Sailfish Commission

My friend commissioned this painting for her husband for Christmas (this past year). She gave me the photographs of his actual sailfish as it was being reeled in Costa Rica during her husband's fishing trip. I was at her house this past week and photographed it hanging in his office. We picked the frame out together and I put it together and finished the back. Doesn't it look great? It was a wonderful gift and she said she was finally able to get him something that he couldn't guess!



Here is a closeup:

Ashland Gallery - Mobile, AL

I brought several pieces to Ashland Gallery last week. Jane and Sue have both been so helpful with my artwork. I brought 4 fish (two redfish and two speckled trout), an Oyster Trio on wood, a couple of 12x12 tin pieces (oyster and artichoke) and several of the small 6x6 florals on antique tin tiles. I ran by the gallery today to drop off a redfish that a client commissioned and to get my photo taken with the artwork hanging in the gallery. Come to find out, most of the large pieces have already sold or are out on approval! I had my 7 year old, Andrew, take this photo of me (hence the slightly odd angle and hand covering the flash!). The ladies at Ashland Gallery did a great job with the display -- they had to hang a painting where the other fish used to be. They told me to "get painting"! :) Only two more weeks until school starts and I will be back working full time. Run by Ashland Gallery, if you get a chance, and take a look!

Fish Commission

A client had been looking for some artwork for her son's room - above two twin beds. She saw one of my redfish pieces at the Lyon's Share Gallery in Fairhope and had an idea for a commission. She brought the fish fabric she had used in the bedroom to the gallery and gave the approximate size needed. After a few phone calls back and forth, I set out to find the perfect mount for her fish (she had chosen two off the fabric sample). After several trips to the antique dealer and much digging, I found some beautiful shutters in the perfect size. Problem was, they were kelley green. The client had said she wanted something natural. I proceeded to spend many hours and supplies on trying to strip the shutters myself, to no avail. I finally had them professionally stripped and it really shows off the beautiful antique pine. I just delivered them last week and they looked fabulous in her son's room. She even emailed me a photo to show me how they looked all hung up over the beds. This was a really fun project and getting to meet her two precious boys that will enjoy the fish was priceless!

Mother's Day Art

My mother-in-law is having several rooms in her house re-decorated. The lady helping her asked that I create 3 small canvases for her breakfast area. We decided on a pomegranate, artichoke and mango. Mrs. Allen loved them when I gave them to her as a mother's day present. They just got hung up and I wanted to show how nice they look in her kitchen. These are 8x8 thick gallery wrapped canvases, so they don't need a frame.

I also painted an extra set on regular canvases that are supposed to go to a local interior design shop - as soon as I find some good-looking frames for them. You know, with all my spare time...

Portrait Photo

I am getting ready to start a lovely portrait of a brother and sister. The mother found this beautiful antique lace and had the children's outfits made. Kudos to Kristin Smith for getting that "perfect shot" for the portrait reference photo. What you don't see, is me pretending to sneeze and falling onto the ground behind Kristin while she quickly snaps photos! :)

Of course, I will post the 24x36 oil portrait when it's finished. I can't wait to get started.

A New Gallery

I am pleased to announce that my work is now being carried at The Studio Gallery in Grayton Beach, FL (between Destin and Seaside, Sea Grove and Watercolor). I am very excited about this new venue and the owner, Susan Tolbert, is a joy to work with. Visit their website at http://www.studiogallery30a.com/. She will be carrying my small works on tin (floral, oysters, okra), redfish and speckled trout on antique shutters, a large red snapper in an antique window frame and, of course, blue crabs (a best seller). Check it out, if you are in the area. I am looking forward to taking a "business trip" over there, as well! :)

Eddie's Rockfish

After re-connecting with my college roommate (Univ of Florida - Delta Delta Delta) via Facebook, she commissioned me to paint a "Rockfish" (Striped Bass) for her son's room. They live in North Carolina, so this is a fish not usually caught around Mobile Bay. After researching it in my field guides and on the internet, I was able to capture the form and color in the 10x20 painting. She said it looked great in Eddie's room.