Pieces of My Life

30 x 45" original oil

sold

I chose this title to convey the past, present and future. These three pieces of my life are in this painting. The past is the out-of-focus background. The present is the in-focus middle ground. The future is the out-of-focus foreground. In the painting, as in life, only the present is truly visible in sharp detail. That is where our living focus should be (the whole "be in the now" thing...)

An interesting thought: this is a bold composition for me. It's rare that I have this much of my paintings out of focus. My hope is that the middle ground is contrasted and strong enough to carry the weight and success of the overall composition. This is a total parallel to my life: I hope my attention to today can help me succeed, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.

My favorite brush stroke in the entire painting is the little orange square on the tulip that is in focus, second from the right. It's the bright orange hit in the middle of the darker petal. I love this bold, random relief of color that balances out that area.

West

30 x 33" original oil

private collection of the artist

I decided it was time I had a seascape for my own private collection. I have the perfect wall to hang this on in a room that has new grayish paint and an exposed brick wall. Every day I see it I will imagine I am at the beach, my favorite place on earth! 

So, somebody in my family recently used the name West for a middle name. I wasn't thinking of that when I chose West for the title of this painting, but I like the nod it gives to my newest little nephew. 

The bottom half of this piece that is darkest is full of texture. Some of it shows in the photograph, most of it is best seen in person as is typical with original art. I sanded, painted, sanded, knifed, and repeated. 

Enjoy! 

detail of the delicious texture I am so fond of in my seascapes

Ballroom

32 x 40" original oil

sold

These poppies were growing along 600 South in Salt Lake City. I went there a few times to photograph the poppies this summer; the flower beds are by a stop light and it never fails that some smart alec of a driver pulls up to a red light and honks his horn at me while I'm bending over to photograph. I need a shirt that says "You're not funny and I know karate." 

This composition reminds me of a ballroom full of swirling dresses and partners. Poppy petals have always reminded me of swirling gowns. This is a nice, large piece, perfect for that big wall you're looking to fill. 

My favorite part is the center area made of two bright white poppies and a third that is half in shadow. I love the depth. My close second-favorite area is anywhere with that crazy blue. I like the swooshing line made by the middle white poppies that divides the composition. 

Moonbeam

18 x 15" original oil

sold

This is my latest floral painting. It's always a treat to paint whites and play between cool and warm variations of cream and gray. My favorite areas are where the hits of sienna brown shows up unexpectedly. This painting was only at Authentique Gallery for a couple of weeks before it got snatched up. Thank you to the gallery and to my newest collector! I really appreciate you both. To the collector: you got one of my favorites. Whites are magical. 

Gallery Deliveries

Today Buttercup and I spent the afternoon driving to Salt Lake, Park City and back delivering paintings. She enjoyed barking at dogs in the crosswalks and I enjoyed a pack of Peanut Butter M&Ms I caved in and bought at the Maverick in Heber. It was a beautiful June day and we enjoyed the fresh air and sunshine.

First we went to Alpine Art to deliver the pieces that will hang in Friday's opening night of Best in Show. She has decided she likes this dog-friendly space. 

Next, we went to Illume Gallery of Fine Art to deliver the three pieces I painted during the "Where In The World Is?" plein air event. The piece on the left and in the middle have already sold! The show is going on now and closes June 28. Don't miss it! Click here to see the artwork and to get information on the closing receptions June 27 and 28 at Illume. 

I think she looks spiffy in her frame. 

"Scritch Scratch"

10x10" original oil

just sold

This piece, Scritch Scratch, will sell on June 27 or 28 at the closing reception for this show. If you want to make sure you get it, you have to call Illume and claim it! It's a great little piece and I promise it will get gobbled up unless you get it first. 

Next, we drove to Park City to deliver five commissions for Gallery MAR. One is pictured below, Ben's Nose. The pieces are heading to a client in Texas. Buttercup thought it was just grand to pose in front of some of her pieces, and she is all smiles. 

"Ben's Nose"

24x24" original oil

commission

Now it's an evening for dinner with the husband, lounging in sweats, and maybe a movie! 

Thank you so much to Alpine, Illume and Gallery MAR for working so hard to promote and sell my work. I love what I do and I am glad we can do it together!

CH