"When are you going to do some BIG landscape paintings?" she asked. And he asked. And they asked. 

Well, the truth is anything much above 16 x 20 sets my mind in a whirl. So, this summer, I am facing my fears, taking out my bigger brushes and giving it a go. Facing a big white canvas is daunting. To get myself in gear I prepared the surfaces of a few older paintings and I am painting over them.  The Old Masters did this all the time, so who I am to argue with the practice? 

This painting of lavender at Sonoma's Matanzas Creek  winery is painted over a painting done in a class a few years ago.  It measures 24" x 30" which is a great size for a guest room, or over a couch or table or on an entry wall if you need decorating ideas. If it were a "new" painting, this size would sell for $2150.

However, I consider this one of my BIG studies and I am getting ready to break out and buy some brand new large canvasses.  So, if you would like to have it for your collection at a BIG price break - make an offer. Anything over 1/4 price (that's $430) will be entertained. Not exactly an auction - but the best offer this week takes it.  I can use the money  for more paint and larger canvasses!  Send me an email if you are interested.

Vacationers often wander into shops to pick up a souvenir from their holiday. A T-shirt, a jar of local berry jam, a Christmas tree ornament…or even a painting. Here are some paintings from vacation spots - an ocean beach, a country farm, a mountain trail. I think having a piece of art that reminds you of a special place can trigger lots of positive feelings. So if you see something that tugs at your heart while you are traveling this summer - buy it! You will be supporting a local artist in doing what they love and you will have a memory to take home.

On the subject of shopping, I have linked up with Fine Art America to offer print-on-demand copies of original paintings. These prints are created from photographs of the paintings and are available as stretched canvas, framed paper prints and more. You can choose the size and format that works best for your space, and you have control over pricing based on your choices. While I earn a small royalty from the sale, the transaction is with this well-established company. From what I have seen, the quality of their materials is first-rate, and they offer a money-back guarantee. 

I will continue to offer signed giclee prints and photographic prints directly through the studio, using photographers and printers that I have hand-picked to create reproductions of my work.

Original paintings are available directly through the studio, at shows and at select retailers. Currently, there is work hanging at the Marin Society of Artists Gallery in Ross, CA, and at Weathered Nest in Mill Valley, CA.

Over the past several years, I have enjoyed being invited to be an "artist in the garden" on the annual garden tour for Mill Valley's Outdoor Art Club. 

This year, the organizers asked to use my  Geraniums painting for the promotional poster and invitation, which is an honor - and good exposure.
This painting has certainly made the rounds -- it's been featured in Marin Magazine and in the Marin Open Studios gallery. The original painting  is now back in the studio and it is for sale.

I've had requests for prints of this painting - which is an affordable and attractive option for people who like to have their art under glass - so I have decided to make it available as a matted photo print, for $50.

Geraniums will be printed half-size (11 x 14 inches) and matted to fit into a standard 16 x 20 inch frame. You can order it here.

I unpacked several new frames yesterday and I am really loving the way floater frames showcase small paintings. Each of these paintings of Muir Beach -- one towards the sea, one towards the hill -- is just 6 inches square. When a small painting is placed in a traditional frame, the molding that holds the painting in place can "trim" as much as 1/4" all around. In a floater frame, the painting is mounted from the front on the frame onto a backing where it floats (see the dark line around the edge of the canvas) and the sides of the painting are exposed.  The frames are 13 inches square and the finish is  dark brown with hints of a red underwash and a gold border.

Often, I see a scene I like but I am not sure how it will translate to a full-size painting. So I do a "study" -- a  small painting to test out my ideas. Every so often, I just like the small painting the way it is and call it a day.

"Sonoma Hay" is one of those paintings -- it's just 5 x 7 and I popped it into a standard size photo frame (with glass removed).  It's the perfect size for a small wall, a side table or on a stack of books on a bookshelf. If you've wanted one of my paintings - here's a chance to get one for a song - just $150. It's available at Moss and Moss in Mill Valley. 

Three cheers for the Red, White and Blue! These painterly summer flowers are looking for a new home -- and the color combination is actually a lot more versatile than you might expect. Zoom in on this photo and you can see the actual brushstrokes and colors. Imagine it in a beach house, a summer cottage, or any room that needs a pop of color -- a kitchen, a hallway, a bedroom, a guest bath.  

Red, White and Blue is an 11 x 14 oil painted on canvas and framed in a classic light wood floating frame. The regular "Buy Now" price is $500, but to celebrate American Independence Day it will be sold tax-free to the highest bidder at auction.  

Starting bid is $150 - bid in increments of $10 - the auction ends Tuesday, July 3rd at 8pm Pacific. Collector gift certificates not valid for this sale, sorry. Shipping costs are extra. Interested? Leave your bid in the comments or on my Facebook Page.