Split Burrito

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

I was waiting to post this one until it was delivered. It went to my friend Kyle. If you want to laugh yourself silly, you gotta see him live. In the meantime, check out some of his videos at the previous link.

Darth Vader

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

I think this is the last of the Star Wars Legos. Maybe it could be called the trilogy. Or maybe not.

Chewbacca

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

I am loving these little Lego Star Wars characters. There might just be one more of these in the works. I'm just saying...stay tuned.

Winter Rooftops

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

For purchase info, please email michael@mnaples.com

Here is this month's challenge painting. The challenge was warm versus cool to be depicted in any way you choose. Warm and cool colors or literal subject matter. I chose to compare the wintery cold of the outside to the warmth of the chimney. I also painted this from the cozy quarters of my family room while wearing my comfy slippers.

Storm Trooper

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

Another tighter piece. I couldn't pull this one off unless I put the time in to really render this figure. Again, this is one of the lego pieces I borrowed.

Tangerine Twirl

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

It felt good to paint this one a little tighter then most lately.

Star Wars Line Up

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

The second to last commission for the season. I searched through friends and family to get some Star Wars Lego figures to use in this painting. Pretty much everyone said they had them but they were somewhere in the slew of toys. These dead ends continued for weeks so I finally had the revelation of putting an ad on Craigslist to BORROW a few figures to paint from. Amazing. I received figures from two different people and they were perfect. One of those people lives almost walking distance from me. Small world. Anyway, I will definitely use an ad like that in the future for 'unique' items.

Indulgence

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

Another commission. I'm not one to eat ice cream that often. Only a few times a year, but this client wanted an empty container with a spoon next to it...I had to eat it...all. Not to mention that I love chocolate peanut butter.

Moon At Dusk

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

For purchase info, please email michael@mnaples.com

I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving. I stole some time to do a painting for auction. Next on my list is the last commission for the year. I haven't had too much time to paint lately, so the work I have done was pretty much only on the commissions I've had. Finally down to the last one. Two of those I will be posting in the next few days, but I still have 8 of them in "storage" that I am waiting on approval to post.

Sunlit Church (the large version)

Oil on Gallery Wrapped Canvas. Approx 11"x14"

Another commission. It was a pleasure painting this one larger because I got to pick out the details that I couldn't get in the small one. In other news, I lowered prices on some paintings nad posted them for sale here. All the small works have free shipping and these listings end on Black Friday. I can't believe the Holidays are here!

Electric Highway

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

Here is this month's challenge painting. It was my turn to choose the subject and I chose "view from your studio". My studio is on the second floor of our house and faces the back yard, which is where this utility pole sits. The wires to the left are the ones going to my house...in case you were interested.

Reflecting Neighbors

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

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" SOLD

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" SOLD

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"

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" SOLD

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" SOLD

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.

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" SOLD

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.

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" SOLD

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.

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.