Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Lemon Twirl


Oil on 1/4" Board. Approx 8"x8" SOLD

It's been a while since I sat down to do a one-sitting painting. I've been working on larger paintings for a gallery and for commissions. Numerous things that I usually can't post right away even though I'm excited to show them off. It felt good to get back to the small format. My favorite part of this painting is the part on the lemon where you can really tell the thickness of the rind.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Fontijne Grotnes


Oil on Canvas. Approx 24"x36" SOLD

This is the commission that took two weeks to complete. Yikes. It was all worth it, though. It was a great challenge for many reasons. The size, the figures. I was just not in my element so the process was a bit slower. Now I'm working on a larger painting of a group of pears that I feel a lot more comfortable with. I was hoping to finish that one this week but it will definitely go into next week.

Friday, May 07, 2010

Hats Off


Oil on Board. Approx 12"x12"

For purchase information, please contact at
www.SusanPowellFineArt.com

It's been too long since my last post and it's not because I haven't been painting. I just finished up a huge corporate commission that two all of those two weeks to complete. I'll post that one late next week after I deliver it. This painting was a blast to paint. I was truly in my element with the orange peel and the leaves. I haven't had much time lately for small daily paintings because I have a laundry list of larger works to do mostly for gallery group shows and some commissions. Stay tuned for those.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Turkish Tea


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

Another one of the calendar commissions. From what I am told, this is a typical breakfast or morning snack in Turkey. Comparable to the coffee and donut that I am used to. I think I have two more of these to post. On some other news, I was chosen to be in the FAV15% in the FineArtViews Painting Competition for the painting "Tomato Pedestal".

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Yellow Frosted


Oil on Cradled Hardboard. Approx 8"x8" SOLD

It was shear joy painting the frosting on this cupcake. I know the color on each monitor will vary but the background is more of a purple than blue...to go with the yellow.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Strawberry Pudding


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

This is another one for the calendar commissions from a little while back. I haven't been posting here but I assure you I have been painting like the wind. I'm working on several large pieces at the same time. 3 or 4 for a gallery and 1 big corporate commission. I can't wait to finish those and post them.

Saturday, April 03, 2010

Nosing Around


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

Steve Worthington recently asked me if I would do a painting of one of his bronze mice. He is asking 20 artist to do one and they will be featured in a book he is putting out. This little guy's name is Nosey...for obvious reasons. He will now have a permanent spot on my shell forever sniffing around for food that one of my kids has dropped. I will give details of the book when it is released.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Cozy Pears


Oil on Gallery Wrapped Canvas. Approx 20"x20" SOLD

I am very pleased to announce that this painting will hang in the Susan Powell Fine Art Still Life Invitational from Mar 26 - May 2, 2010. It was a last minute addition but I am fortunate to be able to meet the deadline. Stay tuned for new work that will make its way to that gallery.

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Bakery Prep No.2


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

This is another painting from the calendar commissions. I just listed 5 older paintings for auction. You can view them here.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Criss Cross


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

I love the power lines. The wires in this scene really interested me. And I like how the sunlight was hitting the pole.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Bottle Tops


Oil on 1/4" Board. Approx 5.25"x9" SOLD

I took this photo at my parents house a couple weekends ago. After the block-in stage of the painting, I stepped back and accessed the painting and decided that I needed to really tighten up the bottles or the painting just wasn't going to make it. I'm glad I put the extra time into this one because I really like the outcome.

Monday, March 15, 2010

Marble Frosted


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

It was my turn to choose the challenge subject for this month. It was to paint your favorite treat. For me, it's Dunkin' Donuts. I love almost all of the donut varieties but especially like the frosted ones. This one is a good. Also, it's impossible for me to eat only one at a time. They usually go down in two's. I'm thinking of a dessert series for the near future. Those will be fun to eat...I mean paint.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Treat?


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

This is our dog Schnitz. His full name is Schnitz Zel Naples. True story. It's on his certificate. We also call him Nit, Nitz (as Lucy calls him), Nitty, Long Nose, Droopy Drawers, and Stink Mouth. These are all terms on endearment, people, we love our dog. He will be 8 this year and starting to get some gray.

Tuesday, March 09, 2010

Marmalade

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

This is one of 5 paintings I did back in August. They were commissioned by a design company called Molu Dsgn Ltd. in Turkey and are used in a 2010 calendar for the company called Söke (which is one of their clients). I've sold plenty of paintings over seas but this was the first time I had to communicate ideas back and forth for this many custom paintings. I will say that it was a great experience, though. Mr. Molu is a professional businessman and has a clear idea in his head of what he wants. That's always a plus. I will post the other paintings sporadically in the near future.

Sunday, March 07, 2010

The Crossing


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

For purchase info, please email michael@mnaples.com

This is a railroad crossing in downtown Wheaton, which is the town my family lives in. Here's a quick fact: the Genius Edition of Trivial Pursuit claims Wheaton has "more churches per capita than any town in America." It's no joke. I pass about 25 churches just driving to work each day.

Wednesday, March 03, 2010

Tangerine Trio


Oil on 2.5" Thick Cradled Hardboard. 12"x12" SOLD

Here is the second one just like yesterday's as far as size and type of board. I got these tangerines from a gal at work. She got them from an Italian deli and when I heard they had stems and leaves, I said "I have to paint those." Thanks MK!

Tuesday, March 02, 2010

Tomato Pedestal


Oil on 2.5" Thick Cradled Hardboard. 12"x12" SOLD

This is the first of two paintings that are a little larger than my normal dailies. Also this one is on a thick cradled hardboard with the edges painted black so framing is not necessary but optional. I picked up this old crate from an estate sale down the street from my house. It was my first estate sale where everything including the kitchen sink was for sale. You just had to remove it yourself. I ended up buying a 4 foot light for my studio for $5 including the bulbs. That was a steal.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Asparagus (left)


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

Here is the sister painting to yesterday's. This photo is probably a bit more accurate. This show how inconsistent my old camera is. A little secret, though...I have a new, better camera coming soon. Trust me when I say I can't wait for that.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Asparagus (right)


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

This is my first time painting asparagus. It's a subject that I really enjoy and will do more in the future...guess what tomorrow's painting will be.

Monday, February 15, 2010

Sock Puppets


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

The challenge for this month was chosen by Diana Moses Botkin and was striped socks. Not something I would usually paint but, then again, that's why I'm in this challenge group. All I could think about were sock puppets. Then when I shot my reference, all I could think about was the amazing artist Ali Cavanaugh. And of course, her work was a strong influence for the overall look of this painting.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Down The Line


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

This shot was taken at a stop light on my was home from work. It was about 5:15 and the sun was setting. A beautiful shot.

Tuesday, February 09, 2010

Sparkling Danglers


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

I got these earrings from a company called LuShae Jewelry, specifically from their earring section. It's an online jewelry store but it takes all the risk out of purchasing over the web. They are crystal clear with the photos and sizes, not to mention they have a gorgeous selection to choose from. I recommend you give them a try.

Friday, February 05, 2010

Mr. Potato Head


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

Ever since my daughter got her Mr. Potato Head, I have been dying to paint it. It is so iconic to me. Maybe there will be a series here...maybe.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Spoonful Of Coffee Beans No.2


Oil on 1/4" Board. Approx 9"x18" SOLD

Another commission. More new work coming.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

New Website Design


www.MNAPLES.com

I am very pleased to announce my new redesigned website. Not only am I happy with the look of this website but I have complete admin control to update and change things around with ease. That is something that is important to me. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Early Risers No.2


Oil on 1/4" Board. Approx 10"x12" SOLD

This is a commission. I have been painting a lot more than I have been posting lately. I promise to update with my new work often. Stay tuned...

Friday, January 15, 2010

Spoon Bridge


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

Here is this month's challenge painting. The challenge was to use an apple, a spoon and glass. The really hard part for me was coming up with an interesting composition. For me this would make it or break it. This is the one I settled on.

Monday, January 11, 2010

After Dinner Coffee


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

I was most drawn to the elegance of this cup.

Thursday, January 07, 2010

Antique Auto


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

I took a quick snapshot of this car out front of church a few Sundays ago. As soon as we pulled up and I saw that car, I said to myself "I'm gonna paint that car". Here it is.

Monday, January 04, 2010

Grouped


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

This isn't the best photo. After I posted it I see that the greens don't look too green. I assure they are green. Alright, that's the last time I will say green.

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

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.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

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.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

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.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

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.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

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.

Tuesday, December 08, 2009

Tangerine Twirl


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

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

Monday, December 07, 2009

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.

Thursday, December 03, 2009

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.

Tuesday, December 01, 2009

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.

Friday, November 20, 2009

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!

Sunday, November 15, 2009

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.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

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.

Saturday, November 07, 2009

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.

Friday, November 06, 2009

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.

Wednesday, November 04, 2009

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.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

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.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

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.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

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.

Monday, October 19, 2009

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.