Jean's almost a "Painting A Day"

Green Onions

2010-12-02T12:14:00.008-05:00

This 35" x 24" oil on gallery wrapped linen is for my private collection. A composition puzzle that kept me on my toes, this one kept me guessing until the very end if I would like it or not.

Mellow Yellow

2009-12-18T08:38:00.002-05:00

8” X 8” oil on gessoed masonite, SOLD.

For some reason yellow peppers always make me smile. They seem less translucent than their red cousins, but the fun for me is the mysteries that are revealed each time I try to stop thinking and really seeing the subject.

Red Pepper Perspective

2009-12-16T13:40:00.001-05:00

Oil on gessoed masonite, 8” X 8”, $125.

Many times I second guess myself into a tizzy, but this time I couldn’t be happier with the composition.

Winter soups call for spicy ingredients. Look for more peppers getting their chance at immortality before they are chopped and simmered.

Unfolding Story

2009-12-16T12:45:00.001-05:00

Oil on gallery wrapped canvas. Each panel of this triptych is 8'” X 48”. When hung as shown the total measures approximately 2’ X 4’. $1,000.

Photographing this was an adventure. Please pardon my slightly sloppy cropping job that shows at the top. The sides are painted black. We thought about adding a second photo that shows the sides but that would have involved demolition of a wall and a possible divorce.

The Hint

2009-11-10T13:23:00.001-05:00

12” X 14” mixed media on gessoed masonite. $150

This painting has depth and complexity that are not fully realized in this photograph.

Brave Pear

2009-09-25T22:04:00.001-04:00

Approx. 8” X 8” oil on gessoed masonite. $75

This backlit pear was a challenge. I’m forcing myself to try a few different things. Fun, but scary.

I have had such a hard time getting back in the studio. I feel the urge to work on more fruits and vegetables. I’ve been dreaming of lemons and peppers again.

I'm too old and too mean....

2009-08-24T18:21:00.002-04:00

I had an email from an art scammer. Well, not really an art scammer, just some cockroach using artworks as a vehicle to get unsuspecting people to part with their money.

Do not fall for an offer to buy your work from someone calling themselves Crystal Moll from New Jersey.

I exchanged emails, explaining I would be glad to ship as soon as they put $$ in my PayPal account or sent me a certified check. Then I got an email from their "shipping agent". I was bored with the game by then and just sent them back the above link.

The whole thing smacked of Nigerian scam. Their game is to send you a worthless check for much too much money and get you to send them back the overage...before you realize their check is rubber.

It's a dog eat dog world out there. Don't get caught wearing Milkbone underwear.

(Man, I loved "Cheers".)

Perched

2009-08-24T14:57:00.001-04:00

8" X 10" oil on gessoed masonite. SOLD.

This simple painting is the first in what I hope is a series of birds on wires. I'm drawn to the simple composition and, well I like to look at birds. Then there is that cloud thing going on.

Showdown

2009-04-21T09:57:00.001-04:00

I guess that's the feeling you get after all the excitement of a show is over?

I had a great time. Many friends came out to support me and I sold a painting. I am doing a couple of private showings this next week.

Morning Melon

2009-03-31T18:11:00.002-04:00

30" X 50"X 1 1/2" oil on gallery wrapped canvas. $700

This one has such vibrancy. It's my largest non-abstract painting to date and I can't wait to do another one. I'm having so much fun, I can't believe it's legal.

Spring Art Show

2009-03-25T20:00:00.001-04:00

My show will run two days, April 18th and 19th, 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. We will be serving wine and hors d'ouevres catered by Great Scott Catering http://www.greatscottcatering.com/.

I have many new paintings and I have invited Jan Kransberger, glass artist, to show a select group of her latest work. http://www.jankglass.com/gallery.htm#

If you have not seen any of Jan's pieces you are in for a real treat.

The address is 26 Valley Creek Drive, Asheville 28803

Here's the Mapquest link:

http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Asheville&state=NC&address=26+Valley+Creek+Drive&zipcode=28803

Something old, something new

2009-03-17T16:09:00.001-04:00

I've posted this painting before but I wanted to show it framed in this antique frame we bought at Tuten Penland Auction. It makes real impact on the wall.

John's Sunflower

Progress!

2009-03-17T12:22:00.001-04:00

We spent several hours at Carl's house yesterday hanging more pieces, eating, admiring his work downstairs and sitting at his wonderful bar.

Our photographs did not turn out as well as we had hoped. I think we need to reshoot.

I would like to share one shot of "Fissure in the Earth" that we hung at the bottom of the stairs in Carl's auxillary backup kitchen. It looks grand next to the slate wall and the slate counter tops.

Getting hung

2008-12-16T10:39:00.001-05:00

My generous friend Carl has offered to host an art show/cocktail party for me. We're shooting for late February, but making no firm plans due to remodeling issues. We all know what that's like!

These photos are just to give you an idea of the display. Better photographs of each individual painting will be taken by somebody besides yours truly. As a photographer I make a good gardener.

John's Sunflower #2

2008-11-10T20:14:00.004-05:00

13 1/2 " X 11" oil on gessoed masonite. $150.

My second attempt is much more to my liking. I feel like I achieved what I was after. Of course, as soon as I finished it I thought "I need to do this one more time."

Head full of ideas

2008-10-26T17:35:00.001-04:00

I sold 4 paintings this weekend. The art sale was sluggish, due to crappy weather and crappy economic mood. However, I sold 4 more paintings than I would have sitting home.

I got back at it today. While sitting there listening to the shoppers' remarks I thought of a zillion things I want to paint.

John's Sunflower

2008-10-23T21:24:00.001-04:00

16" X 20" oil on canvas. Unframed $250

I tried something a little different this time. It's big and sort of controlled. I want to try it again and get jiggy with it, but for the first bat out of the box (sorry it's World Series time) I'm pretty happy with it. I love the background.

Aubergine #3

2008-10-02T16:26:00.001-04:00

My favorite of the three paintings! 5" x 7" oil on masonite, $75.

For some reason this one just talks to me. Maybe it's the composition?

Aubergine #2

2008-10-01T10:25:00.002-04:00

5" x 7" oil on masonite, $75.

The 2nd time around was a whole 'nother story. The background made the colors in the eggplant look very different.

This one is smaller than #1, but due to the wacky way this site is managed, it inhibits how the pictures show up. Alas. But hey, if you're interested, email me and I'll send you a gianormous one.

Aubergine #1

2008-09-30T10:59:00.003-04:00

Solanum melongena! 9 1/2" x 4 1/2" oil on masonite, $75.

SOLD

New color, new challenges. I managed to get several eggplant portraits from this gem before it rotted. I like a tough vegetable that can pose for hours under the hot lights.

Lemon Large

2008-09-29T12:19:00.001-04:00

20" x 18 3/4" oil on masonite, $300.

It's big, well for me, well for my fruits and veggies. Dramatic? It's fun and it makes me want to do more big paintings of small things.

Guest Soap

2008-09-28T20:44:00.002-04:00

This painting was a the result of Ger saying to me "we need a painting hanging on that empty nail in the downstairs bathroom".

9" x 9" oil on masonite. Private collection!

I can't help but grin every time I look at it. I'm so happy with how it turned out. You might be seeing a lot more of the little dish in the future.

Wedge

2008-09-28T20:37:00.002-04:00

9" x 9" oil on masonite, $175.

Lemons are so much fun to paint. I think I could spend the next 20 years painting fruits and vegetables. I never get bored with them, they offer something new with each visit.

Misty Morning

2008-09-28T20:30:00.003-04:00

Abstract painting 32" X 16 3/4" oil on board, $250.

I've been working and thinking and the two don't mix. This was three different things before I loosened up and calmed down.

Four Squared

2008-08-28T13:31:00.001-04:00

Mixed media, 17" x 17" x 1 1/2" on masonite. $250

This piece is framed in lathe, painted black. I got the germ of the idea from some website long forgotten. I didn't even bookmark it, just wrote down "squares". The "tiles" are floating in the shadow box.

Mz. Mikey

2008-08-23T19:20:00.001-04:00

This painting is a gift to my cyber-pal, Curtis. He posted a photo of his little dog on the J-Walk blog and I was mesmerized by the shadows.

4"x6" oil on masonite. Private collection.

Big Chunk

2008-07-19T22:04:00.001-04:00

10" x 10" oil on gessoed masonite, $90.

Every time I think something is going to be easy...it is NOT. I was trying to get lose and kept making sharp edges. I finally stood back and squinted and decided I could live with the in-between. Then I ate it.

The Hint

2008-07-19T21:56:00.001-04:00

11" x 14" oil on gessoed masonite, framed $200.

I named this the hint because it seems to be alluding to something.

Lemon Quartet

2008-04-26T12:39:00.001-04:00

8" X 10" oil on gessoed masonite. Private collection.

This is my favorite of the 3 "D.C." paintings. Fell off my brush.

Yellow Lillies

2008-04-26T12:35:00.001-04:00

8" X 10" oil on gessoed masonite. Private collection.

More glass. The light coming through the water and making designs on the left is my favorite part.

Green Apple Slices

2008-04-26T12:28:00.001-04:00

8" X 10" oil on gessoed masonite. Private collection.

I got back in the saddle while we were in D.C. While everyone else was doing their thing I started chopping up fruit and slinging paint.

Bright Night

2008-04-17T04:25:00.001-04:00

5" x 5" oil on gessoed masonite, unframed. SOLD

I've had a big lapse in painting due to traveling. It's spring break time for the grandkids and we're zipping back and forth across the country. I've taken my gear with me but haven't found the time or mind set to produce anything. THIS HAS GOT TO CHANGE. I have lots of things trying to get out of my head and onto the canvas.

White on white

2008-03-24T10:49:00.002-04:00

While we were in Dallas I did three paintings and tried to keep it very simple. White objects on white background, colors on white and everything placed on white fabric. Two of the paintings were very slightly damaged coming home. Ger had made me a rack to fit in a box and I stuffed paper at the edges thinking it would keep them from shifting. Didn't work. Some guy at Wet Canvas said he uses pizza boxes to transport. I might give that a try. I will attempt to repaint the little scratch marks left by the pegs in the rack.

Empty White Cup 6" x 6" oil on gessoed masonite. Not for sale.

Lemon Trio 8" x 10" oil on gessoed masonite. Not for sale.

Orange Trio 8" x 10" oil on gessoed masonite. Not for sale.

Afternoon on Kimberly #2

2008-03-20T19:36:00.002-04:00

6" x 6" oil on gessoed masonite, unframed $75.

This is a the second painting from a photograph that Ger took last fall. You can see the influence of Bruce Docker. I plan to do this same scene at least one more time. There is much to be learned about the levels of light and the perspective. SOLD

Blue Glass on White

2008-03-02T03:37:00.005-05:00

5" X 5" oil on gessoed masonite, unframed. Private Collection.

Paint what you see, that's the mantra while painting objects that seem difficult to capture. Disengage the "should" part of your thinking and look.

This little piece of art glass has been sitting around here for weeks. I was planning to paint a trio of glass objects but decided to let this one solo.

Memories of 6th Grade

2008-02-29T15:30:00.002-05:00

Our 6th grade building had a fruit machine! Yes, how 21st century is that? I would buy lemons. As in "boy am I lucky I have any enamel left on my teeth". I love lemons.

5" x 5" oil on gessoed masonite, unframed $80. SOLD

Thanks for stopping by.

Balance

2008-02-27T12:40:00.002-05:00

4" X 5" oil on gessoed masonite, unframed $75.

He's on three legs, this cute little red pepper. I hope to paint him one more time before he goes to mush.

Thanks for looking. SOLD

Little Cluster

2008-02-21T11:34:00.001-05:00

5"X5" oil on gessoed masonite, unframed $80.

What's in your lunch box? Remember those old commercials where they called grapes "nature's candy"?

Thanks for looking.

View From Mt. Mitchell

2008-02-19T22:20:00.001-05:00

12" X 15" oil on 1-1/2" deep gessoed gallary wrapped canvas $200.

We drove around last fall to enjoy the fall color and took several photos. However, the lunch was the best part.

Marlon Brando's Mouthpiece

2008-02-12T10:35:00.001-05:00

6" X 6" oil on gessoed masonite, unframed $80.

Remember Vito Corleone's death scene where he's chasing his grandson around with an orange slice stuck in his mouth and the kid is playing with an INSECTICIDE sprayer? Then he croaks, Vito that is, not the kid. It was probably the bug spray that did it.

A Blue Streak

2008-02-12T10:29:00.001-05:00

16" X 20" oil on gessoed, stretched canvas, unframed $120.

This is one of those paintings I call happy endings. It started out life as one thing and became something else entirely.

Orange Trio

2008-02-11T12:43:00.001-05:00

4" X 12" oil on gessoed masonite, unframed $100.

This just fell off my brush and I couldn't be happier. Navel oranges are so pretty, they make me forget that I always say orange is my least favorite color.

I wish the picture was larger, but if you like it I can email you a larger image.

Thanks for looking.

Peanut Butter and Jelly #1

2008-02-11T12:38:00.001-05:00

6" X 6" oil on gessoed masonite, unframed $80.

It was a good painting weekend. After a few days of working on other things I got busy. This is the first of what I hope is a series of PBJ's. I paint 'em, then we eat 'em.

Fresh Radishes

2008-02-06T16:40:00.001-05:00

12" X 12" oil on 1-1/2" deep gallery wrapped canvas, unframed $150.

This composition was the result of me playing around with my lighting. Luckily for me I have a lamp with a flexible neck. I want to use this set up again soon, it presents all sorts of interesting possibilities.

Under the Old Wallpaper

2008-02-05T17:05:00.001-05:00

14" x 11" oil on gessoed masonite, unframed $80.

When we redid our condo we must have scraped off 12 layers of paint and paper. It looked a lot like this.

Waiting for Fatima

2008-01-25T11:19:00.001-05:00

6" x 6" oil on gessoed masonite. Unframed $75.

The title refrences Ray Stevens lyrics, my attempt at subtle humor, but it also lends a certain cache to the fruit. Unlike my previous pomegranite, this one has not a hint of impasto and is sort of dreamy in it's blurred approach.

I continue to tinker with this site. I can't seem to make paragraphs in my profile and apologize for the conglomeration of info over there. It may improve. Then again, it could get worse. Hang on.

Thanks for looking.

Four Little Peppers

2008-01-23T21:08:00.001-05:00

3-1/4" x 5-1/4 oil on gessoed masonite, unframed. $50

They're little, but they make a statement.

I read on another art blog how the artist felt silly asking the cashier at the checkout stand to be gentle with the produce because she wanted to paint it. I'm the same way. I hold them in my hands, tuck them into my purse instead of risking putting them in a shopping bag. Ger is getting very adept at picking subjects...er produce.

Pomegranite on White

2008-01-21T21:11:00.001-05:00

5" x 5" oil on gessoed masonite. $75, unframed.

I always make a mess when I eat them. Drop a tablespoon full of these beautiful seeds into your champagne flute.

Red Wave

2008-01-21T20:55:00.001-05:00

9" x 9-1/4" oil on gessoed board. $75, unframed.

If you wish to purchase a painting, click on "view my complete profile" to the right and you'll see where to click to send me an email. I take check or PayPal.

Thanks for looking.

Papaya and Kiwi

2008-01-15T09:58:00.001-05:00

6" x 6" oil on gessoed masonite. $100

I have several white napkins that are too stained to use at the table any more. Usually I throw them in my rag box but realized that the changing of color due to age and use lends them properties that are perfect for a "painterly" drop cloth. Oh how I love to recycle.

Cantelope and Grapes

2008-01-15T09:53:00.001-05:00

6" x 6" oil on gessoed masonite. If you like it, make me an offer. This one was an attempt to loosen up and paint very quickly using a timer.

Carrot Askew

2008-01-14T12:20:00.001-05:00

6" x 6" oil on gessoed masonite. $75

I wanted to use the greenery but the leaves are so far away from the root and by the time I got them home they went limp. Maybe next time.

Grand Finale

2008-01-14T12:15:00.001-05:00

12" x 3-1/2" oil on gessoed masonite. $100

They are not the pits. In fact, they make me smile every time I look at them.

SOLD

Red and Green Pepper

2008-01-13T13:48:00.001-05:00

6" x 6" oil on gessoed masonite. $75

The pepper adoration continues. I love these jewels of the produce section.

Falling

2008-01-13T13:45:00.001-05:00

16" x 20" oil on gessoed masonite. $150

Think of Paul Simon lyrics and how many times he uses the imagery of falling. The dream, that jolt that awakens you as you are traveling through space.

Chunks o Lime

2008-01-13T13:15:00.002-05:00

3" x 5" oil on gessoed masonite "postcard painting". $50

These are ready to toss in a gin and tonic. SOLD

Sans Gin

2008-01-01T15:35:00.001-05:00

4"x6" oil on gessoed massonite. SOLD

I have been painting sporadically the past few days. I'm sort of glad the holidays are over so I can get busy.

Pears, 1 and 2

2007-12-14T13:45:00.001-05:00

Pears 1

6" x 6" oil on gessoed masonite. $60, unframed.

Pears 2

6" x 6" oil on gessoed masonite. $60 unframed.

Thanks for looking.

Vine Ripened

2007-12-10T12:08:00.001-05:00

5" x 5" oil on gessoed masonite. $40, unframed. Click on profile to email for details.

This natural arrangement worked so well the first time I tried it again with a different background. I wish I had done one more with them pulled apart, but alas they were too tempting.

Yellow Pepper

2007-12-09T15:00:00.001-05:00

5" x 7" oil on gessoed masonite. $50, unframed. Click on "profile" to the right and email me for details.

Yes. Another pepper. I like to chop them in chunks and use them to shovel up seafood dips and popcorn shrimp salad. If you don't have time to make your own just add a generous amount of lime zest to the ready-made. Then squeeze the juice all over, mix up, eat.

Abstract Series

2007-12-09T14:12:00.001-05:00

I like to paint abstracts because the process makes me think of color in a totally different way. It's palpable. It's telling a story without any help. It's solo.

Horizon # 1

6 3/4" x 6 1/2" oil on gessoed board. $50, unframed. Click on "my profile" on the right to email me for details.

Horizon # 2

5" x 7" oil on gessoed board. $40, unframed.

Horizon # 3

6 1/4" x 6 1/2" oil on gessoed board. $40, unframed.

I always hesitate to say what I see in my own abstract art because I don't want to interfere with what you may find in it. However, these paintings remind me so much of my cyber-pal, Rance, and his photos of the northern lights. You may see something totally different.

Thanks for looking.

Yellow Slices

2007-12-08T18:54:00.001-05:00

4" x 6" oil on gessoed masonite. $40, unframed.

My love affair with the peppers continues. I think it will be a long time before I get tired of painting peppers. There is so much to learn from each encounter. That, and they don't rot too fast.

Afternoon on Kimberly #1

2007-12-08T10:44:00.001-05:00

4" x 6" oil on gessoed masonite $50, unframed. To purchase, email me for details.

Driving down Kimberly Ave. in the fall is one of life's small pleasures. Some days I try to make more than one circuit, going at different times of the day to experience the changing light. There will be more in this series.

Thanks for looking.

Curve on the Blue Ridge

2007-12-07T20:47:00.001-05:00

This painting is 5" x 5" oil on gessoed masonite. Ger and I were driving up to Mt. Mitchell and stopping along the way to take pictures. Please note the beautiful frame he made. He says this picture goes into his "private collection".

Afternoon in the Garden

2007-12-07T17:31:00.003-05:00

8"x10" oil on gessoed masonite SOLD

Here's a study I did with the knife.

Hot stuff

2007-11-08T18:58:00.001-05:00

It was a productive day. The peppers were left-over from the salsa Gerry made a couple of days ago.

Sliced Red Peppers 8"X10" oil on gessoed masonite

This little matchbook is a study I did from a painting on the internet.

Matchbook 4" X 4" oil on gessoed masonite, not for sale

More clouds

2007-11-07T09:50:00.001-05:00

I love them and I hate them, those clouds. I felt good while I painted this and I hope it shows!

Big Sky 9" X 11" gessoed masonite

I wish I'd said that!

2007-11-05T22:39:00.001-05:00

"Painting is easy when you don't know how. But very difficult when you do."

Edgar Degas

This is one of the peppers I painted for Darrin and Kaye's kitchen.

Getting the hang of it

2007-11-05T21:22:00.001-05:00

Landscapes fascinate me. Here's one of my early attempts.

Old Home Place 8 1/2" X 13" oil on gessoed board

Trinidad in your backyard

2007-11-05T20:59:00.001-05:00

While in Dallas we visited with Lisa and Darryl and took several pictures of her pepper plants from Trinidad. I picked a handful of them. I have a feeling I am going to paint this over and over, but the first attempt was okay.

Lisa's Peppers 8"X10" oil on gessoed masonite

Food for...thought?

2007-11-05T20:52:00.001-05:00

I love to look at paintings of fruits and vegetables at all the art sites I visit. I've trained Ger to pick out produce by it's "sitability". However, we were bad about letting things fester when we were just buying to eat, now that I'm also painting the food, well, that drawer could be scary.

Tomato Trio 8"X10" oil on gessoed masonite.

My life as an artist

2007-11-05T20:43:00.001-05:00

It’s impossible to fully explain the transformation that has occurred in my attitude about painting. Was it a serendipitous alignment of the stars? Maybe. Being married to someone who not only gets what I do (which isn’t THE most important thing) but he is my biggest fan. He also is my technical support in every way. He cuts the masonite, frames my work and photographs the finished pieces. He’s game to trying our hand at gallery wraps and made the most awesome drying racks. He set up this site and he goes all over the place taking pictures and scouting out other artists. He gives me constructive criticism and he never complains about the hours I spend thinking about painting, painting, and then thinking about what I just painted.

Let’s see, he also folds laundry, buys groceries, cooks and brings me numerous glasses of wine. Is that all? Probably not. I owe him so much.

My goal all along has been to paint and like the result. I want to hang my work in our home and not have to make any excuses. Other things may come of it, but my personal satisfaction is the deal maker ...or breaker.

I am energized and confident. I know I am in the process. There is no end. You just continue to do and as you do, if your mind is engaged, you will learn and you will move forward.

I hope to post a new painting 4-5 days a week, depending on my progress. Here's a tie portrait I did for our friend, Carl, who just retired. It's called "Relic of the Past" and is not for sale. 4"x6" oil on gessoed masonite.