Reflecting Neighbors

Oil on 3/8" Board. Approx 8"x8"

click to bid

I picked up this cup at a local resale shop. I love this style of mug. I think it's enamel plated...or something. Typically used when camping. Right? Anyway, it looked good with that lemon next to it. We have our next challenge painting coming up quick here. I think Sunday is when we post it. Keep an eye out.

Preserves

Oil on 3/8" Board. Approx 8"x8"

click to bid

I bought this jar of preserves specifically to paint. It was more than twice what I would usually pay for such an item...but to paint it, it was worth it. I wanted to play with edges when doing this one. Some of these edges are softer then I normally go and I do like that effect.

Review of My Paintings

Silly me. I keep forgetting to post about a fantastic review written about my paintings. It was written by Raymond Logan who is a painter that I admire a lot. i love his contrast in values and color variations. Anyway, please give it a read because I think Raymond hit the nail on the head with this one.
Oops, I forgot to put the link to the review. Please click here.

Frick Winery

Oil on 1/8" Board. Approx 16"x20" SOLD

This is the larger/complex commission I have been hinting about in previous posts. Okay, so I know this photo isn't the best but it was taken on my iPhone in less then ideal conditions. I put a few days into this painting and am really satisfied with the outcome. I still have a number of commissions that I am working my way to but painting time is still slim. I am trying to steal only about 3-4 hours a week at this point. That means I need to be extra productive during those work times. So far, so good.

Tulips

Oil on 3/8" Board. Approx 8"x8" SOLD

Yet another commission. I painted this one a while ago. I'm still making great progress on the complex commission I've been working on. Was hoping to finish it this week but it will definitely go into next week...but well worth the extra days.

Bottles (large version)

Oil on Gallery Wrapped Canvas. Approx 36"x42" SOLD

This is the full size version of the sketch I posted about a month ago. I has been shipped and delivered safe and sound. That was a relief. I was pretty nervous letting this go to the shipper even though I wrapped it up well. Anyway, This one was a biggie and I'm glad it has been checked off the list. I have another commission that is long over due in the works right now...and I can't wait to deliver that one.

Cheese Wedge

Oil on 3/8" Board. Approx 8"x8"

click to bid

My favorite part of this painting are the two lighter wood stripes on the cutting board. I think it was what this composition needed to keep thorough interest throughout.

A Slice of Red

Oil on 3/8" Board. Approx 8"x8"

For purchase info, please email michael@mnaples.com

I was so excited to start this painting. The problem with that is I didn't even make sure the hanging groove notched in the back was lined up with the top of the painting. SO the hanging groove is on the side. It could be "modern art" if you hang it that way...or it could be displayed a variety of other ways. With all that said, the starting price is a bit lower for this size.

Half Full (challenge painting)

Oil on 3/8" Board. Approx 8"x8"

For purchase info, please email michael@mnaples.com

Here is the next challenge. This one came up fast as well. The challenge this month was chosen by our newest member, Suzanne Berry and is "water". Below are our different interpretations of that subject.

"Fish Tale" Oil on Board, 6"x8", (c)2009 Diana Moses Botkin

"Ocean Waves", Oil on Canvas 18"x24" Marie Fox

"Sprinkler Park", Oil on Linen 11"x6" (c) 2009 Robin Cheers

"Cool, Cool, Water", Oil on Panel 8"x8" Vicki Ross

"Water Bottle", Oil on Canvas 16"x20" Suzanne Berry

Secluded

Oil on Board. Approx 8"x3.75"

For purchase info, please email michael@mnaples.com

I loved the cloud formation and colors in this scene. I wanted to capture the seclusion of the building structure.

Leaning Avocado

Oil on 1/8" Board. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

Here is another commission. I love to revisit the avocado theme. I have a larger painting in the works with this subject. I can't wait to get back into a groove of solid painting. It's killing me being away from the studio but I am loving the time with my kids. That's for sure.

Tomato On Antique Crate

Graphite on Strathmore Bristol Board. Approx 6"x6"

For purchase info, please email michael@mnaples.com

Here is a different offering today. This is something I was able to work on while being on baby duty since there was no mess and fumes. Safe for all new borns. This will also serve as a value study for a large version of this that I have in the works. Stay tuned for that.

Bakery Prep

Oil on 1/8" Board. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

This was a challenging painting but I tried to keep the expressiveness in the brush strokes. It was also a challenge to get the egg yolk to stay in the center of the flour. I don't really know my way around the kitchen so I was out of my element setting this one up.

Sliced Mango (the large version)

Oil on 1.5" Gallery Wrap Canvas. Approx 18"x18" SOLD

Yet another commission. This time it's of a painting I did a couple of years ago, except it 18" square. I have a few large painting in the works and I really like the increased amount of space to paint. The small paintings are always great but these are a new greatness. I still need to work out a method of photographing bigger pieces.

Spilled M&M's

Oil on 3/8" Board. Approx 8"x8" SOLD

Here is another commission. I was nervous starting this one because I'm not one to paint logos, type, etc. but I really enjoyed the details in this one. It makes me rethink my position on painting logos.

Coffee Corner (Challenge Painting)

Oil on 1/4" Board. Approx 7"x12"

For purchase info, please email michael@mnaples.com

I can't believe another month has gone by. Here is the next challenge painting. The subject this time was pantry shelves and/or cabinets. I sat at my kitchen table to paint this corner of my kitchen that I am most familiar with...the corner with the coffee maker.Below are the others'.

"Yo-Ho-Ho And A Bottle Of Rum" Oil on Panel, 6"x8", (c)2009 Diana Moses Botkin

"The Red Napkin", Oil on Canvas 16"x20" Marie Fox

"Staples", Oil on Panel 8"x16" (c) 2009 Robin Cheers

"Steel Cut Oats", Oil on Canvas 12"x12" Silvina Day

"Coming Out Of The Cabinet", Oil on Canvas 9"x12" Vicki Ross

"The Main Ingredients", Oil on Canvas 5"x7" Suzanne Berry

Bottles (sketch)

Oil on 1/4" Gessoboard. Approx 7"x9" NFS

This is a sketch I did for a large commission I received from a wonderful lady in Oklahoma. When I say large, I mean it's the largest painting I have done to date at 36"x42". That justified me doing a sketch first. I will post the finished large one sometime in the near future. In the meantime, since painting is a little slow because of the new baby and getting into a new schedule, I will be posting a few auctions for work that has recently become available again. You may click here to view the first.

Baby Lola

Baby Lola is here. Two weeks early but Mother and baby are healthy and home. She was born last Thursday, 9/3 weighing 8lbs. 2oz. Lucy is a proud big sis who loves giving kisses to her new baby sister. She still doesn't like sharing her space and toys but soon enough they will be best friends.

On The Edge

Oil on 1/8" Gessoboard. Approx 6"x6"

For purchase info, please email michael@mnaples.com

I love how the cast shadow from the mug hangs over the edge of the mantle. Also I very much like the "log cabin" feel in this composition. On a side note, I am scrambling to finish things I have in the works because in about two weeks our second baby will be born. I can't wait. Time has been dragging and flying by all at the same time. Do you know what I mean...?

Lemon Lineup

Oil on 1/4" Gessoboard. Approx 4"x8" SOLD

I was in the mood for something colorful yet simple.

Letters In The Sky

Oil on 1/8" Gessoboard. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

This is a view from downtown Glen Ellyn. My wife and I spent some time down there this past weekend. The weather was great, too. We finally have some Summer temps.

Rainbow in the Rain

Oil on 1/8" Gessoboard. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

From sunny sunsets to rainy rainbows. This was my view from my driveway. My main goal was to capture the density in the air, the humidity, and the misty rain coming down. Don't forget...you can't have a rainbow without the rain. Another note - I painted this whole painting with a #10 flat brush. It was huge and that made the painting go quick..and I don't feel I sacrificed any detail either. It's one of my favs right now.

Santa Monica Sunset

Oil on 1/8" Gessoboard. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

This is a photo I took when I was visiting my friends in LA over Memorial Day. They took me to Santa Monica beach which is a place I will never forget for a number of reasons. On our way back to the car the sun was setting and you could see the slight haze over the mountains. Incredible view.

Downtown Building

Oil on 1/8" Gessoboard. Approx 6"x6"

For purchase info, please email michael@mnaples.com

This is a building in downtown Wheaton. I have really enjoyed summer nights on the weekends walking around the downtown area with my family. Good times.

Wine Night (challenge painting)

Oil on 1/8" Gessoboard. Approx 8"x8" SOLD

Here is the next challenge painting. The subject this time was an unmade bed. Below are the others'.

"Expedition On An Unmade Bed" Oil on Board, 8"x10", (c)2009 Diana Moses Botkin

"Asleep At The Window Seat", Oil on Canvas 18"x24" Marie Fox

"The Old Brass Bed", Oil on Panel 10"x8" (c) 2009 Robin Cheers

"Unmade Bed", Oil on Canvas 9"x12" Silvina Day

"The Boys", Oil on Canvas 9"x9" Vicki Ross

Avocado Reflection

Oil on 1/8" Board Approx 6"x6" SOLD

I love how you can see both halves of the avocado reflected in the blue bowl even though only the seeded half is showcased in the foreground. I hope to use this bowl more predominantly in the near future. It has a cool look to it.

Cut Avocado

Oil on 1/8" Board Approx 6"x6" SOLD

I got really brushy with this one. I like, though.

Awaiting Fate

Oil on 1/8" Board Approx 8"x8" SOLD

This poor little lemon. About to get sliced and diced. He sure will taste good squeezed into some iced tea, though.

Reaching Steeple

Oil on 1/8" Board Approx 6"x6"

For purchase info, please email michael@mnaples.com

This is a church from downtown Elmhurst. It is a older upscale neighborhood. We were visiting our friend who just had a baby at the hospital in Elmhurst and I snapped this photo at a stop light.

Ship In The Night

Oil on 1/8" Board Approx 6"x6" SOLD

Here is the second Alaska painting. What a perfect shot of the glowing cruise ship next to the moon.

Alaskan Sunset

Oil on 1/4" Board Approx 4"x8"

For purchase info, please email michael@mnaples.com

From palm trees to an Alaskan sunset. A co-worker went on an Alaskan cruise a few weeks ago. When I was flipping through her photos, I just had to paint a couple. There may be another from the alaskan series soon.

Three Palms

Oil on 1/8" Gessoboard Approx 6"x6" SOLD

Another shot from LA. I don't get to see many palm trees. Maybe every few of years or so. To me, they are a mysterious tree. So thin and tall yet so strong. They sway like crazy without breaking. And are a pleasure to paint with their expressiveness.

Double Yolk

Oil on 3/8" Gessoboard (this board has a hanger groove notched in the back) Approx 8"x8" SOLD

This painting kind of had a slow start to it. It wasn't until the last half hour or so when the intensity and drama really came out. At that point it was like "achieving flow". Runners talk about that sort of thing (at least I did when I was a runner). When you're on a long run, at 8 or 9 miles of an 18 miler you just hit a groove where the rest of the miles just flow right by. Now that I am reminiscing about those day I really miss it. Any other runners out there reading this?

Punch Buggy

Oil on 1/8" Gessoboard. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

This is a scene from LA when I was there over Memorial Day weekend. I was driving in my friend's car and saw this bug on the side of the road. I wiped out my camera and took this photo. He probably thought I it was strange since it wasn't a major landmark or a tourist attraction. Oh well, I like how this painting turned out.

Cracked Shell

Oil on 1/8" Gessoboard. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

The whole time I was painting this I kept thinking about an artist's blog that I always visit. Jeremy Geddes. He paints cosmonauts and these reminded me of the helmets. Check this guy out. His work is deliciously morbid and super realistic. I love it.

Self Portrait (Challenge Painting)

Oil on 1/8" Gessoboard. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

Here is the next challenge painting. This time it was my turn to choose the subject. I wanted to pick something I haven't painting in years...self portrait. I picked a pose that didn't show my receding hair line. Below are the others'.

"Make Me Beautiful, Rembrandt!" Oil on Panel, 8"x6", (c)2009 Diana Moses Botkin

"Making Up My Own Story", Oil on Canvas 24"x20" Marie Fox

"Self Portrait Loathing", Oil on Panel 12"x12" (c) 2009 Robin Cheers

"Self-Portrait with Steve's Shirt", Oil on Canvas 11"x14" Silvina Day

"ME ala Schmid", Oil on Canvas 8"x10" Vicki Ross

"Self Portrait", Pastel 8"x10" Mike Beeman

Bird On A Wire

Oil on 1/8" Gessoboard. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

This darn utility pole again. I love it tough. I could walk out into my backyard any day of the week and see this in a new way each time. This time I caught a bird perfectly perched on the wire.

Reflecting

Oil on 1/8" Gessoboard. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

A little different take on the same strawberry. I have never painted a strawberry in such detail before these. They are crazy little things. All those seeds, highlights and reflecting light. It is a plethora of value and color transitions.

Single Strawberry

Oil on 1/8" Gessoboard. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

Simple but detailed today. I really enjoyed painting this strawberry. From the reflected light to those very specific highlights.

Tulips

Oil on 3/8" Canvas Board. Approx 8"x8" SOLD

Here is something that is not so typical of me...and I like it. I used an 8x8 board with a groove for a hanger already cut in the back so framing is optional.

Water Tower

Oil on 1/8" Gessoboard. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

I took this snap shot on one of our road trips to Tennessee. I think I spent more time on the background then on the water tower itself. I tried to keep the trees simple but detailed enough to not be recognizable.

Detached

Oil on 1/8" Gessoboard. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

This setup seemed to defy the norm when it comes to light and shadow. The tomato didn't really have a shadow area. Instead that area was close to the local color and light/midtones were lightened to accommodate. I hope that makes sense. Just know that it was weird but interesting to view.

Cozy Pears

Oil on 1/8" Gessoboard. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

I have a larger painting in the works of a composition very similar to this. I hope to get it done in the next couple of weeks. We'll see. I liked how these pears seemed to be cuddled together nice and cozy.

Missing Tomato

Oil on 1/8" Gessoboard. Approx 6"x6"

For purchase info, please email michael@mnaples.com

If you were following my auctions you may have noticed that ebay removed ALL of my paintings. They accused me of breaking rules and regs but I simply didn't. It's too late now, they took the auctions down. All the bids and watchers..gone. On top of that, they suspended my account from auction style listings for the next 2 weeks so I can only do fixed price listings until then. SO I relisted my current paintings as fixed price listings so now the first bid wins. I apologize for all the inconvenience and hope that the interested parties return. Thanks!

Main Street Steeple

Oil on 1/8" Gessoboard. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

This church is located in downtown Lombard. Right on Main Street if you didn't guess that already.

Apple-Tini

Oil on 3/8" Canvas Board. Approx 9"x12" SOLD

This painting took two days. It just so happens that those two days were about a month apart. It's something I couldn't drag myself back to to complete. Finally yesterday, I dug my heels in a finished it. I really like the result. Typically my paintings are done in one sitting so there is essentially one layer. Having two layers on this one helped judge the values and color to be more accurate and attractive...at least to me. Sorry for the glare on the photo, I have trouble shooting anything bigger then 6x6. I need someone to come teach me how to photograph.

The Face Off

Oil on Board. Approx 8"x8" SOLD

I missed the challenge from last month but I am back on track this month. The challenge was to paint something shiny from your kitchen...right up my alley. I revisited these two items from my arsenal. Next month is my turn to choose the challenge and the gears are turning. Below are the others' versions for June.

"Press Event" Oil, 7"x 5", (c)2009 Diana Moses Botkin

"Flour Scoop and Silver Cup", Oil on Canvas 8" x 10" Marie Fox

"Spoons", Oil on Panel 6"x12" (c) 2009 Robin Cheers

"Serving Spoon", Oil on Canvas 8x10 Silvina Day

"Steel Cut Berries", Oil on Board 6"x12" Vicki Ross

"Gravy Boat and Cherries", Pastel 8"x8" Mike Beeman

Utility Pole In Sunset

Oil on 1/8" Gessoboard. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

I painted this utility pole once before. It is just at the edge of my back yard. I couldn't resist this with the pink sky. I don't use much pink in my paintings so this was a nice change. I really like how the power lines turned out.

Fortune Cookie

Oil on 1/8" Gessoboard. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

And here is the fortune cookie from that night of chinese take out a while back. Any guesses as to what the fortune says?

Close-Up Pear Study

Oil on 1/8" Gessoboard. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

I have a large pear painting in progress so wanted to use this one as a little study of the color and value variety of the pear. I watched a short you tube video from Richard Schmid and he said "It's better to have put a color in then to not have put it in at all". I think that is because once it's in you can adjust it, but without it there is no basis to start from. Those words stuck with me and this painting has more color variation then my usuals...which I like.

Chinese Take Out

Oil on 3/8" Canvas Board. Approx 8"x8" SOLD

It didn't dawn on me to paint the left over chinese food box until I opened my fridge a couple days later. It was like a light from above shining down. I was instantly inspired. I felt compelled to use a larger board for this one. It is a 3/8" thick board that has a groove for a hanger already cut in the back so framing is optional.

Overflow

Oil on 1/8" Gessoboard. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

This is actually a Mother's Day gift for my Mom. It's a bit late but I couldn't find cherries anywhere at that time. Anyway I hope it's worth the wait, Mom.

Triple Yolks

Oil on 1/8" Gessoboard. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

My wife was baking in the kitchen and I jumped in for a second to shot this photo with my phone. Not the most ideal reference but a great challenge to create a painting from.

Hot Dog Special

Oil on 3/8" Board. Approx 8"x8" SOLD

Here is the second painting that was a gift for another friend in L.A. a week and a half ago. I was nervous going into this painting. I knew it was no simple task. The hot dog was going to be a challenge but the paper was going to make or break the whole piece. I think this is my all-time favorite painting. It's something different from my usual work and, for me, was a complete success.

One Red Apple

Oil on 1/8" Gessoboard. Approx 6"x6"

For purchase info, please email michael@mnaples.com

Simple, right? I know. My goal here was to bring as much interest to this as possible in the painting process. I let more brush strokes drag accross the surface and embellished the reflected lights on both sides of the apple. I am pleased with the end result.

"Cherries On Glass"

Oil on 1/8" Gessoboard. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

This is the first time I set something up on a piece of glass. I really like the whole reflections it shows. Not just the implication of a reflection. It was a nice challenge.

Teapot

Oil on 3/8" Board. Approx 8"x8" SOLD

I painted this as a gift for a friend I visited in L.A. this past holiday weekend. It was a rockin' time. A lot of laughing and people watching. I saw all of the sites that I have only seen on TV before. My wife actually got me the trip. She planned it all ahead of time for my 30th birthday which was earlier this month. That's why I say she's the best.

"Dolly Mix"

Oil on 1/4" Board. Approx 6"x6"

For purchase info email susan.brownlow@artunderamonkey.co.uk.

If you live in the UK you may know this candy. It's called Dolly Mix and from what I hear, it's great (i have to admit I didn't eat any of the candy). It's the last of five requests for an online gallery that is in startup mode right now. If you are interested in purchasing, you may do so direct from the site's creator, Susan.

"High Speed Train"

Oil on 1/8" Gessoboard. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

Something a bit different today. In this scene the viewer has the perspective of traveling at the same speed as the train so the background is blurred and the train is crisp.

"Railroad Keys"

Oil on 1/4" Board. Approx 8"x10" SOLD

My wife's Dad worked as a switchman for the railroad for about 45 years. These are keys from there. If I'm not mistaken, the small one is the switch key and the long one is a caboose key.

I haven't posted much lately but that does not mean I haven't been painting. I have two more paintings to post but have to wait to post them. I also have another 20x20 painting in the works. I'm trying to expand my portfolio of 'large' work.

"Pear Portrait"

Oil on 1/8" Gessoboard. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

I have been super busy lately. Yesterday was my daughter's first birthday party. We had about 60 people at our house. It was insanity, but overall a great party. All that and Lucy won't even remember it. I can't believe she is coming up on being one. Time is really flying by. Oh and Happy Mother's Day!!!

"Sunlit Apples"

Oil on 1/8" Gessoboard. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

Not much to say about these apples besides they looked good in the sun. Good enough to eat.

"White Study with Mug"

Oil on 1/8" Gessoboard. Approx 6"x6"

For purchase info, please email michael@mnaples.com

Sometimes you have to go back to the basics. I wanted to do a value study with general light tones while still keep form and dimension to the object.

"Peeled Orange No.3"

Oil on 1/8" Gessoboard. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

This orange feels solid and strong. That's why i like it. I focused a lot on edges in this painting - mainly trying to keep them soft.

Another New Portrait

Graphite on Bristol Board. Approx 8"x11" SOLD

Here's the second portrait. The last for a while. I may take a break from the mountain scapes for some still lifes. Stay tuned for those.

"Untouched Peaks"

Oil on 1/8" Gessoboard. Approx 6"x6"

For purchase info, please email michael@mnaples.com

As we drove through and up the mountains we were pondering the fact that humans may have never stopped foot on the mountains tops we were looking at. That's a deep thought.

"Mountain Ridge"

Oil on 1/8" Gessoboard. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

I wanted to focus on the background more on this painting. Really trying to capture the atmosphere in those mountains.

"Sunlit Church"

Oil on 1/8" Gessoboard. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

Gatlinburg, TN is filled with spirituality. Churches and Jesus references everywhere. What attracted me to this scene was how the sun seemed to peak through the clouds at the perfect moment. Almost like it was shining only on this church. I took a snap shot while in a moving vehicle.

"Black Crow"

Oil on 1/8" Gessoboard. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

In the mountains, we pulled up to a look out point. One of those views where you can see the entire horizon of gorgeous mountains. As soon as I stepped out of the car I saw this crow standing there and I had to snap a photo. It was the good lighting that caught my eye.

"Cloud Study No.2"

Oil on 1/8" Gessoboard. Approx 6"x6"

For purchase info, please email michael@mnaples.com

For the past 10 years or so, I've wanted to paint a ceiling with clouds. I just never had the guts to do it. It certainly would be a 'one sitting' painting. If I did do that it would probably look something like this painting.

"Utility Pole with Mountains"

Oil on 1/8" Gessoboard. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

A couple of weeks ago we went to the smokey mountains. I took a bunch of photos and I started painting the good ones. This is the first.

New Portrait

Graphite on Bristol Board. Approx 8"x11" SOLD

Here is the first of two commissioned portraits. The second one should be posted sometime next week. I wrote yesterday about a blog award. Well two great painters picked my blog to receive this award and I am flattered. Those two artists are Jennifer Phillips and LC Neill. The rules are you list 7 things you love and pick 7 others to pass the award to. So here it goes...

Seven things I love:
1. My wife, daughter, and not yet born baby.
2. My studio
3. Power Tools
4. My iPhone
5. Cheeses of all kinds
6. Doing things myself (as opposed to hiring 'a professional'
7. A pint of good beer

Seven artist who deserve the award (there's many more than seven)
Alvin Richard
Sadie J. Valeri
David Jon Kassan
Mike Barr
Jeremy Geddes
Jason Seiler
Stephen Magsig

"Baby Shoes"

Oil on 1/8" Gessoboard. Approx 6"x6 SOLD

Here are the third challenge paintings. The subject this month was your favorite shoes. Mine happen to belong to my daughter, Lucy. I can't believe she will be one next month. Time flies. Below are the others' versions.

"Knights in Pink Satin" Oil on Panel, 5x7, (c)2009 Diana Moses Botkin

"The Red Shoes" Oil on Canvas 12x12 Marie Fox

"Decisions" 8x9 Oil on Paper BoardRobin Cheers

"Red Silk Espadrilles" 11x14 Silvina Day

"Shoo-Fly" 8x10 Oil on BoardVicki Ross

Single Samoa

Oil on 1/8" Gessoboard. Approx 6"x6"

For purchase info, please email michael@mnaples.com

Who doesn't love Girl Scout cookies? I think there are 5 seasons; Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring, and Girls Scout Cookie Season. Samoas are one of my favorites along with the peanut butter ones.

I recent have been chosen by a couple fellow daily painters to receive a blog award. When I have more time to type will follow the rules of receiving that award. Stay tuned tomorrow when we post our new challenge paintings for April.

"The Proposal"

Oil on 3/8" Gesso Board. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

This is a custom commission for a couple who is about to be engaged. The baseball player and his soon to be bride. I must say the ring is a beauty. I felt a little paranoid having it in my possession.

"Formal Apple"

Oil on 1/8" Gesso Board. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

I'm back from our road trip '09 and can't wait to paint some of the pics I took. We went to the smokey mountains in Gatlinburg, TN. Great time down there.

I am trying out a new board. It's an 1/8" gesso board that is primed in the same way as my other boards...with black acrylic. It is thinner to work on but I like it.

"Lime with Glass"

Oil on Board. Approx 10"x8" SOLD

This is a commission. I can't really find much to say about it. I like the composition and how the glass looks. There, that was something.

"Corked"

Oil on Board. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

We all post about those paintings that just flow off the brush. Well this is mine. I felt like every stroke I put down was a keeper. A few highlights in the right spots and it was done. I really like how the cast shadow was the color of the bottle. Interesting.

"Two Corks"

Oil on Board. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

Here are a couple of corks I recently acquired. I wanted to really focus on the details of them such as the nooks, cracks and textures.

"Lime Slice"

Oil on Board. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

Well here is a new painting. I just got over a cold a couple weeks ago and then came down with a sinus infection that leveled me all last week. I finally went to the doc for antibiotics because I wasn't getting any better. I guess it's the season. Enough germy blabber, I have a few more paintings this week to finish off the month. Stay tuned...

"Eggplant"

Oil on Board. Approx 6"x6 SOLD

Here are the second challenge paintings. The subject was eggplant...any way you like it. I went more traditional as usual but it was my first time paint this subject. Below are the others' versions.

"Attack on the Eggplant" Oil, 8"x 6", (c)2009 Diana Moses Botkin

"It's Just A Big Ole Eggplant" 14"x10" (c)2009 Dianne Mize

"Huddled Eggplants" 11" x 14" Marie Fox

"Farmers Market" (c) 2009 Robin Cheers

"Eggplants" 8x10 Silvina Day

"Eggplant?" by Vicki Ross 14x11

"Fruit Pastilles No.2"

Oil on Board. Approx 6"x6"

For purchase info, please email susan.brownlow@artunderamonkey.co.uk.

And this is the commission painting. Actually it's kind of a commission. It was requested to be painted to then put up on an online gallery that is in startup mode right now. If you are interested in purchasing, you may do so direct from the site's creator, Susan.

"Fruit Pastilles"

Oil on Board. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

I am back in the studio and feeling 100%. I almost forgot how it felt to be sick but it all came back to me really fast. Anyway, this is a candy from the United Kingdom. It was a commission (which I will post tomorrow) but I thought I would do a composition for myself...I mean to offer for sale. I didn't even eat one of these little candies.

"Hanging Key"

Oil on Board. Approx 5.5"x11.5" SOLD

I have painted this key in the past, but this one is by far my favorite. One thing I was concentrating on was getting the 'hanging feel' to this. Showing how the center of gravity shifts when the key hangs to the right.

On another note, I am coming down with a cold (first one in 27 months) and might take a few days off.

"Red Sky"

Oil on Board. Approx 5"x6" SOLD

What's the saying? Red sky at night, sailor's delight. Red sky in morning, sailors take warning. Well I guess this would fall under the delight category.

"Twist Off"

Oil on Board. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

Simple but detailed. There isn't much else to say about this except it was a good beer. Also I can't believe February is just about over. That's nuts!

"Espresso with Mug and Spoon"

Oil on Board. Approx 20"x20" SOLD

Here is the reason why i didn't post anything last week. It's 20" square and took a bit longer then I thought it would. Now I have to get to work on a commission that has been sitting around way too long. Coming up in early March (which is next week already) I have a couple more of these 20x20's planned.

"The Line Up" (challenge painting)

Oil on Board. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

This is the first month of a new challenge I was approached about. Diana Botkin coordinated this and we all get to pick a new subject each month. It's a fun little project to paint what you may not usually paint. Below are the others' versions.

"Snow! Why'd it Have to be Snow?!" Oil, 3.5"x 5", (c)2009 Diana Moses Botkin

"Toy Knight Turns Artist" (c)2009 Dianne Mize

"Soldier Boy, Please Don't Go!" 8" x 10" Marie Fox

“Cheyenne Funnel Beak” 5” x 7” oil Mike Beeman

"Anna at Play" (c) 2009 Robin Cheers

"Call Me Plastic Figure One More Time" 8x10 Silvina Day

"Le'go my Sake" by Vicki Ross 6x12

"Utility Pole In Sunset Moon"

Oil on Board. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

I love when the sun is setting and the moon gets that glow about it. Also this is my first attempt at a utility pole. I really liked painting the power lines. Implying them but not making them too perfect. It was a good exercise to stay loose yet controlled.

"Pink Mary Janes"

Oil on Board. Approx 6"x6"

For purchase info email susan.brownlow@artunderamonkey.co.uk.

Here is the different take on the mary janes I promised a few posts back. This one was requested to be painted to then put up on an online gallery that is in startup mode right now. If you are interested in purchasing, you may do so direct from the site's creator, Susan.

"Bottle Top"

Oil on Board. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

I got this unique bottle from a lady I work with (thanks Cindy). I couldn't resist this topper with the combination of the glass and metal. Last week i started work on a 20"x20" painting that I hope to post this coming week. We'll see, but I can't wait until I can call it done.

"Pear-tini"

Oil on Board. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

"Baby Janes"

Oil on Board. Approx 6"x6" Commission SOLD

I received this commission based on my other Mary Janes painting. These shoes were actually shipped to me to be specifically used. That made it personal for the collector. Also, I have another Mary Janes painting coming up. It's kind of the opposite of the first 2.

"Antique Silver Creamer"

Oil on Board. Approx 6"x6" SOLD.

Another new still life item. This looked medieval to me. Also, for whatever reason, when you touch this creamer your skin picks up some sort of funk on it. The silver doesn't have an odor by its self but if you touch it your hand will smell. Weird.

"Silver Lining"

Oil on Board. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

I just bought this silver bowl last week even though I said to myself that I wasn't going to buy new still life items until I painted more of my current (but not yet painted) stash. I really like how it looks and will definitely use it in the future.

"Golden"

Oil on Board. Approx 4"x7" SOLD

Here is another one of the still life items I purchased quite a while ago that I never got around to painting...until now. I really like how this turned out with the warmth of the subject against the cool background.

"Milk Bottle On Sill"

Oil on Board. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

It was perfect when I saw the sun hitting the window sill like this. I had to capture the moment with this antique milk bottle.

"PB and J Knife"

Oil on Board. Approx 7"x4" SOLD

A little bit of a different take on my favorite subject...the peanut butter and jelly.

"Reflecting on the Reflective"

Oil on Board. Approx 8"x8" SOLD

I have a large number of still life items in my studio. I have bought a bunch but have yet to paint them. This creamer is one of those that I am finally painting. It a challenging subject because it's so reflective. The color is a bit brown, purple, blue...it all depends on how the light is hitting it.

"Early Risers"

Oil on Board. Approx 8"x8" SOLD

Well I've said before that I love coffee and the mugs that go with it. My favorite is this thick diner mug. This is a bit larger then my usual daily paintings. I have some boards that are different sizes that I will be painting on in the near future.