A Mortar and a Pestle

A Mortar and a Pestle, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, May 2008

Private collection, Scotch Plains, New Jersey

In my ongoing study of white on white, I tried my hand at a very challenging subject, a white porcelain mortar in a white porcelain pestle, against a white background.

A Porcelain Bowl

A Porcelain Bowl, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, May 2008

Private collection, Wayne, Pennsylvania

Today I carved out a study of an empty porcelain bowl. I have a few of these leftover diner pieces, with the distinctive red trim. The more I look, the more I can see. I think someday I might actually figure out how to paint.

Three Blueberries

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

Private collection, Gaithersburg, Maryland

In the aftermath of the weekend of a wedding, a wedding rehearsal party, an after wedding party and an after wedding party party, I was able to find some blueberries quietly waiting in a bowl of leftovers.

An Espresso Cup

A Cup of Espresso, oil on linen board, 5" by 7", May 2008

Private collection, Wayne, Pennsylvania

I finished this study of a cup of espresso last night, but the light had already faded before I could capture a final image. The depth of the porcelain surface is revealing an exciting new course of study. And espresso is an exciting way to make an exciting new day even more fresh and exciting and full of excitement. Ah, taste the excitement!

One Peach

One Peach, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, May 2008

Private collection, Fairfield, Connecticut

I always thought it was all but impossible for a painter like me to paint a peach. The reason is all because of one word...."peach fuzz."

Oh, that's right, that's really two words, but you get the idea.

A Porcelain Pitcher

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

Private collection, Larchmont, New York

Today I revisited the porcelain pitcher. I learned some good lessons about subtlety and depth and shine. The surface of ceramic glaze is very challenging, and I think I still have more to learn.

Two Thai Chili Peppers

Two Thai Chili Peppers, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, May 2008

Private collection, San Jose, California

Today I tried a study of two little Thai chili peppers. Some things are particularly challenging, on any scale. Painting big can reveal so many things that can be hidden when scrubbing around the details in something small.

One Strawberry

One Strawberry, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, May 2008

Private collection, Braddock Heights, Maryland

Suddenly I find myself spiralling down into the world of insignificant minutia in this new study of one single strawberry. The tiniest things now add up to bigger things.

Three Red Cherries

Three Red Cherries, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, May 2008

Private collection, Annandale, Virginia

Today I struggled with some ambitious new projects, and instead decided to carve out a small study of three red cherries.

One Red Cherry

One Red Cherry, 5" by 7", oil on linen board, May 2008

Private collection, Osler, Saskatchewan

I'm finally back with a study of a single red cherry. Now I understand the color called "cherry red".