Shake it Up...

Time for a fun, loose, alla prima oil painting!

This old diner scene with salt and pepper shakers seemed simple enough for just such a painting. I had fun with the colors, too.

This painting was completed on an 8" x 8" canvas panel, and is ready for framing.

Thanks again for stopping by. Please visit with me often!

Homage to a Daily Painter

I have been studying photographs lately, and doing several painting sketches in different tones, as a training exercise. As I scrambled around the house this weekend looking for art supplies, I came upon several of my first oil paintings, completed alla prima a while ago.

I remember that an artist friend and teacher told me that I might want to try an exercise that he had found useful...find a painting in a style that you really admire, and would really like to learn, study it, and, to the best of your ability, recreate the original in the same loose brushstroke style...It doesn't have to look identical - in fact, it really shouldn't - because the point is to mimic the brushstroke style that you admire, so that you can use this technique in your own original work.

Of course, this painting isn't for sale - I painted it, but the original inspiration was from another artist - and I regret that I cannot give credit here to that person, as the name was not on the photograph.

But I wanted to share this with you, as a helpful exercise in studying other artists' works for inspiration.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch...

Good morning, all. I have been thinking about doing some much larger paintings over the next few days. I particularly had fun with the small "Hay Field" painting, and I think that I will do a much larger, more colorful oil painting with a very similar arrangement.

I have also been busy getting ready for an art auction, which has occupied many of my available extra minutes...I am not complaining or making excuses, (well, maybe the latter - just a little), but I am ready to roll up my sleeves and paint this weekend! Hope to post several new ones soon. Meanwhile, here are a couple of photos from my recent trip to San Salvador island. Do you think that they are "oil paint worthy"?

Talk to you soon...

The Hay Field

8" x 8"

Oil on Canvas Panel

I decided that I would go with a traditional landscape theme for this daily painting effort. Haystacks have been painted with some frequency since the Impressionist movement in the late 19th century. Actually, I have never painted them - until today.

I wanted to use as much color as I could get away with, while still maintaining a certain realistic approach.

I found this exercise to be the most fun of any painting that I have completed in a several weeks. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed painting it!

Be back soon with another study.

Purple Crocuses Win Out Over African Violets...

Today seemed like the perfect day to paint crocuses. Well, why not?

Although these were painted from a photo, it was really a very good, clear photo. (I actually considered painting the live African violet on my table first, but the lighting in the room was too strong, i.e. no shadows.)

So crocuses won out. This is an 8" x 8" oil on 1" stretcher bars,gallery wrapped canvas, suitable for framing or hanging without a frame for a more contemporary look.

Comments or questions? Please!

Field of Wild flowers - Reworked

Good morning, all!

Yesterday I worked on 2 different paintings. The first one was a new oil painting which I had planned to entitle "Romeo and Juliet". Unfortunately, these star-crossed lovers are destined to remain that way...I am unhappy with the painting, as my subjects (in this particular case, two tangerines) looked decidedly disinterested in posing properly. I will consider this a teaching moment...Note to self: fruit is not always versatile, may become type-cast, and can literally TURN on you...)

The second painting was a rework of an acrylic canvas that I did about a year ago. I thought that adding warmer colors would enhance the painting - perhaps the blue toned picture of yesterday made me think of this.

Please see for yourself. I think it looks better.

See you tomorrow.

"Dinner For One"...Something Different

Guess I was in a blue mood. I thought it would be cool to try a tonal painting, so I set about toning the background of this 8" x 8" canvas panel with a blue-green, fairly neutral color.

This one place dinner setting seemed to match the mood that I was going for, so I used primarily blues and whites to establish three dimension.

This was fun, but I think that adding a complementary color for shading might have made for a more interesting painting. Still, I think I achieved my goal in this tone study.

I will be back tomorrow with another daily painting. As always, comments and suggestions are encouraged.

I'm Back with more Daily Paintings

6" x 6"

Oil on 1" Stretcher Bars

Gallery Wrapped Canvas
$75 USD, includes shipping

I am back to work painting furiously to finish a couple of larger gallery pieces, along with my smaller "Daily Paintings", which I find both fun and challenging. I set up my light box again, and decided on the title before I even began painting this small oil on stretched canvas. The large green apple looked as though he was in authority, so the two clementines became the followers, exclaiming, "Let's Follow the Big Guy"...

It's good to be back in the saddle, so to speak. I'm settling back in, and plan to get busy with several new plein aire landscapes. I can already see these paintings in my mind, and these canvases are going to be VERY colorful. Can't wait to share them with you.

Thanks for stopping by.

Painting Myself into a Corner?

Last week I started oil paintings on two separate occasions. Both efforts were unsuccessful in achieving the image that was my goal; that is, the image in my mind's eye.

I would display them here for you, but they are both now nondescript oil smears on stretched canvas...don't know why I am having such trouble concentrating.

The first effort was an attempted figurative painting of a very young child - a baby, really, - that I had decided to paint from a photograph for the new Contemporary Fine Artists' monthly art challenge with "Renewal" as the theme.

I think that my underpainting and initial sketch were both off, leading ultimately to what I perceived as a disastrous result. I think I could have saved it, but I was so unhappy with it, that I simply ended it with an abruptness not usually my style.

The next attempt was also from a photograph...this time a still life of aligned glass bottles. I think that I was too fatigued when I began this painting, and couldn't quite achieve the reflective colors that I had hoped to capture. The results again culminated in an ugly, muddy smear across perfectly innocent white canvas.

After this second frustrating effort, I decided to take a break. I also think that I shall steer away from photographs for a while, and go back to my light box and still life setups until I tear away from this "painter's block" that seems to have me in its selfish grasp. Back again, soon...

Alla Prima Green Leaf Study

I sifted through a number of old photographs until I found this color foliage snap for the leaf close-up study that I had been wanting to paint for several days. I had already given up on the plein aire approach a few days ago because of the intense sunlight and wind that were not conducive to my plans.

I really liked this photo because of the clarity of detail, and subtle color changes.

I chose a limited color palette of oils, along with an 8" x 10" canvas panel. I struggled, in the beginning, with a rather detailed underpainting, then decided that I was fussing too much over the details. It was at this point that I began having fun with the painting, and actually liking the results that I was getting using these predominately cool hues.

Contact me via email with any questions about this painting, or any others that you may be interested in displayed on this website.

The Magnolia Bloom

I have a tall magnolia tree in my front yard. For a number of weeks now, it has been laden with the most gorgeous and wonderfully southern, gigantic blooms. Each time that I have passed by this tree, I have said to myself that I simply must paint one of those incredible blooms.

Yesterday I happened to see a new bloom within my reach. But, still I toyed with leaving it on the tree in its natural beauty. Ultimately, I couldn't resist cutting it down to paint a picture, in hopes of sharing its beauty through oils on my canvas. (I apologized to the tree, and immediately put the bloom in water.)

I hope you enjoy it. I tried to keep the style loose and fresh.

Arabian Horse - Acrylic Painting in Progress

I wanted to go back to an acrylic medium for this large painting of a running Arabian horse. Actually, this is just a portion of the painting, which is a 40" x 60" stretched canvas. Obviously, this is still a work in progress, as I have not added facial details, flowing mane, etc., but I wanted to show you what I had been working on for a couple of days.

I'm trying to break out a little, in terms of use of color and fine blending...you know what I mean...I really want this to be more impressionistic, energetic and modern, rather than traditional and tightly rendered. So far so good. Just need to stop myself from overworking it!

Thanks again for looking.

Apple Face-Off

8" x 8" Oil on Canvas Panel

Still playing with these colorful apples. Couldn't resist the green and red combinations. Maybe next, for something a little different, I will fall in love with blue and yellow...we'll see.

This oil painting is a face-off between the Rome Apple and the Granny Smith. Does anybody remember the Dr. Seuss story about the Loraxes that wouldn't budge to allow the other to pass? Well, that is kinda what I had in mind when I did the set-up.

Thanks for visiting. As always, comments and suggestions are not only welcomed, but encouraged! See ya...

Green Apple Slices

6" x 6" Oil on Canvas Panel

Wow! So glad to be able to use Blogger and Internet again! No access for a number of days...frustrating not to be able to post my daily paintings, and share my stories; particularly frustrating as I am seeking to join a new daily painting website, and need to be posting my art each day.

However, my own inconveniences pale in comparison to those of many here as the clean up continues in Tuscaloosa and Birmingham areas, following the devastation caused by the numerous tornadoes that recently ripped through Alabama. Many of us now have power, and modern conveniences like cable and Internet, but there are still many that do not even have homes, and remain in local shelters. Thanks again to everyone who is helping out the hundreds of victims. We are all so grateful for your kindness.

My apple theme continues with the painting seen here, as I sliced one of my Granny Smith apples, and set it up on a bright red background. Still love the look of green and red playing off one another.

Proceeds from the sell of this painting will be donated to Red Cross in support of the tornado victims.

Thanks for looking. Back soon with another painting.

She Looks So Different

"She Looks So Different!"

6" x 6" Oil on Stretched Canvas

Good morning, all!

I am feeling in a much stronger, happier state of mind as the local community is beginning to heal. I think that my own "survivor's guilt" is under control, although sadness still permeates the air, throughout this Alabama area. Thanks again to all of you who are providing help, hope, and prayer for the thousands of tornado victims.

Last night I thought that I would again attempt a simple painting, and proceeded to set up my little green apples...couldn't resist adding a splash of red, as well. (Note to grocer: thank you for having such a wide variety of beautiful apples in stock!)

I got pretty loose with this oil painting, but enjoyed the freedom of painting outside my usual box.

Thanks for listening, and please visit often!

Starting With an Apple...

6" x 6"

Oil on Stretched Canvas

In an effort to resume my schedule and get back to living life, following the recent horrific tornado devastation in Alabama, I thought a simple apple sketch painting might be a good first step.

Luckily, I happened to have a couple of my Granny Smith apples remaining, and eagerly set about toning the canvas. This simple apple became "not so simple" as I first color blocked, added details, then decided to repaint...not once, but twice!

On my third effort, I thought that keeping it loose was the best approach, and this small oil painting was deemed "finished".

I have several ideas running around in my brain, that are simply wanting to jump on the canvas...hope to "record" all of these ideas before they fade away.

Thanks for visiting. And special thanks to everyone who is contributing to the Alabama tornado disaster relief program...your help is much needed and sincerely appreciated.

Tornado Devastation in Alabama is Unimaginable...

No post for several days, I know. But, I have been completely overwhelmed by the incredibly horrific devastation caused by the many tornadoes that ripped through our area, beginning over a week ago, shattering lives, and in many cases, the human spirit.

It's frustrating not to be able to help my community more...all around I see tears and rubble. There is no understanding of such events..."ours is not to reason why".

At last, I am starting to see help, and healing in progress, as aid and hope arrives here, now daily.

Healing will be a long process, but I am encouraged by the seeds of hope that are being planted. I see children laughing again, and it is such an incredibly potent medicine.

I returned to my easel again yesterday, and as best I can, I will return to "normal", which I know is an ever-shifting state of being.

Thanks for looking...

The White Porcelain Cup

I completed this small still life alla prima last night.

This past weekend, I was rummaging through some old boxes filled with mementos from our old family home when I came across this lovely little porcelain mug. We never really were coffee drinkers in my family, but tea and cocoa were always free flowing.

Discovering this old treasure brought back many warm memories, inspiring me to paint this simple 6" x 6" oil on stretched canvas. Looking at it brings a smile to my face!

I've Been Swamped for a While...

"Hidden Green Wonderland"

12" x 12" Oil on Stretched Canvas

Okay, that IS a pretty cheesy title, given that my most recent painting is a swamp landscape. Sometimes, though, it is difficult for me to resist such a play on words.

Sorry for the extended absence, but relocating my office took twice as long as we expected, and I have been without those necessities of life, like Internet, email, blogging... etc....(What big, electronically dependent babies we have become!)

Back to the oil painting...
I was inspired by a gallery challenge celebrating "Mother Earth". First, I sketched out this painting from 3 actual bog photos, and began painting by large color blocking. The result is somewhat monotone, but the colors are fairly true to life. I may try another version of this with more abstraction. I really like the look of the vibrant green moss on the old log.

Thanks for looking! I am in the process of finishing a small still life, which I hope to post tomorrow. Please check back.

Leaves and Shadows

I think that this is finished...it has a "finished feel" to it, although I never really lightened the background as much as I had first envisioned it. I think that the darker colors work okay. I tried adding more light blue and it began fading out the leaves.

Also, I was going to add even more detail, but was able to stop myself in time to keep the painting looking fresh. (I am especially proud that I resisted the urge to blend).

I hope you enjoy it. Please visit again.

Leaves - Oil Painting in Progress

This weekend I decided to accept the gallery's challenge to create a painting centered in some way on Mother Earth for Earth Day.

I found a photo of the sunlight peeking through foilage, and really liked the color variances induced by the sun's rays. Some of the leaves seem opaque, while others are almost translucent. I am about half way toward completion. I really want to lighten part of the background and work on leaf details a little bit. Still intend to keep a fresh look, however, so I don't want to blend too much.

Hopefully, I will post the finished painting tomorrow. Please stay tuned...

Okay, Everyone Listen Up

"Okay, Everyone Listen Up"

8" x 8" Oil on Stretched Canvas

$75 USD

Clementines are so delicious. I bought a bag of them last weekend, and decided to set a few up in a still life. I chose the blue linen because I really liked the way the bright orange and vibrant blue played off one another. When I added the green folded linen and placed one clementine on top, the arrangement began to look as though a coach were talking to his team saying, "Okay, Everyone Listen Up".

This oil painting is on stretched canvas using 1 1/2" stretcher bars, suitable for hanging with or without a frame. As always, I welcome comments and questions. Thanks!

Light at the End of the Forest

"Light at the End of the Forest"

10" x 14"

Oil on Stretched Canvas

I thought that I needed a change of pace since painting so many still lifes lately. So I went to my favorite old standby...a landscape filled with trees.

But I thought I would try something a little different by using a less traditional landscape color palette. The result was not quite what I had hoped, as the forest looks a little scarier and colder than I would have liked. I also admit that I did not give this painting the time that I could have to make improvements. However, once I let it set for a day or so, the oil was not pliable to my liking, so I decided to move on to another painting challenge.

For me, this is actually progress. I think, as artists, we must accept that sometimes things don't turn out as we envision, and we must smile, scrape off the paint, and start again. Success is great, but finding humor in the unsuccessful is invaluable to our personal growth. Thanks for visiting!

Bananas and Strawberry - A Daily Painting

"Bananas and Strawberry"
8" x 10" Oil on Canvas Panel
$65 USD (Unframed)
Free Shipping

Okay, I wasn't very original with the title of this one, I agree. But when you consider all of the cliches that went through my head (that I rejected!!!), then you may appreciate the lack of a cutesy title...(Going Bananas, Just Bananas, Bananas and Friend...).

At any rate, I hope that you enjoy this 8" x 10" oil painting, inspired by the almost flawless banana bunch that I discovered at a local grocery. And yes, the strawberry looks a little large, but believe it or not, it is true to life. It must be a good month for mammoth-sized strawberries.

I wanted to let everyone know that I was recently juried into an online art gallery, known as Contemporary Fine Arts International. I am displaying landscapes and still life paintings on my CFAI web pages, and I hope to do some networking with a lot of other artists who share the same interests. I believe that the experience will enhance my own art, and hopefully I can inspire others in some way.

"He's Not One of Us" by Sandy Bradford

I bought these apples because of the color striations running throughout. I decided that they would make interesting subjects. I added the green lime for contrast. Viola!!! The name came to me during the setup, when I decided to separate the apples from the lime. I imagined the apples discussing between themselves that the lime was "not one of them".

This oil painting was completed on an 8" x 10" canvas panel. I decided to blend more than unusual, which limited most of the visible brushwork.

Thanks for looking at my paintings. Please visit often!

Reflections of a Sliced Lemon

"Reflections of a Sliced Lemon"

6" x 6" Oil Painting on Stretched Canvas

$75 USD, plus Shipping

Blue and yellow are an exciting color combination. I think they also work well with orange.

These thoughts went through my mind as I assembled this still life, calling once again upon the help of my brightly colored lemon, along with an orange napkin.

I enjoyed creating this small oil painting, and the smell of the sliced lemon was such a pleasant bonus during the process!

Thank you once again for viewing my artwork. Comments and suggestions are both welcome.

This painting is unframed, however, framing is available. Please contact me with inquiries.

I'm Not Speaking to You Anymore

These small oil paintings are getting to be such fun! I really look forward to working on them each day.



"I'm Not Speaking to You Anymore"

6" x 6" Oil Painting
Stretched Canvas, 1 1/2 Inch Stretcher Bars
$75 USD, plus Shipping

I thought I would give the lime and lemon one more spot in the "limelight" by painting them atop a green linen napkin. I was moving them around, debating on an interesting setup when I turned them away from one other, and thought that they looked as though they had deliberately turned their backs. This then led to the title "I'm Not Speaking to You Anymore".

This still life is available for purchase either framed or unframed.

White Puppy

I found a photo of a puppy running fast, with his treasure - a rubber ball - clamped tightly in his teeth. It was so cute that I knew I wanted to paint it some day.

I approached this painting with a larger paintbrush than I usually use, and tried not to move the paint around too much, so that I would retain a "fresh look", much like the puppy itself.

It is a bright oil painting, more whimsical than realistic or impressionist. I enjoyed the process. It was a nice change from my usual style and subject matter.

What Do We Tell the Children?

I decided that I would approach this still life with looser brush strokes than I have used of late. As I was setting up the fruit, it occurred to me that they looked a little like a "family"...the Mama Lemon, the Papa Apple and the 2 Grape children. (Oh my, what would Freud think???)

Anyway, I imagined the 2 "adults" speaking quietly to one another, so as not to alert the "children" of some deep, dark secret.

This oil painting is 7" x 9" and is available for purchase.

"What Do We Tell the Children?"

7" x 9" Oil on Canvas Panel

$50 USD

Red, Green and Lime

More still life painting was the order of the day this weekend. I finished this 7" x 9" oil painting on Saturday. I am entitling it "Red, Green and Lime" in honor of my delicious fruit subjects, who have served me so well over the last several paintings.

Also, I worked on my art photography to try and improve the quality of the digital photos that I am posting, to reflect truer color, without glare. The overcast sky on Sunday was helpful, and I decided to re-photograph several paintings.

My next painting will be a looser, more "painterly" painting. Stay tuned.

Grapes, Pear, and Lemon - A Daily Painting

Today seemed like the perfect day to try a larger, "fruitier" painting!

I combined my lemon, pear, and a few of those delicious green seedless grapes, while still trying to stay with a limited palette. With primarily yellows and browns, I completed this oil painting relatively quickly. Perhaps it went so smoothly because of the sketch and underpainting that I did in burnt umber prior to laying my colors down.

I think these colors work okay together in this 8" x 10" oil painting, but I am still not happy with my art photography. However, if "practice makes perfect", then I am on the right road, because I will continue to try different methods until I find a way that accurately depicts the colors and textures with little to no glare off of the canvas.

Thanks for looking.

Green Grapes Re-Worked

"Green Grapes"
6" x 6"
Stretched Canvas
$50 USD
Free Shipping


Today I re-worked the "Green Grapes" oil painting to enhance the focus on the true subject matter. I believe that enriching the colors and tones throughout the painting, and creating the light and dark contrast of the grapes against the dark background significantly enhance the drama of this painting.

I would also like to mention that this is one of the smallest paintings that I have ever worked to completion. At 6" x 6", this painting allows for a fun alla prima "daily" painting.

I will try another challenge tomorrow.

The Green Grape Challenge

I used similar tones throughout this painting, as I experimented with this small oil painting, and the light effects.

I set up the grapes in my light box, and started by sketching the grapes on a small stretched 6" x 6" canvas, using brown oil paint. Initially, I wanted to set the grapes on a white plate in the picture, but decided against it, as I wanted to concentrate a singular focus on the grapes.

The final result was a little surprising to me. Although I utilized different colors for the foreground, subject, and background, you can easily see how there is little "drama" in this painting, because of the similarity of the tones. I will re-work this painting for dramatic effect, to enhance the focus on the grapes, which are obviously the intended subject.

I think that this painting actually looks a lot like a watercolor rather than oil painting. I will address this also, in the re-work.

Red Grapes - A Daily Painting

Grapes pose a challenge to paint even though they are quite small. Light hits them in an interesting way, making them appear translucent.

These red seedless grapes (delicious, by the way)were actually several different colors, including lavender and purple, as well as a deep red.

I decided to paint them in a "painterly" fashion, showing some brushstrokes, and taking an impressionistic approach.I have to say that they were actually more of a challenge than I expected.

I have some more grapes in the fridge...green ones, I think...so I may try to conquer those (with a paint brush) for a new grape challenge.

Thanks for looking in!

Colorful Vista

Yesterday's small daily painting was not completed, so I decided to wait to post the final result. It began just fine, as an 8" x 8" oil painting of purplish red grapes in a small bowl. However, I was unable to complete all of the highlights without smearing or muddying the paint. So I wanted to let it dry a bit before completion, and I will save that post for later.

Today I thought I would share this large landscape canvas, which I have never posted before. I started this 3' x 6'(approximate) canvas on frame about 4 months ago. I wanted to mull it over a while because I am undecided whether or not it is finished. My intentions were to go back in and add highlights to the pathway, along with tall grasses, and small rocks. But I have had second thoughts about adding such fine details when the tree leaves are quite impressionistic rather than detailed. Any suggestions?

I plan to do some painting this weekend. Maybe I will finally finish this landscape, and stop brooding over it. Meanwhile, back to my still life!

Pear Pair

"Golden Pair"
8" x 8"
Oil on Canvas Panel
$100 USD
Free Shipping


This pear pair seemed almost monochromatic when I placed them in my lightbox and turned on my lamp. There were a few highlighted areas, though, and I decided to paint the reflections, too.

The goal here was to create interest with what has become a very common art subject, using some larger brushes, while keeping the realism intact.

These still lifes are becoming excellent learning opportunities for me, as I refine my talents in this medium. Also, they are valuable in playing around with tones and values. And with this smaller scale, I can complete a painting each day, and start fresh the next day with a completely fresh idea...which may be a totally different grocery item!!! (or not...)

Please join me again tomorrow with another daily oil painting.

Primary Cups: Detail View

I decided to go ahead and play with the cups again. I set up the red, blue, and yellow, and chose to use the reflecting base.

This is a small oil painting, 5" x 7", but what I am showing here in this post is a detail of the painting. (I didn't actually cut off all of the cup handles!)

I'm still debating whether or not I like this one. I think that the previous painting, with the yellow and blue cups, was actually more successful. I want to work on loosening up a bit, and showing more brushwork. I plan to do less blending with my next still life.

Blue and Yellow Cups

This weekend was a busy one, but I managed to find some colorful crockery that I thought would make nice subject matter for a small oil painting. I bought several, in primary colors.

The small 8" x 8" oil painting on canvas panel that you see here was a challenge, since I deliberately chose a reflective base on which to arrange the cups. I wanted to allow the reflections to be an intricate part of the design.

I think that I achieved this, and would like to try similar challenges, using this reflective surface. I still see a little glare from the photography, as the light tends to make the oil gleam. Rest assured that this is NOT part of the painting. I will try another photograph in natural light (when the weather is not so inclement).

Perhaps I will use all three primary colors tomorrow, in a new "reflective" painting.

White Horse: Work in Progress

Something a little different today...

I thought that I would show you a large horse painting that I have worked on for several days. I hope to finish this 30" x 40" canvas this weekend. I took it as far as I could, and let it "rest" for a while before deciding exactly how I want to portray the horse's mane.

I want to add a flowing mane, but I don't want to obscure any of the musculature, which I intend to be the highlight and main focus of the acrylic painting. This dilemma was cause for a respite.

I still need to paint in the shadows, too. I may minimize the mane, and simplify the bright background a bit. But I am pleased with the cool hues of the horse.

Please stay tuned as I attempt to finish this latest project.

The Final Peppers (or Big Red and Big Green)

Okay, I don't want anyone to think that I am obsessed with peppers, so I promise that I will change subject matter really soon. But the light effects on these colorful objects are simply very inviting as a painting subject. I just couldn't resist...and since the peppers were out of season when I bought them, I naturally want to get my money's worth!

I hope you enjoy this latest exercise, which I am calling "Big Red and Big Green". This is a small oil painting, 5" x 7" on panel, which I am considering framing in similar dark frames as with the others in the "Pepper Collection". As with the other square shaped panels, this painting was completed alla prima.

Thanks again for visiting. A new challenge begins tomorrow! (Probably???)

Red and Green

I used my light box to highlight these small red peppers nestled against the large, dark green pepper. I enjoy these two colors together, even outside of the holiday season.

I completed this small 5" x 7" oil painting last night, and attempted to photograph it in natural light. I still think that I can improve on the photography, but the colors are fairly true. I think I may frame a few of these pepper pictures, and offer them for sell as a set. I am debating the frame color, though. I don't want the frame color to compete with the intensity of the oil colors in these brightly painted works.

I don't believe that these paintings will require a varnish. The oils that I used were very consistent.

Please contact me with any questions or comments.

Until tomorrow, Ciao!

Picked Another Pepper to Paint

"Green Pepper"


8" x 8"


Oil on Panel



My final pepper from the recent raid that I made on the produce section of my local grocery store was this large green pepper. (I think it is a poblano, but I really don't know for certain). I plan to also paint this alongside some very red chili peppers, to celebrate the juxtaposition of these two vibrantly colored veggies.

I chose a decidedly warmer background than with my previous pepper pics, to make the greens stand out in this darker, "cooler" subject. I am pleased with the results in this exercise...but, tomorrow is another day...

Comparison of Light Effects

A friend suggested to me that I was doing my art an injustice by photographing and posting it in artificial light. I knew that natural light was best, and I had purchased a special "natural light lamp" and bulb, hoping to get that pure white light effect without hauling everything outside for photographing. Still, I noticed that my paintings, once photographed, looked a little "washed out", as they did not always reflect the true, pure colors that I used in the painting process.

I now conclude that there is no substitute for natural white light. As an illustration, I photographed the Big Red Bell Pepper a second time...this time in natural light. I see that the colors look much truer, richer, more accurate.

This is very important, because I want to show my art as realistically as possible, with no surprises to the buyer, or viewer, when they look upon the actual work. I pledge to improve my art photography skills henceforth!

Big Red Bell Pepper

Well, I guess the title says it all!

I am now running out of produce. Hmmm...there may be one more green pepper in the fridge awaiting its portrait. Maybe tomorrow...

Anyway, I am trying to learn to paint these single objects with a very few brushstrokes, yet still lend some realism to the object. Basically, I am trying to master quick broad brushstrokes while working on these small 8" x 8" oil paintings, alla prima.

It is really fun to finish these paintings in a single setting. I enjoy the color contrasts of the strong red and green, as well.

Not So Peachy Keen

Oil Painting
6" x 8"

I had a real struggle with this peach. It was such an unusual color and shape, that it really did not look like your typical peach. The colors were more yellow and purple than a typical "peach" hue,and there was very little fuzz and no stem. On top of that, it had a large bump on the bottom.

I thought that it might make for an interesting painting; however, I am still on the fence about the outcome. I just really want to go ahead and add that fuzzy texture (that isn't actually there) so that it will look more like a peach than a nectarine.

I think that I will move on, though, and try painting that poblano pepper I bought 2 days ago. I'll go ahead and tell my mother that she can eat the peach, as she has been threatening to do, since I bought it!

Two Red Hot Chili Peppers

Decided to paint something a little colorful. So I went to the grocery and stood staring at the vegetable bins, trying to decide what would make the most interesting small painting arrangements, in terms of color and structure.

Since red is my favorite color, the choice was rather easy...these brightly colored chili peppers. I also chose a large poblano pepper, a red bell pepper, and a medium peach. Well, it took me a little time to find the precisely appropriate perishables, so let me tell you that I got some really strange glances from the produce manager, as well as a few fellow customers. But, no worries! I approached the checkout counter as proud as a new parent with my carefully selected, colorful incredible edibles.

It was a great deal of fun painting red against green, and I enjoyed every minute of it. Today I may graduate to the poblano...stay with me...

Lakeside Color

Another busy weekend, but I did manage to crank out a new landscape. This one is 12" x 14", oil on panel.

I am really enjoying the buttery, flowing texture of this medium. Working with it just never gets old!

This landscape was drawn from a number of memories of my days living in Colorado. I loved the myriad of colors that each autumn would bring.

Yellow Flower

It rarely snows in this southern region; however, as in many American cities this winter, we experienced this phenomenon over the last couple of days. Maybe that is why I decided to paint a sunflower, which is perhaps the antithesis of the white, colorless wintry view from my front window.

This small oil painting is an 8" x 8" panel that I categorize as another of my "daily paintings", which I have enjoyed creating over the last couple of months, and plan to continue to post on a regular basis.

As always, comments and suggestions are welcome!