Okay, I gave in. I surrendered and painted a large piece (large for me 16" x 20"). I received numerous request from people who really enjoy my donuts by the dozen painting and figured what the heck - do another. This painting encompasses some of the similar donuts on my smaller painting. The painting is as fun as it looks. The painting is painted in a loose and impressionistic style. I wanted to keep the imagery looking free and creamy.
Sold
I must say painting large does allow me to be more expressive with the brush strokes but it produces some diffuculties as well. Getting around the painting for me is sort of a paint. I have to keep moving the canvas in all directions to get to a particular spot on the canvas. Many times I paint on the canvas upside down. This allows me to get a different perspective of the artwork. I've included some detail shows below.
Some detail of my donuts painting (click to enlarge):
This painting of a 1950's (I think) blue Chevy is to me more intriguing in the unique composition than the painting itself. The painting plays on the various levels reflection and imagery. Many of my paintings are very nostalgic and very reminiscent of things of the past. I love to paint these old cars for their artistic design and chrome...Sold
This painting on wood illustrates one of those objects that are totally retro. The color and the design is completely from the past. This pink cake mixer is one that many of us (old timers) who can remember our mother making cake and frosting for our birthday, holidays or just for fun. I've always been a sucker for cakes and sweets. I guess it reminds me of when we were young and free of responsibilities and inhibitions. I guess that sounds nostalgic, but that is what I am.
Sold
Large Scale vs Small Scale
In recent weeks since I started painting smaller on poplar, I've been hit with emails by people asking why I don't paint larger. I have to admit, that my small paintings really don't photograph well on the screen and really doesn't display the richness and intimacy that the painting portrays. My little paintings for me are perhaps the most personal. They are tiny little mementos of bits of memory on a small scale. I am often reminded of some of the old masters (Flemish) who paint in small scale but never lose the perspective of fantastic detail. I am no different that other struggling artist who try so hard to display a passionate image on canvas or panel. "I try to paint a jewel". Ever since I was in College and majoring in Print Making, I have loved to paint great detail. Now my work is more lose but not free of detail - detail in the brush stroke. I will paint larger soon - perhaps very large - just for a change of pace. Oh well...enough of this - I felt like I had to explain this to myself and others.
This very impressionist and lose style of a retro toaster is another painting from my toaster series. I have painted toasters for the last ten years and can't seem to get my fill. I've painted high realism toaster art and very impressionistic style such as this one. Sometimes I'm in the mood to be free and lose and sometimes I'm in the mood to be tight and highly realistic. Hope you enjoy.
Sold
Throughout my years of painting these retro 1950' - 60's images, I've always found that toaster painting are perhaps the most interesting and most identifiable image of retro art. I've had toaster collectors, yes there are some, that have really enjoyed my paintings. The last 5 years my wife and I are always hunting garage sales, salvation army outlets and auction houses for some unique and interesting objects such as this toaster for my art. I hate to admit it, I have a collection of toasters that I can't even account for...I guess I will need a garage sale soon...
This is now my third week in painting these small and intimate food paintings. When I paint these little jewels, I feel like a baker mixing the ingredients to create these little sweets. As a kid growing up I remember visiting my Uncle during Christmas and just indulging myself in cheesecake, cream puffs, cakes and twist cookies. My parents and family are from San Marino Italy, so there is never lack of goodies around. Now, my wife who is half Italian (Bari), continues to spoil me. Fortunately. my kids aren't really big on desserts and fine food (they prefer macaroni in a box and Chip Ohoy cookies) - good - leaves more for me...Mangiare !Sold
This teapot displays an interior of a room from within the reflection. The painting is almost surreal with the perspective and high degree of realism.
View my auction
The past few weeks I've attempted to try a different surface for my paintings. My father who is a skilled carpenter cut me several 6" x 6" peices of 3/4" wood. The wood I choose is not your standard masonite (which I use frequently as do many artist) but poplar. Poplar is a very smooth white surface that I find nice to paint on. The idea is to paint the sides and avoid framing.
This particular painting of a teapot was inspired when my wife and I visited some antique shops in Michigan a few weeks ago. I spotted this teapot and thought it would make a great still life. This composition is very simple but the stark background and vivid reflection makes for a stunning peice.
I have several new paintings that are almost ready to be posted on ebay. I went kind of crazy with more of my 'sweets' theme.
Click Here to Bid
This painting of a cherry cheesecake is the first of many paintings that I have been working on the last few weeks. The painting is small (3.5" x 3.5") but not small on richness and color. I have to admit, my wife is a fantastic cook and she spoils me rotten.
This painting of a 1950's Blue Cadillac is one of my favorites car paintings. This painting uses various colors of blues and is highlighted with high reflections in the chrome. I've always been fascinated with automobiles in art and I will continue to use cars in my paintings. Cars are not my common subject but because the imaginary is so strong I can't help but to paint them.
Sold
This past week I decided for my new years resolution I was going to focus on a more relaxed and enjoyable series. I realize that many of my regulars probably won't be interested in this style but my focus at this point in my life is try to be diverse and challenge my creative processes. This series that I have started consist of some of my favorite subjects - food and sweets! I really find them fun to paint and very relaxing compared to the very tedious style of high realism. I am able to experiment with colors, technique and textures in this series. I use impasto, stippling, glazing and many other approaches to my paintings. These three little paintings can be displayed together or individually. The idea is to capture something as simple as a jelly donut and make it art. Some say no some say "pass the coffee". Please enjoy and your comments are appreciated.
Sold
These two paintings are a continuing part of my small series of still life's and sweets. These two cupcakes were inspired by my wife who is always baking and cooking.
Sold
This is the second of many in a small series of these miniature paintings coming out within the next few days and weeks. The still life is loosely painted and it is very rich and impressionistic in style.
"Jelly Donut !"
This is the first of many in a small series of these miniature paintings coming out within the next few days and weeks. The still life is loosely painted and it is very rich and impressionistic in style.
This is part of my vintage toy series. I really enjoy these classic tin wind up toys. I find them fascinating and a wonderful subject for my paintings. This painting is a vintage airplane tin friction Japan S. Y. Fighter USAF.
View my auction
My wife's Grandmother who lived to 103 on a farm in Findlay, Ohio left behind many wonderful items from the past. This retro fan is one cool object. I just love those objects from the past and this little beauty in no exception. By the way, the fan still works.
View my auction
This still life is a portrait of my collection of ketchup bottles and coffee/tea pot. I found this pot at the Salvation Army. This still life is a painting within a painting - sort of surreal.
Sold
I really enjoy painting the wood grain in this painting. I think it plays well against the vibrant red apple still life. View my auction
This still life painting is of two vibrant marbles - one of my favorite subjects. What makes this painting a little different that some of my other marble paintings is the light. The canvas plays an important role in the illiuminousity in this still life. The painting is rich in detail and vibrancy.
View my auction
Part of my 'Diner Series'.
Okay, I gave in. I surrendered and painted a large piece (large for me 16" x 20"). I received numerous request from people who really enjoy my donuts by the dozen painting and figured what the heck - do another. This painting encompasses some of the similar donuts on my smaller painting. The painting is as fun as it looks. The painting is painted in a loose and impressionistic style. I wanted to keep the imagery looking free and creamy.
