Another Green Apple

One Green Apple, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, December 2008

Private collection, Greenwich, Connecticut

Over the weekend I carved out a small study of a green apple. I'm about to start on some larger studies in the upcoming weeks, and I'm excited to see how much of what I've learned in miniature will translate to bigger and bolder.

A Porcelain Goose

A Porcelain Goose, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, December 2008
Private collection, Wayne, Pennsylvania

Just to keep things strange and interesting, I decided to carve out a very small study of a very small porcelain goose. Capturing the character and posture of this little figure was as much of a challenge as creating a sense of mass and space.

A Kiwi Fruit

A Kiwi Fruit, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, December 2008
Private collection, Wayne, Pennsylvania

Today I carved out a small study of a sliced kiwi fruit. Several times before I sliced one of these babies open only to decide that eating it was more enjoyable than painting it. In retrospect, I think eating it today would have saved me a lot of frustration, of trying to capture the odd gradation of colors and the variety of surfaces. I'm not sure how successful the painting is, but I'm sure it will be delicious to finally eat the little fuzzy thing.

A Small Porcelain Vase

A Small Porcelain Vase, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, December 2008
Private collection, Wayne, Pennsylvania

Today I finished a study of a small porcelain vase. Painting the pattern of flowers on the surface reminds me of a portrait I did in art school, of a black woman wearing a black floral-patterned dress. What starts out looking like colored confetti takes shape as a pattern following a form.

A Small Glass Bottle

A Small Glass Bottle, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, December 2008

Private collection, Wayne, Pennsylvania

I'm finally back to work again after over a week away from the easel. Today I finished a study of a small antique glass bottle. It was very challenging to capture the blue tint of the bottle with all of the defracted highlights within the glass. It reminds me of learning how to paint all over again.

Another Coffee Cup

A Coffee Cup and Saucer, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, November 2008

Private collection, Little Rock, Arkansas

As though I had to prove to myself that I really can't do everything, I carved out a very small study of a coffee cup and saucer. This piece evolved from being a total train wreck to being fairly tight. At some point I'll be learning how to loosen up again, but right now it seems that I've become fairly comfortable with really tiny brushes.

A Gold Ring

A Gold Ring, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, November 2008

Private collection, Middletown, Rhode Island

Today I carved out a tight little study of a simple gold ring. I didn't think I'd be able to pull this one off, but suddenly it all made sense, the reflection of the countertop, the window, and even my face against the dark wall behind me.

A Bunch of Grapes

A Bunch of Grapes, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, November 2008

Private collection, Annandale, Virginia

I decided to revisit a very challenging subject, the simple bunch of grapes. Everything about translucence, shine and luminosity will play into capturing this subject.

Star Fruit

Star Fruit, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, November 2008

Private collection, Greenwich, Connecticut

Today I finished a very small study of a very odd subject, the fruit of the carambola tree, known as the star fruit. I always knew I would never attempt to paint this subject, but lately I'm learning to never say never.

Two Cherries

Two Cherries, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, November 2008

Private collection, Portland, Oregon

Yesterday I started a very small study of two cherries, and today I nailed it down. It's almost really tight, but just loose enough to feel like a fun painting.

A Persimmon

A Persimmon, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, November 2008

Private collection, Annandale, Virginia

I never really thought about persimmons until the other night. Whatever inspired me to select Turkish figs was the same thing that motivated me to consider a persimmon as a subject of study. It seems like an odd thing, but maybe after I eat it things will make more sense. We'll see.

A Turkish Fig

A Turkish Fig, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, November 2008

Private collection, Annandale, Virginia

Just to attempt the impossible, I decided to carve out a very small study of a Turkish fig. Nothing about this was easy, from the yellow green that faded to deep purple to the super low-gloss sheen, to the slightly wrinkled surface. In the end I'm not sure if I nailed it, but it was definitely a good exercise in observation. I'll try this again at some point, when I'm feeling brave.

Three Blueberries

Three Blueberries, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, November 2008

Private collection, Scotch Plains, New Jersey

In the final light of day, I carved out a very small study of three blueberries. I was pondering the notion of painting them larger, but every larger size felt like perspective was being lost by blowing them up to so much larger than life size. Maybe next time.

A Seckel Pear

A Seckel Pear, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, November 2008

Private collection, Glen Allen, Virginia

Today I put the finishing touches on a very small study of a single seckel pear. I've never considered something so small and dark and shiny, but in this new course of study it seems to be a good subject.

Two Green Apples

Two Green Apples, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, November 2008

Private collection, Washington, DC

Just to follow up on what I learned from all the shine and sheen of one apple, I decided to carve out a study of two apples. It's all very exciting, finding so much more information in the same old subjects.

One Green Apple

One Green Apple, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, November 2008

Private collection, Atlanta, Georgia

Despite the day being fairly dark and gloomy, I carved out a small study of a single green apple. For the first time I'm painting an apple as a composite of surfaces and sheen, and no longer as only the components of light and color. This is exciting, while it is still just one more apple.

A Yellow Pepper

A Yellow Pepper, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, November 2008

Private collection, Washington, DC

Today I completed my series of peppers with a very small study of a single yellow pepper. This painting was supposed to happen yesterday, until I realized that the yellow curried shrimp lunch I was eating happened to contain the yellow pepper that was supposed to be a painting subject. All vegetables on the counter are fair game when the cooking begins.

An Orange Pepper

An Orange Pepper, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, November 2008

Private collection, Ellicott City, Maryland

Today I finished carving out a very small study of an orange pepper. The luminosity of this subject played a big part in understanding the gradations from light to dark, and the amount of light that played through the pepper was almost stronger than the light that was reflected in the sheen of the surface.

A Tomato

A Tomato, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, November 2008

Private collection, Elkridge, Maryland

I carved out a small study of a single vine ripened tomato. There is a different quality to the sheen and shine of the skin of a tomato. Maybe it has something to do with the slightly translucent quality of the surface, although when I think about it, those waxed and genetically superior monster tomatoes probably have a much deeper gloss. I think I'll just stick to these less-than-perfect specimens for the real challenge.

A Sliced Avocado

A Sliced Avocado, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, November 2008

Private collection, Greenwich, Connecticut

I sliced open an avocado, and found a whole new course of study in a new range of color and texture. For some reason I always feel so humbled by a sliced avocado, something about the crisp edges and distinct shapes.

One Red Pepper

One Red Pepper, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, November 2008

Private collection, Arlington, Virginia

Today I finished a study of a bright red pepper. I'm intrigued by this new world of shine and reflection, and I'm continuing to have some good painting experiences with the subject of peppers.

A Yellow Onion

A Yellow Onion, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, November 2008

Private collection, Fairfax, Virginia

Just to study every shade of brown and yellow and gold, I carved out a small study of a single onion. This piece started to get fairly heavy and thick, reminding me of the big paintings I used to do so long ago.

A Green Pepper

A Green Pepper, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, October 2008

Private collection, Greenwich, Connecticut

Today I put the finishing touches on a study of a single green pepper. I'm continuing my education in the study of shiny surfaces, and I think I'm finally starting to learn a few things.

Three Strawberries

Three Strawberries, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, October 2008

Private collection, Richmond, Virginia

I decided that if three strawberries were going to squeeze together onto a 5 by 7 inch panel, they had to all cooperate and get along. One turned this way and backed up against the other, which patiently stayed in place while the last one huddled in close for the picture. Ok, everyone smile...

A Large White Kettle

A Large White Kettle, 11" by 14", oil on linen board, October 2008
Private collection, Saskatchewan, Canada

Part of my time in art school was spent living in a large unheated warehouse, in the seedy North Avenue area of Baltimore. For three years the only heat I had was from a large upright woodstove. To keep the air from getting too dry, I'd keep a kettle of water simmering on top. For three winters I would stare at this kettle, waiting for the stove to warm up. Even during the warmer months, people would stand around the woodstove in the morning while talking, just by habit, and it was always a nice place to set a cup of coffee. Somehow I managed to hang onto this big white kettle, although 25 years later the bottom has a few rusty holes, and it would never hold water again. My painting teacher once told me I didn't have a good sense of middle grey, so I hammered away at a study of this kettle, and then presented it to the class. I learned a new appreciation of silence that day.

Two Bartlett Pears

Two Bartlett Pears, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, October 2008

Private collection, Saskatchewan, Canada

While the day grew dark and the rain fell in sheets, I carved out a small study of two yellow Bartlett pears. As fast as they turned from green to yellow over the past two days, I'm sure they continued to grow even more yellow in the few hours I was painting them. I think I'm just starting to understand the nature of shine.

A Pomegranate

A Pomegranate, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, October 2008

Private collection, Wayne, Pennsylvania

And then I carved out a small study of a single pomegranate. I learned some things, but I'm not sure if I nailed it down. I'll try again another time.

A Porcelain Pitcher

A Porcelain Pitcher, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, October 2008

Private collection, Greenwich, Connecticut

I finished a nice little study of a small round porcelain creamer. I could easily get caught up in the subtle transitions and hyper realism when I study such shiny surfaces.

Three More Blueberries

Three Blueberries, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, October 2008

Private collection, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

I carved out yet another small study of three blueberries. I keep learning some big things while studying some of the smallest things. Blue and crimson are bathed in the warmth of autumn sunlight, so a great triangle of primary colors pivots on a constantly moving balance point.

Two Red Pears

Two Red Pears, 11" by 14", oil on linen board, October 2008

Private collection, Saskatchewan, Canada

Just as they were about to turn into dog treats, I decided to carve out a larger study of two of these red pears. Something about the shape of a pear that is so comforting...if only they were larger, and warm, and could cook. I'm just kidding, they're just right the size they are.

A Tabasco Sauce Bottle

A Tabasco Sauce Bottle, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, October 2008

Private collection, Washington, DC

Today I revisited a Tabasco sauce bottle. I allowed it to remain fairly rough and carved out, just to capture the most basic elements of this iconic package.

A Salt Shaker

A Salt Shaker, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, October 2008

Private collection, Fairfax, Virginia

Today I carved out a small study of a salt shaker. It didn't occur to me how much this would be a study of nothing but salt, glass and chrome.

One Yellow Apple

One Yellow Apple, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, October 2008

Private collection, Newtown Square, Pennsylvania

Assorted piles of apples and peppers and dead sunflowers were left over from the weekend, so I carved out a small study of a yellow apple. It's an almost neon yellow that glows from the darkness of the late afternoon light.

A Red Pear

A Red Pear, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, October 2008

Private collection, Annandale, Virginia

I carved out a little study of a single red pear. Red barely plays into this piece, as the form is so much more a composite of the reflections than anything else. This may be a nice subject to study larger. Always larger...

Habanero Chili

A Habanero Chili, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, October 2008

Private collection, Newtown Square, Pennsylvania

Today I carved out a small study of a single habanero chili pepper. I was very challenged by the luminosity of the body of the pepper, while capturing a believable sense of light and gloss. I'm not sure how successful I was, and I'll probably revisit this subject again to see if I can't nail it down for once and for all. Shazam.

A Pumpkin

A Pumpkin, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, October 2008

Private collection, Annandale, Virginia

Today I carved out a small study of a single pumpkin. It's a strange feeling, when I work on a new subject, when I try to see it as a composite of color decisions. It barely feels like a painting, but more like nothing more than a picture of a pumpkin. Maybe I'm just not able to get enough distance from the painting, maybe my studio isn't big enough. Maybe I need to view it through a mirror, or maybe I need to stand on my head, or maybe I need Frank to look at it and tell me it's really a painting that I did of a pumpkin, and not an actual pumpkin. Of course he only sees the actual pumpkin as quite a tempting new toy.

A Sliced Mushroom

A Sliced Mushroom, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, September 2008

Private collection, Annandale, Virginia

Just when I thought I would never paint certain things, like....for instance, a mushroom, I find myself carving out a small study of a sliced mushroom. Suddenly I discover a whole new course of study in something as profoundly simple as a single mushroom.

A Tangerine

A Tangerine, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, September 2008

Private collection, Annandale, Virginia

And then I immediately carved out a nice little study of a single tangerine. For some reason I've always avoided attempting to capture citrus fruits. I'm not sure if it's something about the shine or the surface, but I've always felt that I was lacking in capturing anything from nothing but reflections. So, it seems I'm learning something new, again.

Two Strawberries

Two Strawberries, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, September 2008

Private collection, San Pedro, California

I carved out a small study of two strawberries. Something about this is very exciting, and I'm thinking about studying this subject on a much larger format.

A Sliced Lime

A Sliced Lime, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, September 2008

Private collection, Annandale, Virginia

I decided to carve out a small study of a sliced lime. It's a completely different green than I typically encounter on apples, so I'm stuck having to think my way through it all over again.

Three Blueberries

Three Blueberries, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, September 2008

Private collection, Alexandria, Virginia

Today I carved out a small study of three blueberries. It's all so fun, and blue. If blueberries came in larger sizes, say, the size of pomegranates, I could really have some fun.

A Prune Plum

A Prune Plum, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, September 2008

Private collection, Saskatchewan, Canada

I'm almost back to work again with a small study of a single prune plum.

A Japanese Eggplant

A Japanese Eggplant, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, August 2008

Private collection, San Jose, California

And then I finished a study of a Japanese eggplant. Suddenly there's a brand new spectrum of colors, and I may decide to execute a larger version of this piece.

Another Green Apple

One Green Apple, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, August 2008

Private collection, Fairfax, Virginia

I was giving a short lesson on color theory, and somehow the lesson spawned a small study of a green apple. Once again, I learned some exciting things about green, and about light, and brightness, and all those other good things.

An Eggplant

One Eggplant, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, July 2008

Private collection, Annandale, Virginia

Today I carved out a small study of a single eggplant. Suddenly everything I thought I knew pales in the face of one tiny eggplant. My education is ever ongoing.

Another Green Apple

One Green Apple, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, July 2008

Private collection, Annandale, Virginia

One Yellow Apple

One Yellow Apple, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, July 2008

Private collection, Richmond, Virginia

This piece is a study for a large painting I'll be starting tomorrow. I like the vibration of all the warm colors in the apple with the overly bright and cool background color.

A Sliced Lemon

A Sliced Lemon, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, July 2008

Private collection, Annandale, Virginia

Today I carved out a small study of a sliced lemon. Aside from being a challenge, it sure does smell nice.

One Green Apple

One Green Apple, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, July 2008

Private collection, Glen Allen, Virginia

As I prepare to dive into yet another series of granny smith apples, I carved out a small study of a single green apple.

An Older Painting

Two Pears, 11" by 14", October 2007

Private collection, Los Gatos, California

I decided to post this older piece just to see how far I've come in the past year. Again and again I learn about the creation of depth and space and mass. This painting is from a short series where I explored the effect of patterns of color to create atmosphere. The end effect was the creation of vibration in what would otherwise only be still life.