In the back of my mind, I have always wanted to do another bicycle design in collage. When I received an invitation for an upcoming show with a bicycle theme, I got to work right away! I took a few photos of an antique bicycle, which was my reference for this composition. The main objective […] more »
This collage is a continuation of my Iowa barn series that I began in 1994. I used a reference photo given to my by a friend. This barn is in northwest Iowa. All of my barn collages have been done from actual barns found in southeast Iowa, or friends who send me pictures from their areas. […] more »
I’ve painted another design of the crushed and mangled cans that I viewed at the recycling center here in Centerville. I find the abstract metal shapes fascinating and have to simplify the elements as there are too many details within each can. In this design, the round bottoms “frame” the larger can with ridges and […] more »
I’m painting my way around Albia’s square. This pale yellow building on the corner is a landmark and on the historic register. It is interesting sandwiched between the other businesses. The other points of interest are the global lights and parked vehicles along the curb. The building colors are a primary triad of yellow, gray-blue and brick […] more »
I’m doing another storefront composition on the other side of the street. Many of these old buildings have intricate details, which I’ve simplified, of course. Also in evidence is the old blue mailbox — something you don’t see anymore. I did go back recently to see if the box was there, but it has been […] more »
I cannot resist painting small town rural America. The small businesses come & go and I find the old buildings quaint and full of character. I worked from a photo taken a few years ago when I had an errand to run in Albia. This scene is on the east side of the square, which […] more »
I’m back doing a still life with my favorite glassware. I recently purchased the round, ruby vase that I thought would be great in a set-up. The other challenge in this still life was using an abstract acrylic collage in the background behind the glass. The pears added interesting shapes and color changes in the design. A piece of […] more »
What could be more simple than a design of brushes? I chose a variety of sizes and drew the shapes directly on the paper. Leaving the background for last, I discovered the interesting triangular patterns between the brushes and used different pigments for each one: naples yellow, violet and sap green. The triangles emphasize the angular pattern […] more »
Seems like the possibilities are endless in my quest of metal landscapes. Besides noticing all the junk people recycle. The little snips of red break up the gray-striped pattern of the soup and fruit cans. The round lids add interest to the reflected patterns. It is a challenge to mix different shades of gray, warm and cools. […] more »
Another fabulous “tinscape”! These crushed cans are in another landscape formation, with the Folger’s coffee can being most prominent. Being a coffee sipper, I really appreciate the bright red can among the striped soup cans and pull tabs. Lots of movement in this design — all the varieties of gray shapes make the red pop. more »