'Circus in a Box'

6" x 8"  Oil on RayMar Board - For Sale $400

Victorian childrens' toys were the inspiration for this still life. At auction I purchased the wooden box and bull dog paperweight (he's not friendly, is territorial and a good watch dog). Pairing these objects with two miniature dolls and draping a colorful fabric in the background carried forth the circus atmosphere. I wanted to underplay the central figure so that the dog and the clown figure would be the main subject, the fabric behind the figures was kept soft and the color less saturated to bring more emphasis to the main subject. The back of the clown's hat was softened, the value of the sleeves was kept close to the value of the background which keeps the focus more centralized onto the dog and clown's faces. The highlight on the collar of the back figure was added for the same reason. The exciting part of paintings is directing the elements to produce the desired effect. 

'Three Waiters in a Cup'

7" x 5"  Oil on RayMar Board - For Sale $240

I found these whimsical cheese utensils at a yard sale and was eager to use them in one of my  small paintings. I am drawn to figural subjects and was delighted to make use of them in a vintage tea cup.

 I wanted mainly sharp focus in this painting the few soft edges appear where the saucer meets the background above the spoon handle, part of the cup handle, and underneath the saucer and parts of the napkin ring. The cup is backlit to bring more importance to the three waiters. The napkin ring and the very small spoon were added for compositional interest.

'Purple Ribbon'

7" x 5"  Oil on RayMar Board - For Sale $195

For this still life as with many others I painted the subject and set the painting aside for a while so that  I could see it with fresh eyes in order to enhance it. When I picked it up again I added some elements to it: embellished the background, placed the ribbon in, heightened the main flower with color and sharpness, softened and added some glints to various flowers. The whole bottom left was also added and the tangerine was strengthened for balance.

'Chicken & the Egg'

7" x 5" Oil on board - Sold

'Pepper & Daffodils'

7" x 5" Oil on board - Sold

'Scott'

6" x 6" Oil on board - Sold

'Performing Persimmon'

5" x 7" Oil on board - Sold