michael chamberlain

"Green & White"

2012-03-02T10:12:00.001-08:00

6x6" oil on gessobord

This is a painting from a series I just completed focusing on paint tubes. It was a fun experience to really explore this one subject. There are four others currently in my DPW gallery.

I just picked up "Paintings in The Musee d'Orsay" at the library and I'm really enjoying it. I've been told the d'Orsay is a beautiful museum, it's set in an old train station. Unfortunately the one time I was in Paris it was closed "due to the tempest". Apparently it had flooded, thankfully none of the work was damaged.

I went to the recent show at the De Young Museum in San Francisco featuring work from the d'Orsay so I recognize a lot of what I'm seeing in the book. It dawned on me that it sometimes takes a while for me to fully appreciate a painting. Seeing these paintings again in the book has me wishing I could visit them again.

I don't believe you can really experience a painting from a small photo in a book or an image on the web. I keep reminding myself to get out and stand in front of as many great paintings as I can. Whenever I do, I can't wait to get back to the studio and pick up a brush.

"Miss Magnolia"

2012-02-29T00:02:00.013-08:00

12x12" oil on masonite

I had to break out a tube of thalo red rose for this one. Alizarin just wasn't cuttin' it!

I love the look of blossoms against a clear blue sky. I've been seeing them everywhere for the past few weeks. It's actually starting to feel like spring which is strange since the last month felt like summer. Crazy weather here in the Bay Area.

The title for this painting was inspired by a song by Matt Costa, one of my favorite singer/songwriters. I usually listen to Pandora when I paint. "Matt Costa Radio" is perfect paintin' music.

"Maine Backyards"

2012-02-28T00:02:00.004-08:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord

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Well I dropped off my cocktail paintings and a few other food related pieces at the Studio Gallery for the "Delicious" show. The reception is this Sunday from 2-6pm, so come on by if you're in SF!

I had a request from Nancy Standlee in response to yesterday's post. She'd like me to mention some of the newer artists I've been enjoying. The truth is, lately I've been spending most of my time looking at DPW artists. I've been making my way down the list, checking out everyone's blog. I find I'm constantly surprised and inspired by the work I'm seeing.

As for non-DPW artists, one of my faves is Tollef Runquist. I saw some of his work at the Dowling Walsh Gallery in Maine last summer. I love that he takes risks, he seems to operate outside of any sort of comfort zone.

When I first started painting I admired artists with great control. I find my taste is changing. I'm no longer as inspired by finesse. I'm drawn to artists committed to growth and discovery, artists who are responding honestly to the world around them in their own unique way. According to David Hockney there's a Chinese proverb that states that art cannot be made without the hand, the eyes and heart.

I've recently been impressed by the work of some artists new to painting. Most beginning painters haven't yet developed a comfort zone. They're reaching, experimenting, struggling and often creating inspiring work in the process. So I guess the short answer to Nancy's question is, I'm currently enjoying the work of beginning painters and experienced risk takers.

"Red Truck Turning Left"

2012-02-27T00:02:00.121-08:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord

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Another from behind the wheel.

I've always been attracted to art that reflects a unique and personal view of the world. "The Complete Watercolors of Edward Hopper" was my introduction to this kind of work. I love visiting the pages of that collection, it's like a mini vacation. By staying true to himself and trusting his instinct he's created a unified body of work, one with the ability to transport.

Andrew Wyeth and Van Gogh have also created worlds I like to visit. I'd be curious to know whose work transports you.

"Spooning Tea Cups"

2012-02-26T00:02:00.026-08:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord

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I've painted cups in the past but not with much luck. I'm mostly inspired to paint landscapes, people and hard liquor, but it's nice to mix it up a bit. I'm aware that I'm in Carol Marine territory here! My recent still lifes actually inspired an email asking if I'd taken one of her workshops. I haven't had the pleasure, I hear she's a wonderful teacher, but the question got me thinking about the way I learned to paint.

I'm primarily a self-taught painter. I started eight years ago at the age of 38 with no previous art experience at all. I'm a "do it yerself" kinda guy, so when I started yearning for real paintings on the walls instead of prints I dug in and did some research.

My art education started at the library. I checked out piles of books on oil painting. Books by Charles Sovek, Emile Gruppe and Kevin MacPherson. Once I got started I realized painting was a lot harder than I thought it would be. Two things kept me going. First, I remained optimistic. Second, I was completely delusional. Work I then proclaimed "PIVOTAL" or "GROUNDBREAKING", now leaves me scratching my head.

In the next phase I shelved the instructional books and began looking carefully at as much art as possible. There have been many painters, some living, some now gone, that I feel I've learned from and will continue to learn from. Carol is certainly on that list. With so much great art online the list continues to grow. My hope is to take what I learn and somehow make it my own.

"Wedges and Blue Bowl"

2012-02-25T00:02:00.037-08:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord

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More orange wedges! Another bowl!

I received an email yesterday requesting some info on the brushes I use. Deb asked: "Could you share with us what type of brush you use for a 6x6 or 8x8 to get these nice fresh looking strokes?"

As for brushes, lately I've been using a Princeton 6300B size 8 for my 6x6" paintings. I've been attempting to use this size brush for the whole painting. It's pretty big for such small work but it holds a lot of paint and its inability to handle detail forces me to simplify.

Another key to the fresh stroke look is to use medium to thin your paint. I use a mixture of 1 part stand oil, 1 part linseed oil, 2 parts mineral spirits. The medium allows you to get good coverage in a single stroke. It's also helpful to paint on Gessobord or gessoed masonite, with the mentioned medium and the smooth surface of the Gessobord you can really lay down some creamy spontaneous looking brushwork.

When I paint on canvas my approach is a bit different. I don't use any medium at all and I tend to use inexpensive Utrecht brights and flats.

"Strawberries and Jadeite Bowl"

2012-02-23T00:02:00.015-08:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord

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Thanks so much for all the comments and suggestions yesterday! Nice to know I'm not the only one struggling with the photography issue.

Well I had a few lovely days in the studio and now I'm back out pullin' wire. I work part-time as an electrician. It's dirty and difficult but I like the guys I work with. Sometimes when I'm crawling under a house, or making my way through blizzard of insulation in a hot attic, I can't help daydreaming of how nice it would be to just paint for a living.

I suppose the reality is never as simple as we imagine though. Painting everyday certainly presents its own challenges. I'm not sure I'd want to depend on it as my sole means of support. I do my best to keep a good balance. I feel fortunate to have a flexible job that allows me a bit of time to pursue the things I love. Even if I have to stare down a black widow every once in a while.

I should be back to posting in a day or two.

"Gang of Wedges"

2012-02-22T00:02:00.005-08:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord

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I've been driving myself a bit crazy lately in my attempts to post the most faithful digital representation of my work possible. I photograph my paintings on overcast days, or in the shade when it's sunny. I try not to do any post production at all, just leave them as they come out of the camera. The problem is, the paintings look slightly different depending on where they're viewed. If they're in the kitchen they look one way, from a distance they look another, in the dining room different still.... I think you see where I'm going here. Yes, going nuts. I often spend a half an hour making adjustments in iPhoto and then move the painting to a different room and find my adjustments look all wrong! My conclusion? I've decided to save my sanity, trust Canon technology and post them just as they come out of the camera. Any of you painters out there having similar fun?

"Central Valley Barn"

2012-02-21T00:08:00.005-08:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord

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This barn was painted from a photograph taken on the road back from Yosemite. The bright orange roof really stood out against the deep blue sky. The Central Valley is full of inspiring scenes for landscape paintings, my kinda landscape paintings anyway.

There's a rugged, rusted, barren type of beauty out there, with desolate little towns where you might stop for a cup of coffee and a slice of pie before heading over the mountains toward the Nevada desert. Why would you be heading to the Nevada desert? Hmm.... just lookin' for wide open space. Or maybe to go see the wild horses.

Note: previous paragraph to be read with a gentle western drawl, in a voice not unlike Sam Elliott.

Big Messy Paintings

A friend and I went to the Oakland Museum this weekend to see the newly improved facility. I'd been there many years ago when I first started painting. I was excited about California Impressionism back then and I'd heard they had a large collection. It was a nice bit of luck to have Edgar Payne, E. Charlton Fortune and William Wendt paintings so close to home.

They've done a great job improving the place but there weren't as many paintings on display this time. They did however have a room dedicated to the Bay Area Figurative Movement. I was particularly impressed by the work of Richard Diebenkorn and Elmer Bischoff. Their paintings were large, messy and full of life. The paint was thick and chaotic, yet beautiful.

It occurred to me that I wouldn't have appreciated these paintings a few years ago. I may have seen them as rough, sloppy and amateur. I was more attracted to paintings of beautiful things, beautifully painted. I now see things differently. I connected with these paintings because they feel more honest in a way. Life is unpredictable, messy and chaotic at times, and yet there's beauty all around us. These are courageous and powerful paintings because they're not afraid to challenge us to find the beauty within the chaos.

"Tequila"

2012-02-20T00:02:00.003-08:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord

It didn't occur to me until later that these peppers appear to have had a bit too much to drink. I just sorta tossed em' on the table, poured a shot of tequila and ran with it. I didn't drink the shot, though I enjoyed the aroma while painting. I think this is the final in my cocktail series.

"Radishes" - SOLD

2012-02-19T00:02:00.000-08:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord

This is my submission to the "Color of the Year Challenge" on DPW. It's been a long time since I've eaten a radish. I was at the Mexicana Market this morning and these were too bright and beautiful to pass up!

"Martinis"

2012-02-18T00:56:00.001-08:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord

I was surprised to learn that the martini was invented in the US. The origins are somewhat mysterious but according to wikipedia it was first created in San Francisco in the 1800's or in NYC in the early 1900's. I like martinis but haven't had one in a long time primarily due to the fact that I often find it hard to function after drinking one. It was a fun challenge to try and put my own spin on this iconic image.

"Blue Hawaiian"

2012-02-17T00:02:00.001-08:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord

How'd you like to be sittin' under a palm tree in the South Pacific sippin' on one of these bad boys?! That's what I thought! Me too. This is the first in my cocktail series for "Delicious", an upcoming show at the Studio Gallery in SF. I'll post more details in a week or so. Happy Friday everybody!

"Marshall Point Sunset"

2012-02-16T00:02:00.000-08:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord

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I've been in the studio the past three days working on paintings for "Delicious", an upcoming show at the Studio Gallery. The theme is food and drink and I've decided to paint cocktails. I'll post a few in the next couple of days.

"After a Swim"

2012-02-15T00:32:00.000-08:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord

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Thanks for the thoughtful comments and emails yesterday. It seems a lot of us have similar feelings on the issue. For a different perspective check out Kathleen Dunphy's blog. She has a well written post on why she feels plein air painting is essential in achieving the results she's after.

Composition

I gave some thought as to why my plein air paintings rarely worked out and concluded it was primarily due to poor composition. In my rush to get to work I usually made a quick decision about composition and then dove in. Why was I in a hurry? Well, chances are I'd already spent a lot of time driving around "in search of" so when I finally found something to paint I was in a panic to set up and capture the scene before the light changed.

Looking back at my early work it's clear that I should have spent less time driving around and more time developing my compositional skills. My time would have been better spent shooting a ton of digital images, downloading them and then experimenting with the cropping tool in iPhoto. That's mostly what I do now.

My sense of composition is constantly evolving. I look at both paintings and photographs for ideas and inspiration. One thing I've discovered is, if an image is strong as a thumbnail it'll usually make a good painting. That's just an observation, not a rule. There are no rules!!

"Houses on a Hill"

2012-02-14T00:02:00.000-08:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord

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These houses are a few blocks from my house. I painted this with a single large brush. I was thinking of painting something Valentine's Day related but I just couldn't make it happen. Happy Valentine's Day anyway! On another note....

The Plein Air Question

When I first started painting I was told that you shouldn't paint from photographs. I read this in books mostly. I've continued to hear this over the years and I'm wondering how painters and collectors feel about it.

I've painted countless paintings en plein air and I don't think they're any better than the ones I've done from digital images. In fact, they're usually not as good. Some plein air painters talk about capturing the smell of the salt air or the sound of the wind through the pines in their paintings. That hasn't happened for me.

Others will talk about there not being enough information in photographs. "The shadows are too dark" or the "lights are blown out". That may be true for prints but not on a computer. You can boost or reduce the exposure in seconds.

Another argument is that plein air painting forces you to paint looser and more spontaneously. I'm not so sure about that one either. I think looser paint handling comes with confidence and experience (and a desire to paint in that style of course). I think how one handles the paint has more to do with personal choice than the environment in which one paints.

The way I see it, plein air painting is a lovely way to spend some time outdoors (as long as there aren't any bugs and it's not too hot, cold or windy). It's especially nice to do with others. I don't think it makes a painting more valid. Digital photography is just another tool. It allows us to capture and paint moments that we wouldn't otherwise have a chance to paint. I suppose some folks will disapprove just as some disapproved of paint in tubes. "You must grind your own pigments and mix your own colors or it isn't art!!"

Ok, I'm thinking too much. I need to get out of the studio, maybe I'll go do a painting outdoors. But I'm not expecting it to be a keeper. Oh yeah... and I'm bringing my camera!!

"Cottage Kitchen"

2012-02-13T00:02:00.000-08:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord

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I love walking into a summer cottage at the beginning of a vacation. This is the Rose Cottage in Port Clyde, Maine. My family has stayed in this cottage every summer for the past five years. It's a long haul from California but it's well worth the trip. This painting represents how it looks upon arrival, just before we load in the fifteen plus bags of groceries!

"Monhegan Lobsterman"

2012-02-12T00:02:00.000-08:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord

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This is my 200th post. I posted almost every day for five or six months and then I slowed down a bit. All the things in my life that I'd been neglecting started to demand attention. Taking a break from daily painting was actually a healthy thing creatively as well. It was nice to slow down, re-energize, look around and contemplate where I wanted to go in the future.

I'm back to painting every day but with a different approach. One thing I'm focusing on is content. I think it's a natural progression to want to make your paintings more personal once you've achieved a certain level of comfort with the painting process. I'm now committed to painting anything that inspires me so my subject matter may be all over the map.

This painting was done from a photograph by Merci Gilbert. It was taken on trap day out on Monhegan Island. Trap day is when all the lobster boats are loaded with traps for the start of the new season.

"Tricycle" - SOLD

2012-02-11T00:02:00.001-08:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord

My daughter is ten and into texting not trikes so... I took a picture of her old red tricycle so I could post it on Craigslist. Then I noticed the shadow. I had to paint it.

"Frostie"

2012-02-10T00:02:00.000-08:00

16x12" oil on canvas panel

This stuff can't be good for you but it sure looks cool. This was painted from an image shot at the Toy Boat Cafe in SF by my daughter Emma. I handed her the camera and she shot a bunch of pictures. When I downloaded the images later this one really stood out.

"Above the Boardwalk with Palms"

2012-02-09T00:02:00.000-08:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord - $100

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Here's another from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, this time with palm trees.

"White on White"

2012-02-08T00:02:00.001-08:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord

This is my entry to the DPW "White on White" challenge. It was painted from a photo posted by Ann Feldman. The real challenge for me was painting the whole egg. I painted it no less than a dozen times! I love the look of white on white so I really enjoyed this challenge.

"Agave"

2012-02-07T00:02:00.000-08:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord - $100

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I'm painting my way through a bunch of images that I've been avoiding. I've been avoiding them for various reasons but mostly because I haven't been sure how to handle them. Many haven't worked out, but I'm enjoying the process and feel I'm making some discoveries. "Agave" was a pleasant surprise.

"Owl's Head Light"

2012-02-06T00:02:00.000-08:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord - $100
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This was a cold, windy day in October. Owl's Head light is located near the lovely town of Rockland, Maine. I left beautiful, warm weather in California and arrived to what felt like winter. I'd been to Maine in the summer but never the fall, I loved it!

"Cross Wires"

2012-02-05T00:02:00.000-08:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord - $100

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I shot this mainly for the bird but when I viewed it on the computer I was immediately drawn to the geometry of all the wires. This was a good opportunity to walk the line between representation and abstraction.

"Boys in Life Vests"

2012-02-03T00:02:00.000-08:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord - $100

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These fellas are all suited up and waiting for sailing class to start.

"Aqua Bel Air"

2012-02-02T00:02:00.000-08:00

8x10" oil on canvas panel

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This scene catches my eye every time I drop my car off at my mechanic's garage. I had to have a brake job last week and this time I brought a camera.

"Future Surfer"

2012-02-01T00:02:00.000-08:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord

This little lad is my nephew Trevor. He's gazing out upon the aqua blue waters from Asilomar Beach wondering when he'll be able to paddle out with the big fellas. He'll need to save up for a wetsuit first! Even though this water looks tropical it's not, the temperature is usually in the fifties.

"Winter Tree"

2012-01-31T00:02:00.000-08:00

24x18" oil on canvas

I painted this with a single brush, a big old filbert. After I finished I noticed that it still had an 89 cent price sticker on it. I guess that would explain why it was shedding bristles. It was given to me with a bunch of other mid seventies brushes, most of them worthless, but I had fun experimenting with this one.

I decided to add another to the "From Behind the Wheel" series.

"Winter Calla Lilies"

2012-01-29T00:02:00.000-08:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord - $100

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I painted these lilies from a photo I took on a walk to the library last month. I hesitated to paint it because I was uncertain about how to handle the background. In the end I decided to embrace the complexity and have fun with it.

"Pool Rider"

2012-01-28T00:02:00.001-08:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord - $100

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My brother and I found an old skateboard in my cousin's basement and took it to a nearby hill. It was a skinny old board with metal wheels. It was a rough ride but we were hooked. We begged my dad to buy us one on the way home that night and were shocked when he exited the Jersey Turnpike in search of a Toys R Us.

It was 1976 and skateboarding was just starting to catch on. We bought every issue of Skateboarder Magazine and soon learned the names of all the best riders. It seemed like all the action was on the West Coast. California was experiencing a drought and some daring skaters began skating in empty swimming pools. We were blown away by the photographs and desperately wanted to move to Orange County. I've lived in California for over thirty years now and I've yet to make it to the OC!

I recently came across some vintage images online and I just had to paint one.

"Pink Barrette"

2012-01-27T00:02:00.000-08:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord - $100

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This is my entry to the "Simplify Cute Challenge", it was painted from an image posted by Carol Marine. The challenge for me wasn't the background, it was the little girl. I find painting faces the ultimate challenge, especially when trying to keep the brushwork lively and spontaneous.

"Salt Shaker & Green Bottles"

2012-01-26T00:17:00.000-08:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord - $100

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I've been feeling the need to paint some glass. I especially love old blue-green glass bottles. I have one but it has writing on it so it would be too complicated to paint. I plan to go have a look around at the Salvation Army store and see what I can dig up.

"Dark Chocolate"

2012-01-25T00:02:00.001-08:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord

I'm having fun catching up on the DPW challenges. This is my entry for the "Paint Your Breakfast Challenge". Dark chocolate seems to be the one constant in my breakfast diet. I do my best to keep it to one or two squares with coffee and a banana. Doing my best means eating three or four squares. The good news is dark chocolate is full of antioxidants (whatever those are) so it's practically health food!

"Coffee & News" - SOLD

2012-01-24T07:55:00.000-08:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord

I decided to do another DPW Challenge, this one is for the "Seated Figure Challenge". I painted from the photo posted by Dana Cooper. I tried to keep it loose which I find difficult when painting figures. This was a fun challenge maybe I'll do another!

"Toaster & Apple"

2012-01-23T11:02:00.000-08:00

6x6"oil on Gessobord

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It's been a while since I've done a DPW challenge so I figured I'd give one a try. I really love the challenge of painting reflective objects so I was immediately drawn to the toaster challenge. Unfortunately I have a toaster oven, and it's white! I decided to use the image posted by Shelley Ross.

"Stop Light Shadow"

2012-01-22T00:02:00.000-08:00

24x18" oil on canvas

Here's another backlit street scene that caught my attention while driving. For a while I only painted scenes with side light but lately I've been experimenting with different lighting. I love how the shadows come toward the viewer when a subject is backlit.

"Eucalyptus Shadows"

2012-01-19T14:13:00.000-08:00

20x20" oil on canvas

Here's another view taken while driving. The second in a series maybe. I haven't painted many eucalyptus trees which sort of surprises me since there are so many around here. The California Impressionists certainly painted their share. These particular trees are along the El Camino Real in Burlingame.

"El Camino Stop Light"

2012-01-13T08:33:00.000-08:00

16x12" oil on panel

Obviously this was painted from a photo I took from the driver's seat. It's been an unusually sunny winter here in Northern California and the light and shadows are beautiful. I carry a point and shoot camera in my glove box and I've been reaching for it a lot lately.

I'm following my instinct to paint anything that grabs my attention, even if I'm not sure what it is attracting me to a particular scene. I'm also attempting to paint more spontaneously and use thicker paint while working on larger canvases.

"House with Palms"

2011-12-27T00:31:00.000-08:00

10x8" oil on canvas panel

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This house is in the lovely town of Pacific Grove, California. It's on the Monterey Peninsula, between Monterey and Carmel. There are lots of beautiful old houses in this quiet little town but this one really caught my eye.

"Red Mini"

2011-12-05T21:01:00.000-08:00

16x12" oil on panel

"Crowded Dock"

2011-11-19T20:21:00.000-08:00

10x8" oil on canvas

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What is it with boats? Not everyone is inspired to paint them but I certainly am. In part they make good subjects because they reflect so many interesting shapes. I also associate them with a sense of adventure and an opportunity for solitude. While sailing the San Francisco Bay I've often appreciated all that unoccupied space. The bridges are packed with cars, the city is full of people but the bay and ocean are wide open.

"Deck of the Laura B. at Dusk" - SOLD

2011-11-15T06:24:00.000-08:00

8x6" oil on hardboard

The Laura B. is an old cargo vessel that carries mail and passengers to Monhegan Island. I haven't been out to Monhegan in a few years, this painting was done from an image taken while on a "Puffin Cruise" this past August.

"Red Pickup at Dusk"

2011-11-08T22:00:00.000-08:00

8x6" oil on hardboard

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I've never owned a pickup truck. My brother had an old forrest green Toyota Hilux when we were in high school. He bought it for carrying around his dirt bike. The front seat had a huge hole in it so it was a true "bucket seat". He was about 6'4" at the time but he could barely see over the dashboard.

I remember sitting in that old truck one winter afternoon waiting for him to finish a race. I was about seventeen. Youth, boredom and the creative spirit inspired me to completely cover his interior with duct tape. It looked like a spaceship when I was done. I thought it was a great improvement and I was sure he'd love the new look.

He did not.

I'm a year older than he is so there wasn't any ass whoopin' in case you thought that's where this was heading.

"Black Bug"

2011-11-05T00:02:00.000-07:00

6x8" oil on hardboard

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I love bugs.... I mean VW bugs. My dad bought a brand new one back in 1967. It was black with red interior. My brother and I used to like to ride in the little space behind the back seat. I owned one myself in the late eighties. Mine was tan which wasn't my first color choice, but it was a great little car. The front passenger seat was worn out so I removed it. When friends rode with me they were forced to sit in the back. This certainly attracted some confused looks from other drivers. I guess they'd never seen a VW bug limo. It was stolen twice. The second time I found bullets, hand cuffs and latex gloves on the floorboards when I picked it up at CityTow. I have no idea what that was all about.

"Sea Swings" - SOLD

2011-11-02T18:09:00.000-07:00

6x8" - oil on hardboard

Here's another one from the boardwalk. It's a sort of tilting swing thing. I noticed that it's covered with thousands of little light bulbs. It must be something to see at dusk.

"Above the Boardwalk" - SOLD

2011-10-30T16:29:00.000-07:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord - $195 framed - Studio Gallery

This was painted from an image taken at the Santa Cruz beach boardwalk. There are so many colors and shapes at the boardwalk but it's a challenge to find a good composition since the place is so crowded with people. I tend to like strong, simple shapes so these gondolas were an obvious choice. I plan to go back and take some more photos.

This and eleven other of my paintings will be included in the "Tiny" show at the Studio Gallery in San Francisco. The opening reception is Sunday, November 6th from 2-6pm. Drop on by if you're in SF!

"Red Shack on Pier"

2011-10-27T08:25:00.000-07:00

10x8" oil on canvas

"Blue Boats"

2011-10-23T20:14:00.000-07:00

10x8" oil on canvas

Still more experimentation with keeping it loose. The last two paintings were done on canvas mounted on masonite panels. They're time consuming to make, but they're really durable.

"Blue Windows" - SOLD

2011-10-19T09:34:00.000-07:00

10x8" oil on canvas

I've been painting almost every day for the past two weeks. I plan to post the results once they're photographed. This painting was done from an image shot in Maine this summer.

"Bougainvillea "

2011-08-30T10:51:00.000-07:00

20x20" oil on canvas

I'm feeling inspired to tackle some larger canvases. The challenge is to keep the feel of my smaller paintings while working on a larger scale. It's a tough balance; maintaining control yet not being too careful. I've been working quickly, trying not to hold back. Through recent experimentation I've discovered that if the drawing is out I won't be happy with the end result, so I'm trying to be spontaneous but keep it somewhat accurate.

"Lookout"

2011-08-23T08:43:00.000-07:00

12x12" oil on canvas

My usual painting process is to sketch out the main shapes, scrub in color estimations and then, using thicker paint, finish with more accurate color. Very little of the underpainting usually shows. In this painting however, I did the underpainting with the thought of leaving areas uncovered. Yellow ochre on the road, burnt sienna in the trees and dioxozine purple for the shadows on the building.

"Liquor"

2011-08-22T10:15:00.000-07:00

14x11" oil on linen

I did this painting before leaving for Maine. It was an attempt to shake me out of my comfort zone. Since returning, I've been experimenting with being less careful and attempting to instill a feeling of energy and life into my paintings. Most of them haven't worked out, but I plan to post the results when I figure out where I'm going with this.

"24th & Guerrero"

2011-08-07T19:16:00.000-07:00

14x11" oil on canvas

Things have been busy! I had a lot of framing to do for the "City Streets" show at the Studio Gallery. The reception is on Sunday August, 14th 2-6pm. I'll be in Maine so unfortunately I'll miss the party. I hope to get back to posting on a more regular basis when I return.

"Rockland Pier"

2011-07-31T09:42:00.000-07:00

12x12" oil on masonite

"Lobster Dinghies" - SOLD

2011-07-28T00:02:00.000-07:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord

"White House"

2011-07-26T04:31:00.000-07:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord

"Lumber Yard"

2011-07-25T08:12:00.000-07:00

12x12" oil on masonite

"F Market" - SOLD

2011-07-23T00:02:00.001-07:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord

"Sandwich Shop"

2011-07-22T00:28:00.000-07:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord

"Corner Store" - SOLD

2011-07-21T08:16:00.000-07:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord

"Sierra Boat House"

2011-06-29T06:56:00.000-07:00

6x8" oil on hardboard

I did this painting last night from an image taken over the weekend. There was still a lot of snow on the ground and more was on the way. Very unusual for June. We had beautiful weather though, very sunny and warm.

"Chickens" - SOLD

2011-06-25T16:56:00.000-07:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord

If you find yourself in San Francisco between July 13th - August 7th be sure to stop in at the Studio Gallery on Polk Street. The show is called "Mischief - Characters, critters and comics". The reception is on Sunday July 17th 2-6pm. My contribution this year will be feathered critters.

I'm off to the mountains! I should be posting again by Wednesday. Thanks so much for all the kind comments yesterday.

"Three Little Figs #2"

2011-06-23T01:04:00.000-07:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord

Figs are hard to paint! That's all I'm gonna say about this one. I may be taking some time off from posting any new work. I've got some framing to do and I've got to get my life back in order. I've been posting for almost six months straight and it's taking its toll. My backyard looks like a field of wheat. I'm contemplating mowing some crop circles. My house is totally disorganized and desperately needs some exterior paint. The list is long, believe me. I need a break. Merci and I are heading to the mountains for a few days and I'm leaving my paints at home.

"Old BSA"

2011-06-20T11:38:00.000-07:00

12x12" oil on masonite

Here we have an old BSA motorcycle parked in the Mission District of San Francisco.

"Streetcar"

2011-06-17T17:22:00.000-07:00

12x12" oil on masonite

Well here's the streetcar I mentioned in an earlier post. My favorite way to travel down Market Street.

"Down Escalator"

2011-06-15T06:40:00.000-07:00

12x12" oil on masonite

I had to work for this one. I painted this from an image taken at the Gap on Market Street. There were several times early on when I didn't think it was going to work. I just kept going though, and somewhere in the process it sort of worked out.

"Bus and Taxi"

2011-06-14T00:02:00.000-07:00

12x12" oil on masonite

Merci and I went back to the MOMA on Sunday since we didn't have time to check out the art library last weekend. The library is a fun place to relax and rest your legs, the cafe is pretty nice for that too. We mostly looked at photography books. Diane Arbus, William Eggelston and Henry Wessel. I'd never heard of Wessel before, but really liked some of his work. We took the streetcar down Market street which was fun. SF has done a beautiful job restoring a bunch of vintage European and American streetcars. I may just have to paint one.

"Seaside Inn"

2011-06-13T06:20:00.000-07:00

12x12" oil on masonite

"Page Street Roses"

2011-06-11T10:54:00.000-07:00

12x12" oil on masonite

"Red Rover"

2011-06-10T00:02:00.000-07:00

12x12" oil on masonite

"Rowboat Reflection"

2011-06-08T10:19:00.000-07:00

12x12" oil on masonite

"No Fences" - SOLD

2011-06-07T09:39:00.000-07:00

12x12" oil on masonite

"Loading Dock"

2011-06-06T16:01:00.000-07:00

12x12" oil on masonite

Merci and I went to the MOMA on Saturday and checked out the Stein Collection. Lots of Matisse and Picasso. I left feeling inspired to paint bigger and more expressively. I cut up a sheet of masonite into 12x12" panels and coated em with two coats of gesso. I plan to continue my daily work in this size range and see how it goes.

"House on Hillside"

2011-06-04T15:56:00.000-07:00

5x6" oil on hardboard

Sometimes you've got to fire up the saw. That's exactly what I did with this painting. It was originally an 8x6" panel. I uploaded it on to Etsy, where the image is cropped for thumbnail display purposes. I was humbled by the fact that the automatic Etsy cropping actually improved the painting. I immediately took the wet painting out to the chop saw. You may notice some sawdust in the paint. You may also notice raindrops, it started raining when I was photographing it. I'm pretty sure I successfully painted out the mark from where it hit my big toe when a strong breeze blew it off the stand.

"Port Clyde Village"

2011-06-03T00:02:00.000-07:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord

"Swimmer" - SOLD

2011-06-02T00:02:00.000-07:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord

I painted this in the spirit of exploring challenging subject matter. I like that the water creates distortions in the figure, especially the legs which are further from the surface. This was certainly an exercise in simplification and pushing the abstract .

"Old Pickup"

2011-06-01T00:02:00.000-07:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord

"City Blossoms"

2011-05-31T00:02:00.000-07:00

8x6" oil on hardboard

"Marshall Point Light" - SOLD

2011-05-28T00:02:00.000-07:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord

"Row of Santanas"

2011-05-27T00:02:00.000-07:00

8x6" oil on hardboard

I'm leaving for a family trip to Pacific Grove today. Looking forward to getting away. I plan to paint and post if at all possible. The above painting is of Santana 22's. I taught sailing on these boats for almost ten years. They're indestructible and stable, perfect for learning.

"iPod"

2011-05-26T00:02:00.000-07:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord

I would have painted the ear buds but I couldn't find them. I realize this iPod is totally obsolete, and to think it's only five years old.

"Stow Lake Geese" - SOLD

2011-05-24T00:02:00.000-07:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord

"Rose Garden"

2011-05-23T00:02:00.000-07:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord

This painting was done from an image taken in the Golden Gate Park Rose Garden.

"Pacific Rooftops"

2011-05-22T00:02:00.000-07:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord

"Highland Clouds"

2011-05-21T00:02:00.000-07:00

7x5" oil on hardboard

We don't often get clouds in the Bay Area this time of year so I was excited to see these while driving through the Highlands yesterday. I pulled over and took a few photos. Most of the time when I see something that I feel would make a good painting I keep on driving. I'm going to start pulling over more often.

"On Edge"

2011-05-20T00:02:00.000-07:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord

My first still life in months. I ate them with breakfast and they were GOOD! I managed to pick up a new computer today. I was in and out of the Apple store in about twenty minutes, it took about ten minutes of set up at home and then I was back in business.

"Point Lobos Cypress"

2011-05-19T00:02:00.000-07:00

12x12" - oil on canvas panel

I'm having a serious computer crisis. It's become almost impossible to boot up, it keeps shutting itself down. Anyway, I plan to head over to the Apple store as soon as I can. I'm going to keep painting but I may not be able to post for a few days.

"Pacific Overlook"

2011-05-18T00:02:00.000-07:00

6x6" - oil on Gessobord

"Water Lily"

2011-05-17T00:02:00.000-07:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord

This painting was done from a photo taken at the Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park. The Conservatory is a beautiful old greenhouse filled with interesting plants and flowers from around the world. It's a very peaceful way to spend a few hours.

"California Street"

2011-05-16T00:02:00.000-07:00

20x16" oil on canvas

"Glowing Rose"

2011-05-15T10:43:00.000-07:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord

There's something very appealing to me about pink and yellow together.

"Speedy Delivery"

2011-05-13T17:25:00.000-07:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord

"Alyssa"

2011-05-11T17:17:00.000-07:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord

"Marshall Point"

2011-05-11T00:02:00.000-07:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord

If you happen to find yourself in San Francisco this weekend be sure to drop by the Studio Gallery for the opening of "Terrain". It features California landscapes. The reception is Sunday May 15th from 2-6pm. As usual there will lots of great art, wine and tasty food. You can stay as long as you like since street parking is free on Sundays.

"Pink Backpack" - SOLD

2011-05-10T00:02:00.000-07:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord

"Congas in the Park"

2011-05-09T00:02:00.000-07:00

6x6" - oil on Gessobord - $100

"Pink Rose"

2011-05-07T00:02:00.000-07:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord

"Farm House"

2011-05-06T00:02:00.000-07:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord

"Asilomar" - SOLD

2011-05-05T00:02:00.000-07:00

6x6" oil on Gessobord