Monday, July 30, 2012

Yellow Roses in Glass Vase oil painting 8"x10"

Seven yellow roses in a glass vase with light from above casting a shadow on table cloth below with specks of light reflecting of various items on the table and furniture behind.


A palette knife was used and color is applied in separate sections which adds interest to the classic composition.


 Bold bright color to enliven any setting!

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Cowboy Leading Pack Mule - Oil on Panel - 8" x 10"

The Cowboy glances over his shoulder to lead the Pack Mule on as his hat shields his eyes from the low morning sun, which casts a long shadow away from them, leading the eye towards the tree covered hills in the background.

This is a classic Western theme in a modern style - the colors are bright and separated, to form a mosaic pattern, pleasing to the viewer, who always finds something new or different to keep interest.

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Manasota Key Golden Sunset - Oil on Canvas- 12' x 16"

This impressionist rendering of a dramatic sunset at Manasota Key, Florida, shows the gold and orange sky, with liquid gold poured out over the sea!

The beach cottage lies nestled under the trees in silhouette, as the last rays of sunlight lick at the windows leaving a warm glo.

The beach is in cool shadow.  This is surprisingly painted with strong blue, purple and pink colors which contrast perfectly with the yellow sky, but are still lively enough to connect with it!

This is a bold painting where strong colors are used in harmony.  A generous frame would enhance and contain the composition to the delight of any viewer!

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Three Cows and a Tree - Oil on Panel - 8" x 10"

 
The three cows are reduced to basic shapes and 
same applies to the tree - just colors and shapes.

The simplicity of the painting and relatively muted bocks of color enhance the pastoral tranquility and timelesness of the scene.

A broad frame would contain the composition in space and enhance the experience.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Sunset Silhouette Carmel Beach With Dog - Oil on Panel - 8" x 10"


Silhouettes are really quite amazing, especially at the beach because the light is everywhere.

Even though the figures are blanked out, the great thing is that everything else is very vibrant....and the colors are unpredictable.....so you have to paint what you see, and not what you think should be there!

Who ever heard of a blue sky, a sandy colored beach and ultramarine water!....Not here!

The dog dutifully follows behind after running all over the beach!  Tired,  and looking forward to getting home, while a surfer goes out to catch one last wave.

Monday, July 16, 2012

Carmel Beach Sunset Dog Walk - oil on panel - 8" x 12"






At point of sunset on Carmel Beach, California the sun's last rays caught and shone through the top of the wave making it a transluscent light green.

Speckles of light reflected off the shoreline in an array of colors, also backlighting the Vizsla dog and it's owner, who seem to glide on a palette of shimmering diffused light!

The painting has a fresh delicate sparkle showing what Carmel Beach is all about.

Recently the Del Monte Kennel Club held their All-Breed Dog Show at the Carmel Middle School where more than 3000 dogs of all breeds competed for prizes.

Walking your dog on the beach is pure delight and very entertaining - it is also a great way to meet other dog owners as the dogs have no reservations making friends!

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Brown Dog Enjoying Beach - Oil on Canvas - 12" x 16"



The dog has everyone's attention - it is literally galloping about the beach, to the extent that people nearby stop to watch, while a number of figures can be seen at water's edge and in the waves.

The complimentary colors are bright, and the figures simplified to the extent that they are just able to be identified.

This is a bold, almost abstract work, which draws the viewer in to become an onlooker and so be part of the action. As the imagination fills the gaps, one becomes part of the drama without realising it and a consious effort is required to extract oneself from the daydream!

Logical, conscious, specific and linear reasoning give way to the "right brain" experience of being open to possibilities and welcoming new approaches and ideas.

The book, "How to think like Einstein" has this quote: "When I examine myself and my methods of thought, I come to the conclusion that the gift of fantasy has meant more to me than my talent for absorbing positive knowledge." Albert Einstein.

(For a few days you can use coupon code: "BPJUN12" for 50% off!  See my website "Shop" (Etsy))

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Window Seat Afternoon Light - Oil on Panel - 10" x 8"



The afternoon light streams in through the window framed by the heavy drapes casting a warm glow on the young lady's face with a highlight on her jeans.  The sun bleaches out the a section of the window interior creating a perfect balance for the relatively muted colors elsewhere.

This painting is not overworked or detailed.  It tells a story - which could be yours.... a moment in time with thoughts of the future or just enjoying the tranquility of that space.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Napa Valley Vineyards with House and Hills - Oil on Board - 8" x 10"



The terracotta roof peeks out from behind the trees and shrubs while the vineyard is planted right up against the house with it's driveway lined by the obligatory Italian Cypress trees!

A utility pole in the foreground gives a sense of depth as do the receding vines.

The atmosphere bleaches out the greens in the distant hills to a light blue, which acts as a perfect counterbalance to the touch of orange on the roof, to give it "snap".

We loved the drive from Napa to Calistoga where we spent the night.  In the morning we enjoyed the hot spring mineral water pool at the spa.  Just north of Calistoga we saw a sign "Old Faithful Geyser" - I could not believe my eyes!  Should it not be in Yellowstone? We discovered this one is called "Old Faithful Geyser of California" - worth a visit if you are in the area!

This is a happy, bright painting to cheer up a livingroom corner and bring back memories of your trip to Wine Country!

Monday, July 9, 2012

Chesapeak Bay Twilight and Full Moon - oil on panel - 8" x 10"

After a hot, humid July day, my Annapolis friends took me for an outing on their 35 foot Chantiers Jeanneau motor boat.

The boat sped across Chesapeake Bay to Annapolis harbor.  We anchored across from the Chart House Restaurant, near the Naval Academy, and watched the city lights come on and start twinkling around the landmark Maryland State House.

After a wonderful picnic and, with only an hour until dark, we weighed anchor.  Martin opened the throttle and made for home!  I snapped pictures left, right and center while trying to hold on for dear life!  The atmosphere was so thick one could feel it like a grey overcoat, even though the humidity had subsided a bit - the sky and sea changed to dense earthy colors.

As we overtook a couple in a slower moving smaller boat, I had the presence of mind to snap the full moon as it glinted like a gold coin suspended over the bay!

We arrived home as night fell. A memorable day!

This painting is part of a series of smaller - sized works I am offering at introductory prices!

It is a fresh, almost abstract work with bold colors and will hold it's own in any company!



Friday, July 6, 2012

Sausalito Windy Day from Spinnaker Restaurant

Sausalito Windy Day from Spinnaker Restaurant - Oil on Canvas - 8" x 10"

Viewed from behind the protection of the large glass panels and from the comfort of the Spinnaker Restaurant, Sausalito, California - in the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge - overlooking Angel Island, which is barely visible under a blanket of summer fog, the yachts enjoy the sunshine while bobbing on the deep blue, ultramarine water - the fog warning sounds and the sky has these......colors!  A special moment to remember!

It is a fresh, almost abstract work with lively brushstrokes which speak of the motion in the air and on the water.

Suitably framed, it would be a delight to enjoy!