"Early Morning Shadows" 12" X 12" Oil on canvasboard

I haven't done a landscape in quite awhile. I think it's the intimidation of "the enormous space" in a big scene with all the details included in the setting. I know this is probably (actually) irrational, but it's my trepidation in starting the task. It just seems "HUGE!" Most of my work focuses on the intimate view of an item. I love that! I feel much more confident in experimenting and know that I will finish it in a reasonable time. All of this being said, this scene pulled me in a personal way. As we were leaving the Monterey Peninsula last October we headed east on Hwy. 68 to Salinas in order to catch U.S. 101 south. It was early morning and the sun was just rising over the hills. There were plenty of nice, long shadows, and where the sun hit the meadows there were shades of green, brown and yellow. One couldn't have choreographed the light any better than it was that morning. I felt lucky to have been there to photograph it.  
This painting is for sale through Daily Paintworks at:  http://www.dailypaintworks.com/Artists/cflatt-1045                                                                  

"Oranges in the Limelight" Oil on panel 3 1/2" X 7" SOLD

I purchased a frame I liked several months ago because of its style, quality and price. It was for an unusual-sized painting - just 3 1/2" X 7". I knew one day there would be a subject that would lend itself to a long and narrow shape. As I'm usually chasing frames for an already completed painting, this was a fortunate find.  My husband cut down a masonite panel and as you might guess it didn't take a long time to do. It was great fun to play with the texture and color aspects.

This painting may be purchased through Daily Paintworks at  http://www.dailypaintworks.com/Artists/cflatt-1045

                                                                             

"A NATURAL RESOURCE" 6" X 6" Oil on linen panel

I struggled with the decision to make the edges of the eggs loose, or not. I can't erase from my mind that eggs are these clean, white, perfect ellipses, and I thought really loose edges would look sloppy rather than "creative." Silly of me, I know, but I just couldn't do it. Instead, I settled for texture applied within the egg shape with palette knife and brush. Hopefully, that will suffice. First time I've worked on eggs in a painting...very enjoyable.    

This painting is available through Daily Paintworks at:  http://www.dailypaintworks.com/Artists/cflatt-1045                                                                       

"THE BUNCH OF US" Oil on linen panel 6" X 6"

Oh my, it's wonderful to be painting again! This span over Christmas and New Year's Day I have been "paintless," and I felt so wonderfully normal again to have a brush in my hand and a palette before me. I hope it's not too late to wish you all a very Happy New Year filled to the brim with peace, hope and painting opportunities.   
This painting is available through Daily Paintworks at  http://www.dailypaintworks.com/Artists/cflatt-1045