a la Ken Auster..."Surfer"

When taking art classes at UC and the Art Academy we were encouraged to learn by copying the works of artists we admire. You can really figure out how to achieve new techniques--albeit with a lot of trial and error.  I painted this by copying Ken Auster's original; Ken's a Southern California artist whose work I greatly admire.  Some of the effects I loved about his piece... that I tried here:  the way the windmill is somewhat hidden by the slightly overcast morning light even as the sun is beginning to shine.  Also how the 'gray' walls are full of color...scratched into the surface and so much more.  It's not easy - you don't know the  type of brushes, paints, color mixing etc. that the original painter used, but it's amazing how you can get similar results even if your 'recipe' is slightly different.   It was great fun and I learned a ton.  Hope you enjoy it!

Red, White & Blue Bowls

Just back from Zion Ntl Park with my daughter, her hubby and our two grandkids. What a blast.  My first time there - what was I waiting for?!  Absolutely Gorgeous.  Lots of hiking, swimming, exploring.  I was worried about the desert in July but with all the waterfalls, rivers, ponds and cascades --no problem.  I was amazed to find most of the visitors were not U.S. folks but from Belgium, Germany, Britain (those not waiting for 'the' baby to be born) and Holland.

Tumbling Bowls is from the abstracted still life series I did awhile back (see last post).  You can tell I was in a whimsical mood when I painted these.  Really enjoyed working with the bright, happy color combos.  It's set in a walnut shadow-box frame.    (note - the background is whiter than shown on the screen; not sure what is causing the blueish cast)

This one will auctioned - so get in on the fun.   Minimum bid $100.
See here for details:     http://www.dailypaintworks.com/buy/auction/148946

Tumbling Bowls

As my pal Linda will attest, painting whimsically is lots of fun. But, even playful can be challenging because the basics still all have to work: composition, color combos, values, proportions.  Like my previous blog entry, these bowls push boundaries and edges. They are meant to playful in spirit and style; the flower is pure whimsy.

This is on stretched canvas in a beechwood shadowbox frame.  Click here to learn more.

Pitcher with Fruit

Surprised I was!  When I went to the Fair yesterday to pick up my piece, the volunteer told me it had sold. That brought a smile to my face.  I have the original in my collection. What sold was a framed and matted giclee print on archival watercolor paper.   Always great inspiration to make more :-)

For info about purchasing a limited edition giclee print of this painting just click here.

Sea Kayaker

We've enjoyed some great time with the grandkids this summer--the County Fair, Stinson Beach, just hanging out playing games-- though this may not last long as they are beating us too often.  Still, I've spent some time in the studio too. This is my most recent piece. I have to admit, while I really like kayaking in a lake or lagoon, no way will you see me out at sea.  But this guy is a pro... and a fun subject too.  (not sure what that little dot is in the way; something the camera added on its own.

I'm offering this via an auction that'll run for 7 days. Check it out using the link below.

CLICK TO BID