Two Life Studies of Alan from Class

6.5" x 8", Pencil and White Gouache on Brown Paper

I did this page of studies during a class I was teaching at The Art League.
It is called "Figure Drawing in Varied Media", and every quarter I have the
class try some new materials. This was done when we were using a combination
of pencil (could also be colored pencil and a different colored paper) and
white gouache highlighting on toned paper. I was happy with these studies
and saved them. -  I am so sad that Alan moved to Florida. He was such a
wonderful model, and a real gentleman. We all miss him.

Artichokes on a Pink Plate



Oil on Gessoed Ragboard laid down on wood, 5" x 8"   SOLD

I really enjoyed doing this painting. It was truly a challenge analyzing

the colors in the artichokes. Who ever thinks about actually mixing pink

and green together? Of course, they are complementary colors, but we

usually think about mixing red and green to create a muted, neutral

color. Here, I had to create many different versions of green, and some

spots were almost iridescent. I love these colors! -  I think I may keep

experimenting with artichokes, or, I bought some beautiful small

Indian eggplants at an amazing international supermarket that we

go to. They are a rich purple/rose color with contrasting green/brown

stems. Now I just have to come up with a composition that will do

them justice. Color is an amazing thing - it is almost alive in its

ability to interact and create any effect that you can think of.

Josef Albers was correct when he described color as being the

most "mercurial" aspect of art. But mastering color -- that is the

challenge that every artist faces, and for some it is a never-ending,

totally absorbing pursuit. I know that it is for me.



Boston Sunset for Teresa Toulouse

Oil on Board, 5.5" Square                                                 SOLD

If it seems as though I am obsessed with this image, that is correct.
Perhaps it is because I lived here for nine years, and looked out of
this window every day. I just find the shapes to be endlessly fascinating,
and the opportunities to play with color presented by creating skies to
be endless fun.

This was painted for a dear friend whom I have known for forty-two
years  - I can't believe it...time really does fly.