The making of "Au Petit Versailles"

For some of my paintings, I recorded their progress by taking photos along the way.  I would like to share the steps it took to show the development of the painting to the final result.  So below are photos showing the gradual progress to this painting that might give some insight for other artists.

When all was said and done, I was happy with the result.  I did end up cropping a little bit off the bottom.  Thought it made a better composition.  As you can see, I also muted the background street scene to put more emphasis on the objects in the window.  I will gladly answer any questions viewers have in addition to what is shown here.

"Venetian Gold" in Splash 11

The new edition of "Splash 11-New Directions" is out on the bookshelves! My painting "Venetian Gold" made it into this book because of the new direction that my paintings are taking recently.

The quote by Anais Nin is one that I supplied keeping in theme with the book. The quote reads:

...."and the day came when the risk it took to remain all tight in the bud became more painful than the risk it took to blossom."

This is so true in many areas of life. We don't care for change but in order to grow and blossom, you have to move forward even when it seems painful and scary to do so. I recently went through a scary time of uncertainty, not knowing what was going to happen in my life, but you have to trust the universe to help you out along with yourself. I'm happy to be a part of this wonderful book and I feel that the design and layout of this one is the classiest in the series. Check it out yourselves.

Glass Reflections III

After spending more time on my digital work and not enough time on my watercolor painting, I have completed number 3 in my series of glass studies watercolor paintings. This is one of a Murano glass bowl by Fratelli Tasi in Venice and of Paper Nautilus shells that I happen to be lucky enough to have in my collection of interesting objects. They are rare finds in that, they rarely wash up on beaches because they are delicate shells that crumble before being able to do so. If I have my facts correct, they are shells from baby octopus. They are related to the Nautilus shell family.

I happen to get my hands on them from an acquaintance who received them from a friend living in South Africa and saw them on the beach and sent them through the mail to him. He didn't know what to do with them and asked me, the artist, if I would want them. Of Course!

I love the play of light on glass that is why I have done a series called Glass Reflections. They are abstract in nature but yet representational. Any comments on my latest addition is welcome.

Going Green

The painting that I have been posting on my blog in stages is finished. There might be some slight twiking here or there but will be minimal. You have to know when to quit. I find that after I finish a piece, I can't really see it anymore. I have to get away from it. This was one of my largest paintings that I have ever done. You learn something with each one. I believe I will call this one, "Going Green".

New Painting

Here is a new painting of a scene that I saw in the old town part of Nice, France. It was early morning actually on a Saturday when the outdoor markets are open. The light and the colors in Nice are out of this world and I can see why artists take up residence in the south of France. Painting is representational but very abstract. A study in linear elements. The striped pattern reflected Nice itself with the open air markets and canopys.

The shop to the left holds the memory of me going in there and walking out with a french L' Toile quilt that I could not resist. The price was too good to be true but as I found out later it cost me a fortune to have it shipped back home. I did not want to carry this on the plane with me what with all the searches and scans you have to go through. But it was worth it because of the memories. My friend, who offered to carry this for me for the rest of day, could not believe that I bought a bedspread to begin with.

Painting remains unnamed at the moment.