Eggs & Fork

oil on premire gallery wrapped canvas
10'' x 10"

I was thinking that it might be a good idea to put up some, or possibly all, of the paintings I was planning to present for my January show at the Twinhouse Gallery. This way I could show the relationship between the "studies", and the completed paintings in a single venue. My goal is to have approximately 20 of these 10 x 10 paintings for the show. I don't know if I can complete that many or not, with only six weeks left. I need to get to work.

If you are interested in purchasing this painting prior to the show click here for contact information for Twinhouse Gallery. If you do purchase the painting, it cannot be picked up or shipped until the show has completed its' run. Purchase Info

Cherry Bag

oil on premire gallery wrapped canvas
10'' x 10"

I was thinking that it might be a good idea to put up some, or possibly all, of the paintings I was planning to present for my January show at the Twinhouse Gallery. This way I could show the relationship between the "studies", and the completed paintings in a single venue. My goal is to have approximately 20 of these 10 x 10 paintings for the show. I don't know if I can complete that many or not, with only six weeks left. I need to get to work.

I paint cherries quite a bit, but I've never placed them in a cellophane bag before.

If you are interested in purchasing this painting prior to the show click here for contact information for Twinhouse Gallery. If you do purchase the painting, it cannot be picked up or shipped until the show has completed its' run. Purchase Info

Fallen

oil on hardboard panel
10'' x 10"

I was thinking that it might be a good idea to put up some, or possibly all, of the paintings I was planning to present for my January show at the Twinhouse Gallery. This way I could show the relationship between the "studies", and the completed paintings in a single venue. My goal is to have approximately 20 of these 10 x 10 paintings for the show. I don't know if I can complete that many or not, with only six weeks left. I need to get to work.

The finished painting of the bird did not vary much from the study. I just wanted to increase the size in order to include a bit more detail, and subtle variation in the feathers.

If you are interested in purchasing this painting prior to the show click here for contact information for Twinhouse Gallery. If you do purchase the painting, it cannot be picked up or shipped until the show has completed its' run. Purchase Info

Vintage Scissors

oil on hardboard panel
10'' x 10"

I was thinking that it might be a good idea to put up some, or possibly all, of the paintings I was planning to present for my January show at the Twinhouse Gallery. This way I could show the relationship between the "studies", and the completed paintings in a single venue. My goal is to have approximately 20 of these 10 x 10 paintings for the show. I don't know if I can complete that many or not, with only six weeks left. I need to get to work.

The finished painting of these scissors did not vary much from the study. I just wanted to utilize the entire length of the blades. I loved that little bit of rust on the inside blade.

If you are interested in purchasing this painting prior to the show click here for contact information for Twinhouse Gallery. If you do purchase the painting, it cannot be picked up or shipped until the show has completed its' run. Purchase Info

Espresso Cup II

oil on hardboard
10'' x 10"

I was thinking that it might be a good idea to put up some, or possibly all, of the paintings I was planning to present for my January show at the Twinhouse Gallery. This way I could show the relationship between the "studies", and the completed paintings in a single venue. My goal is to have approximately 20 of these 10 x 10 paintings for the show. I don't know if I can complete that many or not, with only six weeks left. I need to get to work.

If you are interested in purchasing this painting prior to the show click here for contact information for Twinhouse Gallery. If you do purchase the painting, it cannot be picked up or shipped until the show has completed its' run. Purchase Info

Glass Insulator

oil on hardboard panel
6'' x 6"

sold

I borrowed this insulator from Jeff Cohen a long time ago to paint, but it just sat on a small shelf in our kitchen. I saw the sunlight shining through it the other day, and thought to myself, "man, I've got to paint that thing right now".

PercCup

oil on hardboard panel
6'' x 6"

sold

There's something about the shape and reflective quality of this percolator that grabs me. I'm sure people will tire of it one day, but for now I'll continue our relationship. Those old, and really heavy mugs are also terrific.

Glass Sphere II

oil on hardboard panel
6'' x 6"

sold

What can I say, I love painting this glass sphere.

Egg Bowl

oil on premire gallery wrapped canvas
10'' x 10"

I was thinking that it might be a good idea to put up some, or possibly all, of the paintings I was planning to present for my January show at the Twinhouse Gallery. This way I could show the relationship between the "studies", and the completed paintings in a single venue. My goal is to have approximately 20 of these 10 x 10 paintings for the show. I don't know if I can complete that many or not, with only six weeks left. I need to get to work.

Fortunately, tonight I finished this painting of brown eggs in a bowl just in time to be included in the daily painters group effort for all of us to create an egg painting for sunday.

If you are interested in purchasing this painting prior to the show click here for contact information for Twinhouse Gallery. If you do purchase the painting, it cannot be picked up or shipped until the show has completed its' run. Purchase Info

Pool Bowl II

oil on premire gallery wrapped canvas
10'' x 10"

I was thinking that it might be a good idea to put up some, or possibly all, of the paintings I was planning to present for my January show at the Twinhouse Gallery. This way I could show the relationship between the "studies", and the completed paintings in a single venue. My goal is to have approximately 20 of these 10 x 10 paintings for the show. I don't know if I can complete that many or not, with only six weeks left. I need to get to work.

Maple Leaves II

oil on hardboard panel
6'' x 6"

click here to bid on this painting

This is a second look at the wonderful Japanese maple tree in our backyard. It was in it's full autumn color as I took this picture. This view includes a pair of seeds.

Silver Plate

oil on hardboard panel
6'' x 6"

sold

Tonight it's reflection rather than refraction, again. This time its' a couple of silver plated pieces from my shiny collection. Our kitchen is visible in the kettle.

I'll be painting "studies" in the coming weeks to test some ideas for larger paintings I plan to use for a show at Twinhouse in January 2007. Since I intend to use a square format for all of the paintings in that show, I felt the six by six size I've been using for my auctions would be a good platform to experiment with theme and composition.

Maple Leaves

oil on hardboard panel
6'' x 6"

sold

The Japanese maple in our backyard is in its' full autumn glory, and I couldn't help but try and reproduce that beauty on a six by six inch square of masonite. The sun was just above the horizon, and this view was from beneath the canopy, with the light shining through the leaves. The effect was akin to a stained glass window.

Three Percolators

oil on hardboard panel
6'' x 6"

sold

Tonight it's reflection rather than refraction. I like shiny, and coffee percolators are shiny. I've picked three of my favorites for this composition.

I'll be painting "studies" in the coming weeks to test some ideas for larger paintings I plan to use for a show at Twinhouse in January 2007. Since I intend to use a square format for all of the paintings in that show, I felt the six by six size I've been using for my auctions would be a good platform to experiment with theme and composition.

Fallen

oil on hardboard panel
6'' x 6"

sold

I have to preface this description with the statement that I love my two cats. But, it breaks my heart when they bring home their trophies. Many times their captives are still alive, and we can persuade them to relinquish their hold. Unfortunately today that was not the case, when this beautiful creature was left at our doorstep. Painting it won't bring it back, but I feel that I'm, in some way, paying my respects. I know it's silly, but it makes me feel a little better to think it.

I'll be painting "studies" in the coming weeks to test some ideas for larger paintings I plan to use for a show at Twinhouse in January 2007. Since I intend to use a square format for all of the paintings in that show, I felt the six by six size I've been using for my auctions would be a good platform to experiment with theme and composition.

Bob Deyber - Living the Dream

Bob before the kiosk in Dallas announcing his show.

Bob Deyber is truly living the dream. His association with the gallery Martin Lawrence was officially announced with his debut at their location in Dallas Texas a week ago. He was given the red carpet treatment from the moment he stepped off the plane. And that was just the beginning.

The opening was a huge success, as evidenced by the large, and enthusiastic crowd. By the end of the evening, virtually every painting had been sold. With a number of collectors buying multiple pieces.

Street entrance of the Boston gallery.

This scenario was repeated the following week when his Boston debut took place. Boston was a little more personal since it had been his home for a number of years, and many old friends were in attendance.

The entire gallery was his.

The Boston opening was another financial success in that, like Dallas, all but two paintings had sold as the show came to a close. I don't believe that there are too many of us who wouldn't love to experience that level of success one day. Congratulations Bob!

Cherry Bag V

oil on hardboard panel
6'' x 6"

sold

I'll be painting "studies" in the coming weeks to test some ideas for larger paintings I plan to use for a show at Twinhouse in January 2007. Since I intend to use a square format for all of the paintings in that show, I felt the six by six size I've been using for my auctions would be a good platform to experiment with theme and composition. Tonight I've returned to cherries. I really wanted to add a little color to my line up. Plus, I will definitely have a couple of cherry paintings in the show, and I wanted to get my chops back up.

Pickles

oil on hardboard panel
6'' x 6"

sold

I'll be painting "studies" in the coming weeks to test some ideas for larger paintings I plan to use for a show at Twinhouse in January 2007. Since I intend to use a square format for all of the paintings in that show, I felt the six by six size I've been using for my auctions would be a good platform to experiment with theme and composition. Tonight I've decided to paint one of my favorite foods. The dill pickle. These were a new find offered by Mount Olive. Jalapeño dills. Good eatin.

Sphericalaucity

oil on hardboard panel
6'' x 6"

sold

I'll be painting "studies" in the coming weeks to test some ideas for larger paintings I plan to use for a show at Twinhouse in January 2007. Since I intend to use a square format for all of the paintings in that show, I felt the six by six size I've been using for my auctions would be a good platform to experiment with theme and composition. Today I've decided to combine the pool balls with the glass shpere into a single composition.

Espresso

oil on hardboard panel
6'' x 6"

sold

I'll be painting "studies" in the coming weeks to test some ideas for larger paintings I plan to use for a show at Twinhouse in January 2007. Since I intend to use a square format for all of the paintings in that show, I felt the six by six size I've been using for my auctions would be a good platform to experiment with theme and composition. One of my favorite themes is the coffee cup. I love the opalescent quality of the ceramic.

Beasts of Burden

oil on hardboard panel
6'' x 6"

sold

Inspired by David Coalburn's tireless efforts to support, and promote animal shelters throughout the U.S., I periodically donate a portion of the total of select auctions to the Happy PAWS Haven shelter. These donations stem from my still life paintings the majority of the time, but tonight I wanted to use an animal piece to help raise money for animals. These two were hitched to a carriage used to transport tourists through the streets of Savannah, Georgia. They were taking a break in the shade of one of Savannah's many oak trees when I took this shot.

Paper Bags

oil on hardboard panel
6'' x 6"

sold

My wife Karen is a master when it comes to painting paper bags. I've watched her work on them, and marveled at how she "carves" out each facet of those ocher jewels. So, I'm attempting them again, on a much smaller scale. I loved this particular composition, because so much of subject was in shadow. And that blast of light with it's reflection on the oak table, blew me away.

Eyedropper

oil on hardboard panel
6'' x 6"

sold

I don't know what to say about this item other than I just like it. I've been wanting to paint this little bottle for some time, but never got around to it. The quality of the glass, the waterline, the refraction of the dropper, and the rubber squeeze bulb in the cap all come together to create a cool looking subject. For me anyway.

A Bag of Granny's

oil on hardboard panel
6'' x 6"

sold

Fall is a time for apples, so here is a bag of granny smiths.

Vintage Scissors

oil on hardboard panel
6'' x 6''

sold

I was in the mood for a little fine detail today, so I decided to paint these scissors. I borrowed them from Bob Deyber months ago intrigued by the complex pattern on the handle, and the age of the steel. They were placed upon the soapstone table in our kitchen. The table was a great find Karen and I came across at a retro furniture store we frequent called City Issue. The table was originally used in the science lab of a high-school. The wooden skirt beneath the stone top is covered with graffiti, applied over the years by a multitude of distracted students.

the Spider

oil on hardboard panel
6'' x 6''

sold

Earlier this summer I passed one of these nomadic carnivals setting up in the parking lot of a local shopping center. This traveling amusement park struck me as a great subject for some paintings. I quickly drove home, got my camera and returned to get as many shots as I could before the gates opened for business. The cumulus were building up in the sunny humid skys, providing a wonderful backdrop to the well worn amusements in various stages of assembly. This piece depicts a small portion of a single leg of the spider.

P.A.D. in Art Calendar Magazine

Carolyn Proeber, editor of Art Calendar magazine, has written an engaging and informative article for this months issue, on the Painting A Day movement. The article begins with the dramatic, and well deserved, success of Duane Keiser. It details the chronology of his involvement, and how his work has accelerated it's phenomenal growth.

The article continues as Boston artist, Jeff Hayes, provides his insight into the popularity of the PAD method. The views of Virginia artist Maggie Stiefvater are also included. I'm proud to say that I own paintings from both of these talented artists. The article contains images of paintings from Jeff and Maggie, as well as the work of artist Darren Maurer.

The article concludes with a concise outline, providing basics on how one can get started. I've been doing this for a while, and I have to say that I learned some things myself. If you find yourself at your local newstand, you should check it out.

I would also like to thank Carolyn for her generousity in choosing one of my paintings for the cover. It was a great honor, and I thank you.

Egg Bowl

oil on hardboard panel
6'' x 6''

sold

Tonight it's eggs again, but just the outside. A clear glass bowl filled with some grade A large.

the Pause that Refreshes

oil on hardboard panel
6'' x 6''

sold

When we go on vacation, we invariably wind up in Blue Mountain Florida. We've been going there for over twenty years, and it feels like our second home. Sometime during our stay we will cruise down to Seaside for an ice cream or to pick up a new book at Sundog. On our last trip we came across this small snack stand built out of what looked to be a tiny Airstream trailer near the "town" center. This old coke crate was sitting on an ice chest next to the stand. I loved it's color, and the graphic quality of the Coke logo.

Calla Lilli

oil on hardboard panel
6'' x 6''

sold

I decided to do something a little softer, and a little quicker tonight. The blossom of a Calla Lilli. Gary my brother in law, M.D., and accomplished underwater photographer, is now exploring the world of terra firma with his camera. His first foray was to venture into the garden around his home. He was very excited to show me his new pix, taken with his macro lens. I have to say, they were very good. He graciously allowed me to "borrow" a few of my favorites to use as subjects for future paintings. So, I returned to my painting a day mode, and did this little close-up of a Calla Lilli.

a Glass Sphere

oil on hardboard panel
6'' x 6''

sold

I picked up three of these glass spheres at a local antiques store a while back. They've been laying around the house for a long time, and I've never done anything with them. The pool balls I painted recently got me juiced up to paint more spheres, so I grabbed my camera, and fired off a few shots. You can see me in the center. I love painting glass.

Albumin

oil on hardboard panel
6'' x 6''

sold

I've been wanting to try the subject of a raw egg for sometime. Here's my attempt. Like the watermelon, it was a challenge, but a blast to paint. I will definitely be returning to this theme in the future.

Robert Deyber Hits His Stride

My friend Robert Deyber has hit his stride. He has been working tirelessly these last couple of years to produce an extensive body of work that is proving to be very popular, and highly sought after. Presently, and most notably, his work was used for the cover design of Tom Petty's new CD Highway Companion. Tom Petty's wife found Bob's work, and quickly became a fan. It wasn't long after that that they contacted Bob to commission him to do a painting for the cover of his upcoming CD. The final creation was a collaborative effort between Bob and Petty, and to quote mr. Petty, "It's the best cover I've ever had".

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers performed here in Atlanta last week, and Bob was kind enough to invite Karen and I to come along. We were allowed back stage, but sadly were not granted an audience with Petty. If you move to Bob's left, and go through a wall, that's where we were. The concert was great. The band was celebrating it's 30th year together, and their performance reflected that unity. It was great!


Cold Turkey - acrylic on canvas - 48 x 48

Bob has also been added to the roster of artists at the Martin Lawrence Gallery. Representatives of Martin Lawrence discovered his work at the Art Expo in New York earlier this year. They were extremely enthusiastic about his paintings, and have spent the last few months preparing his debut. Although his representation with Martin Lawrence has not been publicly announced, Bob's work has been selling at a feverish pace. His official debut will be held at the Dallas, Texas gallery on October 28th.

Congratulations Bob on your success. It's well deserved.

the Artichoke

oil on hardboard panel
6'' x 6''

bidding has ended for this painting

Tonight it's the artichoke. I don't consume them with any regularity. They're a bit too labor intensive for the return, but they do look cool. This delicate flower encased in armor. It's been a few years since my last artichoke painting, and it was nice to revisit them.

Watermelon

oil on hardboard panel
6'' x 6''

bidding has ended on this painting

I've wanted to paint watermelon for quite a while now, but never got around to actually doing it. Karen is an old hand at it, having painted the fruit a dozen times. So, here is my first attempt. I have to say it was really fun to paint. I foresee my returning to this subject again in the future.

Mike's Contribution to My Vocation

When I first began to paint my small six by six inch paintings, the size proved to be a problem. Fitting them on my easel, and having the ability to adjust their position to match my position, i.e. sitting or standing, was impossible.

I knew Jeff Cohen had created a device to support the small plywood panels he painted on for his Fragments paintings, so I constructed a, rather crude, version of his device. It worked reasonably well, but it was kind of clunky. Then one day I was talking with my friend Mike Kasper over the phone, and I happened to mention the panel holder I'd built.

I have to stop here to say that Mike is a kind of renaissance man. He can basically do anything with his hands. Painting, sculpture, photography, graphic design, carpentry, entire home renovation, I could go on and on. So, I describe this thing I'm using on my easel. The converstation ends, then a couple of days later, he shows up at my house with this elegant piece of equipment made of steel. From my description he had re-created my humble attempt, and produced something that worked like a dream. It will adapt to hold either my hardboard panels or small canvases. Plus, the whole thing moves on ballbearings so, it slides, "like it's on ball bearings".

Anyway, I just wanted to show off this wonderful piece of equipment, that has made working my small paintings so much easier. I also wanted to draw attention to the fact that Mike has now joined the ranks of the ebay artists by placing a link to his listings.

click here to view Mike's ebay listings

Coffee Cup & Spoon

oil on hardboard panel
6'' x 6''

bidding has ended on this painting

When I finished the pool balls I was still in the mood to paint something reflective but not metallic, so it seemed a good time to bring out the cups and saucers.

Pool Bowl

oil on hardboard panel
6'' x 6''

bidding has ended on this painting

I bought these pool balls a while back, but couldn't find a good way to present them. I photographed them six ways to sunday, but wasn't impressed with what I'd come up with. So I dumped them into this old glass bowl. Voila! I loved the distortion imparted by the varying thickness of the glass. Especially around the rim. I spent a lot of time on this painting trying to portray the subtle variations of shadow, and reflection on the polished surface of the balls.

Karen in Art Galleries & Artists of the South

My wife Karen is one of the featured artists in the current issue of Art Galleries & Artists of the South magazine. Her work was discovered at the John Collette gallery in Highlands, North Carolina. Paintings presented in the article are currently available at the previously mentioned John Collette space, and also in Atlanta at Twinhouse Gallery on Peachtree Road.



I know that I'm biased, but I have to say that Karen is an amazing artist. And it's not only because her finished paintings are beautiful. But, because she lives for art. She is always (well most of the time anyway) either painting, talking to someone about painting, setting up her interior shots, cropping photos, writing down ideas for future paintings in her notebook, reading about art, on her way to the art supply store, or visiting a new gallery either on foot, or online. Her enthusiasm is almost overwhelming. I'm inspired by it. If you're not already aware of her work you can see for yourself at karenhollingsworth.com.

Chevrolet

I've really been in the mood lately to do something larger, with a lot of detail and subtle variations of color. So, I visited my stockpile of vintage auto photos. I try to keep up to date on current classic car shows in my area to increase that stock. These cars are restored with great care, and attention to detail. They are elegant creations from a era when design was about design, and not aerodynamics.

This 16'' x 20'' painting will be going to Twinhouse Gallery next week, to selfishly take advantage of the fresh influx of patrons as a result of Jeff Cohens one-man show.

Jeff Cohen at Twinhouse

My long-time friend Jeff Cohen is having his first One-Man show at Twinhouse Gallery in Atlanta thursday August 21st. The show will include a number of his smaller still life paintings, but will concentrate primarily on his Fragments works. These paintings are created by dividing his subject matter into a grid of squares of varying sizes, and then painting every panel separately - each panel a painting unto itself.



These panels are then assembled, and mounted onto a plywood frame. Since each panel is painted without reference to the final piece, the completed painting has a wonderful, and subtle, variety of color and tonal value. The sizes of the paintings range from a modest 12'' x 36'' to larger pieces reaching eight feet. You can view a short video of this process, entitled Painting A Bicycle, on his blog.


I've known Jeff for more than twenty years, and I have to say he has one of the most fertile and creative minds I've ever seen. And it never sleeps. He's always got something new percolating. Whether it's music, art, home renovation (he and his wife Leslie Cohen, a graphic designer and fine artist, have transformed their home together), his garden, his kitchen (he's an awsome cook) - it goes on and on. What ever it is, it's always unconventional and always imaginative.

Having said this, I believe that he has found his true calling in art. His boundless imagination and inate ability is a powerful combination that results in work that is sometimes unexpected, but always inspiring, stimulating and beautiful to see.

If you'd like to see more of his work visit his website at: http://www.jeffcohenstudio.com/art/

my Studio

I've been working on a larger painting lately, hence no sixbysixers. I thought instead I'd just post a photo of my working area. I'm always curious about the studio space of other artists, so, I thought I'd present mine. Karen and I have essentially split the living room of our house. It's the largest space with the best light. If you do a 180 from this position, you'll see her "studio".

We get north light from the picture window (out of view to the left) but the trees tend to block most of that light during the summer months. Winter is more conducive to using natural light. I've constructed an adjustable lighting platform that combines a halogen bulb and a daylight fluorescent bulb.

I built the palette table (to the right) which can be raised or lowered, and tilted or flattened depending upon my position. To the left is another table that holds brushes, an old tool chest that contains my paints, and my computer. The monitor is a great way to view the images that I paint from.

That's basically it. I should have some new pieces up in the next couple of days.

Cherry Bowl IV

oil on 1/4'' hardboard panel
6'' x 6''

bidding has ended for this painting

I think this may be my last cherry painting for a while. Take a break, then revisit them again in the future.