FOB WATCH ON LEATHER BOOK (SOLD)

Fob Watch on Blue Leather Book

Oil on Panel 4 x 4 inches

SOLD

This is my third painting of this subject, my grandfather’s gold fob watch. Each version has been uniquely different, this being my favorite thus far. As it was painted on a smooth panel versus canvas, I was afforded the opportunity to incorporate more detail than done previously. Features of particular interest to me were the sun touched gilding on the blue leather book and the reflected highlights and shadows just beneath the glass lens. During the various stages of refinement within the details of the watch face, I found a tremendous respect for those artisans who actually hand paint clocks and watches. Such a daunting task, but perhaps I’ve achieved a respectable amount of detail to be worthy of your consideration.

BUNDLE OF ASPARAGUS (SOLD)

Bundle of Asparagus

Oil on Panel 5 x 7 inches

SOLD

Here I finally satisfied a long standing urge to create this painting — ever since my first exposure to the subject as art via a painting of white asparagus by Adriaen Coorte in 1696 and then again with a painting of asparagus on a bed of chives by Edouard Manet in 1880. The simple, pure beauty of a tied bundle of asparagus signifies the earthy freshness of spring. The warm tonal greens are particularly attractive with various shades of blue, mauve and lavender — an irresistible palette. This painting marks my full immersion into contemporary realism having previously worked exclusively in the style of classical realism.

painting study little gems oil still life paintings rich deep color black cherries STUDY OF BLACK CHERRIES (SOLD)

Study of Black Cherries
Oil on Panel 4 x 4 inches

SOLD
You may think this is a painting about cherries...but in reality, it is a study of subtle shading and highlights. It began innocently enough as a simple life study of a trio of black cherries on a solid white background, almost like a botanical. I was striving for a more contemporized presentation yet found that I had the urge to ground the subjects such as on a table, retreating back to my familiar classical still lifes. However, wanting to retain the painting’s original freshness, I began to ever so lightly hint at a table line, then some faint shadows. After recognizing that the shadows would look more interesting if the fruit were placed right up against a vertical surface, I achieved not only the desired dimension, but also some rather interesting silhouettes. Studying further, I dove inside those lovely shadowy shapes and began developing what you see here, a delicate study of shadows and highlights. It was quite a lot of fun to work this painting and for a small 4x4 inch piece, it’s really rather loaded when you delve into it.

BLUSH PINK ROSES IN JAR (SOLD)

SOLD

In this painting I've represented the freshness of Spring with a clean, subtle palette and informal subject matter. For me the major stimulus for creating this painting was actually the glass jar. The clarity of light within the jar and dewdrops contrast with the velvety soft petals. While simplistic in terms of design elements, the painting still follows all the classic compositional rules. A versatile painting in terms of framing, it is quite suitable in a rustic or classical frame style, light or dark. Overall, I would classify this painting as a nice transitional piece between classical and contemporary realism.

chocolate kisses green IRISH KISSES: LUCK OF THE IRISH hershey's kiss

4x4 inches / oil on panel
SOLD
Since my first painting, Pink Kisses, received such an enthusiastic response, I chose to create another Chocolate Series painting of Kisses, but this time dressed for St. Patrick's Day! I am particularly pleased with the coloration in this painting, and the reflective quality on the table surface enhancing the shine of the foil wrappers. Working on these smooth masonite panels is quite a difference from canvas; some aspects during the painting process are faster, some slower. It will take time to acquire the right combination, but overall I prefer the results over canvas for these smaller works.

CHOCOLATE STRAWBERRIES (SOLD)

SOLD
This is another aceo painting and third in my new Chocolate Series. These strawberries didn't start out as chocolate covered, but the temptation was too great, so here they are! Hope they tempt you, too!