Leeks: A Study for the 30 in 30

Leeks/ oil on board/ 8 x 10/ 

This is a new favorite painting of mine.
Technically, it is interesting because I took a failed painting, flipped it upside down and then painted this on top. This was fantastic. First, I LOVE the red undertones from the previous painting and I ended up "digging" a few out. Second, because I had to paint over a bowl of fruit, I was forced to use the thickness of paint that I really want to use every painting (and don't).
Lastly, I love the green and white of leeks and green onions and this one makes me smile because I went to the grocery store to buy either (the clerks seem to have grown accustomed to me "modeling the produce": standing each pear up before making a selection, chasing the tumbling pile of turnips across the floor when I have to checkout the bottom one for its color and shape). This day, however, the clerk checking me out remarked "man, those are some "big ass onions"..... I wanted that to be the title of this painting (and it is in my mind). 

This painting is another test for the September 30 in 30 challenge. If I sign up for this challenge  I want to paint 8 x 8 or 8 x 10 paintings: each painted quickly to allow for a little lower price than my paintings that take more time: so the subjects have to be familiar and simple to do this. Still not committed.....

Cantaloupe Sketch

I am considering joining Leslie Saeta's Thirty in Thirty Challenge which begins September 1st. My "theme" might be 8 x 8 size kitchen objects.  This is a sketch to "think about it".

Riding on a Gondola Sketch

Riding on a Gondola/ oil on paper on board/ 6 x 6 $125
Purchase here

This is a small painting on oil paper. I love how this surface allows texture by scraping: smoother than canvas but not as slick as gesso board.
I also love this image, taken with my sister and her family riding on a gondola.

Rose Arches

Rose Arches/ oil on paper/ approx 9 x 12

Maria Hock Bennett (link) and I are planning a few days of plein aire painting. Neither of us have experience doing this, but we have it on good advise that this is the way to experience color and light (even of our paintings are merely exercises). In preparation for this, I am working on painting from photographs like this one from Italy with flower arches across a walkway. I am working on the colors, brushes and supplies that I want to carry. We start tomorrow. Can't wait!