Table top

Two more recent still lives. Objects on a table top. I paint things that are in front of me – I place things in front of me to paint. This table top is in easy reach to where my easel usually sits. Sometimes I select a object to paint because I wonder what it would look like painted, would I be able to capture the essence of the subject. When I paint I think about the relationship of objects, shapes, colors... How does the space around an object effect how we it.

10" x 8" oil on board

8" x 8" oil on board

Hydrangea the color of wine

Flowers have been a subject for my paintings for quite a while. I recall receiving a book on how to draw flowers back in 1970. That book focused my awareness of the unique beauty of nature. Trying to capture the essence of this complex and varied subject has been a long time pursuit.

both 10" x 8" oil on board

A floral arrangement bursting with hydrangea, rose of sharon, oregano and a whole lot more, is the focus of these two paintings.

Painting is often a very solo pursuit. The application of color and the expression is something that comes from within. I find that the environment (where I paint and who I paint with) can be a big influence the outcome of my work.

Painted among friends at a monthly "Paint Day" these paintings capture more for me than a representation of the flowers, the camaraderie of my fellow artists are also represented in these images. Our group lost a beloved member just days before this gathering. Jan Rapp will forever be missed.

Yosemite

Last week I had the joy of painting in the Yosemite. Only a few hour drive from my home I realize it is something I should do more often. Hoping to escape the heat of CA's Central Valley, I was surprised to find it 94 degrees on the valley's floor. Painting in a shady spot with a view of Halfdome with rafters and swimmers frolicking in the river in front of me I was able to capture these two images.

10" x 8" oil on board

8" x 8" oil on board

Summer workshop

This summer I have been teaching a six week painting class. With one remaining class I thought it was time to show some of the work I did during the class. Focusing on painting from still lives during the weekly 3 hour class, gave us an opportunity to focus our attention on interpreting the subject in front of us.

While trying to communicate painting concepts and techniques I find it is easier for me to demonstrate with a brush in hand. While working around the room assisting my fellow artists, it is good to return to my own easel to work on capturing my own impressions of the subject. Having very little time for my own painting, I try to demonstrate how quickly the elements of a painting can come together to express a likeness of a subject.

Featuring plums from my tree, pairing colorful California pottery with the blue violet fruit allowed me to juxtapose intense colors with the subtle variations within the skin.

Week 2 the fruit includes apricots and a donut shaped peach. Actually this peach was the shape of a heart, just not the viewpoint I was painting from. The odd shape of these peaches are not a good choice for a subject, I only included it in the still life because from the right angle the heart shape could make an interesting statement. Although this new variety fruit is very tasty its shape is not easily recognizable and thus more difficult to express convincingly.

Week three, and not wanting the class to be thought of a fruit painting class the only fruit I brought to the still life are some blue glass grapes. I expanded the still life to include many combinations of subjects. I was the only one to work from these elements. Someone brought eggplant and green onions, and they were the unanimous favorite this time. I don't know why no one wanted to paint an agapanthus blossom.

.Fourth week I included the glass grapes again. This time on a tin tray with a metal sphere perched upon a silver candle stick. The red of the tin toy bring some warmth to a mostly cool subject. This time I was not alone in trying to render the glass grapes, they showed up in two other paintings that afternoon. The red car stood alone in another painting, and wine bottles were the main focus of the remaining studies done that day.

Week five while an old electric mixer dating back to the 1940's seamed to grab the interest of most of the people painting that day, I could not resist the simplicity of these tomatoes in a vaseline glass dish. The one odd hot pepper makes me think that heart shaped fruits and vegetables are more common then we think.

Painting organic objects like fruit or flowers are often more forgiving then trying to render an accurate image of a some thing man made. If the apple is lopsided it could be how Mother Nature made it, but if the bowl seams to be cockeyed or the teacup askew, the artist will more likely to be called to task.

Tomorrow is the last class in this workshop. I do not know what subjects I will bring to paint. I find I am willing to paint just about anything, or at least have fun trying. I try to convey the idea that just about anything can be the subject of a painting. It is important to decide what relationships you want to express. It can be shapes or colors, everything is a part of something larger. We decide what we want to show.

I enjoy painting with other artists, I'm grateful I had this opportunity to share my ideas and insights. While painting I am always thinking about the process of painting. This workshop allowed me to verbalize some of my thoughts and processes. It is nice when someone listens. I'm learning and I'm not alone.

Sorry it has been so long since I last posted anything • I will blame my computer, or what is left of it.

db

lilacs

One of my favorite symbols of spring is the lilac. I have enjoyed these since childhood, with fond memories of the various colors of the blooms that grew in my parent's yard. I tried planting lilacs the same colors in my yard but with no luck. But an old bush does live in my yard. It is the traditional old fashion type with what I would call – lilac colored flowers.

These paintings both the same flowers and painted the same day but in a different location and with totally different lighting. The top image painted during the class I teach, where a large room where florescent and natural light came from every direction. The bottom image painted at night with more directed light in a dark room. I like the paintings done at class, I set up my models on a aluminum table top which reflects the abundant light of the room.

both 10" x 8" oil on board

star magnolia

I've noticed that I have been painting in pairs. Typically I chalk this up to inner programing that tells me: "if it's worth painting once why not paint it again" I fool myself thinking that it will be easier the second time. I always think I could have handled something differently. So many options, how to handle something, you don't know what it will look like till it's done. I just get to express my impressions at the time.

These blooming branches, barely more than twigs actually were painted during the class I have been teaching for Modesto Parks and Recreation. If the class is progressing smoothly I am able to set up something to paint. Between working the room assisting students I would demonstrate with my paintings. I try to impress the concept that it's possible to paint quickly.

these are both 10" x 8" oil on board

painted in the dark

Painting at night in a place where I did not have control of the lighting. I did not see the results of my efforts till the next morning. The colors within this painting are not colors that would be found in the interior where I painted. In a dark room it is difficult to see colors. I was able to perceive contrast but the low light neutralized the yellow.

both 8" x 8" oil on board

A glass bottomed tray with a glass carafe, martini glass and colored floats. Again painted at night, the reflections and highlights are the major focus of this painting.

Floats

These small spheres of hollow glass show up best against a light background. Capturing the transparent look of glass is a challenge I enjoy taking on. A simple subject, playful and colorful.

both 8" x 8" oil on board

Placing the floats in a martini glass gave an uplifting to the familiar subject.

ripped apart

A tangerine plate with a tangerine torn apart upon it. A study in orange, or maybe that should be oranges. I opened the fruit to increase the colors and textures of the subjects. It also expands the challenges within the composition. It also makes the room smell nice and citrusy.

both 8" x 8" oil on board

The orange and grapefruit was painted while teaching the Thursday afternoon oil painting class. I manager to steal enough time to paint while dispensing guidance and enlightenment. I try to instill that it is possible to paint quickly. For me it all changed the day I realized I don't need to spend six months on a painting. That day was 17 years ago, yesterday. I did a painting in the morning and decided to do another in the afternoon.