Because I just began year #5 of blogging, I’m reposting some of my older articles for my newer readers. Hidden Garden 5, oil on canvas, 8×10, $90 Sometimes people ask what my sources of inspiration are. Most are probably asking about what gives me ideas for drawing or painting. It is an easy question to […]
Committing Commissions
This is not a commission. It is a do-over. I painted this when I was new to oil painting, and recently I figured out how to do it better. I painted right over the top, so I didn’t have to figure out any shapes or placement. (Three Rivers is gorgeous in the spring. I […]
Committing more Commissions
I painted three pomegranates for a nice lady of impeccable taste that came to my studio during Studio Tour Ten. She asked for one, and I painted three so that she would have choices and I would have more to sell at the Redbud Festival. I also began this sequoia in snow for someone else. […]
Peeking into the painting studio and eavesdropping on conversations
Um, would you paint something just for me? You betcha! I’d be happy to paint something for you! What did you have in mind? How about a pomegranate? How about 3 of them? Then you can decide which one you like best. Would you ever be willing to paint a sequoia in the snow, say, […]
Painting the Primary Books Alla Prima
I added “alla prima” to the title today because yesterday we learned what it meant. A little review is good for the memory. This style of painting has never appealed to me unless it is just WHAMO briliant. Want to know why I don’t like this style of painting? Good question – glad you asked. It […]
Painting the Primary Books
After that last post I decided to paint the books. I carried them out to the workshop, photographed them in 29 different arrangements (yes, I counted), then decided to just see if I could slam out a small painting in one sitting (standing, actually). Could I apply the paint thick enough? Could I make it […]
Mineral King Bridge
That again? Yeppers. Now it is a card. You can buy them from me in person or on the cards page of my website. $3.50 each, blank inside, 5×7″, green envelope, packaged in a sealed cellophane bag. Now, I will brace myself for the stampede! Mineral King Bridge, original oil painting reprinted as card
Repaint, refresh, restore
I painted a yellow pear and used a reddish background. It didn’t sell when other pear paintings did. I did some honest re-evaluating. Here is the Before and the After. Before. After. If you prefer the Before, please don’t tell me. I am not mature enough to handle it. Thanks. Sincerely, The immature California Artist
Reuse, Recycle
California artist recycles redwood trees into poppies. I had a 5×7 oil painting of redwood trees in snow that I used to like. The longer it hung around and wasn’t sold, the less I liked it. No problem. I have a paintbrush and I’m not afraid to use it! Look at this weirdness: Fear not. […]
You Know You’re A California Artist When. . .
(with thanks to Jennifer at Jottings by Jennifer for the idea) 1. Your fruit paintings are done from just-picked, not grocery store fruit. Plum II, oil on wrapped canvas, $40 2. You’ve painted oranges at least 102 times. Oranges 83, 14×11″, oil on board, framed in black wood, $250 3. You’ve painted poppies so many […]