I recently made tacos for dinner. The bright colors and spicy flavors of the ingredients made a good meal and I think, an interesting painting.
This is a postcard size (4"x 6") oil painting on a wood panel. Bright colors, Spicy flavors. The title of this painting is definitely, "Hot Stuff".
In the collection of Mr. Fred Jenkins.
The fresh strawberries this year are the biggest I've ever seen. The strawberry in the painting was the size of a small plum and twice as sweet. So was the cantaloupe.
This is a postcard size (4"x6") oil painting on a wood panel. I've just finished both the fruit and painting. Both gave me great satisfaction. The title of this one, "Sweet Season".
Price: $75.00.
"Sunlit Geranium"
The Gullah culture in the Lowcountry at one time believed that painting the openings to homes sky blue would keep bad spirits (Haints) out. They believed if a spirit came to a house in the night and saw the sky blue color, it would think the sun was coming up and leave.
This folk custom can be seen in the color of the sky blue shutters on this historic house in Charleston today.
I painted this plein air painting on a brilliantly clear afternoon. The sun reflecting off the white building was blinding and in stark contrast with the beautiful, cool blue of the shutters and sky.
The crisp edges and sharp angles of the building add drama to this 14"x11" oil painting.
I used a light touch and high key palette of colors in this portrait of a fair haired Charleston Child. The subject of the portrait, Miss Ella comes from a family of many southern beauties (see June 3 posting, "Summer Breeze" a portrait of Miss Maura). I'm glad to have painted the girls in this stage of life.
"Charleston Child"
Pastel on paper
11" x 14"
Price: Sold
My young son and mother used to love going to the beach only minutes away.
Both are older now than I have portrayed them in this painting which brings back many happy memories.
The Charleston area has many barrier islands with wonderful beaches. The Isle of Palms, Sullivan's Island, Folly Beach, Kiawah and Seabrook Island are all popular places to live and visit in the Lowcountry.
Price: SOLD
This is a plein air painting of the roof line along St. Michael's Alley. The loose brush strokes and sketchy treatment of the composition gives the painting a nice feeling of spontaneity.
The painting has been bought by a couple who live downtown and often pass this spot during their evening walks.
Charleston is a wonderful city for walking. Many residents and visitors walk the tree shaded streets as a way of seeing the "sights" and relaxing.
Price: SOLD
"Moonlight on Church Street"
Charcoal and pastel
Dimensions: 18" x 12"
Price: $250.00
It was challenging to paint with the Charleston Outdoor Painters Asso. (COPA) tonight (May 1, 2007) on Church St. in the dark. I decided to create a tonal painting using a limited range of charcoal and pastel.
The moon rose about 10 PM making this interesting composition at the corner of Church and Chalmers St. I think the finished painting gives a sense of the quiet and calm of this busy street corner late at night. I call it "Midnight" since that's when I finished painting. 
Other COPA night owls are Lisa Willits ,Caryn Smith, and Margie Connell. All the painters agreed that night painting requires good lighting of both subject and canvas. Night painting is a unique challenge but not without it's rewards.
Lisa and Caryn painted in the street using the hood of Caryn's white jaguar car for supplies. I was amazed she didn't end up with paint on her beautiful white car in the dark, but she's a pro and didn't miss a stroke off her canvas. Lisa was so well organized she was able to fit all her painting gear on the back of her bike which she rode from her home in Ansonbourgh.
Here is the finished portrait commission of Tyler, a handsome young man with a happy smile and a slightly quizzical look.
I used Judith Carducci's "under painting" with a pastel wash technique in the first stage of the portrait. (See postings from April 11 and 19 that describe Judith's work). This added a brightness to the color intensity of the finished painting.
Although I wasn't sure how the flag background would work when it was requested, I now think it adds color and interest to the final portrait.
I'm glad I was able to finish the painting in time for it to be a special Mothers Day gift.
Price: SOLD
