After One of Matisse's Odalisques

Oil on Canvas Board 10 x 14 in (27 x 35 cm)

'Odalisques' -- a favourite subject of Matisse.  He left his collection of them to Picasso when he died.  I enjoy Matisse's bold use of colour and asymmetrical compositions.

Flower Dance

Oil on Canvas 27 x 41 cm

This is a copy of a painting by the early 20th century French artist, Jean Puy (1876 - 1960), which I just completed for an atelier in Bordeaux. Born in Lyon, Jean Puy moved to Paris and exhibited at the Salon d'Automne in 1905.  A hostile critic gave the name 'Fauvists' ('the wild beasts') to the painters exhibiting, and the label 'Fauvism' stuck.  Puy befriended and was influenced by Matisse, Derain, Marquet, but was never more than mildly 'Fauvist.'  He loved life and painted in bold joyful colours.  At times he used simplified forms and produced an effect of blithe naivety. 

Copper Kettle, Apple and Chain

Oil on Canvas Board 8.75 x 10.5 in (22 x 27 cm)

My contribution to the Rookie Painters February challenge.  We were presented with a ravishing couple of photos to choose from -- objects sensitively selected and cunningly arranged to form a striking composition.  An engrossing challenge, indeed.  I found the reflections in the copper kettle and of course all those links in the chain, the most difficult.

Unicorn Cushion

Oil on canvas board 9,5" x  12"

Was the unicorn of legend based on memories of an extinct Eurasian rhinoceros?  If so, that's a far cry from it's acceptance as a symbol of purity and grace, an animal which could only be captured by a virgin.

Fantasy Landscape

Oil on Canvas Frame 13 x 16 in (33 x 41 cm)

I think underpainting in yellow ochre and burnt sienna helped the illusion of reflecting water, here.  Must experiment more with underpainting colours.