"Paradise"

This is a demonstration that I did for one of my student who had trouble with values.  For this particular project we only use black and white paint with different values of grays between.  For some reasons, I am particularly draw to black and white painting.  The next step for the student is to do the same subject in limited colors.  It is a fun and learning project for both me and the student.  Painting is measured 16" X 20" oil on canvas.

"Red Foliage"

The painting "Red Foliage" measured 16" x 20" oil on canvas is my experiment of playing around with the brushstrokes and the use of left over paints.  I enjoyed the application of laying down wet on wet, just got to keep practicing. 

"Franklin Mountains"

My wife brought me a beautiful hardcover book "Sergei Bongart" who was the famous Russian Impressionist Artist for my birthday.  I am going thru some changes in my style after the workshop from Guido Frick who had studied under Sergei.  I did this second painting of the Franklin Mountains as my experment of using the Bongart method.  This painting measured 30" X 30" and found that everyone who see this second painting compared to the first one that I did before the workshop like the second one better. I will find out more later if I need to redo the first one using more looser brushstrokes and brighter colors. There is so much more to learn the Bongart method that I cannot wait to teach this to my students.  

"Westlake Beach"

A friend of mine and our wives joined us yesterday along with Austin Plein Air Group at the Westlake Beach in Austin. This painting is measured 16" X 20" which is still large for plein air. The weather was beautiful and warm, after about an hour of painting the wind started to pick up and the temperature dropping - had to work fast to get this done. I am still learning on developing looser brushstrokes and working with colors. Can't wait to go back to Westlake Beach to do another one.

"Cottonwood Groves 2"

This is the second painting that I did on my own after the first one I did with Guido Frick workshop about two weeks ago. I wasn't too happy with the first one so I went in and redefine my techniques along with Guido Frick style. I think I am getting it and still have more to learn. I truly enjoyed doing "plein air painting" on large canvas 24" X 30" since that is what we used in the workshop.

"Apples n' Limes"

This 9" X 12" painting of a still life I set up in my studio is one of the study I am doing using the Guido Frick techniques. I brought a bristol brush (more expensive) and found that it does make a difference in how the brush can hold and apply paint onto the canvas. I have more to learn but this is the beginning of using looser style and layering of paint for me.

"Still Life"

I did this painting 24" X 30" of a still life at Guido Frick workshop. He has taught me new techniques using Sergio Bongart from Russia methods and am so impressed! This style is totally different than what I normally do and there is much more to learn. Had so many compliments on this painting, my wife said we are going to keep this one.

"Cotton Groves Barn"

After spending three days with Guido Frick from Germany who had studied under Sergei Bongart from Russia was a great experience for me. I learned so much I just couldn't get enough. This landscape was painted in Cedar Park on the second day of the workshop. This is a totally different style than what I am used to doing. I love it!!!!

"Jesus"

After not painting on this piece for a year due to frustrations, an artist friend of mine gave me some suggestions on how to correct some things in the painting. I finally got it and hope this is the answers I have been looking for. It has been a challenge and am happy with it so far. It is a large painting measured 24" X 48" oil on panel.

"High Plains Skyscraper"

Growing up in the Panhandle it seems the flatness of the land goes on forever. After moving down in the Hill Country I still missed the flat land with no trees or hills in sight. This is a painting of a grain elevator outside of Amarillo on HWY 287. It seems like the only and the tallest structure of the panhandle is the grain elevators. Love the contrast of the horizontal elements of the nature and vertical design of man made structures within the painting. This painting is large measured 4 ft. X 6 ft. and is in private collections.

"The Groves"

This painting "The Groves" is measured 30" X 40" was painted in acrylics with palette knife and brush strokes. Every once in awhile I will come upon the trees in group and think awesome! It is somewhat realistic and yet contemporary. Love to mixed styles!

"Agave Movement"

Every once in awhile - I get to take a break from realistic painting and go for the abstract style. It is so much fun to do abstract and there is more to learn and to do. This painting is from a photo of my friend - Marline who is also my former student. I love the colors and the movement within the painting. I have more abstract paintings that I will post later. This painting measured 30" X 40" with a black framed. It is for sale.

"Approaching Storm of Life"

The title of the painting represent what each of us have to deal with as we are confronted with problems and how we deal with it. My faith is what helps me deal with little or big problems. The style of the painting reminds me of the style that the artist -Mr. Bywaters from Austin, Texas done back in the 20's and 30's. I love those styles and hope to learn from his and other artists from the 20's that work under the WPA programs back in the depressions day. You can still see the artwork/murals in many public places.

"Palo Duro Lighthouse"

I just finished painting the "Palo Duro Lighthouse" this week. I loved the contrast of colors within the painting. This will be on an upcoming exhibition within a few weeks. This painting is measured 24" X 30".

"Multiple Pears"

I enjoyed painting "Multiple Pears" because of the design and the impact it has on the viewer. With my graphic design background - it was more of a interesting way of combining the fine art and graphic elements in this particular painting and with that I find it is okay to do that.

"Franklin Mountains"

Just completed my painting last night of "Franklin Mountains" outside of El Paso. There is just something beautiful in this formation of all the boulders piling up top of another and the colors are so vibrant especially in the morning. This painting measured 36" X 36" on canvas.

"Palo Duro Riverbed"

Palo Duro is one of my favorites areas to paint - love the morning and evening sun playing against the wall of the canyon bringing out the red, orange, and ochre. Palo Duro is full of history, there are so many stories about it and it inspires me to paint!

"Tar"

Portrait of "Tar" my beloved black lab who past away in 1992. I painted this 36" X 36" acrylics on canvas. Tar was my sweetest and smart dog who is alway there for me. I have several pet portraits in my home. I find painting pets is much easier than people.

"In My Father's House"

One of my spiritual pieces I have done over the years. This particular one not for sale - prints of it are available. There is something peaceful about the mission church, fields, moon and the colors in this piece. 30" X 32" oil on panel.

Northern New Mexico

This 12" X 24" oil on panel was painted in the studio - this brought back great memories of when we lived in the Panhandle - we used to go to Raton, New Mexico to the horse racing and then after that we go to Trinidad, Colorado to spend the night before heading back to Canyon the next day. I loved the colors in the mountains especially in the early morning.