 7 acrylic on stretched canvas

These little clementines seem perfectly suited to pair with this small blue bowl. A small still life in complementary colors -- 5 x 7 acrylic on canvas.

Little Miss Sunshine

Little Miss Sunshine 10 x 8 acrylic on gessoboard  NFS

A warm and wonderful friend shared some photos of her lovely little great-grandaughter. One particular photo really caught my eye. I loved the light on her face, the expressive hand gesture, and her dazzling blue eyes. She was a treat to paint and it was such fun to send it as a surprise to my friend!

 Light on her face to be the focus, so cropped and simplified composition and moved hand a little closer.

Softened contrast from what appeared in photo, added more half-tones.

 Background darkened, and to keep focus on the face, clothing was painted loosely.

Hair and features are further refined, injecting color into the shadow areas.

Lightened the background a bit and added finishing details. 

Little Miss Sunshine - 10x8 acrylic on gessoboard.