Painting My World

Bella

2012-02-13T15:38:00.000-06:00

Oil on Panel - 8" x 8"

The wind propelled her forward, and billowed her head feathers upwards like a sail. She followed in his wake to their secret hiding place underneath the docks.

Fernando

2012-01-26T20:48:00.000-06:00

Oil on Panel - 6" x 6"

Growing up, my family rarely went out to eat. We just didn't have money to do that, and ate a lot of casseroles instead. But the few times we did, I remember Friday fish fries and the jukebox at a restaurant called Perks. Of all the 45s that played on that jukebox, only two songs remain in my memory: Fernando and Philadelphia Freedom. Both take me right back to eating fried perch with tartar sauce and rye bread.

Face 100

2012-01-19T14:40:00.000-06:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

Well, 100 is finally here. It's been a wonderful journey, and under no circumstances do I feel done. I thought I would, but there's so much more that lies ahead. So, in case you're wondering, I didn't dance a jig, hula-hoop or twirl a baton...not that I would do those things anyway. I'll probably go bowling. I'm not embarrassed to say that. Okay, maybe a little.

Along the way, I've been asked quite a few questions about the artwork. So, I've put together a FAQ sheet to help address those questions. Click here to read.

Don't forget, Little Faces, Big Expressions debuts in its entirety February 17th, 5-7 pm, Gallery 224, Port Washington, WI. I hope to see you there!

Face 99

2012-01-17T10:01:00.000-06:00

Oil on Board - 4 x 4"

I have become very fond of painting these faces over the past 16 months. They've taught me a lot, some of which I'll touch on when I finish 100. See you soon!

Face 98

2012-01-14T10:10:00.000-06:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

This painting seemed to come together nicely in that the warm and cool tones of her skin jumped out at me right away. It was a good day in the studio. All that really means is that whatever's on my dinner plate that evening won't be leftovers.

Face 97

2012-01-11T09:20:00.001-06:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

I am pleased to announce that all 100 faces of Little Faces, Big Expressions will be on display at Gallery 224 for their upcoming Portrait show in Port Washington. As a featured artist, I'll be there, and hope you can make it, too! Free and open to the public, everyone is welcome.

224 E Main Street, Port Washington, WI

Opening Reception: February 17, 2012, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Face 96

2012-01-06T09:22:00.000-06:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

Things are crazy in Wisconsin, and many are smiling. We're having such a mild winter, flocks of geese were flying north yesterday. I've never seen anything like it, not at this time of the year. There is no snow on the ground, and today will be in the 40s F (about 6 C). If you're a snow lover, head to Michigan. They've got it, but it's melting fast!

Face 95

2012-01-04T10:23:00.000-06:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

Keeping this a little more on the simple side (by simple, I DON'T mean simple, just less detailed), I left his hair with big brushstrokes. To me, it helped give him the look of fun.

Face 94

2011-12-31T11:36:00.001-06:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

I am beginning to feel many emotions as the 100 mark draws near. When the collection is done however, I know I will reflect only for a short while, and then look forward again. My character has been such as long as I've known.

Face 93

2011-12-30T12:00:00.004-06:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

I am often asked how long it takes me to complete one of these paintings. Lately, it's been taking me about 8-20 hours.

Face 92

2011-12-29T12:00:00.003-06:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

Another one from last week, I liked how the subtle tones came out of my palette and found their way to the painting. My first strokes of the day almost always determine the mood of the painting, and I generally don't interfere with that. Interrupting a painting's direction is like peeking under the cloth of a rising mound of bread dough. Leave it alone, let it rise and hope for a good ending.

Face 91

2011-12-28T19:43:00.000-06:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

This is from last week, so I'm in catch up mode. Besides his expression, what I liked best about painting this man were the yellow lines that carried his suit to his hat. When I put the lines on his hat at the very end, I said, "Wow, now that works." Of course, the only ones that heard me were myself and my two cats. No matter.

Face 90

2011-12-21T08:59:00.000-06:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

If you want to attract more attention than the person next to you, wear a hat. After painting 90 of these little faces, I am absolutely convinced of that.

Gosling with Mother

2011-12-19T14:55:00.002-06:00

Oil on Panel - 4" x 4"

Taking a break from my Little Faces, Big Expressions collection of 100 portraits, Gosling with Mother was inspired by the little things that happen under our noses, and how precious they can be. If you're feeling stressed this week before Christmas, relax with a spot of Guayaki Mate Chocolatte tea (no, I'm not British but 'spot' is fun to write) and a Russian tea cake, one of my favorite cookies. The combination is simply divine.

Face 89

2011-12-15T14:18:00.000-06:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

This man's wrinkles were the predominant feature of his face and could not be ignored. Perhaps years of working outdoors or smoking contributed to them. I am not sure. If we are provided a life of longevity, we will all have these lines of knowledge and experience in our old age. They tell a story of their own. I do not consider them unsightly in any way, they are simply who we truly are as human beings.

Face 88

2011-12-12T14:47:00.000-06:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

It seemed to take me forever to get this woman's scarf just right. It was more about the subtleties in contrast, and re-training my eye to recognize them. Once finished, the rest seemed to go rather smoothly.

Face 87

2011-12-08T12:07:00.000-06:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

When working on these small portraits, I have found it helpful to establish the center point to get the spatial relationships correct on the face. This is often done after I sketch a rough outline of the body and head. Three visitors at The Arts Mill in Grafton saw this when it was smokin' hot off the easel on Tuesday, just after the snow was added and more black was applied to the sunglasses.

Workers' Rights takes 2nd Place

2011-12-07T11:43:00.000-06:00

Workers' Rights - Oil on Board, each 4" x 4"

Workers' Rights took 2nd place out of 95 works of art in an international, Protest-themed contest administered by Dirk Gyhs from Brussels, Belgium on Fine Art America. As stated in the contest, 20 euros (about $27 US) will be given to UNICEF in my name. I am very honored to have taken second and thank everyone who placed confidence in my work and voted for me.

Face 86

2011-12-04T12:04:00.001-06:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

Face 85

2011-11-30T11:30:00.001-06:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

Face 84

2011-11-29T11:29:00.021-06:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

Few things teach patience better than painting a full set of teeth.

Face 83

2011-11-25T11:25:00.002-06:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

Here's to tough guys wearing hats. In Wisconsin, a lot of these trapper hats are worn in cold weather, and without shame, I'll have you know.

Face 82

2011-11-23T11:23:00.003-06:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

Yesterday, hundreds of red-breasted mergansers visited our marina. I've never seen so many, and according to research, their flocks are usually smaller. Today, they are gone. It's hard to know where they went, but they typically migrate towards the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, although a few stay in the Great Lakes region for winter. My painting Gondomar is a red-breasted merganser.

Face 81

2011-11-22T11:22:00.001-06:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

Happy Tuesday, everyone!

Face 80

2011-11-21T11:21:00.001-06:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

Today's quote is from my favorite athlete of all time. "It is easier to do a job right than to explain why you didn't." - Martina Navratilova

Face 79

2011-11-20T15:00:00.000-06:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

Yesterday was Word-A-Thon 2011 in Port Washington. Thank you to all who listened to me talk about my art. Speaking in public is not one of my favorite things to do. My heart was pounding like a bass drum in a Sousa march. Since facing my fears, I've retreated back to my little space where I paint and am quite comfortable.

On the Edge of Winter

2011-11-14T09:44:00.001-06:00

Oil on Belgian Linen Board - 18" x 24"

The birds that endure and survive winter's elements are creatures whose minds I wish to study. My only hope is the afterlife, which may contain an understanding that surpasses all of life as we know it.

Face 78

2011-11-11T11:11:00.001-06:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

Face 77

2011-11-10T10:30:00.000-06:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

Face 76

2011-11-07T07:00:00.001-06:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

Face 75

2011-11-04T09:46:00.000-05:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

Face 74

2011-10-27T08:00:00.001-05:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

Face 73

2011-10-26T13:54:00.000-05:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

Face 72

2011-10-21T10:35:00.000-05:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

This painting was about careful observation of the man's facial muscles, curves, lighting and bone structure, and then deciding which colors to apply to make it all work, while keeping his expression true.

Face 71

2011-10-21T10:20:00.001-05:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

Painting involves having a relationship with your brush. Although an artist's hand controls the brush, the paint's behavior with fluidity, pressure, color, angle, and movement is a complicated process. It's interactive and highly receptive to experimentation. Don't be afraid. Move that brush on your canvas in a new way and try different applications. It will keep your technique from getting stale.

Tugboat "Chuckles" Charlie

2011-10-17T15:56:00.000-05:00

Oil on Board - 10" x 10"

As far as attitude goes, this one's got it. Born only a few weeks ago near the Coast Guard station, this cutie pie took his first flight just about the time a tugboat entered the marina.

Face 70

2011-10-12T09:38:00.000-05:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

The best part about this painting? The chin. It was fun to paint and came together nicely.

Face 69

2011-10-10T21:45:00.001-05:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

The nose got the first strokes of my brush on this painting. The background was changed once or twice to get the contrast I was looking for, changing from light to dark.

Face 68

2011-10-05T16:54:00.001-05:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

I am extremely sensitive to noise and have been told my ears are bionic. They are not, even though the idea intrigues me. Today's top noise that bothered me? A beeping construction truck. This should be outlawed. I don't care if it's a safety feature. And today's top noise that didn't bother me? My cat snoring. Looking at this painting, can you guess which feeling predominated? Yeah, I thought so.

Face 67

2011-10-04T08:45:00.000-05:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

When I first started this painting, my technique was too meticulous, and driving me crazy. After about 10 minutes I stepped away from the canvas, made some coffee, sat back down and changed brushes. It worked.

Face 66

2011-10-02T11:28:00.000-05:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

Colors and brush strokes both contribute to the mood of a painting. For example, if the background was sunny blue, it would've given the painting a whole different feel. And if the brushstrokes were smooth like Face 65, the mood would have diverged in another direction.

Face 65

2011-09-29T14:42:00.000-05:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

Carol Burnett once said, "You have to go through the falling down in order to learn to walk. It helps to know that you can survive it. That's an education in itself."

Face 64

2011-09-27T19:03:00.001-05:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

By now, those of you following my blog know that I occasionally experiment. This one uses an underpainting of burnt umber. I'm not convinced it made a difference, but I'll settle for undecided at this point.

Face 63

2011-09-23T15:17:00.000-05:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

Last Sunday I took a walk in Lion's Den Gorge. I heard the faint calls of chickadees, blue jays, and cardinals, and identified my first Nashville warbler. But the gorge seemed preoccupied, and my presence an annoyance. A sense of urgency permeated the air and gave me an unsettling feeling as I made my way down to the lake. Maybe it was the change of seasons. Or perhaps it was just my mood. I don't know. It was terribly windy, and had been for a day or two prior. Descending ninety-five steps down to the shore, the southeasterly winds hit me like an unwelcomed stranger. I noticed a few monarchs clinging to rocks near my feet, hanging on for dear life. Barely recognizable, their wings were mere skeletons of what they once were, ripped apart like tattered, old flags. Had they altered their migration by a day or two, they might have survived. I imagined hundreds, maybe thousands, of these along the lakeshore, and I didn't like it. So I went home.

Vega

2011-09-21T15:50:00.002-05:00

Oil on Board - 10" x 5-5/16"

No particular name came to me while painting this nuthatch. After all, I thought it was a male until learning that males have black-topped heads while females have gray. When finished, I did a little research on celestial names and settled on the name Vega, which is a bright, blue-tinged star with orbiting dust located in the constellation Lyra. Perfect! Vega also happens to be the first star ever photographed after the sun. With such a pose, I think she is deserving of her name.

Face 62

2011-09-15T16:03:00.000-05:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

Today I wanted to experiment with styles. You can see obvious brush strokes with less detail. It's a much faster way to paint than Face 61. The change of pace was refreshing, and the movement of the brush could be compared to a using a scythe to clear a field of weeds.

Face 61

2011-09-14T18:46:00.000-05:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

Here is #61, lots of expression here.

Face 60

2011-09-12T20:42:00.000-05:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

For a Monday, today was one of those lucky days when everything just seemed to come together. Yep, even artists have good and bad days.

Face 59

2011-09-07T13:33:00.000-05:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

I've been juggling responsibilities this week in preparation for my upcoming show at Mosquito Hill's Thrivent Art Gallery in New London, WI on Saturday. I'm so happy I was able to fit this one in. See you in three days!

Face 58

2011-09-03T17:08:00.001-05:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

My goal for this painting was to use nontraditional flesh tones, mainly because he was standing in stage lighting that was casting all sorts of wonderful colors. These little portraits will all be part of one collection sold together with the magic number being 100. So, once I reach that, this work will be complete. Enjoy your Labor Day weekend, everyone!

Face 57

2011-08-31T18:16:00.000-05:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

Face 56

2011-08-30T20:52:00.001-05:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

A while back, I swapped my old lightbulb with a CFL. It took me a while to figure out the new CFL bulb was causing me to paint bluer than intended. I changed the CFL to a daylight CFL, and voila. No more blue-tinged paintings.

Face 55

2011-08-27T17:37:00.000-05:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

My two-day old palette from Rossini produced this painting today. I usually start anew with fresh paint, but I was too lazy. Since the oil had less viscosity, I opted for the painterly style and am quite happy with the result.

Rossini

2011-08-26T10:37:00.002-05:00

Oil on Board - 14" x 11"

The Barber of Seville, composed by Gioachino Rossini, was perhaps my first introduction into classical music when I was a child. After studying this bird, I imagined him sitting at the piano, waiting for the maestro to signal the entrance into this masterpiece. Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 in C Minor may have the most recognizable beginning of a classical work, but The Barber of Seville has one of the most spectacular endings, in my opinion.

Face 54

2011-08-20T11:26:00.000-05:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

Face 53

2011-08-16T10:03:00.000-05:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

Rousseau

2011-08-11T15:25:00.001-05:00

Oil on Board - 8" x 10"

"The first man who, having fenced in a piece of land, said 'This is mine,' and found people naive enough to believe him, that man was the true founder of civil society. From how many crimes, wars, and murders, from how many horrors and misfortunes might not any one have saved mankind, by pulling up the stakes, or filling up the ditch, and crying to his fellows: Beware of listening to this impostor; you are undone if you once forget that the fruits of the earth belong to us all, and the earth itself to nobody." - Jean-Jacques Rousseau, philosopher, 1754.

Face 52

2011-08-04T17:14:00.000-05:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

This is for all of you who like some 'pow' in a painting, and visible brush strokes.

Ricardo

2011-08-03T16:14:00.000-05:00

Oil on Canvas - 6" x 6"

Sometimes when I'm painting, the name just comes to me. Ricardo seemed right. This is going to be part of the Cedarburg Cultural Center's 6x6 Mosaic project where 325 canvases will be installed and displayed at the center through December 2, 2011 and offered for sale in a fun “blind” sale. Purchasers will pay for a canvas but will not know which canvas they are buying until the end of the exhibit. As part of their annual fundraiser, all proceeds benefit the Center.

Face 51

2011-08-02T10:07:00.000-05:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

Taking risks involves putting down a really dark color next to the fairest pink, but I love contrasts and bold paintings. This one was fun.

Face 50

2011-07-31T09:05:00.000-05:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

In celebration of finishing #50, I thought I'd include a little something extra. Below you'll see two time lapse shots showing my progression of the painting. The bottom image is a little eerie with his eyeball staring out, but I had to stop and take a photo at that point because it made me chuckle.

Face 49

2011-07-28T09:43:00.000-05:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

After finishing the shirt, hat, and face, I made a huge mistake and used a radically different color for the background. It looked horrible. Think of that pukey-colored house down the street... every town has one of those. Anyway, I re-did the entire background to my satisfaction. Whew! Okay, movin' on to #50.

Face 48

2011-07-27T13:51:00.001-05:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

I've been busy painting, just a little behind in posting. This young woman wore the bluest sunglasses I ever saw, which easily became the predominate statement of the work. Fun!

In other news, Milwaukee TV Station Fox 6's Rob Haswell stopped by the studio today for a photo shoot. Stay tuned for an upcoming segment featuring The Arts Mill!

Face 47

2011-07-22T15:08:00.000-05:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

This woman's skin was so different than #46, I really had to tone all of the colors down to get the results I was looking for. When starting with a white board, it's extraordinary how little red is added to white to produce the slightest shade of pink. In this painting, there is also minute amounts of yellow added to warm up her skin tone. Thank you to those who visited The Arts Mill last night and watched me working on this painting. The background was added today, along with just a few more details throughout the piece. So here she is, in all of her smiling glory.

Face 46

2011-07-21T15:01:00.000-05:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

The bandana may look intricate, but the face took much longer. Your brain will intrepret the bandana's pattern automatically, as it is probably familiar to you, but the facial characteristics are not and require detailed information.

Ice Sculptor

2011-07-14T22:33:00.001-05:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

Winter festivals bring out talented ice sculptors, many of whom set up a picture for reference while they work. Some of the tools used are chisels and torches, the latter fuses ice pieces together to achieve more complicated artwork.

Face 45

2011-07-07T20:55:00.000-05:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

In a recent study to find out which color attracts the most insects, it was found that yellow was most irresistible, most likely because it's the same color as pollen. Second and third were white and light gray. In determining colors of wind turbines, which are notorious for killing birds, yellow would be the least desirable color. But what would you think if they were all painted purple? Turns out, purple was the least appealing color to insects, but would birds find purple more difficult to see against blue skies?

Face 44

2011-07-06T13:59:00.000-05:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

This Friday, I'll be at the Birds of a Different Feather Exhibit, 224 E Main St, in Port Washington, WI, from 5-9 approximately. Eight of my birds will be showing, all in good company alongside other beautiful birds. Please stop by, if you get a chance! Step outside the gallery, and you are on the marina boardwalk. Just one block north, Zoe Muth and the Lost High Rollers headline at the bandshell for music in the park. The forecast calls for temps around 80, maybe just a bit cooler if winds are off the lake. Make a night of it, and have some fun!

Game Day Analysis

2011-07-04T14:14:00.000-05:00

Oil on Board - 10" x 10"

Three things played a part in choosing to paint this: the distance between the young man and his companions, the style of jeans that reveal generational gaps, and the assumed conversation about baseball. The sport has a lot of history in this country, and sometimes there's just nothing better than going to a game.

Face 43

2011-06-23T16:42:00.001-05:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

This man's softer side might be revealed beneath his serious expression, or in the texture of his parka's fur.

All That I See

2011-06-22T21:30:00.003-05:00

Oil on Board - 10" x 8"

Leonardo da Vinci once said, "Art is never finished, only abandoned." I completely disagree. If one never finishes his art, what has he accomplished? Nothing. Art is more than teasing a viewer towards a destination. It is a destination, and should be regarded as such.

Face 42

2011-06-19T10:39:00.001-05:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

There are elements to every painting that lend challenges. If it comes too easily, there are opportunities for improvement and more study of the canvas is necessary.

Woman Waiting

2011-06-15T19:02:00.000-05:00

Oil on Board - 6" x 6"

This woman is standing outside of the Washington House Inn in Cedarburg, WI. It is one of my more detailed and busy paintings on a very small scale. My magnifying glass and fine-point brushes were busy as well.

Face 41

2011-06-09T15:46:00.002-05:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

This one took me a long time, but the detail shows it. I hold my breath a lot when painting fine details on such a small scale, because if I don't, the brush moves ever so slightly.

Riding the Interurban

2011-06-04T18:37:00.005-05:00

Oil on Board - 2-7/8" x 9-1/16" $125/165 framed

If you want to forget all of your troubles, go for a really long bike ride and jam to MJ's "They Don't Care About Us". It works.

Accepted into The Arts Mill's juried show Interurban Inspiration

June 17-July 30th.

1300 14th Ave, Grafton, WI 53024

Hours: Tues-Sat. 11-5 pm

Free admission

www.theartsmill.org

Face 40

2011-06-02T20:30:00.000-05:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

Painting at The Arts Mill in Grafton is wonderful. From the smell of the old Mill as I'm walking up the steps to painting something new for the day and enjoying conversation, methods, and experiences amongst fellow artists. We are all working to create something for you. This is #40 in my collection of little portraits, with many more to come. Follow along on my journey, and please comment. I post all of your comments, both the good and bad, as long as it's rated G. No potty mouths, please.

Gondomar

2011-05-25T11:17:00.000-05:00

Oil on Board - 8" x 10"

This is a red-breasted merganser, a diving duck. He dove to the bottom of Lake Michigan, pulled up a fish eight times the size of his mouth, and tried to figure out how he was going to swallow it. I was astounded at his confidence, but he tried. The fight lasted less than 10 seconds and the fish won.

Face 39

2011-05-21T16:11:00.002-05:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

Face 38

2011-05-20T06:51:00.000-05:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

Frank

2011-05-17T07:59:00.001-05:00

Oil on Board - 10" x 8"

Meet Frank. His favorite spots to perch are on business awnings that face Lake Michigan in Port Washington. And why not? He enjoys great views, scores crumbs from patio tables, and has lots of friends there.

Face 37

2011-05-06T16:40:00.001-05:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

Painting snow is fun! Yeah, yeah, I know. Winter's over. Hooray!

Face 35

2011-05-05T10:57:00.001-05:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

My external hard drive saved me yesterday, as my entire computer crashed. Without the backup, I'd be lost and probably crying somewhere in a dark corner. So, I'm behind for the week in painting, but so it goes. This woman was completed on Tuesday. From the falling snow to her textured knitted hat, I enjoyed painting her. I find my favorite part is nearing the end when it all comes together.

Biker with Dog

2011-05-02T16:11:00.002-05:00

Oil on Board - 6" x 6"

I decided to make some changes to this one, so here is the final, re-posted. There is a lovely trail in Ozaukee County called the Interurban Trail, and just one block east of it in Port Washington, you are on the shores of Lake Michigan.

Face 34

2011-04-23T11:46:00.001-05:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

I sketched this man with charcoal pencil first, then began painting his highlights and worked my way darker. So, the bridge of his nose, cheeks, and the upper lip were defined as the lightest areas, then the darkest reds of his face were applied to give me my two contrasting flesh tone values. Almost every other value falls somewhere in between.

Amelia

2011-04-21T16:16:00.005-05:00

Amelia has been juried into the Wisconsin Visual Artists SE Chapter Show

Cedarburg Cultural Center, Cedarburg, WI

July 4 - August 21 - SOLD

Serious. Adventurous. Daring. Those adjectives describe how I think Amelia Earhart was in her day, and if I could go back in time, I think we'd be best friends. This bird is named after her.

Face 33

2011-04-13T08:55:00.000-05:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

This is a very painterly style, and provided a relaxing change of pace for me. The main reason he is painterly is because I forgot to bring my eyeglasses to the studio, so he was painted at approximately three-fourth's arm's length. Below is a close up of his eyes.

Face 32

2011-04-11T12:14:00.001-05:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

I almost left the drawstring out, but I think it adds interest.

Face 31

2011-04-11T12:12:00.002-05:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

I've seen red faces like this when trumpet players hit high notes, but it's not the reason for this man's color.

Face 30

2011-04-04T21:16:00.001-05:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

The pinks and reds were a nice change in colors, and I enjoyed painting her.

Face 29

2011-04-03T10:51:00.001-05:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

Olivia

2011-03-31T16:26:00.002-05:00

Oil on Board - 10" x 5-1/2"

So common, so ubiquitous, is the Canadian goose, its beauty is often overlooked.

Face 28

2011-03-31T14:57:00.001-05:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

Besides working the colors and shadows, one of the things that requires decision is how much blending an artist chooses to do. I started this painting in an attack mode, then slowed down towards the end and blended areas of her face, giving her a softer look. Compare this to Face 27. How does the difference affect your interpretation of the paintings? Does it give you a different feeling?

Face 27

2011-03-28T10:27:00.002-05:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

Furiously fast painting allowed me to push the limits in my attempt to get the values down before stepping back into analysis. I'm happy with the results.

Hughes

2011-03-24T17:22:00.001-05:00

Oil on Board - 10" x 5-1/2"

A coot is an all-black bird, except for the beak area, and this one hangs out among the mallards and geese in the marina. I added some color, emotion, and named him Hughes, after Howard Hughes' Spruce Goose plane, which needed a lot of water area to take off. The coot has a similar ascent and uses his feet as paddles for quite some distance before leaving the water.

Robin

2011-03-24T15:05:00.001-05:00

Oil on Board - 10" x 5-1/2"

Where in the world is spring? Green Bay just got 17.8 inches of snow yesterday. So much for that stupid groundhog prediction. Where would these robins have taken shelter? If they turn up in unusual states, they just might not come back to Wisconsin. Our spring has not been welcoming. For those of you who know I like to name my birds... don't worry. This one is simply named Robin. A fitting name.

On the Shore I Rest

2011-03-24T10:51:00.001-05:00

Oil on Board - 8" x 8"

Some wonderful effects can be achieved by rolling the paintbrush, instead of stroking with it. The rocks and water in this painting show the result. I hope you like it.

Feeling Lucky

2011-03-15T09:30:00.002-05:00

Oil on Board - 11" x 14"

Here comes St. Patrick's Day! My first robin sighting this year was March 11, outside The Arts Mill in Grafton, along the river. Here in Wisconsin, that means spring is just around the corner. Whew!

Workers' Rights

2011-03-10T19:33:00.005-06:00

Oil on Board - Four images, each 4" x 4"

Face 26

2011-03-03T20:26:00.001-06:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

This is my first little painting that was started and completed at my new studio location at The Arts Mill in Grafton, WI, where I'm fortunate to be working amongst talented artists. This painting is very loose because I did a lot of walking and talking while painting her. Please stop by and visit if you get a chance. If I'm not there, drop me a note and feel free to browse!

Face 25

2011-03-03T19:31:00.000-06:00

Oil on Board - 4" x 4"

In keeping with the woman's long, wet hair and striped towel, I painted the background with vertical lines. A plain background didn't look right to me.