Abe

oil 10x10 inches not for sale Abraham Simpson is a hometown hero. He served his country as a Marine, and while doing so, died under enemy fire in Iraq, 2004. His mother, Maria chose the photograph I painted from. It's a great natural pose, and she especially liked that his hand is in the shot. I did too. It was my idea to paint him as a gift to his parents. I had no idea really, how emotional it would be for me. I hoped and prayed while painting that I'd be able to get his likeness but also his spirit for his parents. I thought about him in Iraq, and about him in Heaven. Maria came over yesterday to see it and really liked it. I made some minor changes today, and I'm satisfied that it's the best I can do.

Prickly

oil 10x10 inches on gallery wrap canvas ready to hang click here to bid My photo reference for this piece was taken on a Spring trip to Joshua Tree National Park. I've done some watercolors from the same reference, and it was a good challenge to work it in oil. I'm working on a portrait that's taking me a while, then on my way to Idaho for a few days. Don't know when I'll post next, but I'll be back.

Beavertail Blossoms

oil 14x11 inches on gallery wrap canvas ready to hang Click to Purchase I'm really enjoying the gallery wrap canvases, both for their texture and boxy shape. Thanks to Carol Carmichael who graciously shared some ideas on finishing the sides. Last spring at Descanso Gardens with a friend, we found this wonderful array of color. The label nearby was "Fairy Duster." I'm hoping it was indeed for this cactus! Some cactus expert out there correct me if I'm wrong! (Later note: WRONG!) A long time ago I discovered that the standard reds will not make some floral pinks, so here's a little chart I made before painting this piece. I ended up using ThRR- thalo red rose. My little sketchbook is a Moleskine with brown cardboard-like cover, perforated sheets and comes in packs of three. I use them for notes and sketching in the field, and color swatches at home.

Cactus Crown

oil 11x14 on gallery wrap canvas not for sale After not painting for two weeks, I found it difficult to get myself started. Started feeling irritable. (Just ask my dog.) Reminded me of getting off the bike while climbing a steep hill. Trying to get the pedals turning again, it's easy to fall if you don't do it right. So I found a subject that really, really excited me, then I painted bigger than usual, on not the usual support, with not the usual brushes. It felt new and fresh. I had a ball, and this is what came out. I like it so much I'm going to keep it.

North On Campus -sold

oil 9x12 inches Click to Purchase I frequently go north on Campus about 10 miles to our daughter's house in Upland. This lawnmower shop next to the railroad tracks caught my eye time after time. I finally pulled over and got a shot I could work from. What is it about railroad crossing signs? I really like them. My little break from painting is done. It felt good to get back on the horse, so to speak. Cactus coming next post. I love cactus. A railroad sign with a cactus...now that would be a painting!

Paint Me Pomegranate -sold

oil 6x6 inches Click to Purchase This is the ninth and last in my pomegranate series. To view the series, go to "labels" below and click on pomegranates. Happy November, everyone!