Yellow Pitcher and Flowers

I haven't been able to paint because my glasses are out for new lenses and I'm using my distance only glasses! How's that for an excuse? I use progressive lenses and my cheapo insurance covers this lab that seems to be in Siberia! And this is the second time they have them cause the first time they made them the reading and the mid distance were so off I really couldn't see out of them. So I decided to look at my pastels and see if any of them needed more work. The thing about pastel is that I don't mind reworking them (to a point). With the oils it seems that it's just as easy to start one over.
I think I improved this one since i did it last year about this time.
"Yellow Pitcher and Flowers" 4x3 pastel on board

Red Tablecloth (twice)

I spent a lot of time mixing and thinking about the grey background knowing that this would make or break the painting. It couldn't be too warm or too cool. I did adjust it with subsequent color mixtures so that it would be as harmonious as possible with the rest of the painting.
I also used a yellow/purple palette which means there was no true red available. I mixed my reds with permanent rose and cadmium yellow deep!
"Red Tablecloth" 2 1/2 x 3 3/8 inches, oil on board

New Workshop!

For those of you who like to plan ahead; I will be giving a three day oil workshop in Naples, Florida from Jan 19-21, 2011. It's at Naples Art Center. Their website is www.naplesart.org. Phone is 239-262-6517.
I've been to Naples a few times and liked it alot. Their beaches are quiet and beautiful. Lots of galleries and nature. Hope some of you can make it!

Watercolor DVD clip

Here is a clip from my watercolor DVD. I in the process of putting in a new order so it may take a bit longer than usual for delivery.
Enjoy!

American Artist Magazine "Still Life Highlights"

Here is the link to read the article that's on the newstand now !!
Enjoy!

Homage to Stanley Bielen

I love Bielens' work. Never saw it in person (yet) but hope to eventually. His brushwork is so pure. Colors are great also.
"Homage to Bielen" 4x3 inches, oil on board

"Yellow Bouquet" times three

If I have the paint and more importantly the energy (it helps that the days are long now and there's abundant light) I can explore the same composition three times. I also cancelled girlfriend dates so I could stay home and paint! Doesn't it feel great when you feel like painting and everything else is no fun in comparison? Hope this feelin' lasts awhile!