Tulips

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

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

Water Tower

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

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

Detached

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

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

Cozy Pears

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

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

Missing Tomato

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

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

Main Street Steeple

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

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

Apple-Tini

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

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

The Face Off

Oil on Board. Approx 8"x8" SOLD

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

Utility Pole In Sunset

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

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

Fortune Cookie

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

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

Close-Up Pear Study

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

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

Chinese Take Out

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

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

Overflow

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

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

Triple Yolks

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

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

Hot Dog Special

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

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

One Red Apple

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

For purchase info, please email michael@mnaples.com

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

"Cherries On Glass"

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

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

Teapot

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

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

"Dolly Mix"

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

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

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

"High Speed Train"

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

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

"Railroad Keys"

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

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

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

"Pear Portrait"

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

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

"Sunlit Apples"

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

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

"White Study with Mug"

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

For purchase info, please email michael@mnaples.com

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

"Peeled Orange No.3"

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

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

Another New Portrait

Graphite on Bristol Board. Approx 8"x11" SOLD

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

"Untouched Peaks"

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

For purchase info, please email michael@mnaples.com

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

"Mountain Ridge"

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

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

"Sunlit Church"

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

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

"Black Crow"

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

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

"Cloud Study No.2"

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

For purchase info, please email michael@mnaples.com

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

"Utility Pole with Mountains"

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

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

New Portrait

Graphite on Bristol Board. Approx 8"x11" SOLD

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

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

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

"Baby Shoes"

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

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

Single Samoa

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

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.

"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.