What I've been up to...

...is trying to get moving again.  It has been pretty difficult to start painting with oil and acrylic, but these two commissions helped me figure out what paints, mediums, and materials I now have, and what I still need.

This acrylic, large scale painting on canvas was commissioned by someone who wanted a painting similar to what I had done years ago as a watercolor on a full sheet of watercolor paper.  I like the muted tones and washes using air brush medium.  It has the colors that the woman requested, as well as a slightly Asian feel, which fits into the woman's home of things from China she had inherited from her mother's travels.

Here are some process photos:

I followed this painting up with a en plein air quick 11x14 acrylic, and came home and worked on it some more.

This oil commission definitely presented the most interesting thing I've ever painted--the pug's tongue!

Some process photos:

I also have thought about what to paint or sketch again of the immense amount of favorites I lost in the fire.  Although I will probably not redo much, this one had to be redone.  A favorite graphite sketch on paper.

Some others I have done...

A Canadian publisher had promised work and asked me to illustrate this book 8 years ago.  I did all the watercolor illustrations and sent them to Canada, not hearing again until this year, where I received the book and all the original illustrations back.  I don't think that the book layout is what I would have chosen or that it will necessarily do well, but I am so thrilled to have my paintings back and have had the experience of doing these paintings!  I hope to illustrate more children's books soon.  Here's a little overview:

New Paintings

These graphite sketches were commissioned by someone in England.

 I really loved this hibiscus and had to do three watercolors.  They are for sale for $100 each.
Hibiscus #1

 Hibiscus #2

Hibiscus #3

 This little cutie took to paddle boarding so quickly.

Available Paintings

These are the paintings I have left after the fire that are for sale.  I know not all the photos are the best, but I tried to get the painting and also a frame if there was one.  The approximate dimensions and medium are also included.  I am open to payments, and love to work with anyone who loves my art.  I also have 11"x14" prints available on many of my paintings if that is of interest. 

#1 Oak, 36"x36", Oil on canvas

 #2 Spring Oak in Field, 11"x14", Oil on canvas

No longer available....#3 Gust of Wind a la Renoir, 36"x36", Oil on canvas

#4 Beach Boards, 36"x24", Acrylic on boards,...it's not this yellow and the colors are more like the second one

#5 Dawn at Sbragia, 26"x23", Oil on canvas (this one has a lovely green wooden frame)

#6 Green Vineyard, Acrylic on canvas board, 11"x14"

 #7 Spring Farm Off Barnes Road, 11"x14", Oil on canvas

#8 Yountville Autumn, 16"x20", Oil on canvas in black frame

#9 Lavender Sunset with One Tree, 11"x8", Acrylic on canvas

#10 Poplars in the Thames Valley a la Alfred William Parsons, 42"x28", Oil on canvas

#11 Lavender Sunrise, 14"x11", Acrylic on canvas

#12 Nothing To See Here, 14"x20", Giclee on canvas

 #13 Oak on Autumn Hillside, 14"x11", Oil on canvas

#14 Lavender Field, 12"x18", Matted and framed print

 #15 Abstract Vineyard Simply, 8"x10", Oil on canvas

 #16 Santa Rosa Landscape off Coffey Lane, 30"x22" full sheet (not counting mat and frame), Watercolor on paper matted with frame

  #17 Lily Waters, 11"x16", Watercolor print matted and framed

 #16 Ocean Calm, Acrylic on canvas board, 25"x21" framed in black frame

Signs I can make similar to these...lots of flexibility

Commission of Hiker on Pacific Crest Trail

Here is my oil on canvas in process.  I combined 2 photos, and moved the hiker to have a better composition.