Red Shoe and Blue Balls #2 (8 x 10)

I went to the local dump to look for a window frame to use as a background for still life painting. While I was there I went to their recycle shop to look around. The red shoes just jumped out at me and I had to have them. Since it's Christmas season I added the blue balls for a little more interest, and a laugh..

The two teacup paintings (both 8 x 10)

The pair of still life paintings is the latest in a long line of still lifes featuring teacups . The teacups belonged to my Canadian grandmother who loved her tea. They have a lot of meaning for me and they bring back memories of my childhood in Canada.

I try to paint them in a loose and painterly way, but still retain good drawing and a feel for the reflective eggshell-thin surfaces. It's tough to get all those ellipses fitting together convincingly without getting fussy.

Lately I have been more interested in the other objects in the painting. The teapots in the background are reflections of that interest. I really like the cast iron oriental teapot in the "Oriental Tea #1" painting. I'm working on a sequel which will also include that teapot.