Blue Willow

Here's a new still life I finished today. It is a simple set-up which works well with the blue willow design. SOLD.

Landscape Progressing

More work on the sky to do but it is coming right along. I love this stage of a painting, when it is full of promise and exciting to work on. I'll keep posting updates.

New Landscapes

The last few days have been pretty busy but what I've been working on is a couple of new landscapes. One (above) is a scene from the eastern sierra of Mono Lake, a beautiful and mysterious place I have always loved. The other is a spot on top of Mt Pinos where I was hiking a couple of weeks ago. Pine trees against a brilliant blue sky and it was getting that blue on both these pieces that I spent days getting just right with glaze after glaze. I think the word for it is pellucid (new favorite word). Anyway, this Mono Lake one is going to be a big job as the clouds have a long way to go, not to mention everything else, plus it's larger than I'm used to. The Mt Pinos one should move right along and will be good to have to turn to when I get burned out on the larger one. It's exciting to work on both of these as they are both places special to me and I know them well. Stay tuned, and I'll try to post pictures as they progress.

Coffee Percolator

I rescued this old relic from bygone days from its quiet retirement in a dusty attic box. It's as sturdy and serviceable as ever, though now its job is a still life prop. I like its clean, practical lines and shiny surface. Mostly, though, I like the memories it brings. SOLD.

Wild Irises in Bloom

Starting up a blog of my daily work is both intimidating and exciting. I hope to make several entries a week and maybe it will provide a nudge when I am feeling unproductive.

Last week I went up on the mountain to check the wildflowers in the meadow. Late June is always the time for the wild irises and there they were. Not as many this year as in 2006 (first photo) but as lovely as ever.

I completed the painting below within a couple of days of being there surrounded by the blooms. I haven't done a lot of florals lately and really enjoyed it. SOLD.