LIMES AND LEMONS, 5X7, OIL

We were touring a beautiful art deco building in Ashville one summer, or rather, peering in through the door, when one of the servers in the very upscale restuarant invited us in for a tour. On the second floor was a beautiful bar, set up and ready for the evening rush, with a beautiful platter or limes and lemons waiting for the action.

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DRAGON FRUIT AND LIMES. 5X7, OIL, SOLD

Yes, this is a for real fruit! Probably something you have never tasted or even seen, unless you live in Mexico! My friend, Carmen Beecher brought this in as a set up for our paint group one day. Needless to say, none of us had ever seen or heard of this particular breed before. When we were done painting, we cut it open. It had a melon type center, no pit, white studded with tiny black specks. Very mild but pleasant flavor, very refreshing. If you see one at your market, don't be afraid. And look how pretty it is to paint!

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SOLD

SANDY'S TEAPOT, 9X12, OIL, SOLD

This is an 9x12 oil on Masonite that I did this week in a workshop. I paint 80% of the time from photos, and it is always surprising to me how much I enjoy painting from life. I think most of the enjoyment comes from doing things a little different, getting out of the old routine. However, I still stick with photos, not only from their convience, but the extreme color you can find in photos. That little spot where the sun hits a shadow and a spot of color appears that you cannot see in real life. I like to do a little photo shopping, just pump up the contrast and maybe the saturation a little, and then paint from the computer monitor.

If you are interested in purchasing this painting go to my Etsy shop link on the sidebar.