Ginger Jar

Ginger Jar 16x12 oil on stretched canvas

This painting reminded me of a reference made by an artist whose blog I follow. Her name is Kate Stone, her paintings are wonderful, and her blog is:  Painting Stuff To Look Like Stuff

Kate cites the 80/20 rule, which alludes to the fact that often it's only 20 percent of your painting that makes you drink 80 percent of that bottle of wine. This was one such painting for me. Even though most of it came together swimmingly, it took me AGES to correctly capture the color and texture of the plums. More than once, I almost tossed the whole shebang. For the sake of the 80 percent that was working, however, I soldiered on.

Here are some steps in my struggles along the way:

Sketch in oil

Beginning underpainting

Working on dynamics of all fruit

Color of grapes and plums is too similar 

Plums now too blue, green grapes too vibrant

Green grapes developing, plums still too blue

Ginger Jar finished 16x12 oil on stretched canvas

Fruit and Brass

Fruit and Brass 16 x 20 acrylic on stretched canvas  SOLD

This 16 x 20 acrylic painting is larger than many of my still life pieces, but I did enjoy having a bit more elbow room. There is a bit of glare on the lower left of this final photo.  The shots of the painting in progress show this section to greater advantage. It's also evident as the painting progresses whether I was working in daylight or evening/artificial light.

Portrait of Walter

Walter 20 x 16 acrylic on stretched canvas SOLD

This 20x16 acrylic portrait on stretched canvas is a commissioned piece. As with all commissions, I've delayed posting until it was picked up by the client -- a dear friend who was very pleased with it, I'm happy to say!

The portrait of Walter was done using several photo references. Fortunately, I know the subject and could judge which elements of each photo accurately reflected both his personality and his likeness. In the best photos, however, the subject was wearing the type of eyeglasses that automatically darken in outdoor light. In order to more clearly see his eyes through the lenses, I had to create an overexposed black and white computer print.

Here are some progress shots ...

Initial sketch

Beginning fleshtones

Various source photos - note B&W print on left

Moving on to the shirt

Almost done

Subtle adjustments and transitions

Done and signed

Summer Reprised

Summer Reprised 12 x 9 acrylic on stretched canvas AVAILABLE

It's November here in Canada, but we've been enjoying some unseasonably warm days. We know, however,  that winter isn't far around the corner, so I thought I'd recall a memory of summer. 

Apples with Brown Jug and friends

Apples with Brown Jug 16 x20 acrylic on stretched canvas NFS

 

I'm very pleased that three of my still life paintings have been selected as part of  "ART YOU CAN SINK YOUR TEETH INTO"  (September 30 to October 15) at Martins Gallery, Bracebridge. This toothsome show will be part of the third annual  "What's Cooking," a  smorgasbord of food and entertainment-related events. For two weeks a variety of local venues will serve up a packed schedule of cooking, tasting, and entertaining experiences that feature celebrity chefs and foodie notables. 

The 16 x 20 acrylic, Apples with Brown Jug, will be accompanied by two previously posted 8 x 8 acrylics, Celebrating Oranges and Too Big for the Bowl.

 

Celebrating Oranges 8 x 8 acrylic on gallery wrap canvas AVAILABLE

Too Big for the Bowl 8 x 8 acrylic on gallery wrap canvas  SOLD

Summer

Summer 12 x 9 acrylic on stretched canvas AVAILABLE

A painting from last summer. Nothing beats the wild abandon of leaping off a dock. Life at the cottage is all about joys such as this.

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.

Sunshine

Sunshine 18 x 14 oil on stretched canvas  NFS

This lovely young woman came to interview me for a local magazine. As we chatted, I was captivated by how the sunlight just kissed her cheek and forehead. I asked if I could snap a few photos and perhaps paint her.  She agreed and this was the result.

Trio Plus Quartet

Trio Plus Quartet 10 x 10 acrylic on canvas  SOLD

This is a demo I painted during one of our local art guild's group shows. We find it's a great feature to have various artists show how their work is created, and I really enjoy chatting with folks who attend. Happily, this little painting also found a home.

Black and Gold

Black and Gold oil 12 x 16 on gessoboard  SOLD

Rich tones and luscious textures -- that's why still life paintings are such a joy.

Sunny Breaks

Sunny Breaks 9 x 12 oil on canvas board  NFS

A very Merry Christmas from Muskoka, Canada to all the wonderful artists on Daily Paintworks! Here's to a New Year filled with the joy of making art together. Thanks for the inspiration, the motivation, and the mutual support.

Blue Mood

Blue Mood 16 x 12 soft pastel on Canson paper  NFS

For short time I worked in soft pastel, but rarely do so now. This is one of several small classic nudes done as studies. As you see, I was enjoying playing with complementary colors.

Hello There

Hello There 12 x 12 acrylic on gessoboard  SOLD

How can you go wrong painting a face like this? Deer are plentiful where we live, and occasionally venture through our backyard. They aren't timid, at least at a distance. They just raise their lovely heads, as if to say hello, then carry on munching. I understand they can decimate a garden -- it's a salad bar to them. Fortunately for me and my flowers, the ones that visit us seem to prefer the wilder parts of our backyard.

Brass Bowl and Onions

Brass Bowl and Onions 11 x 14 acrylic on stretch canvas  NFS

Two of my favorite still life subjects -- onions and this little brass bowl. They offer such wonderful color harmony and a range of textures that are just plain enjoyable to paint. This is an 11" x 14" acrylic painting on 1.5" gallery wrapped canvas.

The Humidor

The Humidor 16 x 12 acrylic on gallery wrap canvas NFS

This is one of several paintings I'll be exhibiting in an upcoming Muskoka Arts and Crafts Members' show. I'm happy to say that a smaller, similar version sold earlier from DPW, so hopefully this one will fare well in the show.

Golden Girl

Golden Girl 20 x 16 oil on stretched canvas NFS

Not done in a day, this painting was part of a gallery show. It's all about the sunlight, the golden glow of this golden girl. She was a delight to paint, but the glint of light on the cup and the highlights on the hands were special treats.

Don't Jump!

Don't Jump! 12 x 12 acrylic on gallery wrap canvas  SOLD

There's always one in a group.  His pals have gathered below to try to talk sense into this dare-devil, but who knows what will happen. As to my part in all this...dark blue mugs, bright orange fruit, a complimentary color match that was irresistible.

Arabella

Arabella 12 x 9 acrylic on stretched canvas  SOLD

This painting is a commissioned piece. Arabella is a sweet little Italian Greyhound who belongs to a very good friend. She was a rescue dog, as are many greyhounds that later become beloved pets. I find her grey and white face simply captivating -- a mixture of vulnerability and imperious elegance. What a little "lady" she is!

Self-Portrait

Self Portrait 18 x 14 oil on stretched canvas  NFS

This is a self-portrait I painted a few years back. I’m posting it today to commemorate that 20 years ago this month an organ donor saved my life. 

I had been diagnosed with terminal liver disease of unknown origin, and given only a year to live. My only hope of survival was to receive a transplant. Getting that transplant, however, was far from a sure thing. Then, just as today, patients frequently died waiting for transplants.

I was one of the lucky ones. Thanks to an anonymous donor family I received a gift beyond measure. I remember that family's selfless courage each and every day. Even as they suffered the devastating loss of someone they loved, they thought of others. I try to savor every day. Painting is one way I do that. Working to promote organ donation is another.

Plums and Jug

Plums and Jug 9 x 12 acrylic on gessoboard

Plums are just the most fun to paint, and still life paintings are all about enjoying the textures.