My wife says I should do more still lifes. So, that’s one of my New Year’s resolutions: “Do more still lifes.”

Here’s the first:

I gave my wife a Waterford crystal vase for Christmas. We moved into a new house this fall, and we have a dining room in the front of the house that gets a lot of morning sun. I thought the vase would look good there, catching a lot of sun rays.

Sally bought a couple of roses, set it all in the middle of her grandmother’s diningr oom table, and I got inspired. I did one painting, which was ok, but I wasn’t satisfied with the background, so — in a rarity for me — I did it again. I am more satisfied with this one.

I need more practice at this still life thing.

About the painting

The paper for this painting comes out of a book of Daler-Rowney 200 lb. paper that I caught on sale at the end of the summer. The paper is very nice to work with — good absorbancy and transparency both.

8 x 10 watercolor, 200 lb paper

(The painting is a bit brighter than it shows up in this photo.)

Price: Not for sale

From 2003 to 2006, I was privileged to be on the faculty of Emory and Henry College, a small Methodist College in the mountains of southwest Virginia, about 25 northeast of Bristol. The campus has been in existence on that spot since its founding in 1836. It is one of uncommon beauty, as is the surrounding area. The place inspired many paintings, one of which is already on this site. Here is another.

15 x 22, Watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold press paper

Price: Not for sale

About the painting

This painting is one of a series that I have donated to Emory and Henry College. More of those paintings will appear soon.

(This is an original piece, not a print.)