"Portrait of Karin"

This is a portrait of a fellow artist Karin Jurick. Her blog Different Strokes From Different Folks has been the leader in presenting painting challenges to other artists all over the country. As a thank you to Karin, over 100 fellow artists painted HER portrait as a thank you for all she does. Click the link for Different Strokes and you will see all the portraits. Thanks Karin!!!!

"Pennsylvania Grass"

I'm participating in the February paint challenge where people from all over the country do a painting of a particular photograph. At one point I was trying to encompass the entire photograph, but then decided I didn't like it. So I'm only showing the part I like. Also, this was a new experiment for me to paint with gouache. Gouache is a translucent to opaque type watercolor material that can be layered. My first attempt with this medium was also a learning experience; this painting has many layers. It was a fun challenge, but I'm glad it's over.

Mystic Garden" - SOLD

Obviously I was in a bright mood when I painted this. It's a full sheet transparent watercolor on paper. It's another painting that came out of my head with shapes and colors that reminded me of a brilliant fantasy garden. I'm currently reading "The Lovely Bones" and this may have triggered my imagination. It can be rotated in different directions, but I had 2 votes for this direction and decided to post it vertically.

"Tuscany 2"

Just finished this one this afternoon. It's going to be hung tomorrow along with several other larger works at "WATER TO WINE" our local Round Rock winery. There will be a reception this Friday night with wine tasting and food. If you are in the area, please drop by for a fun evening. Unfortunately, I took this photo indoors and it's showing a bit dark. The original is much brighter. I didn't have time to wait for the sunshine on this one.

"Tuscany 1"

I tried a new long skinny format (12 x 25) acrylic on board. The paint moves very differently on this surface and I liked the visible brushstrokes. Unfortunately, you can't see them in the photo, but they are definitely visible on the original. I have started a companion piece to this one on the same size board. I was trying to convey the strong color of a beautiful Tuscan day.

"Abstract Silk"

This is a really big one - 24 x 36 acrylic on canvas. This painting was inspired by a new silk blouse I recently purchased. I fell in love with the colors and suddenly saw a painting in my head. I worked on it day and night almost non-stop for 3 days and this is the outcome. It was great fun, but pretty exhausting. It was also difficult to photograph because of the size. I've actually cropped it more than the original painting. This piece will be on exhibit at Bass Concert Hall from January 22nd to April 26th. If you are attending a performance there, be sure to look at the original.

"Hard Edge Abstract 1"

I have several venues coming up at the end of the month requiring large paintings. Since most of my work is small, I'm now on a painting terror producing large paintings. I love doing abstracts so much that I've decided to paint the large works in that format. I'm always interested in feedback, so if you have feelings about these next few postings, please share them with me.

"Redon - King Charles" - SOLD

This is a portrait of a King Charles Spaniel named Redon. I don't personally know Redon, but have become emotionally attached to it's sweet face and loving eyes. I just know this is a good dog!! Our own puppy training goes on and on and on . . . .

"Chaos" - SOLD

Thank you Jan & Richard! This will look great over your fireplace. I'm glad it's found a great home.

This is a watercolor done while my brain may have still been slightly under the influence of the anesthesia! It's another one that can be turned in different directions. I decided to post it vertically, but it really can go horizontally as well. I'm feeling much better now and am ready to begin my 2010 painting journey.

"Downtown" - SOLD

This is another large acrylic painting (18 x 24) with some copperleaf. The photo barely shows the leaf, but it shows in real life. This is my version of an abstracted skyline. It could be NYC, Minneapolis or any other city you see.

THANKS AGAIN STEVE. THIS LOOKS GREAT IN YOUR LIVING ROOM.