Autumn Embrace

"Autumn Embrace" 10"w x 10"h

Here's a fun autumn themed composition that really features the moon as it's central subject matter. When painting landscapes, one often wonders what the subject really is ... I often intentionally focus on one aspect of the landscape as my subject matter and explore that subject in great detail. Sometimes it's the sky with the thousands of shades of color I like to work into my color from the black gesso ground all the way to the final pigment color. I glaze over and over and use the brush to control the amount, pressing harder each time I lighten the color. I suppose I could work on one painting the rest of my life, adding color upon color, but there comes a point where the work feels complete and I'm satisfied with it. Like today's piece titled Autumn Embrace ... I'm just happy with the sky, the moon, the jewel toned trees, rocks and foreground.

Please contact Sivertson Gallery in Grand Marais, MN for more information on this piece.

The Cordial Cardinal ... and Goldfinches!

"The Cordial Cardinal" 8"w x 8"h

When I painted my first blue jays earlier this year, I thought it would be fun to paint a cardinal and blue jay piece as a way of introduction. The cardinal has been such a great theme for me that I thought it best for and old friend to introduce some new friends (see the post labeled Departure). So I painted a similar piece for the introduction of my newest bird, the goldfinch.

These bright yellow little guys are simple in form, yet visually striking with the gold, black and white contrasting colors. Their bodies have a slightly different shape, and they don't have the signature head spike like the cardinal, yet these goldfinches are streamlined and visually interesting nonetheless. The markings on the wings complement the birch markings well, and I had a great time painting them. I have several new goldfinch pieces at Siiviis and Sivertson galleries so please be sure to contact them if you'd like a little more info. on the availability of size options.

Cool rainy day here in Duluth, MN. I'm currently working on remodeling my studio (in my spare time .. what's that??) so I'm painting in my sunroom which is surrounded by green leafed hardwood trees and shrubs and is a very restful, secluded place to paint. Maybe I'll see a goldfinch or two today ...

Cobalt Night

"Cobalt Night" 10"w x 10"h

"Blue Night", 4"w x 4"h

Last week I dropped off a large selection of smaller canvases at Siiviis Gallery in Duluth and Sivertson Gallery in Grand Marais, MN. This group of work is very colorful and vibrant. Several new compositions including these two pieces featured here today. These are rich in cobalt blue and have that mysterious night color and lighting to them. The skies are filled with tiny stars and the moon sparkles off the lake. Please stop back soon as I'll be featuring new work this week ... including a new bird. :)

Please contact Siiviis Gallery in Duluth, MN for more information on these paintings.

Somewhere North of Here

"Somewhere North of Here" 48"w x 30"h Siiviis Gallery, Duluth, MN

Nice to be back to blogging after taking a mandatory self prescribed blog break. :) This is a new piece at Siiviis Gallery in Duluth, MN that I've titled Somewhere North of Here. When I finished this one, I felt as though this painting is one to be remembered. It was a concept I carried for a long time and it's a good feeling to finally realize the concept on the canvas.

Please contact Siiviis Gallery in Duluth, MN for more information on this piece.

In The Hands of Time

"In The Hands of Time" 40"w x 30"h

This painting was for me a welcoming return to the subject matter that captured my heart when I began painting several years ago. Red and gold maples play off each other in repetition of form and color against a deep cobalt blue background. This piece is available at Lizzards Gallery in Duluth, MN.