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!

Snack In Progress

Snack In Progress 10 x 10 acrylic on gallery wrap canvas

Crisp, juicy apples being enjoyed as a snack. What could be better?
This acrylic painting is on 2.5 inch deep gallery-wrapped canvas.  It's already framed in a contemporary pale wood float frame as shown here --

Onions and Shallots

Onions and Shallots 8 x 10 acrylic on stretched canvas

Onions and shallots are two flavor basics every cook relies upon. In this instance, their complimentary gold and purple hues add equal zest to a canvas.

Apples and Bowls

Apples and Bowls 8 x 10 oil on stretched canvas  ON HOLD

I know. Apples, apples, apples, but what still life painter can resist them? These bowls and apples shared such a wonderful color harmony that I felt they belonged together. I find the image very serene.

Quarterly Report

Quarterly Report 6 x 6 acrylic on stretched canvas

Autumn is apple season and these crispy quarters are reporting for duty. M-mm, love that juicy crunch!

Soup Starters

Soup Starters 8 x 8 oil on gessoboard

Leeks and tomatoes are a grand start for a tasty autumn soup. I think they make a great pairing for a painting, too. Even those juicy colors makes my mouth water.

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.

The Sentinel

The Sentinel 8 x 8 oil on gessoboard

Crows often drop by for a drink in our backyard and I love to see them. They're such stunning-looking creatures. Even if they kind of dwarf the birdbath, they still manage to look so majestic.

Summer Solitude

Summer Solitude 8 x 10 acrylic on stretched canvas  SOLD

Sun, sand, and and a bit of quiet solitude. A moment when all the sensual delights of summer are yours alone.This is another in my series of paintings that celebrate the joys of summertime at the cottage.

Autumn

Autumn 8 x 8 acrylic on gessoboard  SOLD

She looks as if Autumn could be her name, at least that's what the colors suggested to me. A few days to go until it's officially fall, but a few leaves here are already changing.

Mary McBride

Mary McBride 10 x 16 oil on stretched canvas  SOLD

It's a great source of pride to me that I have eight historical portraits permanently installed in the town hall of Gravenhurst, the small Muskoka town where I now live.  Among them is this painting of Mary McBride (1880-1965). She looks a bit stern here, but was apparently much-beloved by her students. Born in Muskoka, Mary taught for 50 years, beginning in 1899 and continuing until her retirement in 1948.

Gravenhurst's first schoolhouse was built in 1864. It was a one-room log building and its seventeen students sat on rough wooden planks.  The young women who taught in such schools were pioneers indeed.

How D'Ya Like Them Apples?

How D'Ya Like Them Apples? 8 x 10 acrylic on stretched canvas  SOLD

Thanks to a miserable summer cold, I've been away from my easel for what seems like ages. Just so I'm not totally forgotten, I'm posting a little still life that sold from a gallery. Hope to be back in 'real time' soon!

One For All

One For All 5 x 7 acrylic on stretched canvas  SOLD

This little painting of three cherries is a companion to yesterday's 'En Garde.'  Their stems really do seem to be indicating the musketeer's refrain of "all-for-one-and-one-for-all."

En Garde

En Garde 5 x 7 acrylic on stretched canvas  SOLD

These two cherries really appeared to be 'crossing swords' and ready for a duel. I just love painting the luscious deep tones of cherries.

Dessert

Dessert  8 x 10 oil on stretched canvas  SOLD

The past few days have been a little zany, so today I'm posting a piece from my archive. It does remind me, however, how much fun pears are to paint. I'm working on some new paintings and  promise some fresh postings soon.

Seated Nude

Seated Nude 24 x 14 soft pastel on Canson paper  NFS

For a period of time I worked a great deal in pastel. This rather large classic nude was one of the pieces I've kept and it hangs in my studio.