Comfort Zone in Focus

Self Portrait oil on canvas  11 x 14

Amongst the chaos in a house full of kids this weekend I started and finished this painting of me in “my studio”. From this perspective one might gather the impression it’s a truly blue artist’s studio but it’s really not. It’s a nook. A niche. Or perhaps an alcove... why not a cubbyhole? Whatever the definition of “my space”... it’s were I find my comfort zone. The place I set up shop to delve into a world of color on canvas where ideas are swirled, twirled and fused together. A place where I can withdrawal from the everyday hoopla and find peace and harmony from the spokes of a color wheel... where cobalt blue, daffodil yellow and crimson red... pave the way.

A Couple 0f Pears out to Dinner with their Kids

A Couple of Pears, oil on canvas 6 x 8

Dining out has always been a challenge for this couple of pears.They’re favorite little italian restaurant down the street offers a wide variety and something for the whole family. The heavenly aromas greet you right at the front door and hunger immediate steps in. The only problem this couple has is keep all five of their kids seated, with proper manners... ok, a flicker of manners will do... until their meals are served. Two of the more energetic kids seem to slip away from the table to explore the rest of the restaurant... mostly in search of grabbing a handful of after dinner mints they spotted on their way in... only when the hostess isn’t looking, of course.

Satsuma takes Flight

Satsuma's Flight, oil on canvas 6 x 8

I named this adorable orange Satsuma or at least that’s the description the grocery store labeled her. 

Satsuma’s adventure began a few weeks back in Japan. She make it thru the trans-atlantic flight in a wooden crate with the rest of her family. Into a large bucket in the Big Y produce section is where I first spotted her.

I was amazed at her rich orange color and her still fresh leaves that adorn each side of her like wings.

One would think her purpose would be to be eaten but instead she was carefully chosen and brought home to be cast in the a scene of a still life painting. The painting, see “Christmas Peace” comprised of many characters... letters, feathers friends and sappy pinecones to be exact.

But her staring role wasn’t until a week later when she make it back on stage under the radiant spotlight with her dear friend, Tinkerbell.  With her “wings” still green and in-tacked her light shines brighter than ever before.

Making Lemonade

Making Lemonade, oil on canvas 6 x8

Growing up on Down River Road, my neighborhood girlfriends and I loved to set up a lemonade stand in the middle of the summer. I can remember charging a quarter a cup. One of us would sit at the card table with a very tiny sign, a few plastic cups and a pitcher of lemonade while the other three of us would jump around, doing cartwheels and yelling “ Lemonade for Sale” at all the cars passing by.