Friday, March 11, 2011

Green Bench and Pots

Oil on Linen, 11x14

It's been so pleasant outside lately. My friends and I decided to paint a still life outdoor in my back yard yesterday. In doing this painting, I discovered that in order to show the sunniness, shadows have to be darker and the values needs to be stretched. But I also remember when I painted in the desert in the sun, everything was kind of golden, even shadows were not as dark. Then, we got into the debate about High Key or Low Key. Is this high or low key? I don't know.

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Or email me if you have any comments or suggestions.
Thank you for visiting!


Friday, March 4, 2011

Girl in Yellow Dress

Oil on Panel, 9x12

About two weeks ago I took a five-day plein air workshop with Kim English, a brilliant painter from Colorado. The workshop was grueling as the models were instructed to change post every 5, 10, 15 or 20 minutes. So we painted, wiped off, changed supports quickly, trying to compose, block-in, mixed the right colors and values as best and as fast as we could. Most people got to do a lot in each painting but I could only come up with just the figures mostly, like the one above, which Kim was very fond of. It's the most valuable workshop I've attended so far and I've got nothing but admiration and respect for Kim.
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Thank you for visiting!

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

"Plum blossoms in Vase"

Oil on gessoed masonite, 11.5"x11.5"

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Once we remember how forgiving oil is when we paint, we can load up the color and have fun painting! It won't be fun if we use thin, little bits of color because it doesn't blend well with the rest and will look not as juicy and rich; the richness which inspires artists like us to use oil as a medium.

Thank you for visiting! You're welcome to contact me via my email, or go to my web site to see more paintings.

"Napa Cabbage"

Oil on Gessoed Masonite, 12"x12"

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Lately, I've been spending a little extra time setting up still life, concentrating on creating a bit of atmosphere, or feeling. As a result, I'm enjoying painting again like I used to when I started. Instead of painting what looks right, I'm painting what I like. There's such a big difference! When I stated going to the Scottsdale Art School, I learned to paint right. Now with that, I can go back to paint what made me want to paint in the beginning, something that makes the heart warm and sing.

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Please come visit my web site or contact me via my email.
Thanks for visiting!

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Fruit Basket

Oil on Canvas, 16x20

I'd like to say this is done, but still have reservation about the color temperature on the left. I will only glaze it with warmer color and hope I don't end up overworking it.

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Please email me if you would like, or visit my web site,  or my blog to see more work.
Thank you so much for viewing

Saturday, January 1, 2011

"Green Tomato"

"Green Tomato", Oil on Canvas, 8"x10" $200

Happy New Year!
May the new year brings you health, wealth and prosperity.
And may we all be kind to one another.

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I've been traveling back and forth to Chicago during the Christmas season; saw my daughter, Wendy, and son-in-law, Jeff, a couple of times. They live in Lexington, Kentucky where he teaches and she works. My nephew and his wife came, too, while they visited Chicago with her relatives. It's the first time they saw the snow.  So, it was one happy time together!

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Please visit my web site, or email me if you're interested in purchasing my work via paypal.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Yellow Rose

Oil on Canvas, 8x10

These roses came from my backyard.
So pretty, I had to paint them.
Petals fell the next day.
Like life, what is
There besides the sentiment? 

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Happy holiday, my friend! Thanks for visiting.