Painting: Honest Hearts

Honest Hearts
Oil on Canvas, 2016

36 x 36 inches

Painting: Long Ears

“Hallo, Rabbit,” he said, “is that you?”
"Let’s pretend it isn’t,” said Rabbit, “and see what happens.” 
― A.A. Milne

Long Ears, Oil on Canvas, 32"x32", May 2015

Painting: Fair or Fowl

Fair or Fowl

Oil on Canvas

28"x28"

Painting: Flowers, Flowers, Fruit

Here's one of the first paintings completed in the new studio,

Flowers, Flowers, Fruit, 36"x36" oil on canvas

For a bit of a description, this painting was started with an interest in Moorcroft pottery, thinking of art in terms of function and decoration. Moorcroft (British, 1900's) produced a variety of hand-painted tableware items with art nouveau influences. Moorcroft's son eventually took over the business and the company's pottery started leaning toward the more simpler style of his time. They became high-end gift ware and collectors items.  The overlapping fruit and flowers in the piece are based on classical still-lives in the Rijks Museum.

Fun fact: Moorcroft had a "Florian Ware" line, which happens to be my brother's name.  See image below.

Mini Canvases: Because Art Doesn't Need to be Serious

I've been stocking up on little canvases and finally realized their benefit. "Project" paintings, pieces that were planned out or have been assigned some sort of importance, are sometimes quite stressful! Mini canvases that are started on a whim bring me back to the days when somebody asked me what I was working on, and I could say, "I don't know yet."


They come in various stock sizes, and are sold cheaply at art stores, department stores, and even dollar stores. But keep in mind, if you buy them at the dollar store, give them a couple layers of proper gesso!

Self Portrait: Step by Step

A self portrait is good practice, but certainly tests your ego. Here's a play-by-play from my most recent portrait, a selfie. As you can see in the middle images, I use the canvas to clean my brushes while I work. I think there's some potential to use it in future work. We'll see.

Also, taking pictures of oil painting's is tough, but I did my best. I always do my best!

Oil on canvas, May 2013, 32"x42" 

Painting: Abyss

Oil on canvas, May 2013, 36"x36"