Red Pears

Last night and this morning we got our first snowfall of the season. About 10" in all and it fell on and off all day. Goodbye summer, I guess. Though it's supposed to be sunny and in the 60's this weekend. Such is Colorado - I love it!

Two, Four, Six, Eight

SOLD

You know what I appreciate? Being back in my studio. As much as I'd like to like painting en plein air, I really haven't started to yet. That doesn't mean I won't keep trying. For now, I'm happy to be back in my studio, arranging this basket of fruit and seeing what happens. For some reason, this set up reminded me of high school basketball games, and the cool routines the cheerleaders did. That's what happens when you start painting before the coffee kicks in I suppose.

Coming Back!

Just got back in this evening from a long weekend in California, where I've been for the 2011 American Impressionist Society annual juried show at Mountainsong Galleries in Carmel-by-the-Sea. There's something about little hamlets that have hyphenated names...you just know the place is special. The entire area reminds me of The Shire, which, if you're a Lord of the Rings nerd like I am, will paint a very accurate picture and will probably make you want to visit. If you get the chance, go.

Anyway, my painting, Sous-Sus, is part of the exhibit, which will be hanging until mid November. You can see the show here.

Got a chance to check out 17-Mile Drive while we were there. I lived in Monterey in my early 20's and hadn't really spent much time there since. Turned out to be a break I didn't realize I needed. But I'll be back to daily painting and posting tomorrow. In the meantime, this is why I've been out of the studio for a few days.

One for Me, One for You

SOLD

I've been thinking about painting apples again since that still life I did a few days ago. There was something so jewel-like about the tones I wanted to play with again. I certainly understand the appeal of them to an artist: the colors are the closest thing you can get to candy for your eyes. It's really fun to take your time and explore the contours of this simple spherical fruit.

Tangerine and Silver

SOLD

Cut Oranges

SOLD

I have to admit - when I'm doing these daily paintings I don't think much about titles. I think they sort of speak for themselves, especially with still lifes. So now that I'm publishing this work that's been a little bit of a challenge for me. I thought about calling this something cute like, "Orange you Apeeling?" but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. Besides, when I'm looking at art myself, the title is really only something I make a note of if I fall in love with the painting itself. 

What do you think? How important are titles to you, and why?

Apples of My Eye

SOLD

Tangerine Dreams

SOLD

I've been doing daily paintings for awhile now, and this is my first foray into actually blogging about it and making the paintings easily available by auction. These "daily gems" are different from my larger work. The subject matter is simpler, brighter and very fun to paint! Hope you enjoy them.