Twiggs Original Oil Paintings

Rose Tea

2012-01-29T18:20:00.000-08:00

Rose Tea 6x6 oil on canvas. Bid on eBay
Weeeelllll, I'm giving roses another go around. We are approaching February so why not (Valentines Day, right?)? I'll tell you why not. They are a real challenge! So many layers and petals that my eyes blur trying to get it all straight. But, I figure, after doing a hundred or so, I might get the hang of it. So if you'll just have a little patience and bear with me for a few posts (or a hundred) I'm sure I'll get the hang of it.

Clems & Lems

2012-01-27T09:00:00.000-08:00

Clems & Lems, 4x6 oil on canvas. Bid on eBay
Clementines & a lemon cluster around this little tin. Another great exercise in painting brass. These little babies are always fun to paint. I love working with orange and red and my newest paint color: cad yellow deep. A BEAUTIFUL addition to my palette!

Orange & Ladle

2012-01-26T09:00:00.000-08:00

Orange & Ladle 4x6 oil on canvas. Bid on eBay
This rather impressionistic painting was fun and I believe successful. The ladle, for whatever reason, was the biggest challenge but I'm happy with the results. Overall, it's the looseness and subtle color and value changes that give me the greatest pleasure with this painting.

Cherries Overboard

2012-01-25T09:02:00.001-08:00

Cherries Overboard, 8x8 oil on canvas. Bid on eBay
This is the first of 2 paintings with this arrangement. I don't usually add table cloths and linens mostly because I don't use them in my home so it doesn't come naturally. I thought it would be a good exercise to explore folds and see how far I can push the highlights before it going to far. I think I may have to incorporate this in some of my larger paintings as it is a great tool for adding a degree of rhythm and of course guiding the eye to the focal point.

Pansies & Grapes

2012-01-17T09:00:00.000-08:00

Pansies & Grapes, 8x8 oil on canvas. Another little painting from that same pansy photo that I used earlier now transposed into another small still life set up.
These are a fun way to spend the afternoon especially when the weather is all wintery outside. And tomorrow they are forecasting 6-10 inches of snow! Fortunately, I am warm and cozy in my little studio with my new new Bose stereo & 5 CD changer ! And now... off to the Post Office while I can still navigate the roads!

2012-01-11T07:29:00.000-08:00

Green Apples & Lemons, 8x10 oil on canvas. Painting shiny metals is always a bit tricky for me. Achieving the slick surface and reflections is one thing but the object itself is never the color I first imagine. The painting then becomes a lesson in really looking and focusing on my subject.

I get so caught up in my projects that yesterday, my CD player played through an entire CD and moved onto the next one and I didnt even remember the first one playing!

Pear Line Up

2012-01-09T06:46:00.000-08:00

Pear Line Up, 9x12 oil on canvas. It was hard passing up the pears with all the colorful varieties on display. So hard, in fact, that I ended up with a bag full! We end up eating a lot of fruit at my house. Every trip to the grocery store is a scouting mission for props! :)

Pansy Tea

2012-01-02T16:28:00.000-08:00

Pansy Tea, 8x8 oil on canvas.
A little drama today. I inserted pansies from a photo I used for a workshop into my black tea pot. I'm really lovin' the freedom to pick and choose what to paint and where to place it rather than painting exactly what I see in front of me. I suppose that is yet another sign of growth for me. This painting is available through eBay.

Shiny Reds

2011-12-30T06:41:00.000-08:00

Shiny Reds, 8x10 oil on canvas.
I think brass can be deceiving. Frankly, it's more of a green. Maybe just for this particular painting but when mixing the colors, I had some experimenting to do to achieve this "brassy" color. And then there's the reflections.. At any rate, I'm happy with the outcome and will probably use this basket again.. sometime.. when I'm in the mood for a challenge.. :)

A Lantern To Read By

2011-12-28T08:47:00.000-08:00

Bid on eBay
A Lantern To Read By, 8x10 oil on canvas. I pulled this old song book off my bookshelf just for this painting. This was a fun project addressing the issue of aging a book. But seriously, the last pumpkin painting until next year.

After Dark

2011-12-20T16:05:00.000-08:00

Bid on eBay
After Dark oil on canvas, 8x10. I'm particularly happy with this painting. The tea pot has just the right surface to it with just enough highlight as to not compete to much with the pears. And the pears really sizzle against the tea pot! Yes indeedy, I like this one. Maybe I should keep it around for inspiration. If it doesnt sell on eBay I just may do that.

Autumn Colors

2011-12-19T10:04:00.001-08:00

Autumn Colors, 8x10 oil on canvas - SOLD
A week before Christmas and I'm still posting Autumn paintings. I'm happy with this painting. Backgrounds are really coming together for me these days. I've been studying color like a crazed obsessive but I think it's paying off. It turns out there really is some science to it, albeit I wont deny that the occasional rule breaking can often turn 'ho-hum' into 'dyn-o-mite!', hence, color THEORY and not color FACT. At any rate, I continue to experiment, finding the best lessons are learned through experience. Off to the studio.

Christmas 2011

2011-12-16T07:21:00.001-08:00

Christmas 2011 8x10 oil on canvas. Okay, it was a REALLY nice day. Maybe not very wintery but I'm more inclined towards sun than snow anyway. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2011-11-21T11:31:00.000-08:00

White Nectarines #3

2011-11-04T06:47:00.000-07:00

White Nectarines #3, 6x6 oil on canvas. I've been working on my technique to increase the radiance effect. By that, I mean that I want it to appear as though a light is shining on it even if the lights in the room are turned off. It's really cool to see the gallery wall in my studio with paintings that, to some degree glow even before I turn my lights on! Anyway, this is one of those paintings but it is already sold and shipped so I only have the digital image now. :)

Warming up a Cold Day

2011-10-26T08:37:00.000-07:00

Warming up a Cold Day, 8x10 oil on canvas. Yesterday I started creating a mosiac top for my old coffee table. It was either that or pitch it and buy a new one. After 20 years of little boys, teenagers and young adults, the wear and tear was just to much and I'm a bit embarrassed by it.
So yesterday I spent an hour and a half breaking up plates I found at Goodwill. :) After my painting session today I'll begin applying the little shards to the top. Then Thursday I can grout it and post the results of my endeavors! Wish me luck - the only instruction I have is YouTube!

Winter Break

2011-10-25T07:37:00.001-07:00

Winter Break, 8x10 oil on canvas. It never ceases to amaze me. I'm watching the grapes ripen, slowly. And I'm watching the temps drop. I'm trying to keep them on the vine as long as possible before freezing weather. One weekend goes by, very full weekend. Monday I check the grapes and the birds have picked them clean. :( CLEAN! Next year I'm netting.

Autumn Break Time

2011-10-20T07:07:00.000-07:00

Autumn Break Time 8x10 oil on canvas. Another beautiful day, pumpkins washed off and piled up on the front porch. I'm not looking forward to the gutting process but the seeds are fab so worth the effort.

Mixed Company

2011-10-18T15:12:00.000-07:00

Mixed Company 8x10 oil on canvas. Painting on an 8x10 feels like painting a house after painting on minis all summer! Sooooo muuuuuch caaaannnvas! But it's all good.

The weather has been so incredibly beautiful here in the Pacific Northwest the last few days it's almost sinful to be inside painting! I finally forced myself pull my pumpkins BEFORE heading out to the studio and just in time as some were starting to get soft stems! :( No prob though. I grow Snack Jacks for the naked seeds. I have 2 (TWO) LARGE wheelbarrows full sprawled out in my back yard where I sprayed them all off with the hose and let the sunshine and soft breeze dry them. Next step is painting them then harvesting the seeds! :)

And The Winner Is...

2011-10-15T11:52:00.000-07:00

And The Winner Is... 4x6 Oil on Canvas. These brightly colored apples were not as easy as they first appeared. Bright red and bright green make a dull mud if mixed so care was taken not to mix them.

Orange & Red Grapes With Cream

2011-10-14T07:30:00.000-07:00

Orange & Red Grapes With Cream 6x6 oil on canvas. I bought these grapes but I have a rather robust crop growing right next to my studio this year. It's getting pretty cold in the mornings but hopefully, they'll ripen before it freezes and I lose them all. Ironically, after I pick them I throw them into my freezer and enjoy frozen grapes this winter. Nice, huh? Of course, some will become props, and so will end up out in the field for the goats and geese to finish off.

Early Apples

2011-10-13T07:08:00.000-07:00

Early Apples 4x6 oil on canvas. A few weeks ago I pulled my juicer back out in order to reclaim my commitment to good health. Or at least that's how I've justified filling the fridge with produce. Much of it ends up in my studio until it's a bit past prime and no one is the wiser save the horse and goats who reap the benefits of mushy apples and dried wrinkly grapes.
I'm am using the juicer though. You havent seen any grapefruit paintings because I'm on a grapefruit juice kick right now so they havent made their way to the studio. And late mornings I may juice up a tomato, carrot and celery -- and that is in the interest of good health! :)

Clementine Fest

2011-10-10T16:40:00.000-07:00

Clementine Fest 4x6 oil on canvas. Ahhh, Fall. Autumn. October. It's raining and dreary which makes for a super cozy retreat in the studio. I love my fort. And apparently so do the local insects. I find a few here and there now that the cold weather is setting in. Heard some wind and thunder today but was far to engrossed to know if there was lightening first. Who cares? All I need now is one of those fake fireplaces to really cozy up the joint.... Hmmm.

Orange & Gold

2011-10-08T09:45:00.001-07:00

Orange & Gold 6x6 oil on canvas. Hmmm. I found this little gold tin at a garage sale and picked it up just for this very purpose - a prop. I've been contemplating the idea of painting reflective surfaces and have done some but not like this one. Really, the gold color was not gold at all but ochre, ultramarine and some yellow. In fact, it's more green than gold on my palette. I find that interesting. Often the colors on my palette are nothing what you'd expect for the subject matter. At any rate, I was happy with the result... and ate the orange. :)

Pear and Red Grapes again

2011-10-06T12:02:00.000-07:00

Pear & Red Grapes again. There's alot to be said for subtle color transitions and all the little nuances in a mosiac like painting. This is almost a one stroke per color painting but not quite. I did this one when a friend joined me in my studio to paint with me. My style changes somewhat when I paint alongside others. It seems I need complete and intense concentration when I'm at my easel. I've been known to paint for hours not realizing I forgot to turn the radio on!

Six Pears

2011-10-05T12:06:00.000-07:00

Six Pears 8x10 oil on canvas. Actually this is one pear painted 6 times. It turns out there's a lot to be gained by painting the same thing over and over. I think I'm going to do this with lemons because they continue to give me a lot of grief. Eventually, I think we will come to an understanding -- like the pears and I have.
Incidentally, I couldnt get the colors to come out quite right on my monitor. The background is really more yellow than green.

Plums & Blackberries

2011-10-04T11:14:00.000-07:00

Sold

Plums & Blackberries 6x6 oil on canvas. This painting is sold but I wanted it in my blog sooo... here it is. Likely the only painting of blackberries this year unless I get out there and do one today. The berries are all but dried up or eaten by the birds. Sadly, I never got out to pick this year for this winters indulgence. Clearly a case of procrastination. That said, I'm taking bites out of my 'to do' list and feeling rather good about it! :) I encourage you to take bites if you suffer from the afore mentioned affliction. It's like my sister said to me when we were teenagers, " How do you eat an elephant? One bit at a time." I never forgot that. Thanks Jennie. Your little pearls of wisdom got me over some tough mountains but then it also gave me permission to dally a bit.
Today: I shall chip away at my daily assignments. What gets done, gets done. As long as I'm chipping, it's all good. :)

Pear and Red Grapes #2

2011-09-27T12:39:00.000-07:00

Sold

Pear and Red Grapes #2 - 5x7 oil on canvas. I'm waaay behind on posting. I've begun listing on Ebay and there is quite a learning curve there. I listed my first few paintings with the wrong shipping (!?!) which I was sure was going to cost me an arm and a leg. But it all worked out as several buyers purchased more than one painting and that gave me the opportunity to offer different shipping options. I'm starting to get a feel for it now. It was a rough couple of weeks but it's all good! :)

Cup O Blueberries

2011-09-13T07:12:00.001-07:00

click to bid

Cup O Blueberries 6x6 oil on canvas. I've been debating high key vs. low key and I think for the minis - high key wins. I think. For now anyway. Nothing is written stone.

Thistles 5 Gone to Seed

2011-09-11T16:48:00.001-07:00

Click to bid

Thistles 5 - Gone to Seed. 6x6 oil on canvas. Well, here we are, at the end of the thistle rage. I found one more thistle bush with unbloomed blossoms but it appears the goats are now eating all the blooms so I doubt I'll have anymore for this year. Maybe that's a good thing.

I spent much of the day re arranging my studio in the almost 90 degree weather only to realize I think I liked it better the old way. So I'm going back out after dinner to put it back. Oh well, you dont know if you dont try, right? Has to be in working order tomorrow because I have a few ideas I'd like to explore next week.

Thistles 4 Going to Seed

2011-09-08T12:18:00.001-07:00

Click to bid

Thistles 4 - Going to Seed 6x6 oil on canvas. We moved our steer into my thistle field so I've lost my really good source for plump, fluffy thistles. The steer was bottle fed as a calf and behaves like a bad mannered puppy. The last time he chased me around the wheelbarrow was the last time he was going to chase me period! I no longer go into his field and so will have to find a new source for my little florals. He will only be a problem for a couple more weeks. After that....well, he goes where all fat steers are destined.

Thistles 2

2011-09-01T06:18:00.001-07:00

Thistles 2 - 4x6 oil on canvas. Yep. Another thistle painting. Can you blame me? I get to use both my permanent violet AND my thalo green. These are cool weeds.

Thistles 3

2011-08-30T16:11:00.000-07:00

I did remember to grab my gloves this time before picking these little buggers. It definitely made the set up easier too. I feel like I really have to indulge in these awesome weeds before they go to seed and are gone. Seriously, I used to think thistles were just a pain in the keester before I started to paint them. Really lovin' them now.

Thistles

2011-08-29T16:08:00.001-07:00

Click to bid

The next time I decide to do thistles I will remember to grab my gloves even if I DO have to hike all the way back up to the house to get them. By the time I got around to painting I had thistle pokes on both hands and I was ranting a bit. However, I did get to use my new tube of permanent violet which was way cool. A new color for me and I LOVE it! I listed this one for auction and will do more of these little thistle paintings (using gloves for setting up ). I never really appreciated thistles before I painted them.

Radiant Tomato, Grapes and Tea Kettle

2011-08-26T08:55:00.001-07:00

click to bid

What to paint..? So I explored the fridge as usual and found an overripe tomato just hours from death. Then, turning around, I discovered the remaining grapes from my lunch the day before sitting on the counter collecting fruit flies. I stashed them both in my basket, headed for the studio and painted this little slice of drama.

Purple Somber 2

2011-08-12T09:22:00.000-07:00

Purple Somber 2, 6x6 oil on canvas. This is Purple Somber. When I originally named it I defined somber as calm, quiet, a moment of peace. Unfortunately, Dictionary.com has something else to say about it:

adjective

gloomily dark; shadowy; dimly lighted: a somber passageway.

dark and dull, as color, or as things in respect to color: a somber dress.

gloomy, depressing, or dismal: a somber mood.

extremely serious; grave: a somber expression on his face.

Still, it is what it is. You decide.

Art in the Garden

2011-08-07T07:37:00.001-07:00

Today is the final day for Art in the Garden! Anyone looking for a unique, affordable gift might want to get out here and check it out. This event is free to the public and is tightly jurried so that no two artists are directly competing with each other. In other words, there may be two watercolorists but with very different styles. This makes for an interesting event for our public.
This is the first time I wont be participating in this event as a vendor but will be a volunteer instead. I spent yesterday getting the full scope of what it's like to be a visitor - so overwhelming - so much art!
So if you are an artist, get out here for inspiration if nothing else! If you are NOT an artist but enjoy artsty events, GET OUT HERE! :)
PS - We have FOOD! Hot Dogs, Mocha Motion and Kettle Korn. Now, what are you waiting for??

Landscape 2

2011-07-27T06:38:00.001-07:00

Landscape 2 - 6x6 oil on canvas. I happened onto this view a couple of years back and painted it on a 16x20 canvas. This loosely painted mini is a bit brighter but I think it works on the smaller scale.

Landscape 1 ~ Flowers For Sale

2011-07-26T06:01:00.000-07:00

Flowers For Sale - 6x6 oil on canvas. This little scene is about mile from home. I did a much larger painting of it several years back when the owner had it full of dahlias and again when she was selling eggs. This is a loose interpretation of the two as the ivy had grown substantially over the stand and she had added bird houses. Love this little scene. Think I'll head out there soon to see what she has going this year.

Pepper Line Up

2011-07-24T07:51:00.000-07:00

SOLD

Pepper Line Up, 4x6 oil on canvas. Whew! Onto something else. I bought a HUGE bag of these little guys so before I chopped them up for my morning omelets I thought about doing their colorful little portraits.

Cherry Latte ~ Cherries 6

2011-07-21T08:50:00.000-07:00

Cherry Latte - 4x6 oil on canvas. A little reflective set up. Most of my paintings are for sale for those interested. I'm omitting the click to bid or buy link for the next week because I have a show coming up in which I will be taking whatever I have for display and for sale there. However, if by chance, you find one you cant live without, please contact me by clicking on 'view my complete profile' in the right column then click on 'email'. I'll be happy to sell you a painting before the show! :)

Cherries 5

2011-07-19T06:23:00.001-07:00

Cherries 5 - 4x6 oil on canvas. AKA Life is a... This painting is posted in Daily Paintworks like the others.
I've committed to a show in Silverdale, WA the last weekend of the month so I'll be preparing for that for the next week and a half. Cards to make and prints. Not to mention a few fast drying paintings!

The Line up

2011-07-17T08:07:00.001-07:00

Click to buy

This is Cherries 4 otherwise referred to as "The Line up". 4x6 oil on canvas. I also have this painting posted on my page at Daily Paintworks where if you click it you will get a zoom in view. A neat feature of this web site.

Cherries 3

2011-07-14T06:37:00.000-07:00

click to bid

Cherries 3 - 4x6 oil on canvas. Lovin' the cherries palette. And the little guys fit nicely on a 4x6 which is a plus. I'm also lovin' the little 4x6 canvas's which is good because I ordered a bulk pack! And 'the cherry on the top' is they also squeeze nicely into standard size frames.
It's all good.

Cherries 2

2011-07-13T06:51:00.001-07:00

Click to bid

Cherries 2 - 4x6, oil on canvas. Another pile o' cherries. In order to have the cherry with the bite in it, I had to bite several to get just the right look. Hence the cherry pits to the left. :)

Cherries 1

2011-07-12T08:45:00.000-07:00

Sold

Cherries 6x6 oil on canvas. Okay, so now I'm into cherries (cheeries!) . Or at least, WAS into cherries. It took so long for the crimson to dry that I'm now onto something else. I really like the way these turned out though and would probably still be painting them but other fruits are calling!

Green Olives 1

2011-07-04T06:15:00.001-07:00

click to bid

Green Olives 1, 6x12 oil on canvas. I think I posted this one before but I just listed it as an auction piece on the Daily Paintworks site so I'm re-listing with the click to bid link.

A Dozen Roses for Mom

2011-06-22T18:38:00.001-07:00

A Dozen Roses for Mom, 16x20 oil on canvas. I did this last month for moms Mother's Day gift. I think she liked it :)

Clementines 8

2011-06-12T07:33:00.001-07:00

Clementines 8, 4x6 Oil on Canvas. Last one, I promise, I think. I have an idea for a new series anyway, so I guess it depends on how that goes :) This was a good experience and I gave myself room to experiement in a few areas which is always fun.

Clementines 7

2011-06-08T06:35:00.001-07:00

Clementines 7, 5x7 oil on canvas. Clementines in a sundae boat. Should have poured chocolate syrup over it and whip cream. :)

Clementines 6

2011-06-06T06:56:00.000-07:00

Clementines 6, oil on canvas 4x6. Sweet and sour, I suppose. I'm still not tired of the little orange globes and I just received my recent canvas order! So many blank canvases! Where do I start??

Clementines 5

2011-05-31T11:50:00.001-07:00

SOLD

Clementines 5, 6x6 oil on canvas. More clementines. I've toyed and experimented with light and shadow in the last few paintings. I guess when you paint the same thing over and over, you begin to get a feel for it.

Clementines 4

2011-05-28T06:57:00.001-07:00

I did this one over a gessoed over painting. I really liked the surface and clarity of colors. So much so that I am now re- gessoing my other canvases.

Clementines 3

2011-05-25T09:40:00.001-07:00

More Clementines, or Smarties, whichever you prefer to call them. My display at the gallery will definitely have a theme. Not that that was my intention. I just get working on something and before you know it, I have a bit of a collection, or series, I suppose. Anyway, who can blame me? They're cute little colorful fellows that make great subjects. Notice the pink in these?

Clementines 2

2011-05-22T11:56:00.001-07:00

4x6 oil on canvas. What can I say? I like oranges.

Clemtines 1

2011-05-22T11:49:00.000-07:00

4x6 oil on canvas. Back in the saddle, or should I say office, and posting again. I've been plugging away in the studio but since it's no longer in my house, it's less convenient to post since my office is in my house. I've noticed my paintings dont dry nearly as fast in my new studio probably because I turn the heat way down when I leave so they rather pile up before I bring them up to scan and post.

Green Olives 2

2011-03-04T14:58:00.001-08:00

SOLD

Green Olives 2 - Oil on canvas. This was a one stroke per color challenge. Interesting. I'm pretty sure I cheated on more than one occasion but it certainly does make every stroke count ~ which I'm sure is the point. I wont even post my second attempt at this technique. It was 3 strawberries. I struggle with those anyway in that the green tops always look cheesy and I havent concluded how to approach the little seeds in keeping with the integrity of impressionism.

Green Olives

2011-03-03T08:37:00.000-08:00

I am sooo happy with the way these turned out! Working on looser, yet deliberate strokes is getting me where I want to be artistically.

2011-02-21T10:25:00.000-08:00

This painting was done with less than usual directional overhead lighting. Sometimes, I just dont need all that drama.

Backlit Pears

2011-02-21T08:56:00.001-08:00

Sold
These little red pears were my original subjects but after I set up the lighting I found that the warm orange reds in the apple added was a nice contrast to the cool crimson in the pears. I like the drama and while the pears are in the foreground, the apple clearly plays the leading role here.

Conversation Hearts

2011-02-03T13:32:00.001-08:00

Just for grins I thought it would be fun to do a few of these little guys for the Chocolate Festival this weekend. I had to search far and wide to find frames for these little 4x4's which is why I like to stick to standard sizes.

Energized Solitude

2011-01-26T15:15:00.000-08:00

I had several things in mind when working on this painting. The first was a degree of energy but at the same time a quiet setting. I experimented with my indigo against the red/orange browns and used a cold thalo green in some of the shadows. The indigo is warm enough not vibrate to much with the strong wood colors giving some quiet to the composition yet has enough strength and contrast energize.
I enjoyed playing with the towel folds and placement of the supporting objects in order to sweep the eye across the painting and back again. I'm also intrigued with how the lack of information makes for a more interesting piece. I wrestled with whether or not to add the brush but as it IS MY sink, I felt it was appropriate so long as it didn't gain to much attention.

Black Olives

2011-01-11T06:33:00.000-08:00

Back in the kitchen. These little gems were entertaining enough to paint. I intend to do their counterparts, stuffed green olives in the near future.

A New Approach

2010-12-02T07:02:00.001-08:00

After watching the entire first season of Work of Art, I am inspired and challenged to put more of myself into my paintings ~ so to speak. What does that mean? It's not literal, I can tell you that. I'm sure it's about who I am, what I'm about and my individuality, complexities, neurosis, obsessions and indifference's. How to achieve that in my paintings is my newest endeavor.

This painting was done from two photos I took of my aging Arab. Long shadows, cold, gray horizon and warm foreground. Almost a dream like quality. I underpainted him with crimson and couldnt resist topping off my shadows with a cool indigo as is my standard to incorporate some muse of color not found in life. I wonder what, if anything that says about me? So, is it eerie? Creepy? Romantic?

Krain Corner

2010-10-13T06:28:00.000-07:00

Krain Corner, oil on board. I met with a few of my plein air friends at the historical Krain Corner for a paint out recently and this is what I settled on for subject matter. I had been out by myself earlier at a different location and by now the sun was getting hot. I am learning that it makes a difference when the sun is on your palette and panel as it was here. My colors are, well, not exactly what I expected after I brought it indoors. But, I believe it certainly does reflect the warm mid afternoon sun at any rate.

Blake

2010-10-07T08:10:00.001-07:00

I did this from a photo I took several years ago. This is Blake. At least he took his shoes off this time before going into the water...

Another Deep Lake Day

2010-09-30T07:03:00.000-07:00

Once again I find myself at Deep Lake looking for a suitable subject to spend my afternoon painting. This one was painted and repainted until I was finally satisfied with the way the background receded. After all, the portrait was of the tree and more specifically, the roots. Hopefully, the feeling of fall is picked up by the dashing of fallen leaves.

Deep Lake #6

2010-09-27T10:19:00.000-07:00

I believe this is #6 anyway. I've been dating them but should probably number them. I will likely be back there again today. This one is a portrait of the log and I was afraid I may have to much going on in the rest of the painting but the more I look at it the more I am satisfied that the log was not overshadowed by the background but, in fact, supported by it.

Deep Lake one more time...

2010-09-25T07:10:00.000-07:00

Could be that I'm saying too much in this painting. The jury's still out as far as that goes. This painting is another tree portrait. I'm going to have to find a way to better scan or photograph so as to not get so many glares on the brushstrokes.

Deep Lake Again

2010-09-24T09:53:00.000-07:00

I know it's been a while since I've uploaded anything. I've been out doing some plein air recently and just havent been photographing my work and posting. Hopefully, with fall, comes fewer household projects and more routine which includes artwork! This painting was done at our beloved "Deep Lake". I'm happy with the simplicity of this subject but struggle continuously with which information to include and which to leave out.

2010-08-05T06:12:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh. It's been a while since my last post. I've been busy preparing for Art in the Garden which is this weekend. I have been able to do 3 miniatures, however, just to keep the brush wet:
For the record, I found strawberries to have a challenging translucent property that I'm not sure I was able to capture. It's likely, I'll be pursuing this again after this weekends show since I have some new information as to how to overcome this issue. All that said, I'm not terribly disappointed in how these three little beauties turned out. :)

Poster Award

2010-07-21T06:09:00.001-07:00

Here's a picture of the painting I submitted. There are alot of techniques that I applied in this painting that apparently worked such as angles, edges and color: dark against light. If I could only apply all my learning in all my paintings... :)

Equine Art Show

2010-07-14T06:35:00.000-07:00

Last week I had the good fortune to win the Thoroughbred Assoc. Equine Art Poster Award at Emerald Downs! What an experience! The opening reception was a fully catered event with free beer and wine and dozens of fabulous paintings to check out! I was in Heaven for sure. And to top it off, I found myself talking art with an artist who's art I've admired for some time now - Karen McClelland. Her work is stunning and I might add, won the 1st and 2nd place awards in the oil painting category.

Pepperments in Jar

2010-07-09T10:18:00.001-07:00

Pepperments in Jar 5x7 oil on canvas
Back to the clear jar models but added the cellophane wrappers. These are fun little paintings. So much to see and decipher when painting clear objects. Who knew?

Silver Pot & Apricots

2010-07-09T10:13:00.001-07:00

Silver Pot & Apricots 8x10 Oil on canvas.
Apricots continue to be a challenge for me as I'm hoping to achieve their soft, fuzzy skin and delicate color. Even their shadows cast on each other are more delicate in color.

Bronze Tin & Fruit

2010-07-09T10:10:00.001-07:00

Bronze Tin & Fruit 8x10 oil on canvas

Silver Bowl of Apricots

2010-06-30T06:36:00.000-07:00

Silver Bowl of Apricots 8x10 oil on canvas.
This was a fun painting. I'm really working to loosen up and enjoying every minute of it. Edges have become a priority for me as has reflected light. I've also been experimenting with background colors. I'm happy with the way this one worked out.

2010-06-28T12:12:00.000-07:00

I wanted to post a picture of my new studio while in progress so you can follow along. The work is going so quickly though that it will likely be done next week! I still need to purchase my lighting but otherwise, I believe all the decisions are on track. I cant wait to move in!

Lemon Nectarine

2010-06-28T11:58:00.001-07:00

Lemon Nectarine 6x6 Oil on Canvas
Back to my little paintings. This time I thought I'd work on a clear jar. I'm using a #4 filbert brush primarily with a #2 backup for tight spots but only if truly necessary. I prefer the larger brush strokes even on these little paintings for a painterly look.

Raining #3

2010-06-22T09:05:00.000-07:00

Raining #3 16x20 Oil on Canvas
The finished product. Three herons fulfill the critter requirement. Fairly ghosty so as to not detract from the mood.

Raining #3

2010-06-19T06:20:00.000-07:00

A work in progress:
Once again, I had the good fortune to design the cover for the Arts Alive! Poetry Jams annual poetry book. Given this years title, Rain In Thoughts, I wanted something especially pensive and dreamy. I knew I had to stay away from the reds and oranges this time and settled on blues for a peaceful, quieting mood. Sooner or later I will have to add the traditional critter, beast or being in a three pack. Hmmm..

Choosing Sides

2010-05-14T08:10:00.000-07:00

Choosing Sides
18x18 Oil on Canvas

Deep Lake 2

2010-03-25T15:11:00.001-07:00

Deep Lake 2 appx 8x11 Oil on Board. White ground.

Deep Lake

2010-03-23T13:02:00.000-07:00

Deep Lake appx 8x11 Oil on Board. Black ground.

Federation State Park

2010-03-19T08:06:00.001-07:00

Federation State Park appx 8x12 oil on board.
Venturing out by myself this time my only real concerns were bears and bad guys. Neither of which showed up so it was all in all a great painting day. Unfortunately, this photo has some glare :(

2010-03-15T14:53:00.000-07:00

Creek By The 18th Fairway, 8x11 oil on board
Another beautiful day at the golf course.

2010-03-15T14:49:00.000-07:00

By The Grange, 8x12 Oil on Board
Hidden behind a some bushy trees and shrubs was this red barn and a couple of sheds.

2010-03-11T10:40:00.000-08:00

First Hole Oil on Board appx 8x11
A fairly bright day but chilly. We got the A-Okay to continue to paint here. There seems to be a plethora of landscapes here with varying levels and depths. I believe I could have stayed until my fingers were numb but my painting partner had other plans so we left after only one painting.

2010-03-01T11:49:00.000-08:00

Third Hole #2 oil on board appx 8x11
This is the second of two paintings done yesterday. A view of the third hole of the Enumclaw Golf Course. Both of my painting buddies had left me alone to finish up the last half hour or so but all in all it was a great day of painting!

Third Hole

2010-03-01T11:18:00.001-08:00

Third Hole oil on board appx 8x11
A beautiful day for plein air painting! This was the first of two done yesterday at the Enumclaw Golf Course looking back from the third hole. I was a bit unsure of how the golfers would take to a few painters setting up on their tee but we received nothing but positive responses. A bit inquisitive as to what we were doing but I'm inclined to believe golfers are a friendly bunch!

2010-02-25T08:48:00.000-08:00

This is a section of our circle driveway by the wood stack. I got soaked the day I painted this. I finally moved up to the house onto my covered deck to finish the painting. I believe I'm going to look into plein air umbrellas..

2010-02-24T06:52:00.000-08:00

Territorial View 10x20 oil on canvas. This is a view of Mt Rainier and the Cascades from my front yard. I did this one completely in the studio from a photograph. Guess I'm not hard core enough yet to stand out in the snow.

Cumberland #2

2010-02-23T09:04:00.001-08:00

Cumberland #2 9x12 oil on board.
Finally made it out to paint on a beautiful day! My painting buddy and I drove around for some time before we settled down near the Cumberland tracks to start painting. It was such a beautiful day in our area and the sky was a rare blue. Ahhhh, to be back outside and painting...

2010-02-18T07:24:00.000-08:00

Random Shed 16x20 oil on canvas. This is actually a painting I did last year. I took a photo of this shed from a friends field and did the painting in the studio.

2010-02-16T07:27:00.000-08:00

Elephant Garlic: 5x5 oil on Canvas. $40
Garlic, tomatoes, fruit, candy.... Food. Always a good subject. Sits still for hours and even days at times (or at least until the hot light begins to take a toll).

2010-02-08T08:16:00.000-08:00

This is the view out my front door. I left out some fencing that didnt do anything to enhance the composition.

Sweet Tarts

2010-02-06T10:46:00.000-08:00

The prodigal blogger back to posting.
As usual, painting whatever I can find in the fridge!

Wet Alley

2007-02-09T12:32:00.000-08:00

22x28 Oil on Canvas

Ital Passeggiare

2007-01-12T13:43:00.000-08:00

24x36 oil on canvas

Sunlit Trail

2006-12-27T10:44:00.000-08:00

16x20 oil on canvas

Twiggs Original Oil Paintings

Rose Tea

Clems & Lems

Orange & Ladle

Cherries Overboard

Pansies & Grapes

Pear Line Up

Pansy Tea

Shiny Reds

A Lantern To Read By

After Dark

Autumn Colors

Christmas 2011

White Nectarines #3

Warming up a Cold Day

Winter Break

Autumn Break Time

Mixed Company

And The Winner Is...

Orange & Red Grapes With Cream

Early Apples

Clementine Fest

Orange & Gold

Pear and Red Grapes again

Six Pears

Plums & Blackberries

Pear and Red Grapes #2

Cup O Blueberries

Thistles 5 Gone to Seed

Thistles 4 Going to Seed

Thistles 2

Thistles 3

Thistles

Radiant Tomato, Grapes and Tea Kettle

Purple Somber 2

som·ber

Art in the Garden

Landscape 2

Landscape 1 ~ Flowers For Sale

Pepper Line Up

Cherry Latte ~ Cherries 6

Cherries 5

The Line up

Cherries 3

Cherries 2

Cherries 1

Green Olives 1

A Dozen Roses for Mom

Clementines 8

Clementines 7

Clementines 6

Clementines 5

Clementines 4

Clementines 3

Clementines 2

Clemtines 1

Green Olives 2

Green Olives

Backlit Pears

Conversation Hearts

Energized Solitude

Black Olives

A New Approach

Krain Corner

Blake

Another Deep Lake Day

Deep Lake #6

Deep Lake one more time...

Deep Lake Again

Poster Award

Equine Art Show

Pepperments in Jar

Silver Pot & Apricots

Bronze Tin & Fruit

Silver Bowl of Apricots

Lemon Nectarine

Raining #3

Raining #3

Choosing Sides

Deep Lake 2