Pear and Apple Demonstration

This little painting was created as a demonstration for some friends who want to learn to paint with acrylics. The technique is the interesting thing, because it layers warm and cool colors on top of each other. Start with a red background, then sketch the outline of your subject in white chalk. Think about the final colors of the subject and first block in the subject with it's cool complement. Do the same with the background. Then paint over the subject again using warm colors. Be sure to leave some of the original background red showing around the edges. Add some detail, and you are done in a flash.

A Rose is a Rose

I've returned to collage lately to my great delight. I had forgotten how much I enjoy it. Creating something out of bits of paper and paint ... makes me happy.

Best Friends

I love this picture! I am reminded of how exciting childhood can be, exploring with your best friend, stomping in the water, racing along the beach, looking for treasure! The possibilities are endless and so is the imagination.

The Bobs

These two characters were seen sipping coffee and smoking cigars on the square in Georgetown, Texas recently. I was told that they are known as "the Bobs" - General Bob on the right, and Tall Bob on the left. Apparently they are often seen doing just this - I suppose that cigars are not allowed at home.

San Miguel de Allende

I found this new blog - thevirtualpaintout.blospot.com where you use Google streetview to browse around the world and find things to paint. This painting was created using that link to San Miguel de Allende. Because of all the craziness in Mexico now, I'll probably never get to see this beautiful city, but it was really fun to find this spot and paint it.

Anderson Mill

I got to go plein air painting with Austin Plein Air last week. Anderson Grist Mill near Lake Travis was the location. The group is great to be with - very accomplished artists who share their knowledge freely. I had a wonderful time, and will definitely join them again.

I like this painting because it is so loose and spontaneous - qualities that are hard to get in the studio.

Bedroom is where you find it

Spanky spends about 8 hours a day sleeping in this chair. He is the epitomy of couch potato, and a boy after my own heart. We try to be more active, but the chair beckons after a day at work. This is my first foray into oil painting after a really long absence. Now I remember why I love working in oil so much. There is such richness that you can't get with acrylics, and it's a forgiving medium.