All in a Day's Work revisted

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I posted this painting a while back but the boat and boatman were BORING. Who would want a painting of Venice without a gondola and gondolier???? The initial reason for this piece was my being drawn to the dark buildings and the shadows they cast on the sunlit water. The boat was in the right place but it just didn't communicate well. I have had this painting hanging around my studio speaking to me about the times I've stood on the Academia Bridge, gazing toward the Grand Canal and daydreaming about Monet's paintings of that view. Disneyland in real life.

Wee Clump

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Well, painting even a wee clump of cherries that measure 4 by 4 inches can take more than a wee bit of time. Though it's a relatively simple subject, there are many broken parts that make up the whole. I kept trying to simplify the background in order to make them pop and hope I've succeeded at making you want to pluck one off the screen and eat it. Cherries shown actual size.

Pale Beauties

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I took a shot of these lovely roses a gazillion years ago because I was mesmerized by their subtle colors and soft edges. I have looked at the photo as many times and decided that today was the day to do a 'quiet' kind of painting. Not a lot of drama but hopefully a calming feeling instead. Thank you Mark and Joanie Ellis for cultivating these beauties!

Gladly Pay You Tuesday

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Yep, it's an out of the box and into the wrapper painting for me, a double cheeseburger. Crazy enough, it wasn't even mine but just looked so great with those fries and that checkered tray liner that I HAD to take a photo. I was eating a falafel while my friends were indulging in this all-American staple and a good time was had by everyone there on the picnic bench in Mendocino. Kinda makes you hungry huh?

More Portraits

Liz Caudill today at 28

Lizzie as an 8 year old

My painting

I've been doing many more portraits than I've been posting, but I think I'll be getting back to some other things this week. Liz was hoping that she looked more happy, but it is VERY hard to hold a pleasant face for 2 1/2 hours. I asked her to take a photo of herself with a faint smile and give the painting back to me for revisions. Otherwise, it's been a historic day to see this darling girl pose in the same studio 20 years later. She lived on the coast between ages 3-12 and we've just shared a fabulous weekend visiting familiar places. 

Portraits of Many Things

Long time no see, no hear from me, I know. I've been swamped with many things including some portraits and other busy work. I decided in the meantime to put a bug in your ear that I can do paintings of things that are near and dear to you. Below you will see examples of my paintings and the research photos I used to create them. A dear couple asked me to paint some important houses connected to their family's history, so the first 4 are from that special project. They each measured 8x10, so were a fun size for grouping on a wall to bring back all kinds of lovely memories. Have fun taking a gander and let me know if I might help you capture a special moment in time with something a bit more unique than a photograph. 

Besides that, Happy Valentine's Day to each and every one of you!

Joshua Grindle House

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This house is a much loved and gracious landmark here in Mendocino. Many have enjoyed staying there when it was a thriving bed and breakfast establishment. Years ago, I did another version of  this composition in watercolor and the owners at the time bought it and used it as a cover for their cookbook of morning delicacies. If you're wondering what that strange tall flower is all by itself, it's called a Red Hot Poker around these parts and they actually grow in delightful little clumps. Beneath it are a couple of 'fried egg' flowers or the more common name, Matilija poppies. The fabulous white Victorian houses make the perfect foil for the lavish gardens that adorn them and aren't we all inspired by such glorious images?

Kelly Street Path

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Isn't this a path that universally beckons? Whether it's the end of the street I live on, or a beach on the coast of Sweden (!), we can all picture ourselves skipping out to the edge to fill our lungs with the sea air and wonder of it all. Many of you have walked out here with us after dinner but if you haven't, what on earth are you waiting for?