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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
