Summer Ideas...

The weather has been fabulous and it won't be long before sitting at the beach on the weekend will be on everyone's mind. This painting is 24x48 and is titled "We have all day..."  I am dropping off my work for the Norfolk Academy Art show tomorrow. The opening is scheduled for the 28th of April from 6-8. It's always a lovely time and a beautiful school, so think about coming to the opening and checking out the art.

Mannino's Restaurant has Artwork

Last weekend I dropped off a few paintings at Mannino's Italian Bistro in Virginia Beach. They have eight of my paintings and because the restaurant has two locations (Princess Anne Road and Pleasure House Road) I am not sure yet which location they decided to hang my stuff. The menu looks great and I am interested in the Lump Crab and Spinach Ravioli when we go for dinner. You can check out their menu and information a http://www.manninositalianbistro.com/ . Next on my agenda is that I will be attending my high school reunion soon and it will be great to see a bunch of old people trying to remember what everyone used to look like. Ciao!

Spring Brights

I painted this a couple of weeks ago and while working kept trying to keep things more angular and squarish. I am happy with the result and the colors which are very clean and pop well. It is going into the Norfolk Academy Art Show, which opens on the 30th of April. Lots to do to get ready. I have promised several people that I will start posting prices and sizes. This is 18x24, in a wide, gold, plein aire frame and will sell for 475.00. Once I am through with this show stuff I will get back to my Palette of Places and will be working on Lexington, Virginia.

Winter Bouquet Oil Painting

My normal desire is to lean towards warm colors, so this palette is very different from my usual. I have been very busy getting ready for upcoming shows, Christmas last minute stuff and a dozen other errands. On top of that, the flu. It's that time of year and it seems that everyone is running around like a bunch of nuts!  My hope is that we all take a breather, remember what Christmas is all about and reflect on the many things we have been blessed with. I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!

Too Dark "Dark Whites"?

For me, it's all about contrast. I have heard more than once, that my work is very dark. I would like to think that I have many dark paintings and many lighter more colorful ones. An artist has an obligation to paint the way they have to in order to please themselves. Perhaps this sounds egotistical, but when you have a vision, a beginning and you follow it, you have to remain true to what and why you are in it for in the first place. In your own heart, you know what you wanted to say and do.