You may recall earlier versions of this painting from previous posts about my painting process. I’ve described how I usually work from photos, do thumbnail sketches to test ideas, block-in the large shapes, then start painting. I blogged about this particular painting at the stage when I was fine tuning it, studying the dark and […]
For several years I’ve been eager to experience southern Spain’s offerings, including its tasty tapas and Granada’s Alhambra palace. We just returned, and the sights were every bit as spectacular as expected. I’m inspired to paint again; the challenge will be deciding where to start. There are too many choices, such as this famous gorge […]
Claude Monet reportedly said “color is my day-long obsession, joy and torment.” With all due respect, I’d leave out the torment part. My love affair with color is absolute. Many artists struggle to use color more freely. Not me. Part of the reason I love painting with pastels is they are so robust. I paint […]
Did the image in that last post look familiar? Here’s what you were supposed to see! It may sound odd, but cooking, interior design and gardening – even getting dressed – and, yes, painting, are all similar to me. What I mean is they flow from the same creative process. In all cases, I’m dreaming […]
A long time collector of my art visited recently, and paid me what I consider to be quite a compliment. He told me he describes my paintings to his friends as “luxurious.” While I’m not into what most people consider luxuries – brand name clothes, new cars and such – that struck me as a […]
Much of my painting success is owed to Frank Federico, a friend who died recently. He was a brilliant colorist, inspiring artist and wonderful instructor. Frank was also instrumental in founding the CT Pastel Society, urging me and other artist friends into board meetings, early CPS exhibits and Pastel Journal subscriptions. Watching Frank transform even […]
A recent article got me thinking about why I love travel, and talking to people who travel, and painting scenes from my travels – like this one of Chania harbor, on the Greek island of Crete. According to Psychology Today, there’s actually a scientific basis for it. Whatever people rate as important, their friends tend […]
It’s always been apparent that having water views makes me feel better. Conversely, being cooped up inside without views, as in my corporate days, depresses me. Before I earned a promotion and a window, I used to joke that it was like living inside a Band-Aid box – beige, bland and boring. Turns out there’s […]
This is the rough block-in for the composition of a new painting. It’s also art therapy. It’s based on a favorite photo from my first trip to Venice, and I unearthed it at an opportune time. It reminded me what some people have to go through to do laundry. At least my clothes aren’t hanging […]
Years ago I bought a funky, colorful raincoat at a craft show. I wasn’t long past my corporate days, when beige (which is not a color! at least in my world) trench coats were the only acceptable choice over my pin-striped suits. So I hesitated, and was egged on by the woman who’d made the coat. She […]
