image: "Asian alcove by candle light"

"Asian alcove by candle light"

This large painting (36"H x 24"W) was painted in the dark, by candle light.  There is mood and atmosphere.  oil on canvas.

photo of studio, ARTrails 2012

Open studio weekends, ARTrails 2012

My studio will be open to the public (everyone invited!) for the annual open studio weekends, Saturday and Sunday, October 13 - 14, and 20 - 21.  

This is the official ARTrails 2012 program.  Artists all over Sonoma County clean up the clutter in their studios and display the creative works of the past year.  

A catalog is published each year, featuring all the artists.  Visitors study the catalog and plan a "trail" of visiting the artists who interest them.  

Grandparents and parents frequently bring the little ones, who get a kick out of seeing art, in all mediums.  

Oh, yes, many visitors also visit nearby wineries, as part of the day.  This is wine country, after all!

image: "Urban Landscape"

"Urban Landscape"

Here is a professionally done photo of a recent painting, "Urban Landscape," 36"H x 24"W.  oil on wood panel.  The idea was to combine a serene aerial view of the city, with the hustle and bustle of a skyscraper environment.  The city could be anywhere.

"Cove of Mystery" image

"Cove of Mystery"

"Cove of Mystery." oil on wood panel. 12"H x 16"W.  The abstract umber painting continues to evolve. 

Image: Revised abstract, umber-burnt sienna

Revised abstract, umber-burnt sienna

This is an earlier abstract, based around umber and burnt sienna, as the under painting.  After a while, it looked too somber, so I decided to lighten the mood.  Oil on wood panel.  12"H x 16"W.

Image: "Floating Columns II," oil on wood panel

"Floating Columns II" oil on wood panel

This is the second painting, using the theme of columns floating in the air, and occupying the space into the distance.  Oil painting on wood panel.

image: Urban Landscape comes alive

Urban Landscape comes alive, 31 May, 2012

The painting is showing its vitality, as more of the strong colors are filled in.  The underlying structure is ethereal; the coloration is strongly grounded.  Much more to go!

image: "Urban Landscape," as of May 27, 2012

"Urban Landscape," as of May 27, 2012

The "Urban Landscape" painting continues to evolve.  Oil on wood panel.  Your comments are invited!

image: "Mingle" abstract

"Mingle" abstract

This is a recent colored pencil piece, an abstract based around non-geometric figures which overlap and relate to each other.  Once the figures were in place, it was such fun to add colors, exploring the mingling of these figures. Dimensions are 9" x 11."  Colored pencil on paper.  Completed in two days.

image: final stage of "Golden Stairway" painting

final stage: "Golden Stairway" painting

The painting was predominantly blue, so I added fuller palette throughout the composition.  More energy, more flow across the entire setting.

Image: detail of "Urban Landscape"

Here is the lower left corner of  "Urban Landscape,"  which is in progress.  Oil on panel board.

mountains landscape, beginning (image)

mountains landscape, first stage

The basic color blocks have been applied.  There will be cities added, with skyscrapers.  This is oil on panel board, 36" H x 24"W.

PIANO, first stage (image)

PIANO, first stage

This colored pencil piece features a piano.  The reds will deepen into rich browns.  There will be bright red cherries, cascading down onto the key board.

Vertical abstract landscape, image

vertical abstract landscape

This painting began with a few brush strokes across the panel board, using earth tones.  It evolved and evolved, into a brightly colored abstract that has vague landscape elements.  Part of the painting looks like it's in the air; part looks like it's on the ground; it keeps changing all over the composition.

Native American abstract, image

Native American abstract

This painting was originally inspired by a trip to Oregon, then it grew into this Native American abstract theme.  It uses earth tones, with the patterns used by Native Americans in their craft work.

painting walls

I'm taking a break from the easel and am painting the walls of the studio: walls, ceilings, wood trim, over hanging light fixtures, etc.  Sooo many surfaces to cover!  The color is a light tan, which will keep the space open and bright, but will provide a warmer background for displaying paintings around the gallery/studio.  Many hours, and several gallons of paint, still to go.

evolution of blue abstract painting, image

Evolution of blue abstract painting

In this latest version, there are more architectural elements and deeper values, to make the bright areas stand out.

Blue Abstract, image

Blue abstract, work in progress

This abstract, based around colors of blue, is evolving into some sort of space environment.  Whether it is indoors or outdoors is unclear.  That's the ambiguity.

Native American images, abstract

Native American Images

This is a revised painting, adding more dimensions, using Native American colors and symbols, in an abstract format.

Healdsburg Art Center reception

"Lofty Horizons" image

"Lofty Horizons"

The underlying peach abstract has now evolved into this form, with identifiable images and more colors & shapes.  I'm never sure where this comes from; it just emerges.

"Abstract in Peach," oil on panel board

"Abstract in Peach"

Today I added architectural elements (columns and cupolas) across the composition, to suggest flight and weight at the same time.