Toot's Tavern

Toot's Tavern - 8x6"- oil on canvas panel

I really like this neon sign with the naked lady in a martini glass. So retro! So politically incorrect! (So hard to paint!) The only way to have it show up in a painting was to do it at night--and even then, it wasn't all that dark, because there was a street light in front of the building. You can see the shadow of the light pole on the left.

When I delivered my work to the gallery, one of the other artists asked if I had fun. I said, "Yes, but I sweat blood over them." He laughed, and said, "Yes, we all do!"

This is another painting for the Valona Paint-out in Crockett, CA. It can be seen at Epperson Gallery

Valona Paint-out 2014

St. Mark's - 8x10"- oil on linen panel

I have always admired this little church, in Crockett, set back among the tall pines. Now, during the Valona Paintout, I decided to paint it. When I started, there was bright sun on the church and the flowers--looking good. Passers-by were very nice and complementary. But the light changed... so I had to pack it in and return the next day.

Well, by the next day, someone had cut all the flowers! And the light was overcast. So, I tried to go with what I remembered and photos. I had left white spots on the canvas where the flowers were supposed to be. I think it turned out really successful!

Framed in gold. Shipped free.