Tulips

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

click to purchase

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"

click to purchase

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"

For purchase info, please email michael@mnaples.com

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"

For purchase info, please email michael@mnaples.com

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"

For purchase info, please email michael@mnaples.com

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"

For purchase info, please email michael@mnaples.com

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.

"Side By Side"

Oil on Board. Approx 11"x6" SOLD

"Clementine with Reflection"

Oil on Board. Approx 3.875"x6" SOLD

I tried pulling a Carol Marine today. What does that mean you ask? It means you crank out a painting while your child is napping. I really didn't have much time because I knew it would be a short nap. But I still managed to complete this small study of a clementine.

2008 has been a great year for me. I sold my old house, bought a new (better) house, had my first baby, and did 171 daily paintings. Not too shabby. I have some big goals for the new year to come and when I'm back from holiday break I will get started on those goals. Happy New Year to everyone who's reading this.

"Sunlit"

Oil on Board. Approx 10"x4" SOLD

I've said in the past that I'm not much of a floral painter but I think this painting could be my all time favorites. It was one of the quickest too, which is always a good thing.

"Holiday Drink No.3"

Oil on Board. Approx 8"x6" SOLD

I hope every had a great Christmas. I know we did. Here is the third and final painting of this drink series.

"Holiday Drink No.2"

Oil on Board. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

Here is the second version. I do have a third version in the works but may not get that one done before the Holiday. I thought I was doing good on time and now al of a sudden I'm in a panic. Shopping, wrapping, etc.

"Holiday Drink No.1"

Oil on Board. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

I actually painted this one on Thursday but haven't had a chance to post it until now. Busy, busy. The no.2 version of this is coming tomorrow. Stay tuned...

"Holiday Spirits"

Oil on Board. Approx 9"x12"

I noodled over a title for this piece with my wife. A few suggestions were "The Happy Couple", "Holiday Spirits", "BFF's". Anyway this is the last Christmas commission for the year. I'd like to say that I am done for the year but i will be posting at least 5 more paintings this month. Going into the new year, I have three or four larger paintings I am planning out. I really can't wait to get those in the works. Soon it will be time to recap 2008 and collect my thoughts on the year to come. It should be an exciting year.

Another New Portrait

Graphite on Bristol Board. Approx 8"x11"

Last portrait before Christmas. I still have one painting commission left then it's back to a normal schedule. I kinda can't wait. I have a few ideas waiting to go and I'm getting anxious to do them. Anyway the next painting is a 9x12 and it's detailed. Stay tuned...

New Portrait

Graphite on Bristol Board. Approx 8"x11"

Another portrait. This is the second to last one for the holiday season. I can't wait. I count them down every year. The truth is I don't enjoy doing them. I used to years ago, but now I'm only interested in painting. The process is so much quicker and more satisfying. At the same time these are jobs and I appreciate having them so I should stop complaining.

"Spoon Study"

Oil on Board. Approx 6"x4" SOLD

I did this little spoon study in my typical gray palette. I have received a few emails lately asking about how I achieve the grays that I do. Well, first I mix burnt sienna and ultramarine blue to get as close to black as I will go. Then I can add titanium white to get the grays. If I want a warmer gray I'll add more burnt sienna or maybe yellow ochre and if I want cooler grays, I'll add more ultramarine or maybe cerulean blue.

"Taffy Apple"

Oil on Board. Approx 6"x8" SOLD

This is the first time I've painted a taffy apple. My favorite part is the reflective nature of the caramel. The color almost goes to a deep purple in the shadow on the caramel. Truly a fun one to paint.

New Portrait and Book News

Graphite on Bristol Board. Approx 8"x11"

When I think of artistic challenges this portrait would probably be number one. It was borderline torture at certain times but absolutely satisfying when I completed it today. It is actually a gift for my Aunt and I can't wait to show it to her.

In other news, I put up an auction for my book of my Daily Paintings. It's a 56-page full color book that features the first 300 of my daily paintings. A great holiday gift idea. If you're interested you can click here.

"Calalily"

Oil on Board. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw a group of beautiful Calalilies. I had to buy them. I've said this before, I'm not much of a floral painter, but I wanted to capture the luminosity of this flower. Not too bad I think.

"Red Apple"

Oil on Board. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

"Complementary Pears"

Oil on Board. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

You may recognize these two pears from the recent paintings. I love how the red and green colors make such great contrast. My favorite part is how the red pear is reflecting it's color on the green pear. That's what drew me to this composition.

"Lonely Red Pear"

Oil on Board. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

I used a couple of old stiff bristled brushes for this one. I haven't used these brushes in well over a year. I typically use a soft flat #5 brush. It allows me to keep things loose yet still smear paint in a smooth fashion.

Here is an updated pic of Lucy, me, and my wife. They came to visit me at work on Halloween. She is a whopping 5 months now (Lucy that is) and is at a fun age...a real fun age.

"Resting Pear"

Oil on Board. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

You may know that I love painting pears. The way the light wraps around their unique shape. I love it. I thought this one especially interested on its side.

"Two Lemons"

Oil on Board. Approx 6"x6"

For purchase info, please email michael@mnaples.com.

Here's a quick lemon study. I focused mainly on contrast of value and capturing the direct light coming from the right.

"Reclining Leaf"

Oil on Board. Approx 8"x4 SOLD

I painted this leaf a few months ago. It was such a cool leaf to me that I kept it on my still live shelves. When on it's side, it looks like it's reclining.

"Creamer"

Oil on Board. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

"Mary Janes"

Oil on Board. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

When I saw this pair of shoes at the store, I had to get them. Lucy looks so cute in them. They have such a classic look to them.

"Fly Away"

Oil on Board. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

Last weekend my wife and a couple friends went apple picking. She came home with a bag of the best apples I've eaten in while. This particular apple had some great leaves still attached. I love that part.

"Wayne"

Graphite on Bristol Board. Approx 8"x11"

This is my wife's father, Wayne. I did this portrait for her Mom. It is a bit overdue, but then again, I have a number of portraits in my 'to do' pile that have been sitting a while. This is a great photo of him. It really conveys that glimmer he had. Stay tuned this week, as I will have a number of small paintings coming up.

"Popped"

Oil on Board. Approx 6"x3.75" SOLD

"PB and J No.11"

Oil on 2" thick cradled hardboard. Approx 12"x12" SOLD

This painting is not huge but it's significantly bigger then my usual Daily Paintings. It's painted on a 2" thick cradled hardboard with the edges painted black. This way it is ready to hang without framing. Much more convenient then spending the extra $ on a frame. I will get a few small paintings posted soon and plan on completing another large piece this month.

"Split Avocado #2" (the large version)

Oil on Gallery Wrapped Canvas. Approx 24"x24" SOLD

This is the reason there has been such a gap in between postings. I've put some time into this one. I usually paint small daily paintings but want to get into larger works. This painting will soon be on it's way to Kelietza Boutique and Gallery in Sarasota, FL.

"Avocado Half Part 2"

Oil on Board. Approx 4"x8" SOLD

Here is part 2. It was interesting capturing the convex properties of this one versus the concave properties of yesterday's. And how can I forget that trademark lime color of the avocado. This is one of the most amazing fruits in my opinion.

"Avocado Half Part 1"

Oil on Board. Approx 4"x8" SOLD

This is part 1 of a 2 part painting. maybe you can guess what the second part is...but maybe you can't. You will just have to sty tuned until tomorrow. I have a larger avocado painting in the works that will go to the Kelietza Boutique Gallery in Sarasota when complete. Stay tuned for that as well.

"Corra Cork"

Oil on Board. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

Here is the second of the 2 commissions. I will have some new auction paintings coming up this week...and some larger pieces that are in the works right now.

"Hollywood & Vine"

Oil on Board. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

Here is the first of 2 commission from a recent repeat collector. I believe he owns a winery or something. I will say that I love the Hollywood & Vine logo. It was a nice challenge to paint.

"Bubbly"

Oil on Board. Approx 4"x8" SOLD

Back to the indoors. Pop the top on the ol' bubbly.

"Cloud Study Over Trees"

Oil on Board. Approx 6"x6" For purchase info, email michael@mnaples.com

It's like an outdoor theme lately. A nice change of pace but I'll get back to some interior still life setups. Coming right up...

"Dual Steeples"

Oil on Board. Approx 4"x8" For purchase info, email michael@mnaples.com

I took this snap shot from the highway doing 65mph. I was going through milwaukee last month. They have a number of great looking churches in that area.

On another note, Dan from EmptyEasel.com wrote a very nice article about me. You can read it here.

"Chicago Sunset"

Oil on Board. Approx 4"x8" SOLD

I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago but was never really a city person. I even commuted to school downtown for 4 years. It was nice and fun but still would not want to live there. I'm a burbs guy for life. With that said, I don't paint many cityscapes but i really liked how the sun was setting and peaking through the buildings.

"High Heel"

Oil on Board. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

Here is a tighter, more technical painting today. It was my goal to capture that interesting shape of the shoe.

"Paper Bag with Tomatoes"

Oil on Board. Approx 8"x4" SOLD

Today is Tomato Tuesday for some of the Daily Paintworks members. This would be my contribution to that theme. My wife bought these from a veggie stand down the block from us. It's really just a table out front of a guy's house but he has the best (and most fresh) produce around.

My Book "THE FIRST 300"

Click to purchase.

So here is my surprise. I am proud to present my book called "The First 300". It's a 56 page, full color book that features 300 of my Daily Paintings. I put in a lot of work paintings each one of these paintings as well as the layout of this book so i am happy to offer it for sale to the public.

"Birthday Commission"

Oil on Board. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

When I read the email listing all the items to be featured in this still life, my jaw dropped. I was actually worried about fitting it all in a pleasing composition. So these are specific items requested to represent the client's girlfriend. The snickers bar (with a bite taken out of it), purple book, small bottle of water (representing rain), Diet Mountain Dew can, and a baseball. Yikes! I feel like I need to wipe the sweat from my brow. Anyway, happy birthday!

On another note, I spoke of a surprise I hoped to reveal this week but it turns out it will be next week. As early as Monday. Stay tuned...

"Wedged Apple No.3"

Oil on Board. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

"PB and J with Milk" (2 of 2)

Oil on Board. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

Here's the milk. This is one of a few commissions I have in the studio. You'll see the others shortly. Also, I have a little surprise coming up this week (hopefully). Definitely stay tuned for that news. Below is a composite of how the two paintings work together...or individually if chosen.

"PB and J with Milk" (1 of 2)

Oil on Board. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

Where's the milk, you say. Good question. That painting will come tomorrow. It's a diptych and was a customer's request.

"Figurative Leaf"

Oil on Board. Approx 4"x8" SOLD

I found this leaf outside of my work and it stood out to me. I thought it looked figurative when it sits on end like this. I like it a lot. Well, I'm off to northern Wisconsin to go white water rafting with a bunch of friends. Can't wait to sit in all the construction traffic...but it'll be worth it.

"Antique Milk Bottles"

Oil on Board. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

I found these two old milk bottles at the resale shop I patron frequently. I have seen the clear one for months but couldn't justify buying it until I found the cream colored one. They were meant for each other and I love how they look against the gray background.

"Baseball with Book"

Oil on Board. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

I haven't used a baseball as a still life since I was doing daily drawing (as opposed to daily paintings) back in August of 2006. I am quickly approaching my 2 year anniversary of this blog.

In other news I would like to officially launch my new website. It's a few months late but better late then never. The site is www.mnaples.com. I also have a new email connected to that site which is michael@mnaples.com.

"Blue Moon with Blue Moon"

Oil on Board. Approx 11"x14" SOLD

The Blue Moon Art Show was last Thursday and it was a great event. It really felt like a real gallery show. It was held at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Downtown Chicago and had gourmet food and Blue Moon beer flowing all night long. Unfortunately I didn't receive any further awards that evening but there was still a lot of great support from friends and family that came out. I think the judges were very contemporary and, of course, I am all about traditional realism. Here are a few photos from the show.

"Wild Flowers No.2"

Oil on Board. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

If you look back on my blog, you'll notice I don't paint many flowers. Truthfully, I have a hard time with 'em. I feel I can paint fruit 'til the cows come home but flowers give me quite a challenge. Although lately I have enjoyed painting flowers. I'm developing a technique, I think. I have one more flower painting (at least) so stay tuned...

btw, I noticed my last blog post didn't go out to my subscribers. My apologizes.

"Simple Pear" (revisited)

Oil on Board. Approx 4.5"x6.5" SOLD

I first did this rendering back in December (along with the wine cork rendering). I felt it needed some more attention. Graphite is truly my roots...and you can't forget your roots.

"Wild Flowers"

Oil on Board. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

I went to the Wheaton Art Fair this past weekend. After I walked through the show I took a stroll down the prairie path and shot a few great photos of some wild flowers. I have a couple more on deck.

New Portrait and a Little Update

Graphite on Bristol Board. Approx 8"x11" SOLD

Commissioned portrait. I just got word that my Blue Moon painting was chosen as a top 40 finalist and will hang at the show on July 31. The show is at the Museum of Contemporary Art. That night first through third places will be announced. Keep your fingers crossed.

"Wine Cork Trio" (revisited)

Oil on Board. Approx 4.5"x7" SOLD

I did this drawing back in December and felt it needed some reworking. I think it's much more dramatic and more accurate with the value structure. I am getting into the groove of some graphite work again. I have a few portraits in the works...and paintings too so stay tuned.

"Wedge of Brie"

Oil on Board. Approx 4"x8" SOLD

"Orange Slice"

Oil on Board. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

About a year ago, I wrote about how I hard trouble mixing greens. Since that time I have attempted that challenge many times and now feel comfortable with green shades. Now I can say the same thing with oranges. It really isn't a color that I mix that often. I don't take it straight from a tube. All my oranges are mixed with a combination of 2 yellows (Light and Med.) and 2 reds (Cadmium and Aliz.). I really liked how the light illuminated this slice of orange.

"Leading Pear"

Oil on Board. Approx 8"x4" For purchase info, please email michael@mnaples.com

The whole time I was painting this it looked like the greenish pear was the leader and the other two pears were left in the background...less important. So that's how I emphasized them.

"PB and J No.10"

Oil on Board. Approx 8"x4" SOLD

I tried to be a lot more brushy with this one. I think that added to the thickness of the peanut butter. It was weird, when I built up the peanut butter color it kinda felt like I was smearing the real thing. I think I'm starting to crack up, maybe? It's the lack of sleep with the new born. Lucy is almost 6 weeks old and looking more cute then ever.

"PB and J No.9

Oil on Board. Approx 8"x4" SOLD

Have I mentioned lately that this is my favorite subject? Well it is. I may even have a couple more compositions in the next month or so.

"Twelve After Twelve"

Oil on Board. Approx 4"x8.375" For purchase info, please email michael@mnaples.com

"PB and J No.8"

Oil on Board. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

"Cookie Line Up"

Oil on Board. Approx 3.5"x8" SOLD

When I first laid this painting out I figured it to be horizontal. After about half way through it, I felt it should vertical. I think it looks more dramatic that way. More interest. What really drew me to this composition and subject were the swirl ridges in these cookies. They were a pleasant challenge.

"Antique Door"

Oil on Board. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

This is a door at my house...the new house in Wheaton that is. It's new to us but is over 40 years old. It has some nice touches to it. Anyway this subject is totally unlike my usual Daily Paintings but it's good to stray from the norm.

"Dachshund Profile"

Oil on Board. Approx 8"x8" SOLD

This is a my dog...one of them actually. This little guy will melt in your arms. He will fall asleep upside down while your holding him. He's a cutie. BUT not nearly as cute as my newborn Lucy. She takes the cake.

"Cracked Egg No.8"

Oil on Board. Approx 3.875"x8" SOLD

"Chocolate Cupcake"

Oil on Board. Approx 5.75"x6" SOLD

"Diner Dessert"

Oil on Board. Approx 3.875"x8" SOLD

"Wrapped in Red"

Oil on Board. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

This composition just kind of happened. I love how the green apple stands out from the red fabric.

Solitaire Pear

Oil on Fredrix Canvas Board. 6"x8" SOLD

Alright, I have some catching up to do. I haven't had much time to paint lately but should be back on track now. Last Thursday my wife and I had our first baby. Her name is Lucy Naples and was a healthy 6lb14oz. The most gorgeous thing I've ever seen. Anyway I have some paintings in the works so stay tuned...

Custom Commission

Oil on 1/4" Board. Approx 12.5"x14.5"

It's been a while since my last post and this painting is part of the reason. The rest of the reason is I'm building a fence around my yard and getting things ready for the baby that will be arriving in a WEEK!! Yikes, that's quick. Anyway this is a custom commission from a collector in Oregon. She requested specific items right down to the brand of crackers. This was challenging but the most fun I've had doing a painting in a while. My favorite part is how the light starts to shine through the point of the wedge of cheese. Anyway, I have a few more paintings in the works including a piece for gallery submission.

"Bartlett"

Oil on 1/4" Board. Approx 5"x6" SOLD.

What I like most about pears are all the plain changes on the skin. I love how the light wraps around the pear and shows a lot of the character through reflected light. I used this pear in a larger painting that I am in the middle of. I'll be posting that later on.

"Pineapples"

Oil on 1/4" Board. Approx 6"x8" Commission

"Vine Babies"

Oil on 1/4" Board. Approx 6"x4.875" SOLD

"Hand-Me-Downs"

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

We got these from my wife's sister. One of several hand-me-downs we will use for the bambino. There is a slight catch, though. These are boys shoes but we are not finding out what we're having. It will be a total surprise!

"Diner Mug with Spoon"

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

Usually when I start a painting I will draw the scene with thin, light brush work. But for this one I jumped right in with crazy loose strokes. Kept on refining and love how it came out.

"Transparents"

Oil on 1/4" Board. Approx 6"x6" For purchase info, please email michael@mnaples.com

I've been on a little hiatus but should be back in the groove now. I was busy doing thing around the house such as painting and decorating the nursery. It felt good to swing the brush today and I have a few more planned for this week. Also I will be posting a number of commissions I have on the easel. Stay tuned...

"PB & J No.7"

Oil on 1/4" Board. Approx 6"x4.875" SOLD

You know I love this subject. It might be my favorite. I tried to pack in the color anywhere I could. Also, this is post number 300 for my Daily Painting blog. When I started, that number seemed so far away but now that it's here I can't wait to paint the next 300. Thanks to the viewers, subscribers, collectors and comment(ers). Without all of you I couldn't keep this up.

"Little Lemon"

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

This little lemon was just too cute not to paint.

"Seedless Half"

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

I love how the light hits this plum half. It's an interesting view showing the texture and color changes. This is post number 298 in my Daily Painting blog.

"Double Good Taste"

Oil on 1/4" Board. Approx 6"x6" For purchase info, please email michael@mnaples.com

"Gourmet Desert"

Oil on 1/4" Board. Approx 6"x4.875" SOLD

"Blood Orange"

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

I'M BACK! My wife and I are finally in our new house. We are proud residents of Wheaton, IL. I did my first painting in the new studio toady and it felt good. It's nice to have the dedicated space for this passion. I'll post a snap shot of it soon. Anyway thanks for the patience and I'll be painting regularly again.

"Floral Creamer"

Oil on 1/4" Board. Approx 6"x6" For purchase info, please email michael@mnaples.com

"Imported"

Oil on 1/4" Board. Approx 6"x6" For purchase info, please email michael@mnaples.com

I wasn't sure what to paint today...that is until I popped the cap on this bottle. It just looked so interesting bent up like that. I had to. Any guesses on the brand???

"Portobello Mushrooms"

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

This is the first time with this subject. As for mushrooms, I think you either love 'em or hate 'em...I love them. I also love how this painting turned out. The textures and lighting are exactly what I was going for. ALSO, I forgot to mention on my last post that there was a small article about me and my Daily Paintings. You can click here to view it. My wife actually wrote and submitted it without me knowing so it was a pleasant surprise seeing it printed. It is great having support like that. She is the best (and she's not standing right behind me telling me what to type).

"Big Red Pear"

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

Well it's been a while since I posted. My wife and I are in a transitional period with our housing situation. We are days away from selling our house and a few more days away the purchase of our new house. Anyway, in the temp house there isn't too much painting happening but I did manage to squeeze out this pear painting. I really like the skin texture and dimensional effect of this one.

"Split Avocado"

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

I really like how the background plays into the colors of the avocado. I tried to push to ultramarine blue in the background.

"Pair of Pears No.3"

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

"Chrome Creamer with Spoon No.2"

Oil on 1/4" Board. Approx 8"x4" SOLD.

At first glance this may seem like a limited palette was used but with a closer look you see blues, greens, yellows and more. Instead of using a spot light for this setup, I just let the window next to me do the trick. The sun is shining bright around here today...it's 4 degrees out but the sun is shining.

"Morning Mug with Spoon"

Oil on 1/4" Board. Approx 6"x6" For purchase info, please email michael@mnaples.com

Here's a quick little study of some interesting back lighting. This is the morning light coming from my kitchen window. It was a soft light since the sun is hidden behind dense clouds today.

New Portrait and a Little Update

Graphite on Bristol Board. 12"x16"

I know I haven't been posting very regularly lately but I have good reasons. One reason is I was working on the above portraits. I really like how they came out and so did the client. Nice. Also, we finally sold our house and are packing everything up. We have to be out next weekend and into a temporary house for 3 weeks. I will do my best to get some painting done there but it will be a challenge. But it will all be worth it when we move into the new house in Wheaton. We can't wait. We will finally have a nursery AND a studio. That's right folks, no more painting at the kitchen table. So please bare with me and stay tuned...

"Tangerine"

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

Here is one of the fruits I bought at the 'market'. My jaw dropped when I saw all the leaves still attached to the tangerines. They add such character.

"Strawberry Cheesecake"

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

I bought this slice of delicious strawberry cheesecake at a local 'market'. They carry every fruit and vegetable around as well as a variety of ethnic foods and gourmet desserts. I was like a kid in a candy store...except it was fruits.

"Full Moon"

Oil on 1/4" Board. Approx 4.875"x6" SOLD.

I actually painted this one a couple of days ago, but did some finishing touches to it today. It was the perfect night and the moon was very bright (what, am I writing a poem here). Anyway, it looked good enough to paint.

"Mug & Spoon with Books"

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

"Fire Starters"

Oil on 1/4" Board. Approx 6"x4.875" SOLD

One of my techniques to keeping a consistent color scheme throughout a painting is by not washing my brush very often, at least during the first half of the painting. I literally painted this entire painting without washing my brush once. I just kept one color flowing and mixing into the next.

"PB&J No.6"

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

It feels like forever since my last post. We've had some great luck come our way. We finally got a contract on selling our house. Phew. Two things I can't wait for in the new house; doing a nursery and a studio. I can envision them both now...

"Milk Chocolate"

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

My first chocolate bar. You know, I really don't eat too much chocolate. It needs to have peanut butter with it for me to enjoy it. So as for the rest of this bar...I won't eat it. Anyway the foil was fun and the variations of value in the actual chocolate was a good challenge.

The Bambino

We went for an ultrasound today and got some great images of the baby. My wife's at about 20 weeks and feeling good. I can't explain how amazing this process is. Oh, btw, I hope to post a painting tomorrow.

"PB & J No.5"

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

I love the open face composition of this PB & J. The peanut butter was so creamy. When I make my PB & J's, I use about a half inch layer of peanut butter. I love it!

"Ultimate Squeeze"

Oil on 1/4" Board. Approx 6"x4.875" SOLD.

I am one of those people who squeeze the heck out of paint tubes. I don't know if I'm cheap or hate wasting but I'll squeeze them until my fingers hurt. Trust me that the Cadmium Red and Cerulean Blue have zero paint in them.

"Intimidated Cherry"

Oil on 1/4" Board. Approx 6"x4.875" SOLD

As simple as it is, I love how this cherry turned out. It feels like it has so much dimension and that's where I wanted the focus. You can't pass up the intense red color either.

"Coffee Collection Reflections"

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

I am very pleased with this painting. It was fun and satisfying capturing all the reflections.

"Light Bulb Opposites"

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

This is the challenge I have been waiting for. A subject different then my usual paintings and it forced me to be observant - not just go through the motions.

"Cherry On Top"

Oil on 1/4" Board. Approx 6"x6" For purchase info, please email michael@mnaples.com

It's frigid cold here now. Wind chill in the single digits. This painting made me feel like spring or summer time. Definitely warmth. A good feeling to help fight this major head cold I have.

"Peeking Winter Sun"

Oil on 1/4" Board. Approx 6"x4.875" SOLD.

Here is the view from my kitchen this afternoon. It's been snowing since yesterday afternoon so the trees had a beautiful layer of snow on them. It was so overcast that the sun could barely peek through. Still amazing, though. Happy New Year!

"Yellow Onion"

Oil on 1/4" Board. Approx 4.875"x6" SOLD.

This is exactly what I was envisioning before I started. Something different and much more loose then usual. I'm quite happy with it.

"Lone Green Pear"

Oil on 1/4" Board. Approx 4.875"x6" SOLD.

Well I finally broke out he paints after some very nice time off. This is one of those holiday pears from one of those holiday baskets. You know the kind I'm talking about. This is post number 269 for my Daily Painting blog.

"Wine Cork Trio"

Graphite on 4-ply Strathmore Bristol Board. Approx 4"x6.25" N/A

I hope everyone had a great Holiday. I know I did.
When I was drawing this, I felt like I was back in college because of the strong basic shapes of this composition and the lighting wrapping around each cylinder. Oh the memories of school...good times.

"Simple Pear"

Graphite on 4-ply Strathmore Bristol Board. Approx 4.25"x6.5" N/A.

I have taken some time off to catch up for the Holidays and to also spend time with family and friends. I did have time to sneak away just long enough to do this rendering of the interesting looking pear. I love the shape of most pears they are so unique. Merry Christmas!!

Little Fuzzy Puppies

Oil on 1/4" Board Approx. 8"x10" Commission-NFS

You are going to have to trust me that this painting looks better in person...then again most of them do. The picture didn't capture all the subtleties in the colors. Anyway, posting might be slow going until after Christmas so stay tuned.

"Dragon Roll"

Oil on 1/4" Board Approx. 6"x6" Commission-NFS

"Sushi Line Up"

Oil on 1/4" Board Approx. 6"x6" Commission-NFS

Website Preview

I still have 5 commissions to do before Christmas so I have to get crack-a-lackin'. I'm working on one now and won't be done in time to post so I'm giving a little preview to my new website. I'm in the process of designing it in Photoshop. Stay tuned for that in early '08.

Next on my list of things to cover is this whole tagging thing. I'm usually not into forwards or chain letters but his one is different. I have seen so many fantastic new artists from seeing others tagged. A great artist, Karen Appleton, tagged me so here it goes.

1. When I was five I cried when my cousin (who was older) colored better then me. Who's crying now?
2. My second year in college I was offered a tattoo apprenticeship and an internship at a design company at the same time. I wonder how things would be different if I took the tattoo route.
3. I am a paintaholic but love nothing more then laying around doing nothing with my awesome wife.
4. I have painted all 260ish paintings at my kitchen table.
5. I am a father to be.

Here are my tags. I know they've been tagged before but they are true influences on me and my paintings.Christopher Stott, Neil Hollingsworth, Julian Merrow-Smith, Karin Jurick, Alvin Richard

"Salt & Pepper"

Oil on 1/4" Board. Approx. 6" x 6" SOLD.

I think this is my is my current personal favorite. I almost don't want to sell it...but I am. That's the great thing about Daily Painting is there's always tomorrow's painting.

"Morning Coffee with Leaf"

Oil on 1/4" Board. Approx. 6" x 4.875" SOLD.

I love the colors in this painting. The warm browns and greens against the cool blues and purples is easy on the eye. I'm not sure where I got this leaf from. I happen to find it in my still life collection a.k.a. closet. It has a great shape and a nice color vignette going through it...and you know I love painting leaves. This is post number 261 for my Daily Painting blog.

"Red Match No.2"

Oil on 1/4" Board. Approx. 6" x 5" Commission

"Ornament"

Oil on 1/4" Board. Approx. 6" x 6" SOLD

There was a very nice article on me for today's Lines and Colors. Be sure to check it out. Charley Parker did a great job on it. It's like he got inside my head.

"Balancing Act"

Oil on 1/4" Board. Approx. 4.875" x 6" SOLD.

"Pink Mums"

Oil on 1/4" Board. Approx. 6" x 8" SOLD.

I picked these flowers up on the way home today. I'm not much of a floral painter but I really like these. I also like the reflection around the base of the vase (that rhymes).

I am pleased to announce a new website comprised of 12 very talented Daily Painters. The site is DailyPaintworks.com so please be sure to check it out. It's great to share the same kind of dedication and artistic vision as these other great painters.

"Cork Collection"

Oil on 1/4" Board. Approx. 6" x 4.75" SOLD

I'm not sure what the obsession is with saving wine corks. I think I envision doing something with them one day. I don't know what, though. I do know they're fun to paint. When I started this painting I set the goal of keeping the brushstrokes short and choppy using a larger variety of color variations. I really like the end result.

"Fate of the Lemons"

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

"2 O'Clock Coffee"

Oil on 1/4" Board. Approx. 14" x 18" Commission

So, at my day job, we stop to make coffee every day at 2:00pm. It's great because we have Dunkin' Donuts coffee catered there. We'll the founder of 2 O'clock coffee time is retiring and the company commissioned a painting for her. We all thought this was appropriate. The mug with the logo is our company mug. I hope you will enjoy this painting, Joy. We'll miss you at the office.

"Persimmons"

Oil on 1/4" Board. Approx. 6" x 6" SOLD

"Yellow Rose"

Oil on 1/4" Board. Approx. 6" x 5" For purchase info, please email michael@mnaples.com

"Cheese Danish"

Oil on 1/4" Board. Approx. 6" x 6" SOLD.

My alarm went off at 3:30AM. I was shopping by 4:05AM. I gathered up my sale items, stood in line for an hour, and was sleeping again by 6:15AM. I love "door busting".

"Spoonful of Coffee Beans"

Oil on 1/4" Board. Approx. 8" x 3.875" SOLD.

I love coffee. And the smell of these beans was amazing. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone out there. I know I have more then ever to be thankful for this year.

"Chopstick Reflections"

Oil on 1/4" Board. Approx. 8" x 3.875" SOLD.

To me, what really makes this painting interesting are the reflections. They give so much more depth to the painting. I did this one to get in the mood for a couple of sushi paintings i have coming up. I won't get to those for a week or two but they are on my radar.

"Apple Plate Plus One"

Oil on 1/4" Board. Approx. 8" x 3.875" SOLD.

I have been admiring Carol Marine's apple paintings latley. Since my wife bought a bunch of apples for a pie she is going to bake, I had to paint them. This is post number 248 for my Daily Painting blog.

"Family Portrait"

Graphite on Strathmore Bristol Board. 17" x 17"

The first commission portrait of the season. You might see a few more graphite pieces before Christmas. Until then, I have a few more commission paintings in the works.

"Wine Necks"

Oil on 1/4" Board. 18" x 24" For purchase info email kelly@kelietza.com

Here is the third painting going to KELIETZA in Sarasota. The scale on these bottles is huge (at least for my standards). But that allowed me to get all the extra details in the reflective glass. Stay tuned for some portrait work coming up soon.

"Grandma's Chair"

Oil on 1/4" Board. 18" x 24" For purchase info email kelly@kelietza.com

Number 2 of the initial paintings going to KELIETZA in Sarasota, FL. This was new territory for me. Typically I paint a "closed in" composition that's is set up if front of me. This one, however, has more a scene going on with more to look at. It was a pleasure to paint. I love the antique feeling to the whole piece.

"Espresso, Creamer & Spoon"

Oil on 1/4" Board. 18" x 24" For purchase info email kelly@kelietza.com

I'll start with an apology for the bad photo. This is the largest painting to date so I am unfamiliar in photographing such large pieces. I guess I better get good at it soon becuase I have a number of pieces this size coming up. If anyone out there has photo advise I would love to hear it.

Anyway, this is the first of 3 initial paintings going to KELIETZA which is a boutique/gallery in Sarasota. I love how the top of the composition is stiff and mechanical looking while being complimented by the draping of the fabric below it. Stay tuned for the next 2 going to the same location.

"Chrome Creamer with Spoon"

Oil on 1/4" Board. Approx. 6" x 4.625" SOLD.

"Teapot Reflections"

Oil on 1/4" Board. Approx. 12" x 18" SOLD.

This is the first of 3 gallery submissions. I was invited to submit a few pieces to the Thomas McCormick Gallery in Chicago. I am capitalizing on the opportunity by creating 3 fresh, new and larger pieces. So if you think I haven't been posting because I'm not painting...it's quite the opposite. I have a lot of paintings on my plate and I can't wait to get them on board.

"Squeezed Lemon"

Oil on 1/4" Board. Approx. 6" x 5" SOLD

My wife and I had a Halloween party last night. It was great fun with awesome costumes. This lemon was the smallest part of cleanup for the night. I had to save it to paint it. I haven't done a lemon in a while. The is post number 241 for my Daily Painting blog.

"Cracked Egg No.7"

Oil on 1/4" Board. Approx. 8" x 8" Commission-NFS

Another commission. I have a few more commissions I have to do. Also I will be spending some time working on paintings for upcoming gallery submissions. Stay tuned to check those out.

"Podium Pear"

Oil on 1/4" Board. Approx. 7" x 12" SOLD.

I really enjoyed painting this one. The pear came together easily and the fabric was a great challenge. I spent about ten minutes modeling the fabric to be just right. It plays an important role in the painting's composition.

"Coke Bottle"

Oil on 1/4" Board. Approx. 5" x 6" SOLD

"Cut Pomegranate No.2"

Oil on 1/4" Board 6" x 6" Commission - NFS

"Morning Coffee"

Oil on 1.5" Gallery Wrapped Canvas 10" x 10"

For purchase info email kelly@kelietza.com

Here is another on gallery wrapped canvas. I enjoyed painting on this surface this time. I'm not sure why, it just came together. It's strange how different a painting can feel when you are using different surfaces. Does that make sense?

"Westbound Passenger"

Oil on 1/4" Board. Approx. 5.75" x 6" SOLD

Back when I was in school I took the train each day. I used spend entire train rides sketching everything around me. I painted this today from an old pencil sketch I did of a passenger I would see most days. He had a lot of character to him with his rough beard. This is post number 235 for my Daily Painting blog.

"Fall Leaf No.4"

Oil on 1/4" Board. Approx. 6" x 6" SOLD.

It's pretty apparent that Fall is here. The leaves in the forest behind my house are changing colors more and more by the day. I happend to glance at this leaf and thought it had the perfect shape to it. It was also crisp enough to stand up on it's side like this.

"Taped Leaf No.2"

Oil on 1.5" Gallery Wrapped Canvas. 10" x 10" SOLD.

This is very similar to a painting I did a while ago except it's bigger. It's on gallery wrapped canvas with the edges painted black. Personally I prefer to paint on a hard surface like board as opposed to canvas, but it was a nice change.

"PB&J No.4"

Oil on 1/4" Board. 6" x 5" SOLD.

"Bottles & Book" (Finished)

Oil on 1/4" Board. 12" x 7" SOLD.

I went from hating this painting to absolutley loving it in about an hour and a half. It really helped getting away from it yesterday. After about 30 minutes I came back to it cool, calm and collected. I got these 2 bottles at that resale shop I go to. Grand total for both bottles including tax...91¢. How can I pass that up?

WIP "Bottles & Book"

Oil on 1/4" Board. 12" x 7" Work In Progress

I got caught up in a commission earlier this evening and ended up trying to rush this one. I started to get frustrated and decided I would stop and post a work in progress to take a little break. I will try to finish it up tonight now that the pressure is off to post something today. I wanted to paint something more complex after yesterday's minimalist composition.

"Wine Cork"

Oil on 1/4" Board. 6" x 5" SOLD.

Okay,
Kind of a quick one tonight. I wish I could say I have all the time I want to paint but that's just not true. Anyway, I have some larger work I am working on at the moment and hope to post one of those soon. This is post number 229 for the Daily Painting blog.

"Cut Pineapple"

Oil on 1/4" Board. 6" x 6" Commission-NFS

"Cut Pomegranate"

Oil on 1/4" Board. 6" x 6" Commission-NFS

"Pointing the Way"

Oil on 1/4" Board. 8" x 8" For purchase info, please email michael@mnaples.com

I had this painting about 90% done and decided it needed something in the forground...an old school yellow pencil. Now I am able to say I am satisfied with this one.

"Sunset Colored Clouds"

Oil on 1/4" Board. 6" x 6" SOLD.

This is post number 225 for my Daily Painting blog.

"Apple with Blue Bowl"

Oil on 1/4" Board. 8" x 8"

For purchase info, please email michael@mnaples.com

"Mangos No.2"

Oil on 1/4" Board. 6" x 6" Commission - NFS

"Bananas"

Oil on 1/4" Board. 6" x 6" Commission - NFS

"Cracked Coconut"

Oil on 1/4" Board. 6" x 6" Commission - NFS

It was quite a challenge cracking this coconut. It took a chisel, hammer and a lot of muscle to even break the surface. It was a cool challenge to paint, also. This is post number 221 for my Daily Painting blog.

"Elegant Egg"

Oil on 1/4" Board. 8" x 8" SOLD.

This glass piece came from that resale store, also. I love raw egg paintings. Here is a little bit of a different take on them.

"Enamel Bowl with Apple & Book"

Oil on 1/4" Board. 8" x 8" SOLD.

I am usually afraid of strong elipses because they can make or break an entire painting. That was my challenge in this painting. I bought that enamel bowl at my lunch hour today at resale shop by my work. I have been finding great treasures there lately. They will be in future paintings...stay tuned.

"Eggs on White"

Oil on 1/4" Board. 8" x 8" SOLD.

I enjoyed this 'white challenge'. My favorite is the subtle difference in temperature the eggs have versus the cloth.

Glass, metal and fabrics. I love paintings these and feel I don't use them enough. Especially fabric. They will be worked infor future paintings. This is post number 218 of my Daily Painting blog.

"Lemon Slice with Knife"

Oil on 1/4" Board. 8" x 8" SOLD.

I am so attracted to the backlit qualities of the lemon slice. One thing I try to pay special attention to in my paintings is how light hits different objects in different ways.

"Above the Rest"

Oil on 1/4" Board. 6" x 6" For purchase info, please email michael@mnaples.com

"Reflections"

Oil on 1/4" Board. 6" x 6" SOLD.

I've been drawn to shiny and clear objects lately. I actually added the red match about 80% through the painting. It needed a little color to accent all those grays.

"Sunset Moon"

Oil on 1/4" Board. 6" x 6" SOLD.

This is the moment when the sun has just about set but it's not totally dark out yet and the moon is completely illuminated by the sun. The cresent shape of the moon from last night added a lot to the scene. This is post number 214 for my Daily Painting blog.

"Cirrus Clouds"

Oil on 1/4" Board. 6" x 6" SOLD.

This is the view from my kitchen table. We had some beautiful clouds roll through. I was attracted to their dramatic angle and had to paint them. Also I have to capture that beautiful view while I can, with any luck (and a buyer) we will be moving soon.

"Proud Creamer with Glass"

Oil on 1/4" Board. 8" x 8" SOLD.

I just love this creamer. It's fun to paint and combining it with the glass of water added the perfect challenge. In contrast to the creamer painting I did a couple days ago, I wanted to create a cool atmosphere to go along with the coolness in the chrome. This might be one of my favorite paintings to date.

"Avocado Halves No.3"

Oil on 1/4" Board. 6" x 6"

Commission-NFS

I have a bunch of commissions that I will be sneaking in between Daily Paintings. This is one of them. It's post number 211 in my Daily Painting blog.

"Proud Creamer"

Oil on 1/4" Board. 8" x 8"

SOLD.

My wife bought this creamer at Goodwill specifically for me to paint. She must really love me. Thanks Hun!

"Escaped Yolk"

Oil on 1/4" Board. 8" x 8" SOLD.

"PB & J No.3"

Oil on 1/4" Board, Beveled and Mounted to Oak Frame. 13" x 13"

SOLD.

Here is one of the PB & J's talked about earlier. I really like the top view and how that shows off all the angles. It is completely ready to hang. The top board that is painted has a beveled edge all the way around and mounted to an oak frame that sits the painting about 1.75" from the wall. This is post number 207 in my Daily Painting blog.

"Bosc"

Oil on 1/4" Board. 6" x 6" SOLD.

"PB & J Knife"

Oil on 1/4" Board. 6" x 6" SOLD.

I used a new brush today. It made all the difference on this one. I have a couple/few PB & J compositions coming up in the near future. This is kind of a teaser to those. Stay tuned...

"Midnight Moon"

Oil on 1/4" Board. 6" x 6" SOLD.

I actually painted this last night after yesterday's Daily Painting. The moon and sky were so amazing. I finished it shortly after midnight, hence the name. Also after 205 paintings, this is my first night scene. It was a challenge finding the light to paint under that wouldn't affect my view of the night sky. Does that make sense? Anyway, I will certainly revisit night scenes in the future.

"Pepper Hat"

Oil on 1/4" Board. 6" x 6" SOLD.

"Vegetable Family"

Oil on 1/4" Board. 10" x 8" SOLD.

"Leaning Sweet Pepper"

Oil on 1/4" Board. 8" x 10" SOLD.

A larger than normal piece. More to come...

"Maraschino Cherries"

Oil on 1/4" Board. 6" x 6" SOLD

My wife wanted me to paint these cherries for over a week now. I really like how they turned out-sitting in their own juice.

ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY!

"Taped Leaf"

Oil on 1/4" Board. 6" x 6" SOLD

This post is pretty monumental for me Not only is it my one year anniversary of this Daily Painting blog, but it's also my 200th POST!!! Never before in my life have I had the courage or determination to create so many paintings. Seeing how Daily Painting has changed my life in the past 12 months make it worth every hour I put in. That sounds pretty sappy but its true.

I have one goal I want to work towards in the next year which is larger paintings. Even if it's a few inches, just bigger. More 10x8's and up. I already have a few ideas in the works so stay tuned...

"Fall Leaf No.3"

Oil on 1/4" Board. 8" x 8" Commission-NFS.

Here is the last of my current commissions. I think I have a mental block when it comes to people telling me what to paint...even if it's a subject I really enjoy. I never seem to have motivation for those kind of paintings. I usually procrastinate the commissions by filling my time with Daily Paintings. At least I'm painting. This is post number 199!

"Caribou"

Oil on 1/4" Board. 6" x 7" NFS.

Well it's been a little while since my last post. I have been quite busy lately doing a few commissions. Also trying to sell my house and look for a new house is very time consuming. On top of that my internet was down for 3 days. I felt very disconnected. I have a few more things to finish up but will be back to regular painting soon. Stay tuned...

"Smrz Vineyards"

Oil on 1/4" Board. 6.5" x 8 Commission - NFS.

This is a custom commission. It is for the client's mother who's last name is Smrz. It features her favorite wine and a plaque with her name on it. These are a couple details that make it something truly personal to the one receiving it. This is post number 197 for my Daily Painting blog.

"Papa Tomato"

Oil on 1/4" Board. 6" x 6" SOLD

I got these tomatos from a woman at my work. Others were picking through them to see which ones they wanted to eat, I was picking to see which ones I wanted to paint...and then eat. I love tomatos. Thanks Cindy!

"Coke Bottle Vision"

Oil on 1/4" Board. 4" x 5" For purchase info, please email michael@mnaples.com

The Drawings That Started It All

Charcoal on Strathmore Bristol Board.

Back in August of last year I started this blog not as a painting challenge but a drawing one. Within the first month I picked up the paint brush and the rest is history. Fastly approaching my one year anniversary, its amazing to see the evolution and changes. I figured I would make the drawings that strated it all available again. Each one is listed in it's own auction. Click under the drawing montage to view them all (well most anyway).

"Saturn Peach"

Oil on 1/4" Board, 5"x4". SOLD.

I bought this peach a few days ago and have wanted to paint it since, but for some reason I ended up painting other things. I was originally attracted to the leaf still attached. I never see fruit with the leaves still on them but love the effect they give. This painting came together quickly and directly. I think it's because I have painted it in my head many times already. This is post number 193 for my Daily Painting blog.

"Double White Matches"

Oil on 1/4" Board, 4"x5". SOLD

"Cut Tomato"

Oil on 1/4" Board, 5"x4". SOLD.

"Home Grown Tomato with Knife"

Oil on 1/4" Board, 4"x5". For purchase info, please email michael@mnaples.com

I got this home grown tomato from an open house my wife and I went to. This lady picked it from her garden and tossed it to me on the way out. Of course I had to paint it. It was a one hour study. I wanted to focus on variation in color temperature and value and think it's successful.

"Single Cherry" 3 in series of 3

Oil on 1/4" Board, 4"x5". SOLD.

This is the third and final painting for this series. I love the reflective quality that cherries have, not to mention the reflective surface they were sitting on. This is post number 189 for my Daily Painting blog.

"Single Cherry" 2 in series of 3

Oil on 1/4" Board, 4"x5". SOLD.

Here is the second in the series. I must admit it is nice to paint tight on these cherry paintings. Lately I have been pretty loose with the brushstrokes. Stay tuned for the third...

"Single Cherry" 1 in series of 3

Oil on 1/4" Board, 4"x5". SOLD.

This is the first in a series of 3 similar to it. They should follow in the next two posts. Stay tuned...

"Cherry Bowl"

Oil on 1/4" Board, 6"x6". SOLD.

Sorry it's been a while since my last post but i have been extremely busy. Many things in the hopper right now and Daily Painting is one of them. Enjoy.

"Clouds"

Oil on 1/4" Board, 6"x6". SOLD.

I saw these clouds from my kitchen table. I sat down and started painting. I got about 10 brush strokes in and the clouds had moved so much they looked totally different. Luckily I got a good enough block in and felt I captured the form enough in those first few stokes that I continued from memory. It was a fun challenge... like when you try drawing the hand that's drawing. If you haven't done this, you should try it!

"Lemon with Knife

Oil on 1/4" Board, 10"x8". SOLD.

This is a larger painting compared to most of my Daily Paintings. This is post number 184 for my Daily Painting blog.

"Strawberries"

Oil on 1/4" Board, 6"x6". SOLD.