Milkshake Mixer

Milkshake | 6 x 6 | oil on panel

Another nostalgic offering this week is this old Hamilton Beach milkshake mixer. To participate in the auction click here.

Dumbo Too

Dumbo Too | 6 x 6 | oil on panel

This carnival ride is such a treat to paint. First off it has that terrific shiny surface, and secondly it has that wonderful happy face. I'm already looking forward to painting it again in the future. To participate in the auction click here.

2 Up 2 Down

2 Up 2 Down | 6 x 6 | oil on panel

Four tarnished silver spoons. Nuff said. To participate in the auction click here.

Heinz 57

Heinz 57 | 6 x 6 | oil on panel

There's something about glass, and the color red. They really go well together. To participate in the auction click here.

Olive Goblet

Olive Goblet | 6 x 6 | oil on panel

I'm back on ebay this week with five new paintings. I used to paint this little silver goblet a lot, but got away from it for a while, so I thought I'd bring it back. I don't know how the olives wound up there, but they really work. If you'd like to bid on this piece, you can access the auction by clicking here.

the Coca Cola Show at Mason Murer

Otto Lange checking out my contribution

The (first) opening for the Coca Cola show was on Friday night. Mason Murer Fine Art organized the show for a meeting of Coca Cola's top 200 shareholders to be held later in October, but incorporated the Coke paintings into a larger show entitled Real Things which fills the bulk of the gallery.

Gathered around Teresa Fischer's work.

The exhibition was particularly exciting for me because I was able to suggest a number of names to the gallery owner for inclusion in the show, and nearly all of them were able to contribute paintings. My intent wasn't completely altruistic, because I knew it would give me an opportunity to see, in person, the paintings of artists I admire. It's great viewing art on the internet, but it doesn't compare to seeing it in the flesh.

Coca Cola by David Malan

I don't mean to play favorites, because truly all of the paintings were wonderful, but I have to say that the painting Coca Cola by illustrator/artist David Malan was my pick for best of show. I've been a huge fan of his for years, and it was a real treat to finally see one of his pieces up close.

Otto Lange's crushed Coke can

Another artist I've admired for a long time, and one who was able to make it to the opening, is Otto Lange. His crushed Coke can was spectacular. It was really nice to have the chance to meet him, and talk shop for a good part of the evening. I have to say I've been very lucky in the last couple of months to have the opportunity to meet two of my favorite artists. First I meet Teresa Fischer (who has two paintings in the Coke show) in Cape Cod, and now Otto.

Other artist/colleague's, with an internet presence, that took part in the Coke show are: Alvin Richard, Vic Vicini, Chris Stott, Todd Ford, Sally Tharp and Jelaine Faunce.

Mike Kasper

And last, but not least, two terrific paintings by one of my oldest, and best friends Mike Kasper. Mike is one of those people who seem to be able to do just about anything. A short list of titles I could apply to him would be; artist, sculptor, woodworker, engineer, welder, graphic designer . . .

Elliot Fouts Gallery Realism Invitational

Tractor - 36 x 36 - oil on canvas

I can't believe it's almost been a year, but it's time again for the Elliot Fouts Gallery Realism Invitational in Sacramento. My plan, when I was first approached, was to do multiple paintings, but time got away from me, and I was only able to complete one. But . . . I think it's a good one.

I found this 1950's riding toy tractor at a local antiques store that allows me to rent items. It was sitting out in front of the shop, and I knew I had to paint it. That fantastic red, and those graphics were too much to resist. On a canvas size of 36 inches I think it is nearing 1:1 scale, close to life size.

There are a whole bunch of great realist painters represented this year, so if you're in the Sacramento area the evening of October 8th you should stop by and check out the show.

A Commission | A Re-list | and A Group Show

Pitcher with Ice No. 2 - 12 x 16 - oil on panel

I've been busy working on a commission these last couple of weeks, and it's finally finished. I've received more comments on a painting I did years ago called Pitcher with Ice than anything else I've ever done, and the client who commissioned this piece said they wanted something very similar to it. I've emailed them the image of the completed painting, and they are very happy. Whew, it's always a relief to hear that a client is happy with their painting.

Clementines - 6 x 6 - oil on panel

These Clementines on the other hand met another fate. The winner of the auction decided they didn't want the painting after all, so I'm re-listing it once more on ebay. If you'd like to bid, you can access the auction by clicking here.

And finally, I'm working frantically to complete a larger painting (36 x 36) for a group show put on by the Elliot Fouts Gallery in Sacramento. It's an invitational realism show scheduled to open October 1st. They've got a long list of terrific realist painters participating, and I'm proud to be included with them. The only problem is that I have to get them the painting by the 23rd of September. Yikes! Back to work.

Spread the Word

This is a shout out to help our good friend Carol Marine. Carol, her husband David and their son lost their home on Sunday when a fire swept through their subdivision near Bastrop Texas. According to reports, nearly 300 homes were destroyed. The good news is that they are safe.

Jennifer, a close family friend, has organized a fund to assist them immediately.

Please click here for details, and give what you can to help Carol, and her family get back on their feet.

Spinning Top

Spinning Top - 6 x 6 - oil on panel

To finish off the week, my vintage Spinning Top. I first painted this toy for a corporate commission I did some years ago, and I think it's a great subject. The colors, shape and illustrated surface, it's just too cool. I love painting this thing. If you'd like to take part in the auction click here.

End Loaf

End Loaf - 6 x 6 - oil on panel

Tonight it's the front end of a loaf of bread, wrapped in a cellophane bag. I love how many colors you can find in a simple loaf of white bread. If you'd like to bid on this painting, you can access the auction by clicking here.

Government Issue

Government Issue - 6 x 6 - oil on panel

I've used these shoes as the subject in a number of paintings. They're my only dress shoes. I was issued these in 1972 on my first day of basic training, and they've been my wedding, funeral and job interview shoes ever since. You can surmise from this that I'm not a slave to fashion. I love their, "been around the block look", and that tan interior is terrific. If you'd like a painting of my shoes, you can bid on it by clicking here.

Coke Carton

Coke Carton - 6 x 6 - oil on panel

When I finished up the Coke painting, I still had a bunch of "Coke" colors left on my palette, so I thought I'd take advantage of them, and do a small Coca Cola painting for auction on ebay. If you'd like to bid on this piece you can access the auction by clicking here.

Citrus

Citrus - 6 x 6 - oil on panel

After I completed the Coke carton for Mason Murer Fine Art, I decided to do another five small paintings for ebay before I got to work on a much larger painting I'm planning to send to the Elliot Fouts Gallery for his October group show. Up first this week is a ceramic bowl filled with Clementines. If you'd like to participate in the bidding you can access my auction by clicking here.

Coke Carton

Coke Carton - 24 x 24 - oil on panel

Well, I've spent two solid weeks working on this painting, but I think it's finally done. I find myself wanting to hang onto it a little longer, but I don't think I can get much more out of it. Mark Karelson at Mason Murer Fine Art is hosting an "event" for some of the top brass at Coca Cola in October, and invited a number of artists to fill his space with Coke related art. I painted a "half" version of this composition a while back for Stricoff Fine Art, and always wanted to revisit it so I could take full advantage of all that type on the carton. I thought this show would be a good opportunity to try it again. There are a couple of other group shows this fall I want to participate in as well, so this may be my only contribution to the Coke show. If I can get those other projects done quickly, I'll try and squeeze in another piece. I'm really looking forward to seeing what all the other artists come up with. I think it's going to be a great show.

Cream & Sugar

Cream & Sugar - 6 x 6 oil on panel

The final painting going up for auction this week is a little silver piece. Karen and I inherited a silver set from her parents when they were cleaning house. They thought we'd like it, and I do. I've done quite a few paintings from the set. This is a sugar bowl and creamer. I know it's corny, but I kind of liked how the two handles created a heart when placed back to back. If you'd like to bid on this painting, you can access the auction by clicking here.

study for Condiments No.2

study for Condiments No.2: 5.5 x 5.5 - oil on panel

I was pondering the idea of doing another "Condiments" painting, so I did this little study at 5.5 x 5.5. This is only the top portion of the final composition, but I thought it worked pretty well on its' own. The full version will provide an opportunity to paint all the labeling. If you'd like to bid on this painting, click here.

study for Mule No.3

study for Mule No.3: 6 x 6 - oil on panel

I've been thinking of painting another Mule, so I did a small "study" of the head to get into the groove. I'm not sure if I'll do the mule's entire body, or just its' head. I'll just have to wait and see how I feel when the time comes. If you'd like to bid on this painting, click here.

Cherries

Cherries: 5.5 x 5.5 - oil on panel

Tonight's it's a bowl of cherries, and the bag they came in on. If you'd like to bid on this painting click here.

Pool Bowl No.21

Pool Bowl No.21: 6 x 6 - oil on panel

I'm currently working on paintings for a number of group shows coming up in the fall, but I thought before I really got rolling on those I'd put up some 6 x 6's for auction on ebay. It's been a long times since my last ebay listing, and I've been really missing the auction experience. I'll be posting five new paintings this week, one each night at 9 pm. Tonight's listing is my 21st Pool Bowl piece. I never tire of painting these colorful spheres. If you'd like to bid on this painting click here.