"GRIFFIN" (8" x 10" - COMMISSIONeD)

I worked with Griffin's owner who commissioned this piece as a surprise for his wife. Griffin passed away in April 2023. We worked collaboratively, with colors to represent how the owners felt about their beloved pet. After several studies exploring different color palettes and watercolor styles, I did this final painting in a limited 4-color palette, and the owner loved it!

LOS ALTOS APRICOT BLOSSOMS I

Done en plein air at Los Altos Heritage Apricot Orchard on a warm spring day, I enjoyed the looseness of this gestural painting where just enough was conveyed yet everything is clearly understood.

LOS ALTOS APRICOT BLOSSOMS II

Done en plein air at Los Altos Heritage Apricot Orchard on a warm spring day, I enjoyed leaving the whites of the paper for the bright blossoms.

LOS ALTOS APRICOT BLOSSOMS III

Done en plein air at Los Altos Heritage Apricot Orchard on a warm spring day,

I find I am drawn to watermarks that add unexpected charm to my paintings.

BEDROOM WINDOW

I happened on these roses through my bedroom window, and was struck by the color temperature variation on the petals that told me where the sun was hitting the translucent petals and where some petals were in shadow.

SECRET INGREDIENT

I love playing with white and dark shapes in a simple still life with limited color.

GARLIC - VALUE STUDY

I delight in doing these small value studies and am always suprised by how the adjacencies of darks and lights still tell the viewer what the study is about.