Holy Mackerel

Here in the Pacific Northwest it doesn't get near as cold as it did in my home state of Maine, but it still gets cold nonetheless. Temps into the 40's have been steering me toward the acrylic medium and away from the watercolors. My new studio, housed in the garage of our new house, is unheated...so watercolors tend not to dry at the same rate and it really makes your washes challenging. But for those of you who know my art well, you know that I work in acrylics too. I've been painting up a storm with my Golden Acrylics this winter, and having lots of fun. Fish and Water themes are a constant thread through my work, and this winter is no exception. Here is my latest painting "Holy Mackerel", a whimsical piece I did during the month of December. The fish actually has silver paint, so the mackerel changes color and value as you walk by the painting...much like the shimmering silver fish. This piece is currently hanging at Artists' Edge in Poulsbo. Holy Mackerel, 36x24, Acrylic on Canvas, $1200

Two Sides to Every Story

Here is one of my latest wine paintings...Two Sides To Every Story...it depicts a glass of red wine and the bottle it was poured from, each with an empty fish hook at either end of the line. The watercolor is available framed for $400. Overall size is 16x20. Many more wine paintings are in the works so keep checking back to them on the blog.

This Wednesday August 12th, I'll be visiting with Sogno di Vino from 4-6pm to check out their happy hour and talk with people about my latest wine paintings. For those of you who don't know about Sogno di Vino, it is a great new restaurant in downtown Poulsbo. Sogno di Vino is owned by Rob and Angela Scott, a friendly couple who love to share their passion for food and wine with everyone. When I met them this past winter and learned they'd be opening up a restaurant with a "different" approach, I knew we were going to be great friends. The restaurant has a "wine room" where one can choose a bottle and have it opened at their table for NO extra corkage fee. Rob and Angela's vision is to taste, relax, and return...not to mark up their wine unnecessarily. So we hung a few paintings there... then after being open a few months they wanted more. Now there are many paintings hanging both upstairs and down, all with one thing in common. Wine. Vino. Come and have lunch sometime and check it out. If you can make this Wednesday's Happy Hour that would be even better, as Sogno di Vino will discount their small plate menu 50%, as well as having many incredible drink specials. To celebrate the release of my new print "Venice: Water & Wine" I'll be drinking Prosecco, the Italians' answer to champagne, made from a grape grown in northern Italy, near Venice in the Veneto region. Here is a pic of the new painting which is hanging in the wine room. Prints will be on sale at the Happy Hour for $15. Below is a pic of a remarqued print which will be in a silent auction to benefit the Poulsbo Marine Science Center. I've handpainted a Venetian Gondolier on the mat below the print. Come take a chance on this great piece of art!

Lunch Break in Venice

Here is my latest watercolor painting "Lunch Break". The painting is of Chiesa di Santa Maria della Salute in Venice, probably one of the most recognized churches in all our Italy. Two Gondoliers are seated at the top of the steps, taking a break and having a panini. 12x10, $500.

Painting Houses....

One of my latest house portraits was just completed. More can be seen on my architectural rendering site...Seattle House Portrait

House Portrait Commissions as gifts

Here is my latest watercolor of the Inn at Port Ludlow in Washington State. As an artist I also do architectural watercolors as "house portraits". They make a great gift and can commemorate one's home, a summer beach house, vacation location, honeymoon location, real estate closing gift, or retirement gift. If you are interested in commissioning a house portrait or painting of any kind, please contact me at my email address. On site consultations are available in the greater Seattle area. Further out pictures can be mailed or emailed to me to work from. Order now to guarantee Christmas delivery.
Inn at Port Ludlow, Washington, watercolor, 14x10, $300 unframed

Playing Chess with an Artist

I've enjoyed playing chess since I was very young. In my short life so far I've battled against my dad, my grandfather, and many friends. The game of strategy is very intriguing, and I honestly admit I hate to lose. I still have the very same chess set today, although now the figurines are models in my studio. These days I am fascinated with the chess pieces and the game symbolic of war. I grew up during a time when we as a people were convinced large scale war was no longer an option, at least after the "Cold War". Now, it seems as if things are spiraling out of control, and I'm looking at these figurines in a very different light. Here is my latest painting, "Into the Knight", a monochromatic B+W acrylic painting on cradled paulownia board. The piece stands 24 inches tall by 18 wide, and is offered at $800.
Prints are 12x18 inches for $30.