pepper practice

pick a pepper

So the idea last week was to paint a yellow pepper each day, which I did. I wanted to practice and enjoy the process rather than focus on the finished piece. I chose this pepper because I just love that yellow. More peppers to come.

waiting for spring

yellow pepper 6x6 oil on board

This week I am painting the same subject every morning. I chose this yellow pepper because the color is so cheery—ready for spring.

we go together

we go together, 8x8 oil on board

Valentine

BY TOM PICKARD

simplicity 

say sleep

or 

shall we 

shower

have an apple

you are

as I need

water

shall I move?

do you dream

shallow snow

flesh

melt this

Copyright © 2002 Tom Pickard, “Valentine” from Hole in the Wall: New and Selected Poems.

Diner

Diner Ditty, 6x6 oil on board

“Blunder ahead with your own personal view.” —Robert Henri

I have foolishly been absent from the easel. Why I take long breaks from doing something that I really enjoy—mystery.

Wake Up Lonely Lemon

I read this about yellow:
Like the energy of a bright sunny day, yellow brings clarity and awareness. The shade of yellow determines its effect: Yellow-green can mean deceit, and creates a disoriented feeling. Orange-yellow imparts a sense of establishment. Clean light yellow clears the mind, making it active and alert.

So when the paint becomes as muddy as my thoughts, there is only one thing to do—paint a lemon.

A big deal little vase

Today is the 85th day of painting every day—May 31st will be “Day 100” (fingers crossed I make it). I never thought I would stick it out this long. I'll admit there are plenty of days that I do not feel up to the challenge and the paintings show it. The irony is now that I practice painting everyday, I no longer practice yoga. Life is about choices.

Chicken or Egg

So it may appear that I am slacking off. In fact, I have been painting everyday but not much worth looking at. Truth? I am just being a chicken.

Fresh Start

I have to remind myself that my goal is to paint everyday, not necessarily post everyday. In the past couple of days I have been wiping canvases clean, unable to see what is in front of me. So, today, I decided to have a fresh start by going back to the basics.

Shall We Dance

It was one of those rare times that the gallery was not overrun with visitors and there was plenty of room to view The Dancers by one of my favorite painters, Henri Matisse at SFMOMA.
(5 x 7", oil on gessoboard)

Onion

 “Give even an onion graciously.”

—Afgan proverb

Last night, I got home after 10 pm and realized I had not painted. I did not want to break my daily painting streak (67 days), so I did this humble onion. Then I stayed up till2 am watching Johnny Depp in Everlasting.