This piece was done for the Kendall-Jackson Heirloom Tomato Festival poster. When I do still life paintings, I literally build a set with my subjects: in this case all these tomatoes were set up in a deliberate manner, in order to highlight the composition. 

And yes, the little fellows at the bottom are the ones sleeping with Giants! Even though this is a “still life”, there is so much movement in this piece! Oil on canvas.

Pears are some of my favorite things to paint-they lend themselves to many interpretations as in this case imitating a group of shy, small, entertaining creatures.

Doing the perspective inside the barn was a challenge, I have to admit! And just who is looking out onto this winter wonderland?

I find that when people think of Sunflowers they are often portrayed as cheery vibrant signs of Summer and Fall. I wanted to show another side to these miraculous flowers.

The word “nostalgia” comes to me when I think of the thought process behind this paintings beginnings.

Are these heirloom tomatoes or Pumpkins? Notice how the stems reach out and touch the tomato surface.

Painting with a limited palette is very challenging – as is painting lightning:  you have to give the clouds just the right amount of illumination, as to appear to be lit from within. 

This piece is mixed media: laid out in acrylic and finished in oil. I like to use split canvases to create more interest in the composition.

There is so much movement in this painting. And the background is very intricate: if you look closely you will see many surprising things!

Caught this sunset in Anderson Valley, Mendocino County, just right!