Schnitzel

A friend's little dachshund is named Schnitzel...what a great name.  She took a photo of Schnitzel helping with the tree trimming.  When I saw the photo last month I contacted her to ask if I could do a painting of it.  Not knowing little Schnitzel had recently passed away from cancer Monica was very pleased to have this happen.  I was drawn to this work because of the challenges that the face, and lights, and composition presented.  Here's the result...

What is it about boats?

So I just put the finishing brush strokes on my row boat painting...I'm pleased with the results.  What is it about row boats, sail boats, canoes, kayaks that is so esthetically pleasing?  It must be the lines and curves - some of the similar graceful shapes of the human body.  I really enjoyed creating this watercolor.  The scene is peaceful, the colors perfect - even the aqua-bluish color of the ropes tying the boats to the trees.  Perfect!  My job was to not screw it up, and bring a little more contrast and vibrancy than the original photo.  Since you are not seeing the photo - you'll have to trust me - I think I did.  Not sure what is next, but I'm searching...thanks for coming by....Mark  (I'll have a better photo in about a week after my photographer does his thing.)

Irish row boats

Some friends took a fabulous trip to Ireland this summer.  While there they took a photo of a couple of row boats tide up on a pond among the high grasses.  They thought their photo was reminiscent of the kind of paintings I create...so they sent it to me.  They were 100% correct.  I love their photo, and here is my rendition after about 40 hours so far.  I'm about half way to completion.

Check back in a couple of weeks...hopefully I'll have it signed, and off to the framer.  Thanks for coming by...mg

Tuscany By Red Sportscar

Once again I am painting an iconic scene, this time Tuscany.  For this painting I chose to paint on watercolor panel.  Watercolor panel is a masonite type of board (very rigid) that is covered with a material that accepts watercolor paint.  I chose to be slightly looser with my technique since this scene is not that complex.  I enjoyed the simplicity of the scene, the late afternoon sunlight.  And of course the little red sportscar, which would have to be the best way to tour Tuscany.

Sunrise at the dish

A couple of years ago I took some sunrise photos while walking the Stanford dish trail.  I finally got around to painting one of them.  Looking back toward the unyet risen sun, the silhouette of a couple of oak trees against the morning sky is a wonderful sight.  Here's my simple rendition...

Next up a plate of food.  Yes, really, I'm going to paint a yummy chicken sandwich, with chips and beer.  Photo taken at Inca Lounge, Cuenca, Ecuador.

Adam's little girl

Just finished this, (I was going to say simple little painting), but it wasn't that simple.  But it is a little smaller than the sizes I normally do.  I enjoyed the problem of making water drops rain down on this scene.  Anyhow, here it is...

Not sure what's next for my palette...stay tuned.  Thanks, mark

Enjoying the fountain

A friend photographed his 3 year old daughter playing in one of those fountains that shoots water up through the concrete pavement.  He asked if this was a potential painting...heck yes.  Here's the start...

Hopefully will have this completed in the next week to 10 days.  Thanks for coming by. mg