Garlic ... makes life more interesting!

8 x 8
Oil on Board

Flowers, flowers, & flowers

This time of year it makes us appreciate all of the flowers that are so plentiful in summer and fall.   These were painted over the past summer and fall and make me ready for spring!

Flower Fields
9 x 12 Oil on Canvas

Roses in  Green
8 x 10 Oil on Canvas

Roses in Cut Glass
8 x 10 Oil on Canvas

Bird & Flowers
9 x 12 Oil on Canvas

Pink & Yellow Roses
8 x 10 Oil on Canvas

Farm to Easel

I have always tinkered with the idea of combining art, food and gardening.   When cooking, my mom taught us to gather all of your ingredients on the counter before starting.   This gives me the chance to indulge the artistic side of my brain by arranging my ingredients into a pleasing still life which is often photographed and sent to those who might be jealous of what is up for dinner.

This painting represents one of the times when you have gotten things from the garden, gathered them in the kitchen and are getting ready to chop them into something delicious.   But wait .... the green onions look better in front of the purple .... the garlic pod might be more pleasing broken apart.... back to dinner!

Oil Painting
12 x 24
"Farm to Easel"

Sunflower Study

Sunflowers are some of my favorite flowers as well as my favorite things to paint.   I started this study with a thumb nail sketch including values.  Next I tried it in watercolor then oil.  All in good fun!

Sunflower Studies

Sunset on Tom

This week the sunsets in Encinitas have been spectacular with soft pastel pinks, purples and blue over the ocean.   Another place that can get a wide spectrum of colors is a mountainside at sunrise and sunset.   I painted this small "Sunset on Tom I" from a photo taken near Bishop, CA.

Sunset on Tom I
9 x 12" Oil on Canvas

I was inspired to paint this again - but this time in a large format.   The second painting is three feet by four feet.   It is the largest painting I have attempted and I found it a very different (at times difficult) process.    The smaller painting will be on display at OffTrack Gallery in August and September.   The larger one is too large to fit in my allotted gallery space!   Enjoy the sunsets.

Sunset on Tom II
36 x 48" Oil on Canvas

Daisies

Favorite flowers are just that.  Favorite Flowers.  The meaning as unique to each of us as the flower is unique.   Special moments, special places, special people.   Whether it is a daisy, sunflower, peony or that favorite rose it brings that special memory.   I never grow tired of painting flowers because they bring so much to me.   Enjoy today's favorite.

Daisies, Oil on Canvas
9 x 12"

This bunch has traveled to a new home where they will hopefully brighten the day.

Eucalyptus

28 x 36
Oil on Canvas

This painting is an attempt to pay homage to the "Early California Painters".   Trees with Mountains in the distance ... no houses or freeways!    It was fun to live in this painting while I worked on it.  It will be in the San Diego County Fair Art Exhibit when the fair opens.   Enjoy!