A dear friend bought some little fruit paintings for her dining room a couple of years ago. She decided that another painting would look good on the other side of the window. I agreed. We discussed the options, and she thought grapes would be good there. I told her that grapes are crazy hard, so […]
Building a Store
Until I began this painting, I never noticed that the sign above the door is not centered. And now, it is finished! Next, I’ll sign it, paint the edges, wait for it to dry, scan or photograph it, varnish it, wait for it to dry again, and then mail it.
Turned on the Swamp Cooler
What sort of stupid-sounding blog post title is that? An honest one. I paint better when I am not overheated, and in spite of the calendar having turned to autumn, the swamp cooler in the painting workshop is still in use. I painted better this session than the last one because I was more comfortable. […]
In Progress, Pencil and Oil
It was still hot last week. I painted awhile in the workshop but didn’t turn on the swamp cooler. Probably should have. Painted slowly, quit early. I retreated to the studio and turned on the air conditioner. While listening to interviews with the very smart and entertaining Mike Rowe, I began this pencil commission. I […]
Another Oil Commission Begun
A friend of Trail Guy’s family has been in touch with me via email, and we have been enjoying our correspondence. She recently decided to commission me for an oil painting and 2 pencil drawings, all related to the Silver City Store*. After a great deal of communicating, sending photos, clarifying, and just discussing things, […]
New Beginning
Isn’t that title redundant? Probably. Every time I begin, it is on a new project. A thoughtful mom bought a painting of an iris for her daughter named Iris. She has another daughter named Camille and requested a camellia for her. Luckily, I have a good photo of a camellia in bloom, remembered the month […]
Pushing Through For Good Customers
Recently, I’ve focused on my weaknesses in drawing and painting. If I can’t see it, it might not be possible for me to draw or paint the thing. But, if I push through and have help and take lots of time, sometimes I can succeed. If these weren’t commissioned pieces with a paycheck at the end, […]
My Favorite Bridge in Oil Paint, Chapter 7
After doing the 10×10″ oil painting Oak Grove Bridge XXIV, I felt ready to return to the commissioned oil painting that combines the Oak Grove Bridge with Homer’s Nose (AKA Snozz Rock). It was engrossing work. There were more design changes to be made, and I was eager to see if they made it more appealing, both […]
Sort of Working
In July and August, I don’t teach regular drawing lessons. My students often say “enjoy your vacation” or “have a nice summer” as they are leaving (and several cannot resist the urge to sing “See You In September”). Although I do spend much more time in Mineral King in those 2 months, I am still […]
Leaving the Scary Scribble Stage
I worked for awhile on the oil painting commission of Homer’s Nose With The Oak Grove Bridge (WHAT shall this one be titled?? Snozz Rock? Sue’s View? The Nose And The Bridge? The Bridge and the Nose? Don’t Blow Your Nose On My Bridge?) And thus, we have successfully covered the great desert of a […]