Backyard Apples

oil 6x8 inches Purchase info here. Painting number one from September's 30 paintings in 30 days for the Strada Easel Challenge. I didn't win an easel, but September gave me lots of practice and self-discipline! We don't know what kind of apple tree we have, but who cares! It produced hundreds of sweet, juicy apples last fall.

Once A Marine, Always A Marine -a plein air painting from Los Rios Historic District, San Juan Capistrano

oil 9x12 Purchase info here. When I visit San Juan Capistrano, I'm always drawn to this little old house. I have painted it once before. My father and son were both Marines. I love the fact that so many old retired Marines, proud of their service and their country, still fly the USMC flag. I painted this when the afternoon light was behind the house, and shone through the canna lillies. It was a lot of fun trying to capture that light and the character of the house.

Signs At Capistrano- a plein air painting from the Historic Los Rios District

oil 11x14 Purchase info here. In August I joined the PAM Painters for a painting day in San Juan Capistrano. This is the first of two paintings I did on location that day. I was drawn to the light and shadow, the rustic old building, and the sign post almost hidden in the planter.

A Fruity Wine

oil 10x10 Purchase info here. You might wonder why I include wine bottles in my still life so often. They provide a strong vertical anchor to the design, taking the scene up and breaking up the top horizontal edge of the picture plane. The labels often echo the colors in fruit, creating unity and color harmony. The green bottles are often very very dark so they add value contrast. Wine is festive, and adds to the upbeat feel of the work. There you have it! IN OTHER NEWS: I'm really looking forward to demonstrating in Huntington Beach on Wednesday! For more info, see my December 30th post.

Loose Fruit

oil 8x8 inches Purchase info here.