"Distortions" - SOLD

I really like these eye-level point of view setups. The geometry of them is simple and fun to paint. I commend those artists who set up more challenging perspectives.
The object below the apple is a cup. The handle was cut off and it might be hard to read.

"Stepping Back" - SOLD

I like the idea of objects falling off the canvas, but I should have moved the subject down just a bit. That is a cool blue vase and I wish more was seen. I think I will paint the vase again, but with more of it showing.

By the way...this is painting #100.

"Afterthought" - SOLD

I ate lunch the other day with my friend Lane Bennion who decided to start his own blog. He is an amazing artist and I am glad he will be sharing his work in the blogging world. He paints mainly large paintings, and has a lot to say about his own art and art in general. I think there is a great benefit to blogging and networking with other artists. So visit his website and blog and let him know what you think...Now if I can just convince Zach to start a blog.

"Crooked" - SOLD

I would like to get good at painting fabric. I think getting the values in the folds right is tricky.

I had a tough time with this painting. I actually wiped it down and reset up my objects to get this composition. I definitely like this one better. I need to be more willing to start over. Sometimes when I start a painting I realize I don't really like it, but I keep going just to see what will happen. Sometimes the painting will turn around and be great but other times not so great. I think there is a point when I realize the painting is bad but will just sign it and hope for better luck tomorrow. I have a hard time wiping down a couple hours worth of work, but I am glad I did today.

"Granny's Tea" - SOLD

I am going to try and use larger brushes again. Since I started painting on these smaller surfaces, I have been unconsciously using smaller brushes. I looked at some of my older/larger paintings and realized I would use much larger brushes. I think choosing the right size brush to make a mark is just as important as mixing the right value.

"Three Zucchini"

"Star Box"

Wow. painting is difficult to get back into after a week long break. I guess that is how it goes. But I should be good for this week. My wife was out of town and I played full time dad. Excuses, excuses...right.

"Kickstand" - SOLD

I am going to try selling on eBay for a lower price...for a while. I think I'll do this for a month and see what happens. I am kind of torn with this idea but I, well, I guess I'll just see.

"Bagged" - SOLD

"Forgotten" - SOLD

I have been trying to paint more often. My paintings develop better when I paint as often as I can. Practice, practice, practice, right? Well There are a few things I notice with the months I am more diligent. One thing, I seem to get more happy accidents. I get those single brush strokes that seem to really "make" a painting. Another thing about painting everyday is how it forces us to make quicker decisions. I don't think this is always good, but I do think getting more paintings out of the studio helps to keep our paintings looking fresh and not too labored. Anyway I hope to keep up with painting more often. At least I feel better.

"Peeling"

I kept painting this one over and over. I'm sure many of you have done this, where you keep painting the same spots. I kept painting the shadow side of this onion and would like it, but just kept going. So after a while it just kinda turned gray, and so I remixed the right color and laid it on top.

I keep running out of things to paint. So, next week I think I will make it a goal to get two new objects a day. You know....get more clutter.

"Tin Cans"

Well, soon after I started painting this, I realized it was more than I wanted to take on. So, I just decided to have fun. I wasn't going to even post it but I though what can it hurt. So here it is. This is what it looks like when I just want to throw paint around. My studio is actually full of these type of paintings. And what's funny is that after a while I start to grow more and more attached to these goofy paintings. So, I guess I kinda like this one...hope you do too.

"Tbl. Spoon"

I have to go check on something...I'll be right back.

"Siblings" - SOLD

I was trying for the same effect here, as my last painting. I used a purplish (its amazing that "-ish" can sum up all colors nicely...greenish, pinkish etc.) bowl with a purple background. I then placed a yellow sheet of paper to the right of my subject to help lighten the shadows on the oranges. I think I actually like this one better.

"Glass Bowl" - SOLD

At first glance this might look like a metal bowl with a reflection of the orange, and not glass. I don't know if I convincingly show the glass well enough. The bowl has a blueish tint. So I am curious what you see at first...two oranges, or, the reflection of one orange?.

"Grazing" - n/a

Ha ha. I liked this one in the beginning.

"In and Out" - SOLD

I was considering calling this "Jail Time" or "Visiting Hours", I don't know. I just thought it was funny with one apple confined and one free. I have been painting strictly with my new paintbrushes lately. They are the blue handled watercolor brushes from Utrecht. They have a soft bristle but can still move the paint.

"Challengers"

It's Red. Actually this painting is a lot better in person. I think I will try and get a better photo tonight. We will see.

"Delicate Landing" - SOLD

This one is a little rough. What can I say...its Saturday. I tend to not paint with too much paint because glare becomes a problem when photographing the painting. But I like painting with thicker paint. So, I have recently made my own light box. I used tissue paper to diffuse the light coming in, and I think it is working. I still have a little glare with the horizontal strokes but its better than before.

"Advice"

I spent some time with my teacher John Erickson today. (This link only takes you to a main page. Just scroll down and click on his name) We collaborated on a book he sells to students and he ordered another batch. It was good to see him. I don't know why I painted this set up again. My wife said she doesn't love the two of them. I guess I will move on.
Oh, and I was tagged...I will write that up later.