Return To Still Life Painting

Still Life With Lemon 1
oil on panel, 12x12

After a very long absence, I have returned to still life painting.  It gives me a way to paint from life during the long, hot, Florida summer.  I like to have a few objects, and prefer flowers and fruit.  When I set up a still life, I realize who many variations are possible.  It is nice to be in control of the scene after spending some years doing plein air painting.  This floral has soft light and shadows, and muted colors.  The lemon gives it a little pop.

Colorful Antique and Classic Cars

The Unexpected
Oil on panel, 20x16

I saw this colorful classic car parked near an interesting sign during one of the Englewood, Florida antique car shows.  It had a Route 66 decal on the side.  Englewood is a small town with some historic and old Florida buildings, and is the perfect place to host car shows.  People park their beautiful cars along the downtown area, and hundreds of visitors walk down the streets to look.  I'm not sure what make and model this is, but I thought it made a great subject for a painting.

Foggy Weather in Florida

Veil of Mist
oil on panel, 20x16

It is rare to have foggy days in Florida.  Since I've lived here, I haven't had many opportunities to paint grey, foggy days.  The sun is usually very intense.  However, I grew up in New England, and am familiar with how to draw and paint fog and soft, subtle light.  Fog and mists create a wonderful, mysterious feeling.  That is what I expressed in this painting of  Casperson Beach.  The horizon was completely shrouded in thick fog, and I could barely see the distant waves as they rolled in.  Here is a quiet, serene place to rest your eyes and spirit.

Appreciating Antique Cars

Tampa Avenue
oil on panel, 8x10

Here is a scene with an antique car that I came upon while plein air painting in Venice, Florida.   I finished the car in the studio, using a photo reference, because it drove away when I was starting my painting.  This is a Thunderbird from the 50s.  I'm not sure of the exact year.  It was before they started having large wings on the rear.  Antique and classic cars are a favorite subject of mine.   I appreciate their uniqueness and they bring back feelings of nostalgia.  Sometimes I visit local car shows and take photos for future studio paintings.  Downtown Venice is an ideal painting spot.  The dappled light on the buildings is interesting, and there are plenty of trees and flowering shrubs.