"Red Begonia with  Lemon"  8 x 8, oil

SOLD
(This piece is in a private collection in Tampa, Florida)

“Aspirin is so good for roses, brandy for sweet peas, and a
squeeze of lemon-juice for the fleshy flowers, like begonias.” 

Gerald Durrell, My Family and Other Animals

I  have been looking for a while at David Leffel's paintings, and have also read his book " Oil Painting Secrets from a Master".

I wanted to apply some of his teachings in "Red Begonia with Lemon". Now, I'm not sure how much of his teachings I was able to apply in this painting, but I am sure that I was able to capture something of the lighting and atmosphere that Leffel emphasizes in his book. 

Glass Bowl with Tangerine, 6 x 6, oil

SOLD
(This piece is in a private collection in Pearland, Texas)

"There is no blue without yellow and without orange."

Vincent Van Gogh

My inspiration for "Glass Bowl with Tangerine" came from a modern-looking bowl I found, and I thought it deserved to be in a painting with a modern color scheme as well. 

The background became a beautiful purple-blue, complementing the vibrant orange of the tangerine in the foreground. Overall I am satisfied with both the brilliant colors and a contemporary look.

Red Flowers With Citrus, 5"x 7", oil

Used throughout a room, orange can become surprisingly neutral 

and yet it can be bright and mood-enhancing. (Jonathan Adler),

"Red Flowers with Citrus" was painted on a linen panel. Whenever I paint on linen, my paintings get a traditional look to them. The low lighting is reminiscent of a chiaroscuro painting. Also, the little  mandarins have an appealing warm glow. There is a mysterious atmosphere that surrounds this warm painting. I almost feel that there should be a candle somewhere in the background.