The Three Tomatoes

I wish these three tomatoes had been grown in my secret garden, but alas, they were bought at the supermarket.  This is another painting I did at the Carol Marine workshop in Santa Fe.  

The Three Peppers

This is the last painting I did in the Carol Marine workshop that I took in Santa Fe.  I particularly like the pink background with the red pepper.  One of things I struggle with concerning the small format of a daily painting is simplicity.  It's hard to narrow down to a few forms, but once I do, it's so much fun to paint!

My Secret Garden

This is a flowering hosta plant in my secret garden.  Actually it's not so secret as it is on the kitchen entry side of the house.  But I fondly call it that because after many trials and tribulations lasting for several years I pretty much have it the way I envisioned:  outdoor shower shielded by plants, a stone walk way, circular steps, and a lot of flora and some fauna (Fonzie).  I did this painting in one hour.  When it dries I'll probably come back and lighten up the flowers.

Orchids and Butterflies

My heart is still in Florida so today it's orchids and a butterfly.  I'm particularly fond of orchids and to see one in it's natural environment is really a thrill, add a few butterflies and you have nirvana.  

Wish I was in Florida

Straight from the high desert to the swamps of Florida, where I wish I was this weekend.  I just painted this flamingo from a photograph.

Clouds in New Mexico

This is a view outside the west window of my studio in Santa Fe.  The clouds in New Mexico are a never ending source of fascination for me.  Painting them are a little tricky because they change so fast.  This is oil on canvas on board and measures 8" x 10".

Moroccan Still Life

More the plate that is Moroccan, but the fruit is common to that country too.  This is oil on canvas and measures 8" x 8".  I was going to sell it, but my daughter talked me out of it. Kids, right?!

Beside restful waters he leads me

But you have to work your way through some brush to get there.  This peaceful scene is actually located outside Taos at the SMU Taos campus near the Art Barn.  I sat by the side of this little stream that runs through the property for a whole day and then finished it in my studio.  The previous day's painting is a stylized version of the same scene.  This is oil on canvas and measures 20" x 18".

Of heaven above the firmest proof

 Clouds to me are the firmest proof of heaven.  Watching clouds is endlessly fascinating as is painting them. This is an egg tempera painting, which process allows a lot of time for contemplation of heaven and clouds.  This small painting (6" x 6") took several days to complete. By the way, "of heaven above the firmest proof" is a line from a poem by Emily Dickinson.