Awake and Painting

Study of a Waitress

2012-02-25T15:38:00.002-05:00

graphite on paper
7"x7"
bid

Out of brushes, I spent the day on a study for a painting. This woman is a waitress at Philadelphia's busy Reading Terminal Market, pausing to write down an order midst a constant stream of people.

My brushes have been getting more and more fudgy, so I threw them all away after my last painting. Shortly after that my camera died. No camera, no brushes- I took this as a sign to take a break from art for a few days. The camera I ordered arrived yesterday, but I'm still waiting for the brushes.

I've been using Utrecht series 214 and 215 brights and rounds since...well, since the 80s. I love them- well, I HAVE loved them- like a second set of fingers, until the Utrecht representative told me over the phone that they are "not making them anymore". I've ordered some 239s, and I sure hope they'll work well- does anyone care to share what their favorite brush is? I'd love to hear!

Lone Mummer on Broad Street

2012-02-20T12:33:00.004-05:00

oil on panel
7"x7"
bid

I could subtitle this "Man in a Dress". I'm finished with my paintings that are based on the Philadelphia 2012 Mummer's Parade. This one caused me some grief, but I'm not unhappy with the end result.

I'm planning on beginning a series of paintings without figures- simple street scenes in my hometown of Perkasie that I finish up in a day or two at most.

Dancing in the Light, Art Museum Steps

2012-02-14T21:25:00.001-05:00

oil on panel
6"x6"
bid
Here is a girl dancing in delight at being allowed to play on the art museum steps while her caregivers wait patiently. I like painting detailed subjects on small panels because it encourages me to simplify.

City Child

2012-02-09T12:24:00.002-05:00

oil on board
7"x7"
bid

A little blond-haired waifish girl on a crowded city sidewalk struck my fancy.

Parade Watchers

2012-02-01T13:35:00.001-05:00

oil on board

6"x6.5"

bid

This little girl is full of anticipation as the Mummers Parade draws near. To me, a parade is a metaphor for the way we all get caught up in the busyness, flashiness and constant motion of modern life. Time for a poem to drive my point home!

The Parade

By Billy Collins

How exhilarating it was to march

along the great boulevards

in the sunflash of trumpets

and under all the waving flags—

the flag of ambition, the flag of love.

So many of us streaming along—

all of humanity, really—

moving in perfect step,

yet each lost in the room of a private dream.

How stimulating the scenery of the world,

the rows of roadside trees,

the huge curtain of the sky.

How endless it seemed until we veered

off the broad turnpike

into a pasture of high grass,

headed toward the dizzying cliffs of mortality.

Generation after generation,

we keep shouldering forward

until we step off the lip into space.

And I should not have to remind you

that little time is given here

to rest on a wayside bench,

to stop and bend to the wildflowers,

or to study a bird on a branch—

not when the young

are always shoving from behind,

not when the old keep tugging us forward,

pulling on our arms with all their feeble strength.

A Boy and his Gadget

2012-01-28T08:39:00.002-05:00

oil on panel
6"x6"
bid
What scene is more common than this, a boy ignoring all the world in favor of his beloved gadget?

Police Woman

2012-01-23T11:28:00.000-05:00

oil on panel
7"x8"
bid
If I had another life to live, I might like to be a police woman, no joke. The contrast between that and an artist's life of contemplation seems extreme. Anyhow, I was drawn to this image because of the peculiar balance between the masculine and feminine elements- the truck, the uniform, the city street and then the female face and hair in a blond bun.

Running to Meet the Band, New Year's Day, Philadelphia

2012-01-17T12:39:00.000-05:00

oil on panel
7"x8"

sold

This girl was having exuberant fun horsing around on Broad Street with her New Year's Day hat. I like the running pose I caught, and her very cheerful yellow sweatshirt.
It's dark and rainy today, so I had a little trouble getting a photo without glare. The New Year's Day hat is really a nice deep blue, but got washed out here.
Also- and a big also- the warm and wonderful artist Crystal Cook interviewed me on her blog!! Such great questions- it was fun to answer them.

Waiting for the Parade

2012-01-10T10:20:00.002-05:00

oil on panel
7"x8"

On New Year's Day I caught this pretty girl having an introspective moment as she waited for the next section of the Mummer's parade. In case you haven't noticed, I sure like a quality of dreaminess in a person.

Pink Jacket

2012-01-06T12:58:00.003-05:00

oil on panel
7"x8"
purchase

This is the first of a series of painting based on photographs I took at Philadelphia's Mummers Parade on New Year's day. This little girl was having a great time watching giant gumball machines work their way up Broad Street.

Taking Pictures

2012-01-03T16:39:00.001-05:00

oil on panel
6"x6"

sold

This young woman was taking photographs of the sweeping view of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway as seen from the Philadelphia Art Museum. I like to imagine her "looking" as a metaphor for the start of the new year, when we like to look at the year we leave behind, as well as to focus on the one coming up.

The past year I've had the great fortune of being able to paint full time. I've learned so much by being able to concentrate on my work so intently. Even though I've been painting for years (and years), I've never had so much time to devote to it. Sometimes the year's been stressful, sometimes lonely, but overall exciting and satisfying. One of the things I'm most happy about is having my portrait of my sister receive an award at the popular art blog Making a Mark, and joining Daily Paintworks as a "Featured Artist."

Now with the start of the New Year I'm back to working for the library. Unlike a year ago, it's a 20 hour week instead of full time. I'm lucky to have this job, and I'm determined to not let it slow me down. My first resolution is to wake up at 6 a.m. most days and get right to work. With the paycheck comes more freedom in the kinds of things I chose to paint, and I'm very excited about that.

Art Museum Steps

2011-12-29T08:42:00.001-05:00

oil on board
6"x6.5"

sold

Here is a woman sitting on the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps, enjoying the December sun, and the backside of a begging man- two people who are not likely to cross paths again. Forgive me the melodrama, but I can't help but think of the Longfellow quote:

Ships that pass in the night, and speak each other in passing,
Only a signal shown and a distant voice in the darkness;
So on the ocean of life we pass and speak one another,
Only a look and a voice, then darkness again and a silence.

One more thing. One of my portraits was nominated for best blog portrait in 2011.

Happy Run

2011-12-16T13:12:00.001-05:00

oil on panel
6"x6"

sold

This little girl has just left the art museum and breaks into a happy run at her sudden freedom.

Thinking About Rothko (day 2)

2011-12-12T10:53:00.002-05:00

oil on panel
6"x6"
purchase
I wish I hadn't posted this painting yesterday. I woke up early this morning and looked at it and thought "Oh no, IT NEEDS SO MUCH WORK!" See, my blog can feel like a pet that needs to be fed. I would love to feed it every day, but obviously I get better results when I give it a meal more like twice a week.

Thanks Brian and Nigel for the helpful suggestions about getting rid of the "fishbowl effect". That aspect looks better here too.

Thinking About Rothko

2011-12-11T15:12:00.001-05:00

oil on panel
6"x6"

This is a modern young woman contemplating some Mark Rothko paintings.

I'm having trouble getting a good photo, as happens sometimes. The large paintings in the background are not bowed- the verticals are straight up and down! Does anyone else have this problem when photographing small paintings, of getting a slight fishbowl effect?

Young Girls in a Museum

2011-12-10T15:19:00.001-05:00

oil on panel
7"x7"

The older girl is rapt with attention, while the younger one fidgets (of course). The photo I took has the one child slightly out of focus, which I thought might make for an interesting painting.

Recumbent Knight

2011-12-06T14:08:00.001-05:00

oil on panel
6"x6"

sold

I've been inspired by the painter Karin Jurick to paint scenes of people in museums. Here is my first attempt, a young girl contemplating weighty matters like time and mortality as well as the mystery of this unknown life, represented by an effigy.

It's dark and rainy again, so this photo was taken inside. I think the colors are better than this, but as the rain will continue for a while I'll get a better picture taken in a few days .

Elaina Fine Arts Gallery Holiday Show

2011-12-03T08:41:00.001-05:00

I've been busy this past week getting ready for the annual group holiday show at the Elaina Fine Arts Gallery. This charming and elegant gallery and frame shop is run by three very pleasant and helpful women, making my experience there a complete pleasure.
On the other hand, I'm champing at the bit to get back to painting. A few days off and I start to feel that all is definitely not right in my world!

Thanksgiving Walk

2011-11-28T10:47:00.001-05:00

oil on panel
7"x7"

I took pictures on Thanksgiving like a crazy woman. I was lucky to capture this evocative moment, which seems to me to speak of larger things than a simple walk to work off the Thanksgiving dinner.

Daydreaming at the Cafe

2011-11-22T12:10:00.001-05:00

oil on panel
7"x 7"

sold

For some reason I found this devilishly difficult to pull off but now I'm happy with it. This is my lovely daughter, Julia.

Joel

2011-11-17T12:55:00.001-05:00

oil on panel
7"x 7"

sold

There is always a little more you could do in a portrait of someone you know...a little more to the nose, to the ear, the eyes- but I try and stop once I feel like the person is there rather than just brushstrokes. Hmmm...maybe the lips.

Moving Toward the Light

2011-11-12T16:34:00.000-05:00

oil on panel
7"x 7"

sold

The light in this parking lot was stunning. I could have titled this an unpoetic "Young Woman with Poise Walking and Two Children Goofing Around in the Wissahickon Valley Parking Lot", but the way they move toward the sharp afternoon sunlight is the real subject.

This was a challenge. I have not painted from photographs of people in silhouette before, and I wasn't sure I could make it work. I'm glad I tried- every painting teaches me something.

November

2011-11-08T11:50:00.003-05:00

oil on panel
7"x 6.5"

sold

I could have titled this "Sarah by the Wissahickon Creek", but I kind of like the more poetic "November". As a matter of fact, I'd like to paint a figure representing each month of the year, so I'm already mulling over possibilities for December.

Cannonball Jump

2011-11-05T10:17:00.000-04:00

oil on paper
5.25"x 7"

Squeeze tight to make the biggest splash.

Cat Crossing

2011-11-01T14:23:00.000-04:00

oil on panel
5"x7"

sold

This stone lion may be fierce, but the tabby cat is unimpressed.

Leah at Sea

2011-10-30T13:35:00.005-04:00

oil on panel
6"x6"

sold

This is my sister Leah, always at home on a boat.
I like painting with a large brush, and I like painting by simplifying form. This can be a problem when I paint someone I know, because to try and get a good likeness it seems I have to resort to my size #1 and #2 brushes. I am looking forward to getting back to my size #10 and #12s!

Patience

2011-10-25T12:10:00.002-04:00

oil on panel
6"x6"

sold

This beautiful Andalusian horse, waiting for the next command, seems to embody the essence of patience and nobility.

I'll Follow

2011-10-23T10:22:00.003-04:00

oil on panel
6"x6"
sold

I love the upright tail feathers on this chicken, and the way her chick has the same effect on her as a rudder steering a ship.

Bridled

2011-10-17T15:12:00.002-04:00

oil on panel
6"x5.5"

sold

This close up view of a horse's face was difficult to paint, to put it mildly. It was a challenge to have it work spatially without showing the entire structure of the head. I do like this extreme close-up and searching view though.

A Respectable Bird

2011-10-14T13:40:00.002-04:00

oil on panel
6"x6"
purchase

My daughter Julia warned me that "no one is going to buy that" when she saw that I planned to paint this turkey, and you know, she might be right. What an odd looking creature, with an almost reptilian head and those crazy jowls below! But I really, really, really wanted to paint him and so I did.

As for the title, Ben Franklin came up with that. "For the Truth the Turkey is in Comparison (to the eagle) a much more respectable Bird, and withal a true original Native of America . . . He is besides, though a little vain & silly, a Bird of Courage, and would not hesitate to attack a Grenadier of the British Guards who should presume to invade his Farm Yard with a red coat on."

The Friendly Cow

2011-10-11T13:45:00.004-04:00

oil on panel

6"x6"

purchase

This cow was the most curious of the herd, so she got her picture snapped. Her milk is advertised as free of hormones and antibiotics, which means she lives more like cows in days of yore. She reminds me of a poem by Robert Louis Stevenson that I liked as a child (and of course still do):

The Cow

The friendly cow all red and white,
I love with all my heart:
She gives me cream with all her might,
To eat with apple-tart.

She wanders lowing here and there,
And yet she cannot stray,
All in the pleasant open air,
The pleasant light of day;

And blown by all the winds that pass
And wet with all the showers,
She walks among the meadow grass
And eats the meadow flowers.

Sunlit Sheep

2011-10-09T12:49:00.001-04:00

oil on panel
6"x 6"

sold

I've had a hankering to paint a series of animal portraits, and this sheep with the curious stare is number one.
It is odd to paint an animal, because with a human portrait I try and imagine what the person is feeling and thinking, but with a subject like a sheep- well, I have no idea!
I spent two days on this, and after a while I started to doubt the sheepishness of the subject. It started to look like a white cow to me, then like some kind of dog, but my daughter assures me it looks like a sheep.

Family Reunion

2011-10-03T17:03:00.000-04:00

oil on board
7.5"x 10"

sold

While on vacation my mom asked me to take a picture of my brother's shorts (because she really liked them) and I got an unexpectedly dramatic composition. I think it also captures something of the continual busyness of our large annual reunions as well as the quiet, separate thoughts people continue to have in the midst of a large group.
I've been preoccupied with this for several days. It has felt good to be working larger, but I'm already wanting to get back to some quicker pieces.

Low Tide

2011-09-26T15:39:00.003-04:00

oil on panel
10"x 8"

sold

I went against my three year habit of finishing a painting in one or two days- I spent four days on this. It felt good to work a little larger, and get into more specifics. Speaking of specifics, there was so much detail in the rocks that I had to continually use my brain to pick and choose what was most important. Before I started painting more loosely and quickly, I used to approach painting almost as though I were knitting a sweater, often thinking about one section at a time, with talk radio in the background to prevent boredom. Now I try and consider the entire painting with each stroke, which takes much more concentration.

Leap of Faith

2011-09-21T18:36:00.003-04:00

oil on panel
6"x6"

sold

Here is my nephew Oakley making the 25 foot jump down into the Casco Bay. This image brings to my mind the two months of travel in Israel my 18 year old son has planned. He is still wet behind the ears, but craves adventure, independence and...maybe...danger. Meanwhile I just can't get rid of the lump in my throat. He leaves next week.

Ready to take it on the road

2011-09-16T10:14:00.002-04:00

Finally I've finished framing everything, and I'm more or less ready to participate in my first two outdoor art fairs this weekend.
I've gotten lots of friendly and experienced advice at a wonderful site called Art Fair Insiders, from my purchase of the right tent (a Caravan Canopy) to such matters as how to attract people inside. My favorite advice? To have a big bowl of candy on a table at the entrance to my tent to lure children in, and then the parents will follow.

Protected

2011-09-16T08:30:00.003-04:00

oil on panel
6"x6"

sold

Island Vacation

2011-09-11T13:16:00.001-04:00

oil on panel
6"x6"

sold

For a subtitle, I could add "Waiting for a Lobster Dinner". This is my brother Daniel relaxing on Peaks Island, Maine, far removed from his life in L.A.
I'm beginning to get more comfortable working from photographs, which sure expands my options for interesting subject matter. Also, I'm using the free photo editing software Gimp to help my paintings translate better to the computer screen. It never looks as rich as the original painting, but this is a big improvement. Thanks to my son Will for teaching me how to use Gimp!

Pepper Friendship

2011-09-08T14:08:00.003-04:00

oil on panel
6"x6"

Feels Like Flying

2011-09-05T12:45:00.002-04:00

oil on paper
5.5"x7"

sold

This is my niece in mid-flight, jumping 25 feet down into the Casco Bay from the ferry dock.

Random Arrangement of Mussel Shells

2011-09-03T13:35:00.002-04:00

oil on panel
6"x6"
bid

I just tossed these souvenirs from my summer trip on the table and liked the way they fell.
I'm almost always frustrated when I am pleased with a painting, but then take photos that just don't quite measure up to what I think I've got. I know I sound whiny, and probably most artists often feel the same way, but harrumph!.

Small Blue Plane, Large Blue Hangar

2011-08-30T19:21:00.003-04:00

oil on paper
5"x7"
bid

I've been wanting to try painting at the local small airport for a while, and today I ventured over there and went inside the hanger to ask permission. The men I asked said yes without having to think it over too much, but one of them quickly said "Which airplane are you going to paint?" After a walk around, I found my subject and got set up. I heard hooting and laughing, and the men walked over to me and said "You picked the damn ugliest airplane here!!"
I could have titled this "The Ugly Airplane" but I think it looked quite handsome in the late afternoon light.
There was a lot of skydiving going on, with piercing cries far above me of "THIS IS AWESOME" and "OH MY GOD!" Between that and all the planes coming and going, it was a very interesting afternoon.
Note to myself: next time bring earplugs.

Compost Turner

2011-08-29T13:12:00.005-04:00

oil on panel

5"x7"

contact artist for price

Hurricane Irene has made her exit, leaving brilliant blue skies, cooler temperatures and a soppy ground in her wake. When I'm painting farm equipment I'm always a bit anxious that it might stop posing and be driven off to work.

This title, "Green Farm Equipment" is very dull. I would love to know what this thing is used for, so I can name the painting properly. Does anyone know? Here is a photo:

(I'm adding this note a day later- a friend found out that it is a composter, or compost turner.)

Peaks Island Shoreline

2011-08-22T21:58:00.000-04:00

oil on paper
5"x7"

I like this study I did while I was in Maine, and thought I'd post it as a way to minimize the damage of my last post- which I thought was unsuccessful. The Casco Bay's Long Island is in the distance. The fickle sun and the swiftly rising tide made any painting of the shoreline a very quick, decisive affair.

Three Tomatillos

2011-08-22T11:57:00.005-04:00

oil on panel
6"x6"

I've been watching these guys grow for the past couple months at the farm, they were so beautiful on the vine! I found them difficult to paint, and hard to do their odd beauty justice.

Island Road

2011-08-20T08:20:00.001-04:00

oil on paper
5"x7"
bid

I loved biking and walking on this road, as did everyone else on Peaks Island. It was amazing to me to see how fast the weather could change, as often I'd set up my easel to clear blue skies only to have it rain on me twenty minutes later. Of course the changeable skies made the color of the sea shift from deep cool blue to pale blue to silvery grey to grey green or a hundred other things, giving me a huge respect for anyone who paints seascapes. And I didn't even attempt the waves!

Mussel Shells and Lobster Claw

2011-08-18T08:28:00.003-04:00

oil on panel
6"x6"
purchase

I brought some things home with me from Maine.

Retired Boats

2011-08-17T07:38:00.002-04:00

oil on paper
5"x7"
purchase

I didn't have enough time in Maine! This is the only painting I was able to make with boats as the subject, but I'm happy with it anyhow. Don't you just love things that come in pairs?

Island House in Shadow

2011-08-16T08:03:00.002-04:00

oil on panel
5.5"x6"

Seashore Drive, Peaks Island, Maine

2011-08-14T16:12:00.001-04:00

oil on paper
7"x5.75"
purchase

I'm back from a couple weeks spent on Peaks Island. What can I say? What painter wouldn't be happy painting on an island in Maine for the rest of their life? This was a family reunion with 20 people attending, so my time was happily divided between spending time with them and bicycling to paint on location.

Watermelon Bowl

2011-07-30T15:41:00.006-04:00

oil on panel
6"x6"
purchase

I've never painted watermelon before, and I wasn't sure I'd like the subject because I like interesting shapes, not just pleasing color. Once I cut up this watermelon I realized that the wedges can make quite interesting compositions.
The last couple of weeks I've been trying to concentrate on the business end of things, and I've learned something- the business end of things can completely take over if you let it! I'm traveling to an island in Maine for a couple weeks, and am excited to paint there, but in the midst of packing and running last minute errands I felt that I HAD to do a small painting or explode. I limited myself to three hours, which stretched to four, then five.

Sunflowers and Silo

2011-07-28T13:30:00.000-04:00

oil on paper
6.75"x6"

Sun Gold Cherry Tomatoes and Shell

2011-07-24T15:13:00.004-04:00

oil on masonite
6"x6"

I've been absent for a whole week, mainly working on the business end of things.

Green Truck and White Silo

2011-07-17T18:10:00.001-04:00

oil on paper
5"x7"
purchase

Abandoned Tractor

2011-07-15T18:57:00.002-04:00

oil on paper
5"x7"

This is a close up of an old tractor that was used for picking corn. There are four baskets unseen at the sides, and the seat is high up.

Tractor at Rest

2011-07-14T14:09:00.006-04:00

oil on paper
5.5"x7"

I have a childlike fascination with tractors. I love their bulk, strength, noise, their slow and steady pace. Of course I also like the way they look, which is colorful and shiny, with lots of geometric shapes.

July Bean Harvest

2011-07-11T11:34:00.006-04:00

oil on panel

6"x6"

sold

This was fun and satisfying to paint. It reminded me of the time I painted an artichoke, in that the structure had to be constructed piece by piece, like a jigsaw puzzle.

Looking for the Sun

2011-07-09T16:59:00.009-04:00

oil on panel

6"x6"

bid

I'm happy with this painting, which is a relief after several days of frustration. These sunflowers are one of about five varieties growing on the Blooming Glen Farm, and I wish I knew what they are called. I find their modest heads more appealing than those monstrous ones with flat blank faces the size of saucers.

Courthouse Roof and Market Street Hill

2011-07-05T12:28:00.001-04:00

oil on panel
6"x6.5"

Perkasie has a new courthouse, with a metallic orange roof that seems somewhat out of place in the midst of the historic downtown.

Art Supplies

2011-07-04T17:06:00.008-04:00

oil on panel
6"x6"
sold

This is my entry into this week's Daily Paintwork Challenge, to "paint what you paint with". This painting went through all the usual stages. It took forever to set up, then it went along swimmingly, then I started to get bogged down in details, then worked super hard to stay loose. The brushes didn't give me much trouble, though- they were really fun to paint.

Silo and Greenhouse

2011-06-30T13:34:00.003-04:00

oil on paper
5"x7"

sold

There are many great scenes to paint at the Blooming Glen Farm, but there are so many greenhouses with a roof of plastic sheeting that it's hard to avoid them. Since this is an organic farm, it goes without saying that the farmhouse has solar panels next to it. I wonder if any landscape painters don't mind including them?

Squash Crop and Red Tractor

2011-06-29T10:52:00.003-04:00

oil on paper
5"x7"

Another beautiful morning on the farm.

Three Shy Apples

2011-06-28T18:11:00.004-04:00

oil on panel
5.5" x 6"

sold

One apple is peeking out, and two are seen behind a jar of water.

Yesterday I finished an intensely detailed still life, which I won't post because I find it insufferably dull. Today I decided to keep it loose, and I had a good time painting again. I'm resisting the urge to clean up edges and add more detail, and that's a challenge.

Single Shell on Green Cloth

2011-06-24T17:49:00.005-04:00

oil on panel
6"x6"
purchase

These are the thoughts I usually have about my paintings, in the order they arise in my brain:
"Wow, this is a cool subject. Can't wait to get started. Oh oh, the drawing is going to be tough but once I work that out I'll have fun. Okay, now I love this. I feel so free. I'm slinging the right colors and values into place. Now what. I like it but it might be hard to tell what it is. Better start adding detail. I've got a headache. This painting is losing steam. I'm bored. All the feeling is draining out of it.
I need to take off my glasses and just see the big shapes again. It's probably a failed effort anyhow."
Later- glasses back on "Oh, maybe it's not so bad. Not the painting I dreamed about in the beginning, but maybe I've got something."

Submerged Rose and Green Bottle

2011-06-22T16:22:00.007-04:00

oil on board
5.5" x 6"
purchase

I'll be honest- I dislike the last painting I posted. I felt that I was getting too nit-picky, too logical and worried about everything making sense. By "making sense" I mean I was too worried about edges and boundaries and how everything fit together, instead of just observing color and light. I tried to be a little quicker with this painting of a white rose under water, and I'm happier with it, but I still think I need to loosen up some more. It may look like a quick painting, but it took me two days.

Things Stacked and Leaning

2011-06-18T16:52:00.002-04:00

oil on board
6" x 6.5"
purchase

This painting is an entry in the Daily Paintworks Balance Challenge. I used to like spending a month or more on a painting, but that's all changed. This one took three sessions, and I feel thoroughly tired of it and ready for something new.

Red Leaf Lettuce Crop (2nd day)

2011-06-18T11:23:00.004-04:00

oil on paper
5.75" x 7"
bid
I really did think I was finished, but this morning I headed back to make a few changes.

Red Leaf Lettuce Crop

2011-06-15T12:24:00.008-04:00

oil on paper
5.75" x 7"

The vivid purplish-red of the red leaf lettuce in the early morning sun was an amazing contrast to all the surrounding green, and so I had to try and capture it. The purple cabbages in the sun were beautiful too, but will have to wait for another day.
I've been given permission to paint at Blooming Glen Farm, and it sure is nice to be able to walk around the crops instead of being stuck viewing everything from the side of a road. I did feel little guilty painting while seeing people working in the distance- kind of like Peter Rabbit, enjoying the lettuce while Farmer McGregor labored.

White Turnips

2011-06-13T17:03:00.002-04:00

oil on board
6" x 6.5"
sold

I had thought that I might be finished with painting vegetables for a while, but that was before I started helping out at a local CSA farm, and bringing home freshly picked, organic produce each week. I couldn't resist painting these turnips. I had to begin with the leaves, knowing they would wilt quickly.

Telford Cement Factory

2011-06-07T19:15:00.005-04:00

oil on paper
5.25" x 7.5"
purchase

This cement factory in Telford with its wide green lawn is situated smack in the middle of a large development, obviously having arrived there first.

Farm Buildings on Derstine Road

2011-06-06T18:19:00.007-04:00

oil on panel
5.5" x 7"

sold

I'm happy with the way this turned out. The scene may look idyllic, but actually I'm standing on the lawn of a oil company with lots of truck traffic, and looking across a four lane highway.

Hydrangea Flower on Jar

2011-06-05T14:07:00.009-04:00

oil on panel
7" x 6"

sold

I've got three small landscapes in progress, but the clouds had me staying inside today. It is easier for me to not get caught up in too much detail when I paint a landscape rather than a subject seen close up such as this.

Rooftops on a Hazy Morning

2011-06-01T11:57:00.008-04:00

oil on paper
5.5" x 7"
purchase

I went back to my old standby this morning, sitting in the shade on top of Cemetery Hill, looking over my lovely hometown of Perkasie.

A landscape rarely looks the same way two days in a row, some days being more humid than others. I've found that I can work on a painting a second day by not changing much of my initial drawing or color, just adding to what I've got started. In other words, I have to trust my initial impression.

Farm Buildings in Shadow

2011-05-31T19:41:00.002-04:00

oil on paper
5.75" x 5.5"
purchase

To paint this scene I stood on the border of a large development, speculating that the farm had sold off much of the original land. Towards the end of the afternoon a man came out into the 94 degree heat to check out what I was up to, and told me that the farm buildings were built in 1780, and that my guess was correct, that the farm originally occupied a huge amount of land. This seems to be the pattern around here- beautiful farm buildings surrounded by developments, highways and other less poetic things. Still, with the right light anything can become poetic or compelling.

View of the Washington House, Sellersville

2011-05-27T11:21:00.012-04:00

oil on paper
5" x 6.5"
purchase

I love this view of the historic Washington House, and I'll probably paint it again on a larger scale. I was painting in full sun, and a nice lady walked by and fussed over me, asking if I had sunscreen on, and if I had water. She then gave me a biscotti for a snack.

Trees Obscuring Oil Tanks

2011-05-26T19:09:00.009-04:00

oil on paper
5.75" x 7"
purchase

I love painting on paper, and for some reason find it the supposedly casual aspect of the surface very freeing. Although the paper is smooth, I don't sand the gesso much and so there is a nice tooth to the surface that grabs the paint so nicely. I use a good quality archival paper (currently Stonehenge) with several coats of gesso. As long as the painting remains flat (don't fold it!) the finished product is just as stable as a painting on canvas or board.
A steamy day today, the humidity already softening edges and colors. Summer is around the corner.

Artichoke and Reflection

2011-05-25T16:09:00.007-04:00

oil on panel
6.75" x 6"
purchase

I loved painting an artichoke a few months back, so I thought I'd try it again- doubled.

View from My Studio, Rainy Afternoon

2011-05-17T17:41:00.006-04:00

oil on panel
5" x 7"
purchase

I went out last night and found a plant to paint, but this morning I couldn't manage to get started. I just want to paint landscapes lately, so I looked out the window at the rainy day instead.

Green Olives in a Jar

2011-05-15T14:13:00.007-04:00

oil on board
5.75" x 7"
purchase

I used poppy seed oil in this painting, which is a slow drying medium, taking about two weeks to dry. It seemed so strange to be able to keep reworking the painting any way I chose. Usually I use Winsor & Newton's Liquin, which dries so quickly that I am able to work by building up layers of paint.
David Shevlino uses poppy seed oil to wonderful effect, but I'll probably go back to Liquin- after a while it felt like I was playing around with warm butter, and it seemed difficult to be precise.

Radicchio Lettuce

2011-05-13T16:20:00.006-04:00

oil on panel
5.5" x 6"
sold

7th Street, Perkasie, Early Morning

2011-05-13T15:11:00.004-04:00

oil on panel
6" x 7"
sold

I'm posting this again because Blogger has been down, and this post disappeared.

Factories on a Hill, Perkasie (second day)

2011-05-10T17:00:00.004-04:00

oil on paper
5.5" x 6.6"
sold

I decided to work on this one more time. I'm much happier with it now than yesterday.

Factories on a Hill, Perkasie

2011-05-09T17:42:00.005-04:00

oil on paper
5.5" x 6.6"

I painted two landscape sketches today, one in the early morning and this one, in the late afternoon. The first one turned into just a warm-up, and a reminder to forget trying to explain in paint what things are- just paint the colors and shapes you see.
And it was active out there! This spot turned out to be a bus stop for school children, who kept me company for a while. Several men on their way to the local bar stopped and chatted with me, which I'm not sure I enjoyed too much. Then a handsome brown dog escaped from his front door and ran into the street, and an SUV couldn't stop in time. His owner took him to the animal hospital in tears.

Potted Begonia Plant

2011-05-08T13:51:00.007-04:00

oil on board
5.5" x 6"
sold

I've been stuck inside since last weekend, when I sprained my knee while out landscape painting. I painted this close-up view of a potted plant as a way to imagine I'm back outside, surrounded by the color green.

Sometimes it is so difficult to get a good photograph of a painting. In actuality, these orange flowers are a bolder and brighter orange than what I've captured here, which is why my son told me the painting reminds him of fireworks.

Cactus in Red Pot

2011-05-04T17:04:00.004-04:00

oil on panel
6" x 6.5"
bid

I bought this cactus plant to paint many weeks ago, and it seems it's been glowering at me for some time now to get on with it.

Apples in a Bag

2011-05-03T17:29:00.005-04:00

graphite on paper
9"x11.5"
purchase

I had things to do this morning, so didn't get to my studio until the afternoon. I can't finish a painting in a half day, so I picked up my pencils again. It's been a while!

Grapefruit

2011-05-02T17:08:00.009-04:00

oil on panel
6"x6"
sold

Oil Tanks Behind State Road, Late Afternoon

2011-04-30T18:34:00.006-04:00

oil on gessoed paper
5.5"x7"
sold

I'm still entranced by this view of three tanks, but this time late in the day. I'm happy with the way this turned out, but had some bad luck while working on it. I backed up to get a look at my painting, bumped into a large rock, twisted my knee and now can barely walk! It doesn't hurt too much, just doesn't do what a knee is supposed to do- bend! Painting outdoors never seems to be simple.

Dogwood Blossoms in a Jar

2011-04-29T18:26:00.003-04:00

oil on board
5"x5.5"

A quick study today, after the weather changed and I had to come inside to work. I'm not terribly happy with it, but tomorrow's another day.

Tank Containers with Water Tower

2011-04-29T18:19:00.002-04:00

oil on gessoed paper
5.5"x7"

This was not the best day. Last night I checked the weather, and read that today was going to be sunny, so I headed out early to clear blue skies. After one hour large heavy clouds took over, so this painting is not resolved well.

Study of Dogwood Blossoms

2011-04-27T19:21:00.003-04:00

oil on board
6.75"x5.5"

I had to work very quickly because it looked like rain.

Small White Flowers on Forest Floor

2011-04-26T14:16:00.011-04:00

oil on gessoed paper
8.5"x7"
sold

I'm excited over the idea of working on a series of paintings of the forest floor, close ups of trees, roots, and other such things. Here, last year's fallen leaves create a pleasing backdrop to some spring wildflowers.

Packaged Strawberries

2011-04-23T17:30:00.014-04:00

oil on board
6"x7"

sold

I've never painted strawberries before. I enjoyed this, but it was a challenge to get the right red colors and to include some of the detailed surface patterns without going overboard.

Oil Tanks Behind State Road

2011-04-21T12:32:00.011-04:00

oil on gessoed paper
7"x5 and 3/4"
sold

The sun finally decided to show his face today, and so I was determined to get outside to paint. I knew it was windy, but after a half hour of painting the winds picked up to gusts that were so strong I spent half the time holding everything in place. Still, it was great to get out. I found a whole new industrial area to explore and paint, so I'm completely happy right now.

Still Life with Mango on a Blue Saucer

2011-04-19T16:19:00.007-04:00

oil on masonite
6"x7"

sold

Grapes on a Blue Saucer

2011-04-18T17:05:00.010-04:00

oil on panel
5.5"x5"

The weather has been too changeable for working outside- you know, sunny one minute, looking like rain the next- and so yesterday I just did a lot of walking and taking pictures of landscapes I'd like to paint. This morning I looked at those photos on my computer screen, and found little resemblance to the wonderful light and color that I had seen with my own eyes. I will have to wait for the weather to improve and get outside to work. Anyhow, I'm indoors with my food again. Getting a bit tired of it, have to admit that! I'm thinking of alternating between these very small paintings and somewhat more complex pieces that take more than a day.

Packaged Butternut Squash

2011-04-16T19:12:00.007-04:00

oil on panel
6"x7"

Yesterday I wanted to paint outdoors again, but spent hours tramping around feeling uninspired. Cloudy days will do that to me. Today it's dark and rainy, but I have some new VERY bright daylight florescent bulbs that made painting a lot of fun.

I'm one of those weird people who just stand and stare at produce in the supermarket, stupefied by shapes and colors, even packaged stuff! Amy Mann, who has a drawing-a-day blog, did a nice job with some packaged mushrooms, and I wanted to try something similar.

Entrance to Development, Early Spring

2011-04-14T18:23:00.005-04:00

oil on board
4.25"x5.5"

This was such a beautiful day, and I felt like my old self again while outside painting. As far as I'm concerned, there's nothing better!

Spring Morning on Arch Street, Perkasie

2011-04-14T11:41:00.008-04:00

oil on board
4"x4.25"

It was so good to get outside and paint this morning, after such a cold and wet beginning to the spring. I love this time of year when most trees are still gray and empty and the sharp yellow of forsythia pops out of the landscape.

Asparagus and Jar

2011-04-10T19:34:00.006-04:00

oil on panel
6"x7"

Some vegetables are harder to paint than others. Asparagus have so much detail once you start really looking, but I'd much rather have a lot to do than not enough, as with the tomato.