Teacup with Plastic Lemon

Teacup with Plastic Lemon, oil/canvas panel, 7" x 5" is another small painting exploring play. I love my daughter's plastic play food, especially its vibrant palette and shine. To my eyes, it hardly resembles food at all. But when I set out to paint these mock lemons, oranges, corn, grapes, etc., I discover something almost authentic in their essential forms. When rendered in loose brushwork, these objects start to become real. Perhaps this sort of gestured authenticity is how small children see the world, too. Could this be why my daughter has an uncanny ability to recognize essential truths about so many things and people? A lemon is a lemon is a lemon.

Shell Stack I

Shell Stack I, oil/panel, 6" x 6", is a study for a larger painting that includes stacked shells. I wanted to experiment with different shell shapes and the colors found in seemingly white objects. Also, I enjoyed exploring the shadows cast by the shells.

Lately, I've been working mostly on smaller-scale paintings and studies and sketches for larger paintings. It is easier to experiment and juggle multiple canvases and panels when they are small. In the coming weeks I will be able to offer some of these smaller paintings for purchase online. My smaller paintings are affordable for new collectors and can be displayed together in interesting arrangements as a collection grows. Once I'm up and running somewhere, I'll post a notice here.

Three Shells in Dirt with One Shell Missing

Stella's play in the garden captivates me. One day she was planting seashells in dirt while I watered the plants. It never fails to amaze me the objects she transforms into playthings. But her love of "doing" rather than admiring the results of her work means she's off to the next adventure long before a portrait of her play can be captured. This painting is called Three Shells in Dirt with One Shell Missing, 16" x 20", oil/panel.

Big and Bold Show

One of my recent block series paintings, Four, will hang in The Associated Artists of Winston-Salem's latest show called Big and Bold. The opening reception is this Thursday, June 4th from 5-7 p.m., and the show will run through July 10th. The Associated Artists gallery is located in downtown Winston-Salem, NC at 301 West Fourth St. Call 722-0340 for more information.