Everyday People V

8x10 oil on carton board
$150 + s/h

I keep forgetting to mention that I am working on paintings for my upcoming show at Studio 47 in Woodstock, Vermont. It is to be a three-person show. Initially we thought to do just a solo show, but as I am newly represented there, I wasn't sure we'd have the draw for just me. Want it to be worth everyone's while... setting up and hanging a show is hard work.

I am having fun exploring some new scenes. And some old favorites. I will unveil all the work on here as the July 24th opening draws near.

Everday People IV

10x8 oil on carton board
$150 + s/h

This might be the guy at the bus stop... different days though. He was walking across a crosswalk tuned into his headphones.

Carton board is something I found at Judson's Art Outfitters. Its a tan card stock similar to the cardboard some of the impressionist masters painted on - but its updated and archival. I like the effect the oils create - almost a pastel quality. And the background color is a nice neutral tone.

Everday People III

8x10 oil on carton board
$150 + s/h

Realllly love this one. I am not sure I want to let him go. But, an artist's gotta eat! (Or buy more supplies.)
Enjoy your weekend!

Everyday People II

10x8 oil on carton board
$150 + s/h

Another random portrait. I sketched this homeless man who was sitting on a curb during an arts festival downtown. Below is the sketch. Today I felt like painting his face... though it tells a bit less of his story.


a page from my sketchbook - nfs

Everyday People I

8x10 oil on carton board
$150 + s/h

Sometimes I just don't feel like painting the background etc. when just the gesture or face says enough. So I am painting some "portraits" of everyday people. This man was sitting at a bus stop.

Moses Botkin Monthly Challenge

This month's challenge... our favorite treat. And if you didn't see this one coming from me, you don't know me very well!
Hot Chocolate, from Starbucks especially. And yes, I had saved this many cups and more in a few day's time. Speaking of, I wish I had one now to enjoy out in my backyard where my daughter is enjoying the first day of spring break.
I feel like I could also dig into that pie or the other yummy pastries. Vicki chose another favorite of mine... the nutritious, delicious apple. Maybe I will have that instead.


My Treat
6x8 oil on panel
$130 + s/h - sold



Chocolate Cordial Cherries
4x4 oil on panel
©2010 Jeanne Illenye

One a Day
47 oil on board

©2010 Vicki Ross

Tasty Treat

7x5 oil on hardboard

©2010 Diana Moses Botkin

Marble Frosted
8x8 oil on board
©2010 Michael Naples




The Usual Suspects
24x24 oil on canvas
©2010 Suzanne Berry

9 to 5

8x10 oil on linen

Just something I did last week on a piece of loose linen. Wanted to post one more before the weekend. I'm off to Houston for a live event painting. Yes, I am still doing them. though I am trying to stop. Cutting back at least. I'm focusing more on work specifically for galleries and shows now.

Had a great morning painting today thanks to something I read in "The Artist's Way" yesterday. It sparked me to try less hard... if that makes any sense. Read about it here.

All Gone

7x5 oil on panel
$100 + s/h

This may look like its glowing in the dark. Hard to tell what it will look like on other monitors! It is red. I took myself out for hot chocolate yesterday and sketched this cozy corner with its abandoned cup. I thought the mix of reds was striking and would be fun to play with.

I wonder if Starbucks puts something extra special in their hot chocolate because I seriously think I am addicted to it.

Brownstones to Red Dirt Postcard Art Benefit

Not my work, but I wanted to spread the word on this awesome benefit/art auction again. I think I've posted it on my Facebook page, but not here.

The auctions last only 3 more days on Ebay and you really don't want to miss the opportunity to buy some inspiring art for a great cause.

I'm watching something like 12 pieces. And am excited to see work created by my favorite children's book/film illustrators.

Check out their blog and website for more information on the film and the benefit.

Discussing Tonight's Menu

20x16 oil on linen

Walking down Congress Ave. in Austin last Saturday during Sketchcrawl, I looked into this sun-drenched restaurant and fell in love with the color and light. What a beautiful setting... the white table cloths, the vibrant, happy walls and the rich woods made me think I was looking into another country. I should probably have at least checked the name of the place. DOH!

Another cafe scene is on my easel and almost done. I have to adjust my shadows which I made too dark for the cool light. A very different atmosphere from this painting.
I'll show it later today.

Tea Service

12x9 oil on panel

This is the finished version of my start I posted on Friday. He is preparing the goodies that accompany high tea at Payard's in NYC.

I thought I'd give you a sneak peek below of whats on the easel now. I think my long dry spell is over. I'm certainly enjoying my work again and more inspired. I can't wait to get to work everyday!



I began this with washes of color applied with a paper towel for the most part. Sometimes I start with a "line drawing" and sometimes with large shapes. It depends on my mood really.