Cristina in gouache

Cristina I

Gouache on Paper

24 x 18

Cristina II

Gouache on Paper

24 x 18

Figurative Gouche paintings

All 3 Gouache on paper

24 x 18

Painted from live model, a la prima.

Gouache is very similiar to watercolor, with the added benefit of having the option to work opaque, and use white paint. I enjoy the clean, crisp fresh aspect that gouache provides, and the brushes are made of lovely sable hair which is smooth and non-scruffy like oil brushes can be.

Waiting for Spring

'Waiting for Spring'

Gouache on Paper

approx 18 x 24

Essence

"What is real is not the external form, but the essence of things . . . it is impossible for anyone to express anything essentially real by imitating its exterior surface." Brancusi

The Very old Adobe

'The Very Old Adobe'

Oil on Board

12 x 16

Right now is the best time of year to visit the California coast. While it may be cool, cloudy and damp in the Bay Area, a quick drive over the hill and you can be wrapped in warm sunshine and stunning autumn light. And that's just how it way yesterday at Wilder Ranch Park in Santa Cruz.

After meandering through the park, I settled on an interesting perspective of the old adobe. Hand built in the 18th century, the very old adobe is indeed very old. So old, in fact, parts are held together with chicken wire and modern day concrete supports, and it is still completely fascinating and myserious.

Old things have ghosts. Old things have character. And old things make for great painting subjects. Long live old things!

Moss Landing Overpass

Oil on Board
12 x 9

An unseasonably warm and balmy day at Moss Landing. Many of the great fishing boats were out so I caught this little sailboat sunning itself by the pier. I was struck by not only the lighting, but also the interesting structures of the pier, posts and overpass. There is a nice movement in this painting that takes your eye into the painting - out of the painting and back in again.

It's Showtime!

This month there are 3 receptions for 3 shows in which my work is hanging. The first is this Friday at the Los Gatos Museums Gallery where I will be showing several new works including plein air landscapes, rural scenes, animals and figure drawings and paintings.  This Sunday I'll be attending the opening reception for the LGAA juried show where my painting 'Oeil du Poulet' will be on display, and Sat., Oct 31st - Halloween! - is the artist reception for the juried show 'Beasts on Broadway' where one of my beasts is now hanging.

All very fun events - sure to inspire and pique your curiosity ~
(see sidebar for more info and links)

Note: While I have shared some of my work on my web and this blog, nothing beats seeing the real thing!