Still River Studios

Title: “Adjustable Wrench”
Dimensions: 6″x6″
Medium: Oil

One day I was looking for a hammer and happened across this wrench. It still had it’s shine, but was starting to build some character.

Today’s self challenge: Paint the wrench so it looks heavy, and pay attention to the different surfaces of the metal, some are polished and others show evidence of the casting process.

This item is sold

Title: “Sunrise Foggy Morn, Lake Norman”
Dimensions: 5″x7″
Medium: Oil

I actually completed this painting a little while ago, but never posted it to my blog, so I thought I would share it with you now. I don’t usually paint landscapes, but sunrises over the lake are really incredible, and I may do more. This particular painting won an award for “best oil painting” in show and was reproduced in a postcard.

This painting is sold.

Title: “Silver and Gold”
Dimensions: 6″x6″
Medium: Oil

On occasion I sew and had these little props handy. I liked the silver and gold concept plus the contrast of the hard stainless steel with the soft flexible thread.

For me every painting is a challenge. With every blank canvas I face, there is an opportunity to gain knowledge, so I intentionally create obstacles as a learning experience. Sometimes I have an end result in mind, but I have no idea how to tackle it. Eventually I’ll figure it out, and along the way I’ll have picked up some little nuggets of information.

I’ve thought about artists that paint the same type of thing every single day, and asked myself if I would be happy doing that. For me, right now, the answer is no. I get so much more out of accomplishing something I didn’t quite know how to do. Yes, it throws me out of the comfort zone, but that is what’s fun and exciting. I am not one to settle for just being comfortable.

In the long run I trust these self-manifested challenges will make me a better artist day by day.

I hope you enjoy this one - painting very crisp thin lines of a reflective surface.

This painting is sold

Title: “Egg on Cloth”
Dimensions: 6″x6″ 15.2 cm X 15.2 cm)
Medium: Oil

I had fun painting all the folds of the cloth and getting the egg smooth. There is a lot of color in this piece - pinks, light blues and yellows making it a subtle yet colorful composition.

This painting is sold.

Title: “Flower Child”
Dimensions: 6″x6″
Medium: Oil

This little girl was picking out some potted flowers with her mom.

This painting is sold

Title: “Golden Treasure”
Dimensions: 6″x6″
Medium: Oil
If you are interested in this painting please send me an email.