"Red House Over Yonder"

 

While walking the other day, I noticed the extra long shadows on the side of this building. I almost didn't include the fragments of the plants, but I think it helps the viewer figure out what's going on. Late afternoon and early morning are my favorite times of the day--although I usually sleep in too late to take advantage of the dawn shadows. 

"Leftovers"

 

While working on one of the Blocks paintings, I ended up with a bunch of pan on the palette. SO I decided rather than chuck it out, I'd have some fun with it. I played around with the colors using brushes and palette knives and this is what I came up with. 

"Blocks #4"

 

Another in the series. 

"Greenleaves"

 

Saw these huge plants at the Belle Isle Conservatory this summer. The leaves were this remarkable color.  Almost a slate blue with a touch of green. I think I came pretty close to painting them their true color. 

"Acorn Montage"

 

Out on a walk the other day I noticed a bunch of acorns. Then I spotted an oak leaf and one that had already turned color and thought it might be interesting to paint. Here ya go!

"Three Miles High"

While walking around a local park around sunset with my youngest daughter I saw this magnificent sky! Definitely worthy of a painting. I did it on a larger canvas than usual (16" x 20") because I think it warranted it. 

 

"Blackberry Lily"

 

This is just one of the more unusual flowers from my friend Dave's garden. It's one of the most impressive gardens I've ever seen. Throughout the growing season, there's always something in bloom. And he grows some extraordinary plants. This flower gets its name from the fact that after it blooms, it produces large sets that resemble blackberries. I hope to get some from him to plant in my garden next year!

"Space is the Place"

 

When I found out my older daughter was pregnant I was happy as a clam! She's due in about a month. She decided the baby's room is going to have an outer space theme so I did a little digging and found this amazing photo courtesy of NASA and the Hubble telescope. I think it turned out pretty cool It was fun smearing paint on a canvas with an old rag to give it that dreamy/cloudy look. As you'd expect, it looks better in the flesh! 

"Zany"

 

The word was "Zany" and I kept it pretty loose. Not totally happy with this one. Maybe I'll have a bit more success with the next "One Word" painting. 

"Blocks #3"

 

Made a trip to Blick's and bought some new paints, so I thought I'd try them out on one of these Mondrian-like numbers. I think it worked out okay. 

"Dawn's Early Nightlight"

 

Early one morning I noticed the sunlight creating these interesting shadows from the blinds in our bathroom. They were cast across this old seashell nightlight. I though it might make a cool painting. Not sure if I captured the mood or not--you be the judge. 

"Toledo Square"

 

Went to a Toledo Mud Hen's game about a month ago. On our way back to the car, I noticed this beautiful block of buildings. The brickwork and painting details were stunning. They made a decent subject for a painting too! 

"Cityscape"

 

I did this one using only palette knives. They were challenging to work with but I think it turned out okay. I'll have to play around with them some more. 

"Blocks #2"

 

Having a bit of fun with these Mondtian inspired paintings. I thought I'd do one that was all warm tone colors. 

"Angel Spirit"

 

This is one of my "One Word" paintings. The word I randomly chose from the dictionary was "cherub" but when I finished the painting it looked more like an angel or a spirit, floating in space. Hence, the new name. 

"Blocks #1"

 

A Mondrian-inspired painting. I'm really enjoying doing these. 

"Old Mariner's Church"

 

This historic church is located downtown Detroit, about a block from the Renaissance Center. They actually moved it a number of years ago to its current location. As a side note: Patty Smith and Fred "Sonic" Smith of the MC5 were married here. And they raised a ton of money to have the bells reconditioned.