Odd One Out

Painted from life on my counter top.

Noah's Bagels

I drew the underlying sketch while riding shotgun on a trip to downtown San Francisco. I caught buildings and people to add in as the scenery changed. Noah's Bagels was sketched in while we were at a stop. I added the watercolor later.

Above The Fray

Some flowers for a beautiful day.

Lunch At Point Richmond

This painting was made in January of this year. We were hanging out at Point Richmond and this group of birds were foraging for food. I tried to capture a variety of poses as they flew in and out of the area. I worked with a variety of pastels on Canson paper.

Too Much Party

Another addition to the counter top series. I used an ink pen to get the drawing down. I wanted the painting to be loose so I didn't give myself room to make corrections. I laid in watercolor and filled the interior part of the flower in gouache. As to the title, that was my first impression when I saw the flower on the lower right on screen.

At The Registers

Pam and I went to Papadeauxs here in Austin for lunch a few weeks ago. Of course I asked her if it would bother her if I sketched. She held up her e reader and said yes. I did a number of sketches of the waiters as they were tending to customers or waiting in their area. I worked in oil for this first painting. I did consult the sketches and phone photos for inspiration.

Through The Trees

I was experimenting with new paper and with using a lot of water. I like this yellow building near Point Richmond. The light in that little park area is beautiful. Even when its a bit flat you can still find some rich shadows.

Bottom Feeders

I like painting tulips because they move around a lot. These guys ducked down for a while. I liked the positions of the flowers and that was my focus. The next morning they were completely different. Another in the counter top series.

Quick Shadows

I made this painting standing in my younger sister's yard in November of last year. I was interested in capturing the foreground shadows and the green tree entryway into a field. Commerce has beautiful trees too they are almost lyrical in this area.

Steroid Flowers

Another addition to my "Counter Top" series. Pam was in town while I was painting this series and of course she always tells me when its finished as she did with this one. She actually is of the opinion that this one is a bit overworked. I always value her opinion on these matters.

Redbud Trail Dog Park

During the summer Pam and I visited this dog park not far from where I live. It has lake views and you can also play around in the woods. I was attracted to the light and the rock formations. Those who follow this blog know that I love the woods...as long as I don't see a snake. I drew the basic outlines in and started out with a gouache underpainting. I later covered most of that with pastel.

Sea Rocks

I was sitting on the beach at Point Richmond and decided to paint this scene after the fishermen that I posted a while back. I liked the light reflecting on the rocks and the various reflections in the water. Looking back on this I am reminded of how the water sounded coming in and going back out.

One Of Us

When I finished this painting one of my first thoughts was the song "What If God Was One of Us". I try hard not to prejudge people so I tend to treat homeless people with respect. You never know. I drew this sketch downtown at 6th and Congress while sitting on the steps of Starbucks. I used my current favorite paper Moulin du Roy made by Canson.