Stacked Cups

3 Stacked Cups
oil on 1/8'' gesso board
6'' x 6"

A bit of ceramic to finish off the week. I really like the contrast between the soft folds of the linen table cloth, and the hard, creamy, reflective surface of the coffee cups. I've been painting these china cups for years now, trying to capture that wonderful translucence of the fired material. I haven't nailed it yet, but I think I get a little closer each time I attempt it.

I just got the word today that my latest round of compositions for the corporate commission have been approved. A mixed blessing I think. Now I have to actually paint them. I always get nervous when I start on an oversized piece. Hopefully I can get past the apprehension, and have some fun with these. Wish me luck!

To bid on the Stacked Cups click here.

11 Cherry Goblets

11 Cherry Goblets
oil on 3/8'' gesso board
6'' x 6"

I didn't intend to flood my site with little silver goblets this week, but I had already begun this piece when I added my entry to the White Rabbit group painting (see below). Hopefully it is different enough to avoid looking redundant. I just wanted to add some more cherries into this weeks paintings.
I also wanted to direct your attention to a new blog recently created by my friend Karin Jurick. It's entitled Different Strokes from Different Folks. Each week Karin selects a single photograph, paints it herself, then encourages other artists to create their own version of that image. The site has only been up for two weeks, and the response has been nothing less than staggering. 52 artists participated in the first weeks challenge, and 68 responded in the second week. It's really interesting to see how different artists interpret a specific image. You should check the site out, and possibly take on the challenge your self.
To bid on 11 Cherry Goblets click here.

Fifties Toaster

Toaster
oil on 1/8'' gesso board
6'' x 6"

I went a little crazy a while back, and bought a bunch of vintage toasters on ebay. These old appliances have a very distinctive, and familiar look, that many of us born before 1970 will remember. I believe these will fit in nicely with my proclivity for reflective subjects. This is my first attempt. I love how the bakelite, and chrome work together. I'm looking forward to doing many more of these in the future. I "think" big these days, and think it could be really cool to do one of these at 40 x 40. When, and if, I can get the corporate commission out of the way, some of these "big" dreams may start to actually materialize. To bid on this painting click here.

Cherry Linen No.2

Cherry Linen No.2
oil on 1/8'' gesso board
6'' x 6"

Karen just got some good news. One of her galleries, Dean Day, is located in Houston Texas. She spoke with the owner today, and fortunately they suffered virtually no damage because of Ike. There is a lot of broken glass, and debris everywhere, but they were untouched. It appears they even have power, and internet access. It was nice to hear that they were okay, and that the art was undamaged.
I've got a couple of cherry paintings this week. It's getting near the end of the season, and wanted to take advantage of the current supply. I'll put up the second later this week. To bid on this painting click here.

Hamilton Beach No. 6

Milkshake Mixer No.6
oil on 1/8'' gesso board
6'' x 6"

With the exception of the White Rabbit group painting (below), I spent the better part of last week working on photography for the, on again, off again corporate commission. Presently, it's back on, and hopefully the compositions I worked up this week will find a home in the boardroom. If things go as planned, I should actually start painting on this project very soon. In the meantime, I've got five new pieces for ebay this week. First off is my favorite appliance. The classic Hamilton Beach Milkshake Mixer. This is model 30 as seen from behind. I wanted to incorporate the cooling vents, and on/off switch which look very cool to me. I also love the mounting plate with that huge screw in the middle. To bid on the auction click here.

4 Artists - 1 Subject

Candy Goblet by Me


White Rabbits by M. Collier


Wonderland by Jelaine Faunce


Multiplication by Otto Lange

Back in July Jelaine Faunce contacted me about a project she was considering. She thought it would be interesting to select a subject, then have four artists, with a similar style of painting create their unique version of that subject. She and I would make up half of the group, M. Collier and Otto Lange would comprise the other half. If you click on each image it will take you to the artists website or blog. Jelaine describes the entire project in more detail here. White Rabbit candy, a confection from the land of the rising sun was chosen as the subject. Above is the result of our efforts. Each painting is six inches by six inches. The four paintings are offered at action as a group. You can participate in the bidding by clicking here.

Dumbo?

Dumbo
oil on pre-primed hardboard panel
6'' x 6"

Dumbo is the last of my outside paintings for this week. I have to say this was without doubt the most fun of this series. Karen and I were driving to Gallery Street to pick up a couple of her new giclee's, and on the way we passed one of those nomadic carnivals that set up in parking lots. I made a mental note to return the next morning, and do some photography. When I got there the delapidated state of most of the rides deflated my hopes for getting any good material. Then I came across the little elephant ride, and cheered up. The elephants were in great shape, with a high gloss finish, and bright colors. In the end I wound up taking a lot of photos of the entire set up, but these little guys were the hit of the party. I think that one of these could eventually wind up as a much larger painting sometime in the future. It would be a hoot to paint one of these really big. If you interested in bidding on this painting, you can access the auction by clicking here.

Big Wheel

Big Wheel
oil on pre-primed hardboard panel
6'' x 6"

Earth moving equipment is another of my favorite subjects, but one that seldom gets much exposure. I suppose it's something with a limited audience, but I think they're amazing looking. Like some great prehistoric creature. The tires, in particular, are a wonderful focal point. I granted myself as much time as I needed on all the pieces being posted this week. It was a luxury, but these compositions were a bit more complicated than much of what I usually do, and I felt they needed that extra time. Plus, they were all such fun to paint. If you are one of that rare breed who can appreciate the beauty of a front end loader, and would like to bid on this painting, you can access the auction by clicking here.

Study for: Spire

Spire
oil on masonite panel
6'' x 6"

I've gone outside this week. Fay brought us some dramatic weather, and the lure of the clouds was too strong, so I've returned to my urban landscapes. This subject was a common theme in my early days on ebay, and I've really missed it. Savannah is a great city with beautiful architecture, and my favorite structure there is the french gothic Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. I've painted it a couple of times in the past, and I've been working on a new composition featuring it. The study above is a fragment of the total image I plan to use. It will be a real tour de force in the use of clouds. Intimidating to say the least. I don't have this actually "scheduled" as yet, but the study above has wetted my appetite. I spent more time than usual on this weeks work, consequently there will only three pieces. I'll be back tomorrow with number two. If you'd like to bid on this painting, you can access the auction by clicking here.

57 Chevy Bel Air

57 Bel Air Tail Light
oil on masonite panel
10'' x 10"

I was only able to produce one painting this week. The Bel Air took the better part of four days to complete. Not a very cost effective way of working, but painting this was pure pleasure, and I didn't want to rush it. The 10 x 10 masonite panel it's painted on had been originally prepared for my wife Karens' return to ebay, but the recent flurry in sales of her full sized originals put the kibosh on that plan. So, I decided to use it myself for the Chevy. I had been jonesing to do another auto painting, and figured this would be a good time to get it out of my system. If you'd like bid on this painting you can access the auctions by clicking here.

To see a visual example of the old adage, "great minds think alike", check out Stephen Magsigs' blog entry for August 15. A beautiful rendition of a familiar subject.

Pool Bowl No. 9

Pool Bowl No. 9
oil on mdf panel
6'' x 6"

And finally this week . . . . a bowl of pool balls. - We're off to watch the opening ceremony of the summer Olympics. - If you'd like to bid on this painting you can access the auction by clicking here.

Vintage Milkshake Mixer No. 5

Hamilton Beach Milkshake Mixer No. 5
oil on pre-primed panel
6'' x 6"

Tonight I'm back to the Hamilton Beach Model 30 Milkshake Mixer, but I've painted it on a new type of panel. Historically I have cut, and primed my own mdf or plywood panels, but this was done on a commercially made product from Dick Blick. I have to say I really like it. It's got a great surface that takes paint nicely, and it comes with a pre-cut slot in the back for hanging.



The price is considerably more than buying one large piece of mdf at the local home store, and cutting it into multiple panels, but it is not unreasonable. I think the next time I'm back at the art supply store, I'll be picking up a few more of these. It wouldn't surprise me, if at some point in the not too distant future, I was using these exclusively for my small paintings. If you'd like to purchase the painting above, you can access the auction by clicking here.

Balsamic No. 2

Balsamic No. 2
oil on mdf panel
6'' x 6"

My third painting this week is a second interpretation of this little bottle of balsamic vinegar. I wanted to see how much visual information I could pull out of this dark reflective subject. It's a bit like doing the light bulbs, only in reverse. The goal was to convey the inky liquid contained within the glass bottle without losing it in the background color. I got pretty close, but still have a way to go. I see a few more versions of this in my future. If you'd like to bid on this painting you can access the auction by clicking here.

Cherry Bag No. 2

Cherry Bag No. 2
oil on mdf panel
6'' x 6"

Cherries are my fathers' favorite fruit, and he's suggested that I paint them in a clear plastic bag. This will actually be my second version of this subject. The first was painted for a show at Twinhouse Gallery in Atlanta. Karen and I bought a new batch of cherries just today at COSTCO, and I'll be photographing them prior to their consumption. There is something about a cherry. I can't pin point what that "something" is, but they seem to have a universal appeal. I hope I get some good shots before these wind up on a plate. Those images will have to last me until next season. If you'd like to bid on this painting you can access the auction by clicking here.

Maple Leaves No. 5

Maple Leaves No. 5
oil on mdf panel
6'' x 6"

On a hot and humid summer day it's nice to work on a composition of autumn leaves. This is the Japanese Maple just outside our kitchen, and in the fall it is a site to behold. I've done various incarnations of this theme, but this version has that wonderful blend of yellow to red that really lights up when the leaves are struck by the sunlight. This is the first of five paintings to be listed on ebay this week. If you are interested in bidding on this painting you can access the auction by clicking here.

Sliced Bread No. 4 - Full Sized on Canvas

Sliced Bread No. 4
oil on canvas
30'' x 30"

I had intended to post this, the second commissioned painting now headed to Stricoff Fine Art Ltd., a couple of days ago, but there was a rather serious glitch in the spam spotting software used by Blogger.com this week. Apparently it (mis) diagnosed practically everyone as a spammer, and blocked our ability to post. Needless to say, for those of us who utilize our blogs not only as a means to connect with art aficionados, and other artists, but as a marketing tool as well, this was a serious problem. Blogger handled the situation in much the same way Apple delt with the iPhone 3G, and Mobile Me fiasco, by ignoring its' supporters while they worked things out. There was nothing on the Blogger site to officially acknowlege the situation, while the support discussion group was flooded with cries for help. Consequently for a number of days we were all in the dark. Today there is a message on the Blogger site admitting to the problem, and assuring everyone that it will be resolved soon. I'm a huge fan of both Blogger and Apple, so my concern with all of this is not the fact that they both had unexpected problems, but with their delay of information provided to those of us who use their service, and depend on it. Technology is a wonderful, but fragile thing.

Fritos: Full-Sized on Canvas

Fritos
oil on canvas
30'' x 30"

One of the reasons I usually don't take on commissioned work is the near complete loss of creative control that comes with "design by committee". The first two pieces completed for the corporate commission have been rejected for reasons, that from an artists stand point, seem kind of absurd. From the corporate view point, I suppose they may have some validity. I don't have a businsess head, so I don't really get it. For now the commission is still a work in progress. The subject of these paintings is going into round four of discussion amongst the higer-ups. Until they come to a consensus I'll just concentrate on other work. I'm still optomistic that in the end we can come to a resolution that will be acceptable to all. The people there are genuinely nice, and I think it's tough for them, as well, to try and please everyone.

I do think this experience has opened my eyes to new subjects that may have real potential. Hopefully they will provide both appeal for collectors, and on my end, yield a theme that is also a pleasure to paint. Stricoff Fine Art, Ltd. has expressed interest in both of these paintings, and I will be shipping them to New York later this week. I'll post the second painting in a few days. It will be interesting to see how they are received. If they do well I will probably continue to paint some of the compositions originally intended for the commission, and offer them to the galleries.

A side note about technique: I usually obtain my surface material from the Home Depot, 1/4 MDF that I cut, and prep myself, but this week I purchased a commercially made hardboard panel with a canvas like finish. It's produced by Dick Blick, and I'm excited to see how it takes paint. Another plus to this product is that it comes with pre-drilled hole in the back for hanging. It will be used for one of the paintings I'm currently working on for ebay. These will be listed starting monday of next week.

Pool Bowl No. 8

Pool Bowl No. 8
oil on plywood panel
6'' x 6"

I got some good news today. I was accepted into the Daily Paintworks group. A slot came open a little while back, and they asked me if I'd like to place my name for submission. I said I'd love to join, and today was warmly welcomed by the participating artists. The Paintworks is composed of some very talented artists, and I'm extremely proud to even have been considered for inclusion. Thanks all, it's an honor.

The final selection for this weeks ebay paintings is the ubiquitous pool balls. This composition is a fragment from a composition I plan to do larger in the future. The decision of whether that means medium large, or large large, will be determined later. I still plan to do one of these huge one day. I think, if I didn't screw it up, it could be very cool. If you'd like to bid on this piece, you can participate in the auction by clicking here.

Half Perc

Half Perc
oil on plywood panel
6'' x 6"

Painting number four this week is one of my new (old) percolators. New in the sense that I recently aquired it on the internet. ebay is a great place for tracking down props for still lifes. It seems you can find virtually anything your looking for there. Plus it's fun just to look. Scouring their site searching for vintage items can be very satisfying. There's a lot of very cool stuff out there. I went a little crazy a couple of weeks ago in my quest for a classic toaster. I bid on a bunch of them because they were relatively inexpensive. I assumed that I would be outbid on at least a couple. I wound up with five, having won all my auctions. These should start showing up in paintings in the not too distant future. There was one added bonus, they make really good toast. If you'd like to bid on the Percolator, you can participate in the auction by clicking here.

Paper Goblet

Paper Goblet
oil on plywood panel
6'' x 6"

When I purchased this little goblet the shop owner wrapped it in white craft paper. When I got it home, and unwrapped it I thought it looked great sitting within the folds of that paper on our kitchen table. I grabbed my camera, and took a bunch of photos. The goblets came in a group of three. You can see the other two reflected in its' surface, along with the kitchen, and the paper. These tiny silver goblets have such a wonderful shape. They distort the reflected room beautifully. I knew the moment I came across them in the antique store I had found a gem. If you would like to participate in the auction of this painting you can place a bid by clicking here.

Cherries on Linen

Cherries on Linen
oil on plywood panel
6'' x 6"

The morning was spent packaging up a bunch of Karens' paintings that are headed up to Wynne/Falconer Gallery. It's a nice group, and I think she's going to do well there this year. Got back in time to finish up the second pass on this cherry piece. The little hint of fabric in this painting has me itching to do a more elaborate piece incorporating lots of folds. Something to think about. If you'd like to bid on this painting you can access the auction by clicking here.

Onion Bag

Onion Bag
oil on plywood panel
6'' x 6"

I feel like I've been gone for a really long time. The last couple of weeks have been a bit stressful, also fun. Karen and I have been nursing a sick kitty back to health. Our male cat Max had something going on that no one seemed to be able to figure out. Lots of tests, and a few trips to the vet later, and he seems to be his old self once again. Whew! We were sweating there for a while. All the life threatening tests came back negative. It's painful waiting for those results. Anyway, he's back, and apparently good as new.

About the time Max got well my brother Doug came into town from New York. This was the fun part. We only get to see him once or twice a year, so a visit is something special. He was here for only a couple of days, but it was fun to catch up, and hang out. I hated to see him go. Doug, if you happen to read this post, I love you bro. One of these days we need to head up to NYC again, and visit you!

Above is the first of five paintings to be auctioned on ebay this week. I wanted to paint more produce in a plastic bag, and it was a toss up between cherries, or these onions. Since I have another cherry piece going up this week, I opted for the onions. I know these bags are environmentally unsound, but aesthetically they can be very beautiful. Anyone interested in participating in the auction of this painting can place a bid by clicking here.

Bulb Vase No. 3

Bulb Vase No. 3
oil on hardboard panel
6'' x 6"

Here's the final 6 x 6 for this weeks ebay listings. I was in the mood to do some light bulbs again. I'm still trying to figure out how to get that wonderful frosty/glassy quality they possess. I'll be working on a few new pieces for Wynne/Falconer in the next couple of weeks. Karen and I have a show there on July 26th, and I wanted to get more paintings ready for that. I'll post those as they are completed. There's a chance that I'll try, and squeeze some ebay work in the mix too. It depends on how smoothly things go with the show paintings. I'll play it by ear. If you'd like to bid on the painting above you can access the auction by clicking here.

Pool Bowl No. 7

Pool Bowl No. 7
oil on hardboard panel
6'' x 6"

I've got a larger Pool Bowl planned for one of my galleries, and was thinking this composition could be that one. If thist turns out to be the case, then this painting could be considered a study. I have a number of other compositions to choose from also, and may wind up just picking one of them. I never know until have the canvas in my hand, and am ready to begin. If you'd like to bid on this painting you can participate in the auction by clicking here.

Hamilton Beach Mixer No. 2

Hamilton Beach Mixer No. 2
oil on hardboard panel
6'' x 6"

I had such a good time painting this little Hamilton Beach mixer. The more mechanical a subject is, the more I enjoy painting it. I hope this piece will find an audience, because I'd love to paint many more variations. If you'd like to bid on this painting you can participate in the bidding by clicking here.

Cherry Goblet No. 4

Cherry Goblet No. 4
oil on hardboard panel
6'' x 6"

Number two of this weeks ebay offerings. These little goblets are popular, and fun to paint so it's back again. Cherries are back in the stores, so they will probably be a common theme for a while. For those of you who may be interested in bidding on this painting, you can access the auction by clicking here.

Cherry Bowl

Cherry Bowl
oil on plywood panel
6'' x 6"

This is the first of five six by sixers to be listed on ebay this week. I'm finishing up the other four, and will return to the Hamilton Beach mixer when they are complete. I sold one painting at the Affordable Art Fair in New York last week. The big milkshake mixer I posted on May 31st. So . . . I feel pretty comfortable that there will be another one coming up in the not too distant future.

The corporate commission has been on hold for a while. The "higher-ups" are rethinking my original vision. My idea may still survive, but it is currently being discussed. I just have to wait for the marketing manager to make a decision. If I have to modifiy my plan, I'll probably find myself shopping around the first two paintings that are allready complete. I think I could probably find a gallery to take one or both without too much trouble.

If you'd like to take part in the auction for the painting above, you can access the bidding by clicking here.

Pear on the Edge

Pear on the Edge
oil on gallery wrapped canvas
12'' x 16"

Here is the second of the two paintings I got back from one of my galleries. I will offer this for auction, before I begin to shop it around to my other galleries. I've finished the underpainting of the latest mixer painting, but have decided to put it on hold for a week while I work on the next grouping of ebay paintings. I'll return to it when they are completed. I was debating whether or not to post an in progress image. Not sure. I'll just wait and see how I feel about it later in the week. Anyone interested in bidding on the painting above can access the auction by clicking here.

Resting Pear

Resting Pear
oil on gallery wrapped canvas
10'' x 12"

I just got back a couple of paintings from one of my galleries, and decided to offer them at auction on ebay before I began the process of shopping them around. One of the advantages of having multiple galleries is that if a piece doesn't work at one, there's a good chance that it will sell in a different location. I felt, at the completion of both of these, that they were two of my more painterly works, and was very happy with them. For those of you who may be interested in bidding on them, you can access the auction by clicking here.

The new mixer painting is still on the easel, and probably will be for a while. It's turned out to be a big job, but I'm having a good time with it. As I mentioned before, the composition a little odd, but I think it's very cool.

I'm also working on a new group of six by six ebay paintings. Everything is drawn out, and ready to go. If all works out according to schedule the first of the five should go up next monday night.

Pool Bowl No. 6

Pool Bowl No. 6
oil on canvas
6'' x 6"

I'm finishing off this week of auctions with a bowl of pool balls. I think I've said about all there is to say about this particular theme. There will be more. It's the only subject where I get to use all the colors. Tomorrow I'll start on the new mixer for Stricoff Fine Art, Ltd. Can't wait. If you'd like to bid on this painting you can access the auction by clicking here.

Radio Tube

Radio Tube
oil on canvas
6'' x 6"

Tonights painting has a personal historical significance. My paternal grandfather had a tv and radio repair shop in Decatur Illinois for a number of years. He was also responisible for setting up most of the PA systems in town. If someone needed to speak through a microphone to a crowd in Decatur, it's likely that he was somewhere behind the scenes.

My family lived there briefly in the late 50's, and during that time my dad worked with him. Hollingworth Sound was the name of the shop, and it was a fun place to visit. For one thing, he had his own Coca Cola machine. That was very cool. Five cents for a coke. In a glass bottle. That you returned for money.

Work benches, oscilloscopes, soldering guns, televisions and radios filled every available space. Radio tubes like the one above were everywhere. Even as a kid I appreciated the esthetic beauty of these components. It was exciting to watch them begin to glow as the tv was switched on. I never understood their function, still don't. All I know is that they've pretty much been replaced by transistors. What ever they do.

I thought this could be something that would look really cool . . . huge. At least 30 x 30. I'm not sure. I doubt that many people would have any idea what it was. I'm going to think about it. For those of you who may be interested in bidding on this painting, you can access the auction by clicking here.

15 Goblets

15 Goblets
oil on canvas
6'' x 6"

This was done as a study. I've had this image in my "to do" folder for quite some time, but never got around to painting it. I've cropped it here to get a general sense of the composition. The full version would be larger, and contain the all three goblets in a horizontal format. I feel that it works. My favorite aspect of the image is the multiple descending reflections of each goblet in their neighbor. If this is done again in a larger format, I think I could possibly add yet another level of reflection. I doubt if I could achieve that level of detail on canvas, so I would probably have to construct a box with a masonite surface. We'll see. Anyone interested in bidding on this painting, can access the auction by clicking here.

Maple Leaf No. 4

Maple Leaf No.4
oil on canvas
6'' x 6"

I had enough red paint left on my pallette to do another maple leaf, so I figured why not. They are one of my "prettier" subjects, and I enjoy painting them. I love the crispness of the highlighted leaves contrasted by the less focused red leaves in the background. The seed pods in the foreground really give the painting a sense of depth. This was a fun one.

I was victorious with my first ebay auction this afternoon. A great looking vintage toaster. Hope my luck holds with my upcoming auctions. There's a specific mixer, and another toaster I really want to get my hands on.

Anyone wishing to participate in the auction of the Mape Leaf can bid by clicking here.

PB&J No. 8

PB & J No.8
oil on canvas
6'' x 6"

Before I got to work finishing up tonights painting, I spent a little time on ebay searching for some new subject matter. Back to the kitchens of old. Came across some great looking toasters, and a couple of vintage mixers. I'm pretty excited. Just hope I come out victorious in the bidding. I think these new finds could make for some great compositions.

I'll be putting up a new group of five six by sixers each night this week, then I've got a new large canvas drawn out for a painting destined for Stricoff. One of my current classic mixers. The composition is a little different than the previous versions of this subject, but I think it looks pretty cool. Can't wait to see how it turns out.

For those of you who may be interested in bidding on the painting above, you can link to the auction by clicking here.

Hamilton Beach No. 3

Hamilton Beach No.3
oil on canvas
24'' x 36"

My site has been a bit stagnent for a while I know. I've been working on a new milkshake mixer for Stricoff Fine Art, Ltd., and it's taken nearly all of that time to complete. This is similar to the last incarnation, but I wanted to paint the mixing blades. I just though they looked cool. I'll be shipping this up to them in a week or so.

In the mean time I've begun a new group of ebay paintings. I've got four underpaintings done, and hopefully I'll get number five done today. If all goes well number one will be listed on monday night.



Karen and I will be going out tonight to attend the opening night reception of our friend Leslie Cohen. She's having a one man show at the Heaven Blue Rose Gallery in Roswell. The image above doesn't do her work justice. She utilizes a technique which replicates hand etching, and it is equisitely beautiful. You need to see her paintings in person to fully appreciate them. Leslie and her husband Jeff have also recently been taken on by the Wynne/Falconer gallery on Cape Cod. They will be having a two-man show there on September 6th.

Eight Ball No. 2

Eight Ball No.2
oil on plywood panel
6'' x 6"

I wanted to get a fifth painting up for my "week" of ebay paintings. I could only manage to get four up last week. The portrait didn't survive, so I replaced it with this eight ball. I really enjoy painting pool balls, but there is something special about the black one. It's a challenge working only in blacks, blues and shades of grey. This is another subject I'd like to try large one day.

The third commissioned piece is on temporary hold while I paint a third Hamilton Beach milkshake mixer for Stricoff Fine Art, Ltd. I recently got the word that they had sold the last one, and would love to have another. The affordable art fair is coming up soon in New York, and I thought it would be a good idea to have it up there in time for that. I'll get back to the commission when the mixer is complete.

If anyone is interested in bidding on this piece you can access the auction by clicking here.

Bread Bag No. 6

Bread Bag No.6
oil on plywood panel
6'' x 6"

I'm not positive, but I think this is the sixth incarnation of this particular theme. Karen is always encouraging me to, "do more bread", so here is more bread. Not complaining. I really enjoy painting bread. And plastic too.

I spent the day working on the first pass of a portrait. A 6 x 6 intended for ebay, but I'm not sure what I think of it yet. I had been jonesing to paint a face for sometime, but I'm pretty rusty, and it may never make it to the blog. I'll have to wait, and see how the subsequent layers turn out.

Anyone interested in bidding on the Bread Bag, can access the auction by clicking here.

Cherry Can No. 3

Cherry Can No.3
oil on plywood panel
6'' x 6"

"It is very likely, that in the future, there will be a few more paintings similar to this one".

And here it is. This is yet another composition of the the Cherry Can I painted for the winter show at Twinhouse. I took a lot of photographs of this subject, and always intended to utilize more of the many images resulting from that shoot.

Work on the third full sized commission painting should begin in a couple of days. When I think about it today, I think it will probably be the coffee bag. I'll know friday morning when I set down at my easel.

Anyone interested in bidding on the Cherry Can can link to the auction by clicking here.

Coffee Master No. 2

Coffee Master No.2
oil on plywood panel
6'' x 6"

It's been a little while since I had done something "shiny", so I went back to my favorite percolator. I inherited this Coffee Master from my folks who had received it as a wedding gift in 1951. They knew that I had coveted it since childhood, so they let me have it when they moved into their current apartment. It's still in great shape, and I suppose it would make a good cup of coffee if I gave it a chance. The percolator comes in two parts, and has such a wonderful shape. It distorts its' surroundings beautifully. A great subject for painting!

It you'd like to bid on this painting, you can access the auction by clicking here.

Maple Leaf No. 3

Maple Leaf No.3
oil on plywood panel
6'' x 6"

Last year I painted a couple of maple leaf compositions, and really enjoyed doing them. They received a of attention, and resulted in a commission to do another as the logo for a new wine offered by the Maple Vineyards in California. So, I figured I paint another. Create an opportunity to use some red paint.

I still haven't decided on which of the corporate pieces I'll do next. I may have to flip a coin. That can wait until I complete this group of ebay paintings. Which ever of these compositions gets the nod, it should be started by the end of this week.

Those of you who may be interested in bidding on the painting above, can link to the auction by clicking here.

Corporate Commission No. 2: Bread Bag

Commissioned Painting No.2: Bread Bag
oil on canvas
30'' x 30"

Here is the second of five commissioned paintings for the Printpack Corporation. Number three may be the strawberry bag. I'm sort of on a roll with the plastic wrap, and was thinking it would be a good idea to use that momentum, and continue with that theme. The response to the study on ebay was encouraging, but I am torn because of the fact that I'm really itching to paint the coffee bag, and hershey bar.

In the mean time I've been working on a new group of ebay paintings for next week. At the moment I have two underpaintings done, and three drawings. It feels like a good group. The first of these will show up on ebay monday night at nine. Anyone interested in bidding on any of my current offerings can access my listings page by clicking here.

Pool Bowl No. 5

Pool Bowl No.5
oil on plywood panel
6'' x 6"

I've returned once again to one of my favorite subjects. I don't know what more I can say about this particular theme, other than I get a huge amount of pleasure from painting these colorful spheres. Plus, there's something very appealing about composing them in a glass bowl. At least for me that is. I especially love the distortion imparted by the ridges in the bowl.

Even though it's a small painting, and please excuse my enthusiasm for my own work, but I think this could be one of my favorite incarnations of this theme. I'm very happy with it. I spent an unacceptable amount of time on it, hence the inflated reserve price I've placed on it for ebay, but it seemed to be going in a good direction, so I just went with it.


Paper Doll by Jeanie Tomanek
oil / collage
36'' x 48"

Karen and I are heading into town this evening to attend the opening night reception at Mason Murer Gallery promoting our friend, and awsome artist Jeanie Tomanek. It's a group show which includes Jeanie, and two other artists. One of the other artists is James McLaughlin Way. A man Karen and I bow down to in most humble admiration. His huge landscape paintings, literally leave me speechless.


Anvil No. 9 by James McLaughlin Way
oil on canvas
84'' x 72"

That's it for now. If I have enough time I may be able to complete the under painting of the second commissioned piece today. We will have to quit early today to make the show, so it may not be completed until tomorrow. In any case it's currently looking as though I may be able to finish it within seven days. My original goal for each of these large paintings. Anyone who is interested in bidding on Pool Bowl No. 5 can link to the auction by clicking here.

Cherry Can No.2

Cherry Can No.2
oil on plywood panel
6'' x 6"

This is an alternate crop of the the Cherry Can I painted for the winter show at Twinhouse. I took a lot of photographs of this subject, and always intended to utilize more of the many images resulting from that shoot. It is very likely, that in the future, there will be a few more paintings similar to this one.

Work on the second full sized commission painting is coming along. It's slow going. If all goes well it should be completed in about five days.

Anyone interested in bidding on the Cherry Can can link to the auction by clicking here.