"California Street"

6x6" oil on Gessobord

This is the view looking west on California Street. I love taking photos from the middle of the street but it really seems to aggravate the taxi drivers.

I'll have an assortment of 6x6" paintings available on DailyPaintworks this month. The price for an unframed painting is $175 plus shipping. You can check em out here: My DPW Gallery

Powell Street

8x8" oil on masonite

I've decided to do some larger versions of my recent cityscapes. Even though these are only slightly larger than the paintings for 50/50, they were definitely more difficult. Next I plan to do some 20x20" versions. I'm trying to work my way up in size and yet maintain the look of the smaller paintings. I posted a gallery containing a few more 8x8s on my facebook page, you can take a look by clicking here.

"Cafe on Polk"

12x12" oil on masonite

This is a painting that didn't quite make it into the City Streets show a few months ago. Originally this painting was just a very loose sketch. I didn't feel it was quite finished enough to bring to the gallery, but I liked the composition and the mix of natural and incandescent lighting. I finally decided it would be worth spending some time to see if I could bring it to a level of finish that I was happy with. It's unusual for me to rework an existing painting, I usually just move on if something doesn't work. I'm glad I put the extra effort into this one.

It turns out I'll be participating in two plein air events at the end of the month so I decided to get organized. It's so important to have your gear and your process figured out. I spent a few hours streamlining my equipment and then hit the streets to test it out. I was able to do a couple of small paintings, in separate locations, in less than three hours. I still struggled a bit with the paintings but at least I wasn't frustrated by my gear.

I've been painting here in San Bruno to save time. I figured I wouldn't be too particular about the scenery since I just needed to get out for a test run. I've actually found some interesting subject matter which has been a nice surprise. I posted a photo on my facebook page.

Tomorrow is the opening reception for the Waterfront show at the Studio Gallery. Stop by and check it out if you're in the area! The reception is from 2-6pm.

"Larkin and Broadway"

6x6" oil on Gessobord

Sanchez Art Center, "50/50"

I got back from Maine just in time to hang the "50/50" show. It was fun seeing what the other artists have come up with. I'm really impressed with the overall quality of the work I saw. There is so much great work and most of the prices are so low, I'm not surprised this show has become as popular as it is. If you're interested in coming I suggest going to the ticketed preview, which is ten dollars if you buy in advance. For more info click here.

I had a wonderful, relaxing time in Maine and even managed to take a few pictures to paint from. My only goal for the two weeks was to spend time with family and swim every day regardless of the weather. Spending time with family was easy, swimming every day had its challenging moments. Especially the time my daughter and I went swimming in the bone-chilling ocean in a freezing downpour.

I'm excited to work on paintings for "Waterfront" which opens at the Studio Gallery on September 4th. It will be nice to work on some larger pieces after spending the last month primarily painting 6x6s. I'll post paintings and more info soon.

"Ferry Building"

6x6" oil on Gessobord

Sanchez Art Center, "50/50" #20

"Clouds over Filbert"

6x6" oil on Gessobord

Sanchez Art Center, "50/50" #19

"West on Broadway"

6x6" oil on Gessobord

Sanchez Art Center, "50/50" #18

"Cafe at Dusk"

6x6" oil on Gessobord - sold

Sanchez Art Center, "50/50" #17

"Golden Hour"

6x6" oil on Gessobord

Sanchez Art Center, "50/50" #16

"Looking North on Polk"

6x6" oil on Gessobord

Sanchez Art Center, "50/50" #15

"Powell Street"

6x6" oil on Gessobord - sold

Sanchez Art Center, "50/50" #14

This was one of those images I was pretty sure wasn't going to work as a small painting. I felt there was just too much visual information. What attracted me to this scene was the bright band of light on the street and buildings to the right. I'm glad I gave it a try, I think it worked. This view is down Powell Street looking toward Union Square. 

"Jones at Glover"

6x6" oil on Gessobord

Sanchez Art Center, "50/50" #13

"Last Light, Downtown"

6x6" oil on Gessobord

Sanchez Art Center, "50/50" #12

"Narrow Street, Telegraph Hill"

6x6" oil on Gessobord

Sanchez Art Center, "50/50" #11

"View of Alcatraz from Hyde"

6x6" oil on Gessobord - sold

Sanchez Art Center, "50/50" #10

"Hyde and Lombard"

6x6" oil on Gessobord

Sanchez Art Center, "50/50" # 9

"Crossing Grant"

6x6" oil on Gessobord

Sanchez Art Center, "50/50" #8

Every painting is an act of faith. I'm finding that especially true with these little cityscapes. You have to have faith that if you keep going and trust your instincts the painting will probably work out. I think it was Richard Schmid who said you should be able to stop at any point during the painting and it would look good. Interesting idea, but that certainly isn't how it works for me.

"Electric Bus"

6x6" oil on Gessobord

Sanchez Art Center, "50/50" #7

"Mission Alley"

6x6" oil on Gessobord

Sanchez Art Center, "50/50" #6

The alleys in San Francisco are interesting in that they allow you to see the backs of the houses. Many houses have unusual additions which make for inspiring shapes to paint. This particular house had lavender colored garage doors, what more could you want?

"Last Light, Side Street"

6x6" oil on Gessobord

Sanchez Art Center, "50/50" #5