Broken Bread with Brie

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

Still Life with Knife and Cork

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

Bread, Corks and Cheese

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

I really loved capturing all the different textures in this painting.

Clementine Bowl

Oil on Canvas. Approx 18"x18" SOLD

This is the fourth and last for the Still Life Invitational at Susan Powell Fine Art. I think this is currently my favorite painting. The photo doesn't do it justice. There is such a nice texture to the layered paint, I am very happy with the outcome.

For purchase information, please contact the gallery at 203-318-0616 or visit their website at www.susanpowellfineart.com.

Bottle Tops

Oil on Board. Approx 15"x8" SOLD

I posted the "first layer block-in" of this painting on my facebook page a few months ago. It came a long way to get to this stage. This one is at the Susan Powell Fine Art Still Life Invitational which opened last Friday. Only 3 more paintings until all are complete for the 4-artist show opening May 18th. I will be attending that reception.

For purchase information, please contact the gallery at 203-318-0616 or visit their website at www.susanpowellfineart.com.

Blue Frosting

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

I am kind of on a cupcake kick these days. I am painting 3 for the Susan Powell show in May and figured I work a small one in. I really enjoy painting cupcakes. They may be one of my all-time favorite subjects...and believe it or not I usually don't eat them. Weird, huh?

Three Tangerines

Oil on Board. Approx 24"x12" SOLD

Another for the Susan Powell Fine Art Still Life Invitational which opens April 11th. I am happy to say this one sold before I could even post it here. I hope that is the first of many.

For information about my other work in the show, please contact the gallery at 203-318-0616 or visit their website at www.susanpowellfineart.com.

Complimentary Tulips

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

For purchase information, please email michael@mnaples.com (I am offering this framed or unframed). Since the weather in Chicagoland has been so warm and sunny, we have tulips starting to pop up already....along with all the other flowers. I am loving it.

The Boss

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

Before we had kids, this dog was our life. His name is Schnitz Zel Naples and he is almost 10 years old. We have nicknames for him such as Nit, Nitzel, Sir, Boss, Stink Mouth, Nitster, Long Nose, Foot Stool, Mister Nit, Nitty, Frito Foot...and I'm sure I missed a few. Anyway, enjoy the painting.

Sunlit Lemons

Oil on 1/4" Board. Approx 12"x12"

For purchase information, please email michael@mnaples.com (I am offering this framed or unframed)

Black and Red

Oil on Board. Approx 9"x13" SOLD

I haven't been posting much lately but I have been painting my tail off. I'm working on 15 new pieces for two upcoming shows. The first is the Susan Powell Fine Art Still Life Invitational which opens April 6th.

For purchase information, please contact the gallery at 203-318-0616 or visit their website at www.susanpowellfineart.com.

Intersecting Wires

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

It's been almost a year since I painted these wires. I feel there are so many ways to look at them. In my backyard, when I swing on the swing set with my kids, I always look up at these and see them in a new way. That's how my artist brain works.

Lucy's Sandwich

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

Most days my kids are great eaters, but sometimes if they get distracted during lunch, this is what is left. A sandwich with one little bite taken out of it.

Bosc on an Antique Box

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

I really like the temperatures going on in this painting. The warms and cools really seem to work together. I think this is the second Bosc I've ever painted and that's a shame because I really like their shape and colors.

I am still painting like a mad man for the upcoming shows. The first is April 6 and the second is the larger 4-artist show on May 11. I can't wait to see the whole body of work hanging together...but that's a lot of paintings away so back to work.

Old Chevy Pickup

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

Recent commission.

Antique Fishing Reel

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

Today it's an old fishing reel I've had in my studio for about 10 years. This is the first time I am painting it and that is a shame. I love the look and the way the light bounces around it.

Blue Tail Fin

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

Sunday Breakfast

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

When I was growing up we would have donuts almost every Sunday. It was always a nice treat to look forward to at the end (or beginning) of the week.

Lemons with Antique Stained Glass

Oil on Canvas. Approx 20"x20" SOLD

Another recent commission. I really enjoyed painting this one.

D is for Donut

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

I think this is my favorite donut. Vanilla frosting and strawberry filling. I want another!

C is for Cookie

Oil on Board. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

A recent commission. I think this was the first time I've painted chocolate chip cookies. I am picking up the alphabet series and will post the next one tomorrow. Stay tuned...

Morning Glow on Mugs

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

I wanted to focus on the glow effect coming from these mugs. That and still experimenting with warm and cool grays.

Classic Pickup

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

I love this style of pickup. Not sure of the exact year but I do think it's in the 70's. I'm sure my Dad would know the exact year, make and model.

Pez Minnie

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

And here is the series all together. Love 'em!

Pez Miss Piggy

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

Pez Kermit

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

One Down, One To Go

Oil on 1/4" Board. Approx 16"x20" SOLD

I was commissioned to do a painting as a Christmas gift for a local Brewery in Chicago. They are Argus Brewery and they brew the best craft beer around. If you like good craft beer, I urge you to go to their Facebook page and "like" them.

Pez Mickey

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

Pez dispensers have been on my "to paint" list for a while.

Alone with Leaves

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

Wine Close-Up

Oil on Board. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

This is one of the last commissions I have. After they are through, it will be a marathon of painting until May. I need 15 larger works for 2 shows. That's a good problem to have :)

Oil Can Cityscape

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

Love these oil cans. I borrowed them from a guy a work with and I think I will be using them in a larger painting coming up. I was invited to a 4-artist show this May so there will be a lot of painting from now until then. Nose to the grindstone.

The Old Days

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

Antique Mad Mags

Oil on Board. Approx 6"x6" SOLD

It's been a couple of weeks since I have posted but I have been quite busy. First off, I have been painting a number of commissions. This is one of them. A small collection of Mad magazines from over 40 years ago.

Second is, our third daughter was born on December 15th. She looks just like her 2 sisters when they were new borns. Cute as a button. Photo is courtesy of Julie Ferenzi Photography. Click the link and "like" her page.

Red Pear with Books

Oil on Board. Approx 10"x10" SOLD

This is another piece that sold at Susan Powell Fine Art before I could even post it here. I really like how this one turned out. It is what I strive for in my work. A balance of warm and cool, light and dark, and tight and loose.

Outside of the Box

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

I fixed yesterday's auction. I was finally able to upload the photo. It was a real joy painting all the grooves in this pumpkin.

Top Cork

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

Three Caps

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

C is for Crayon (Lucy and Lola version)

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

This is a painting of my kids' drawings. The flower was drawn by my 3 year old, Lucy, and the drawing on the top was done by my 2 year old, Lola. Tomorrow (Monday) is my wife's birthday so I gave this painting to her. She is also due next week with our third girl who will be named Lyla. I guess I will have to redo this painting next year to show drawings from all three daughters. I'm a lucky guy.

Leaf with Droplets

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

My wife spotted this leaf and waved me over for a look. She has a good eye.

Pinot

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

A recent commission.

Cork Shot

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

Threesome

Oil on Board. Approx 10"x8" SOLD

Another painting for the Susan Powell Fine Art Holiday show. This is the second to last pear painting for a while. I am exploring some new still life objects and compositions. I have 6 more commissions before Christmas but I can't wait to get into some new work. Busy, busy!

One of a Pear

Oil on Canvas. Approx 18"x18" SOLD

Another fresh piece for Susan Powell Fine Art. This is one of 3 NEW pieces I have hanging in her Holiday show. I am honored to have one of my paintings on the back of the promotional postcard for the event. For information on other available pieces, please contact the gallery at 203-318-0616 or visit their website at www.susanpowellfineart.com.

Grazing

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

For purchase information, please call Randy Higbee Gallery at 714-546-2156

This is one of my painting hanging in Randy Higbee's 6" Squared Show that Opens tomorrow. I have 3 paintings accepted in this show. It should be a good one...like usual.

Daytime Moon

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

For purchase information, please email michael@mnaples.com

It's been a while since I painted this subject. I almost forgot how much I love capturing these power lines.

Two Shots

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

I got a new antique crate from my parents. It has all the ware and tare I love to capture. Love it.

Natalie

Charcoal on paper. Approx 11"x14"

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

This is from a portrait night a couple weeks ago. It was about an hour of vigorous drawing. You can see 2 other progress shots on my Facebook page if you click on the photo album "2 Hour Portrait Night".

Garibaldis

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

If you grew up in the Addison area, then you know all about the North Park Mall. As a kid it was the coolest place to go and our parents loved it because there was one of every store there. They had a pizza place called Garibaldi's and the decor there hadn't changed for decades..classic. This is the exterior sign on the building. It was a commission (for someone who grew up in Addison). A pleasure to paint.