Beach Day

Beach Day SOLD

9x12 oil on canvas board

Beach goers beware! You never know when you might end up getting painted into a picture ;)

Splash of Happiness

         "Splash of Happiness" SOLD

12x16 oil on canvas

This painting was recently commissioned by a couple living in Nebraska who, like myself, fell in love with Anna Maria Island after visiting it. They requested that I paint the two of them walking up Holmes Beach with a heron in the foreground and a pelican splashing down for a fish. Fortunately, the weather last week cooperated beautifully for me to paint it and the herons & pelicans were even out in full force!

Anna's Bike

Anna's Bike

8x10 oil on panel

I hadn't intended on incorporating my 2 wheeled transportation in the painting this morning, but kinda just seemed to fit!

Sunset Glow

Sunset Glow sold

8x10 oil on canvas

Painted along my favorite path within that golden hour of sunset the other night.

This Week's Paintings

Under the Banyan Tree

11x14 oil on panel

Ca d'Zan #1

9x12 oil on panel

The Ca d'Zan #2

8x10 oil on panel

Dappled Path

8x10 oil on panel

Silhouettes  

8x10 oil on board

These are the paintings I produced this past week during Katie Dobson Cundiff's 2 day plein air workshop at the Ringling Museum grounds in Sarasota.  My goals were to get the essence of the scene down quickly using large shapes, to create accurate value relationships, and to push my colors boldly!

Dune Path

16x20 oil on canvas

"Prego!" SOLD

12x12 oil on canvas

Continuing to focus on correct values, color temperatures and brushwork, these last 2 are studio paintings I did at Bill Farnsworth's 2 day workshop using photo references. "Prego" was done from a picture I took in the festive Piazza San Marco during my painting trip to Venice last month. 

4-WAY

4-WAY SOLD

9x12 oil on panel

Last Saturday I had the pleasure of participating in the 3rd annual Arcadia Plein Air Paintout. At 8am about 35 of us checked in and got our canvases stamped, then set out to paint whatever inspired us around the cute little town of Arcadia, FL. Having never been there before, I decided to take a walk down old Main Street and scope out the area. Then I hopped in my car and drove around and around (for nearly an hour!) till I happened upon this 4 Way stop sign by the railroad tracks. I was struck by the little building on the corner (which you just know had some history!) as well as the long shadows and complementary red/green color scheme. Turns out I chose (and painted) well as I won 3rd Place and Peoples Choice Awards at the show that evening!

Gary and Janet at the Event

Gary and Janet at the Event SOLD

9x12 oil on panel

Last Sunday I was one of several artists invited to paint at a Farm to Fork fundraiser at the Phillippi Estate Park in Sarasota called Palettes to Palates. I began painting as the caterers were setting up and added the party goers as they arrived at sunset. One gentleman in a beautiful turquoise colored shirt made it into my painting, along with his wife (in black & white) beside him. Gary and Janet were their names and as it just so happened, they came up with the title for this painting... which now hangs in their house.

Ready and Waiting

Ready and Waiting SOLD

8x10 oil on panel

Just as I was setting up my easel and umbrella in the scorching heat to paint this sailboat, a giant mass of clouds rolled in, obscuring the sun... and creating some really fun reflections on water!

Sunday Sanday

Sunday Sanday

8x10 oil on canvas

I love Sundays... especially ones like yesterday that start off with coffee & a sunrise, a great run along the beach while listening to my Buddhist podcast, getting back just in time to catch the last of the morning dune shadows with my paints, followed by a swim in the ocean waves (in November!?) 

Now that's what I call a Sunday Sanday! ;)

Shadows were gone by the time I finished up, but you get the idea!

Afternoon on Old Main Street

Afternoon on Old Main Street

12x12 oil on canvas

I started this painting en plein air the other day, then finished it up in the air conditioned comfort of my new studio. It may be November down here in Florida, but it's been unusually hot for this time of year- not that I'm complaining! 

Incidentally, the shop windows in the foreground are part of my new gallery space. If you're in the vicinity, please stop by and say hello! On a side note, The Seagrape Fresh Seafood Market will soon be opening in the space next-door and Norma Rae's Restaurant (to the right of it) serves delicious breakfasts and lunches. Come on down and see what Old Main Street in Historic Palmetto is all about! 

Autumn Still Life

Autumn Still Life

8x10 oil on canvas

One of the (many) benefits of having my own studio now is having the space to invite other artists over and paint with me! Last week my friend Michele Held stopped by and brought with her a great little autumn still life for us to paint.

Michelle's painting

"Action Shot" 

Morning Magic

Morning Magic

8x10 oil on canvas 

There's just so much beauty right outside my backdoor... granted, I have to admit to having a pretty awesome backyard here in Anna Maria Island!