Nude with Calla Lilies - sold

Oil on panel, 7"x5"

This is a classical study of a red haired seated nude holding calla lilies. The figure is viewed from behind with a side profile. There is a lovely twist to the figure, and the soft light catches her face and flowers, dropping down her body to a classical sculpture next to her. 

Painted alla prima on a colored ground, there is a golden glow beneath the cool blues of the background. This painting is serenely elegant, unusually expressive and detailed for a small figure.

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Viewing Mary Cassatt - sold

Oil on hardboard panel, 7"x5"

I was taken by the sight of this art lover at the National Gallery of Art in DC viewing Mary Cassatt's "Little Girl in a Blue Armchair". Her yellow jacket was a bright note with the blue of the painting. I also like how this woman, the little girl, and the dog look like they're just hanging out. 

I always think of Degas' "Mary Cassatt at the Louvre" when I visit art museums, so doing a painting of someone looking at a Cassatt works for me on many levels. I feel fortunate to live right across the river from Washington DC where there is an abundance of world class art museums, most of which are free. I can think of few things that have been of greater benefit to me as an artist than being able to pop into the National Gallery whenever I want to study the Impressionist's paint strokes or simply gaze in awe at the Vermeers. Yes, our metro system is old and currently sucks, and DC isn't exactly Paris...but it is packed with treasures. 

Carnations in a Bottle

Oil on Canvas 10"x8"

Many years ago I saw an exhibit of Edouard Manet's beautiful floral and still life studies painted at the end of his life as his health was failing. They were for the most part small, simple compositions, exquisitely observed and poignant. The brilliant economy of Manet's brushstrokes continues to inspire me.

Looking at Caillebotte - sold

 Oil on Canvas Panel 7"x5"

Impressionism is one of my favorite periods in art and an endless source of inspiration. I enjoy the way Impressionists depicted people of their era in their daily lives. Edgar Degas' pastel of Mary Cassatt at the Louvre, is a delightful early version of the popular theme of art lovers in museums. I felt this young art lover at the Art Institute of Chicago beautifully complemented Gustave Caillebotte's painting, Paris Street, Rainy Afternoon. 

Paris, Late Afternoon - sold

Oil on Canvas Panel 7"x5"

I have always loved Paris and that city has been much on my mind recently. A place I've painted many times, this is my nostalgic view of the Luxembourg gardens.