Looking Out Andy's Way

Looking Out, Andy's Way oil on panel 18" x 24"
This is another painting inspired by Block Island and the human- dog relationship. In this painting, three boys and two dogs make up a pack, sitting by the water towards the end of the day, just watching the tide come in.

Clamming at Andy's Way

I am currently working on a group of paintings inspired by Block Island, which is one of my favorite places on earth. Andy's Way is a beach on the sound side of the island where people go clamming at low tide. This painting is oil on panel 24' x 36". I am interested in looking at how a single or small group of figures relates to the landscape and in most of these paintings I am also focusing on the canine and human relationship-a favorite subject of mine.

Precious Biggs

This is a little painting of a big dog, in life and in spirit- Miss Precious Biggs of Naples, Florida. The painting is oil on panel, 8" x 10".

Portrait of Marielle and Dolly

This is a portrait of a young girl and her Australian Shepherd. The girl's mother requested that I paint her daughter reading the books that she loves, with her constant companion, Dolly. Dolly likes to lie right on top of Marielle while she reads. It was a little tricky getting the pose because they are both sort of whirling dervishes. I finally did a drawing in which Dolly is more or less draped over Marielle's legs, looking out at the viewer. Marielle is looking up but her expression portrays that she is still completely absorbed in the world of the book she is reading- Charlotte's Web of course! Other books by her feet on the sofa are Narnia, The Hobbit, Harry Potter and the Wind in the Willows. And one of her favorite fairies is just outside the window. The painting is oil on panel 20" x 24".

Carmen Mural Installed

The Carmen Opera Mural was installed in its permanent home this week. I went to do the touch up work. It needed very little as Stefan, the installer, had done a fantastic job. The mural was adhered to the wall, then Stefan cut around the elevator door with a very sharp knife. Needless to say, I chose not to be there to witness that event! The lines where the door opens in the mural are nearly invisible. The room is painted a deep yellow ochre which is beautiful juxtaposed against the mural. And I love the little yellow chair that sits nearby. I can imagine Carmen jumping down from the table where she is dancing and flopping down in that chair to take a rest.

Carmen Mural Complete

The Carmen mural is nearly finished. I just have to re-grid it and mark it for installation. The lower section is the image on the left and the top part is on the right. Once it is installed, the total dimensions will be 11 feet high by 5 feet wide. I am pleased with the color saturation and the density of the figures within the composition. I am looking forward to seeing the two pieces together on the wall. The figure on the upper right, on the balcony, is a quotation from Manet. In general I was looking a lot at the figure groupings of Piero della Francesco, especially in the parade of matadors. The two female figures on the right, the "cigarette workers" are as intimidating as they are in the opera! Two of my favorite figures are the little boy on the right and the boy peeking out between the two matadors. Sometimes while I was working, he would catch my eye and wink. I am sure he will do the same for the people he will be living with!

Progress on the Carmen Mural

Here are some more pictures of the Carmen Mural in progress. I am happy to be finished with the top part because standing on the scaffolding near the ceiling was very hot. I could feel the heat radiating down from the roof. It is much cooler near the floor, as you can see from the photo of my two studio muses stretched out by my painting table!