Tern, Tern, Tern

oil on panel, 8" x 10"

It's back to birds with this little study of three terns.  The title is a play on words of the title of the classic Byrds tune "Turn, Turn, Turn."  What can I say, I've had music on my mind a lot lately.

Amy, Amy, Amy

 

acrylic on canvas paper, 12" x 12"

I must say, this was a fun painting to do.  Amy Winehouse was such a colorful character, in addition to her phenomenal talent as a singer, songwriter, and stylist.  I thought it befitting that her portrait should also be a riot of color.  She was completely unique, a singular force in a world that craved ever more of her, and in the end, it devoured her.  I hope the world will learn to cultivate and revere uniqueness such as hers, and at the very least, give a closer listen to her music.  I've titled this painting after one of her lesser known tunes but one of my absolute favorites for its sultry licks, clever lines, and fun sense of humor.  Give it a listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIz15iovRjE. 

Great White Takes Flight

oil on panel, 14" x 18"

I started this painting of a great white heron taking off from a lagoon a few years ago, then set it aside and forgot about it, until the other day.  Just mainly playing around with color combos on this bird, seeing how far I can push it. 

Smokey the Koi

oil on canvas board, 8" x 8"

Another fish study, this one of a "pet" koi fish dubbed Smokey, who lives in a beautiful pond at my friends' property near Mendocino, California.  My friends have a bunch of border collies as well, and one of them, a handsome dude named Prodi, actually has a relationship with Smokey.  They're friends!  They go nose to nose whenever they meet up.  It's quite something to witness, so this is a very special fish.  I may try and do a larger version of him (or her?) on panel some day, but for now, this'll have to do.

A Day at the Fair

acrylic on canvas paper, 12" x 12"

This little abstract ditty reminds me of popcorn and cotton candy, two treats you would find at almost any county fair -- hence the title.  Not that I was thinking of edibles as I painted it.  These abstract studies are just fun, freeform exercises.