The Fall

"The Fall" oil on canvas, 36 x 54 inches. I started this large piece nearly two years ago, and I posted preliminary drawings here. Meanwhile, I've finished several other paintings, while I picked away at this one as a long-term project. When I initially came up with my idea for "The Fall", I wanted to include two figures in a landscape, and I had been looking at a lot of Rennaissance painting.

I actually enjoyed painting all the leaves both on the bush and the ground. The underlying theme of the piece is in part about leaving civilization and going off into nature... somewhat of a departure for me, because I'm mostly known for my urban landscapes. But painting the figure has an organic quality to it, and studying nature has been rewarding to me.

The snake on the ground is supposed to be somewhat hidden from the viewer, as it is un-noticed by the couple in the painting as well.

"Over San Diego" or "Winter's Glow, San Diego"

This new piece is either called "Winter Glow, San Diego" or "Over San Diego"... 16 x 20 inches, oil on canvas. Which title do you prefer?

The location is just south of downtown San Diego, overlooking the Coronado Bridge in the background. The two models I used, Brandi and Justin, also appear in another painting I just finished. The pattern of leaves behind the figures was enjoyable to paint, and a challenge. I like the mood of the piece, the day was overcast, and the soft lighting worked well.

Suong Yangchareon

I was up in Pasadena on Wednesday and had lunch with an old friend of mine, Suong Yangchareon. He gave me this invite (pictured above) for his exhibition at Paul Thiebaud Gallery in San Francisco. The reception is next Tuesday, March 8th, from 5 to 7pm. Paul Thiebaud Gallery is located at 645 Chestnut Street, San Francisco, CA 9413. They have a number of fantastic painters in their stable of artists, including Wayne Thiebaud, David Fertig, Celia Reisman, and Eileen David, just to name a few.

I first got to know Suong about 14 years ago when I was working as an assistant at the Mendenhall Gallery in Pasadena, where Suong exhibited his work (and later, I did too). We got to be good friends, and Suong became an early influence upon me (as well as Richard Bunkall) in painting the urban landscape. We would gallivant around Los Angeles shooting photos of old diners, city streets, and panoramic views of LA wherever they could be found. As a wedding gift, Suong gave Holly and I this painting (below) called "San Pedro" 18 x 36 inches, acrylic on canvas...

"San Pedro" by Suong Yangchareon. 18 x 36 inches, acrylic on canvas