Parisian Models

12 x 16 oil on canvas panel -SOLD

This is my feeble attempt with a palette knife.  I took this reference photo when we were in Paris a couple of summers ago and painted it but was never satisfied so I pulled out the palette knife and starting playing around with it.  A palette knife has never felt comfortable to me for painting so I was trying to get the feel of it.   The painting looks better but my knife work has a long way to go....just experimenting.  That's what I love about painting -  trial, many errors and then sometimes,  success!

Cardinal I

5 x 7 oil on canvas panel - SOLD

I'm calling this Cardinal I because it's really a study for maybe a larger painting later but there will be more studies, I'm sure.   I am pretty much covered in red paint right now.  I can't quite figure out how other artists manage to stay so neat and clean as they paint when I'm covered in paint from fingers, to arms to face!   What a mess I make!!!   I re-painted this when I dropped it in the street - decided to change the background a bit;  my original photo was much clearer than the one on top for some reason.

In Sync

8 x 10 oil on canvas panel - SOLD

These trombone players were a lot more "in sync" than my painting has been lately.  I am having a hard time diving back in - can't quite get in the groove!  I had a large number of wipe offs today and finally just decided to keep going with this one.  I'm not totally satisfied though.  The photograph was  in heavy shadow and I'm not real happy with my proportions but just wanted to post something.  

Wednesday Night Poker

12 x 16 oil on stretched canvas - SOLD

Boy, am I rusty!  I haven't touched a brush in over a month.  My daughter got married on Dec. 3 and I was busy with planning, etc.   The wedding was great and we are happy to have another member in our family.   I painted this today on top of another painting I had done almost 20 years ago.   It's tough getting back into the feel of the paint after such a long absence.   My goal was to loosen up (as always) and I was successful in some areas and not in others.  Hopefully I can get back into painting daily now!