Three nasturtiums

Acrylics on Masonite, 20 x 25 cm:

SOLD

Rose heart

Acrylics on Masonite, 20 x 25 cm:

I rather like the semi-abstract forms that result when you zoom right into things, particularly parts of plants. I just goes to show that there is actually no very clear dividing line between abstraction and representation.

Hibiscus flower

Acrylics on Masonite, 20 x 15 cm:

SOLD

Tulip farm

Acrylics on Masonite, 15 x 20 cm:

SOLD

Lavender field, Provence

Acrylics on Masonite, 20 x 30 cm:

The lavender is a bit more purple in the original. It's something I have noticed when photographing paintings: for some reason, the camera does not pick up purple very well, and tends to render it too bluish. 

This item may be for sale on my Bid-or-Buy store. 

Tulip garden

Acrylics on Masonite, 37 x 52 cm (= about 14 x 20 inches):

Rather larger than most of what I have done thus far. And thus perhaps a tad awkward; working larger turned out quite different, and will take some getting used to! I may also tweak it a little bit more...

Arum lilies in a misty forest

Acrylics on Masonite, 20 x 25 cm:

SOLD

Cape white-eye

Acrylics on Masonite, 15 x 20 cm:

SOLD

Hollyhocks by the window

Acrylics on Masonite, 25 x 20 cm:

Rose arch

Acrylics on Masonite, 20 x 15 cm:

SOLD

Drakensberg landscape

Acrylics on Masonite, 20 x 20 cm:

This work is for sale on my Daily Paintworks Gallery.

Landscape with cosmos flowers

Free State Province: flat landscapes dotted with flat-topped hills. Particularly along road sides, stands of white and pink cosmos flowers are also common in late summer. It's the kind of thing that begs to be painted.

Acrylics on Masonite, 36 x 46 cm (= about 14 x 18 inches):

Lemon, spice, dandelion

Acrylics on Masonite, 15 x 20 cm:

Two irises

Acrylics on Masonite, 25 x 20 cm:

Wisteria cottage

Acrylic on board, 20 x 25 cm:

Tuscan window

Oil on board, 20 x 25 cm:

When it comes to painting outdoors subjects, I seem to prefer this sort of intimate scene rather than grand vistas. Not even sure what one should call this: landscape or still life? No idea, but it is what it is.

Some random sketches

I have been taking a break from painting in order to study up on some aspects of art that have always eluded me. How long I'll be busy with that, I don't know, but I'll post the occasional sketch here just to keep the blog alive.

Two still life sketches done from life:

And two in ballpoint pen plus colored pencil, cobbled together from various reference photos:

I have actually been itching to take up the brushes again, so perhaps I'll soon succumb to temptation and paint something...

Pretty flowers

Oil on board, 20 x 15 cm:

For a change, an outdoor scene. For this sort of thing I often prefer a far looser, impressionist sort of style. I based it on a reference photo I took in the garden of a local school; I noticed the girl intently staring at the flowers, haloed in rich light, and knew I wanted to try painting it.

Fallen things

After an evening storm, another batch of fallen leaves and blooms. Ballpoint pen and watercolor pencil on paper:

Three Tulips

Acrylic on board, 20 x 15 cm (= about 8 x 6 inches):