Todd Smith's Painting a Day

Doug

2009-11-03T14:12:00.000-08:00

Doug has been a banker and is a financial adviser, adjunct professor, rancher, gardener, extraordinary cook, and now a portrait model. 11 X 14 oil on canvas NFS

Is That an Apple in Your Hand?

2009-10-25T14:54:00.000-07:00

The same friends who have the cows loan one of their fields to their next door neighbor's horses to use during the day. 11 X 14 oil on canvas. $300 unframed plus shipping.

Morning Greeting

2009-10-24T09:59:00.000-07:00

A friend with his Scottish cows. oil on canvas 11 X 14. $300 unframed plus shipping.

Birds of a Feather

2009-10-22T13:48:00.001-07:00

These roosters are part of an extensive bird collection that a friend in Hood River maintains- that is if they haven't yet joined him for dinner. 9 X 12 oil on canvas. $200 unframed plus shipping.

Sanctuary

2009-10-21T10:26:00.000-07:00

I spotted this cow while I was on the way to The Dalles Mountain Ranch. It's the 1st of a series of animals I plan to post. 11 X 14 oil on canvas. $300 unframed plus shipping.

Lyle Cliffs

2009-10-20T13:19:00.001-07:00

For a better view of what happens when your Julian easel takes a nose dive after you've finished a painting, click on the image. It was a cold grey morning at Lyle WA. NFS for obvious reasons.

Columbia Cliff

2009-07-30T14:30:00.000-07:00

This is from this morning and I'm happy with it considering it took me 1 and 1/2 hrs. including set up and take down. In addition to a VERY inquisitive Yellow Jacket that kept returning to check on my progress, I was rapidly losing shade and, with the heat, I was afraid I'd end up featured on the menu of the local McD's. 9 X 12 oil on canvas

Rasmussen's Flowers

2009-07-28T15:18:00.000-07:00

I got an early start this morning at the Gorge Pleinairists' chosen site for the week and was finished before the rest of the group showed up. Today is HOT and, besides, early am light is generally better. oil on canvas 8 X 10 purchase for $100 unframed plus shipping.

Hi Valley Farm

2009-07-16T17:35:00.001-07:00

This is an older painting of a farm seen on the way to Joseph, OR. oil on canvas. 16 X 20 Purchase for$650 unframed plus mailing.

Sunday Afternoon

2009-07-12T10:57:00.000-07:00

I painted this several months ago and consider it one of my better efforts in small painting. After languishing in two galleries, a friend came to its rescue. oil 9 X 12 SOLD

Seated Model

2009-07-11T08:16:00.001-07:00

I was taken by the cool north light flooding my model's back. Unfortunately I wasn't able to completely avoid glare on all the brush strokes when I photographed the painting. If I were more patient and waited for it to dry, I think I'd be more successful. oil on canvas 9 X 12 Purchase for $250. unframed

Show Cars

2009-07-04T20:26:00.001-07:00

I'm curating a show at CAG next month that centers around transportation. This painting is of a small corner of a field where antiques, rods and unique cars were displayed last summer at the Western Antique Airplane and Auto Museum in Hood River, OR oil 9 X 12 NFS

The House That Grant Built

2009-06-18T13:18:00.000-07:00

This was a wonderful morning! I painted at a friend's property. It was the most fun I've had by myself since I was a teenager. Lieutenant U. S. Grant built this spring house in 1854 (with help from a Mr. Snipes)! oil on canvas 9 X 12 Unavailable due to having been burnt in a gallery fire (along with about 15 others of my paintings).

Catherine's View

2009-06-17T10:35:00.000-07:00

Painting at Catherine Creek the other day was as good an experience as one can get painting. Good day, good view, good friend. oil on canvas 8 X 12 NFS until August

Looking to Washington

2009-06-15T09:10:00.000-07:00

This was painted early in the morning several days ago while the clouds hung low. oil on canvas. 8 X 12. $200 unframed.

Green Light

2009-06-06T08:44:00.001-07:00

To revive my interest in our regular portrait sessions I brought in a reflector fitted with a green light and placed it on the opposite side of our model from the main light. No one objected; in fact, a couple of people didn't even notice until I pointed it out. Next time I'll hang a dark cloth as background. 11 X 14 oil on linen NFS

Conboy Wildlife Preserve

2009-06-02T20:29:00.000-07:00

This morning was breezy, cool and cloudy-very enjoyable. I've never painted under these conditions thinking about how difficult it is to obtain an interesting painting. I have to get rid of my tube of Brown Madder Alizarin- a very DEADLY color. This plein air painting is authenticated by the insects and seeds stuck to the surface. oil on canvas 8 X 12 Purchase for $180 unframed

Koberg Beach

2009-06-01T10:37:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, while out painting with friends, I had a bit of a breakthrough. I tried using a large brush which I'd been carrying for a long time, but not using. It forced me to loosen up. I'm hopeful it continues in that. oil on canvas 8 X 10 $160 unframed.

Family Outing

2009-06-01T09:27:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago I went to Hood River's waterfront to photograph a visiting sailing ship, the Lady Washington. I didn't get very useful photos of the ship, but enjoyed this scene. oil 14 X 18. $500 unframed.

Glenn

2009-05-29T20:44:00.001-07:00

Glenn, our model today, is an actor. Here's he's being a teenager. 8 X 10 oil on canvas SOLD (That is, traded for a wood cigar box that may become a small pochade box.)

Bridge at Husum

2009-05-26T16:37:00.000-07:00

I recently uncovered this older "on location" painting of a bridge in Southern Washington. It can be a little discouraging when you don't feel you're making much progress. 12 X 16 oil on canvas. Purchase for $380 unframed

Queens in my Backyard

2009-05-25T14:22:00.000-07:00

After a bit of a hiatus, I'm back (hopefully). Considered a weed by most, I love dandelions, both in flower and gone to seed. This, at least, is the excuse I use to delay mowing my backyard. oil on canvas 12 X 8. Purchase unframed for $150.

Good News

2009-04-21T18:42:00.000-07:00

Good News Gardening is where our Plein Air group went painting today. The real good news is that spring seems to finally be here. oil 8X10 SOLD

Black Lace

2009-03-25T15:54:00.000-07:00

I photographed this model 40 years ago. I painted this painting today. oil on canvas 8 X 10 Purchase for $160 unframed

Umpqua

2009-03-23T14:31:00.000-07:00

Here's the latest painting that I'm preparing for my May show at Roz Gallery, a local gallery here in the Columbia Gorge. oil 16 X 20 NFS (until the show)

Ken Again

2009-03-21T15:13:00.000-07:00

This is another one done in our Friday morning portrait sessions. The background is an experiment with a new (for me) technique and probably somewhat too busy. oil 12 X 16 NFS

Day at the Beach

2009-03-21T09:34:00.000-07:00

I thought these pears looked like they had a nice tan. oil 11X 14 Purchase for $300 unframed.

Red & Green Show

2009-03-17T10:12:00.000-07:00

I've named this painting after a long running silly Canadian comedy show I used to enjoy while living in Phoenix. There is NO visual or other connection. 8 X 10 Purchase for $160 unframed.

Rubber Band

2009-03-09T12:41:00.000-07:00

I noticed this rubber band sitting on my bathroom counter and thought the looping shapes and shadows were pretty interesting. 11 X14 oil Purchase for $300 unframed

Laura

2009-03-02T11:25:00.000-08:00

This was done last Friday in our portrait painting group. I was intrigued by the color contrast between her sweater and the yellow-green background. oil 12 X 16 NFS

Door Knob

2009-02-24T15:54:00.000-08:00

This is on the door between my kitchen and laundry room. One said there is a little problem with the perspective, and one said he didn't see any problem. What do you think? oil on canvas 10 X 8. Purchase for $120 unframed.

Kathy Reading

2009-02-23T10:00:00.000-08:00

Kathy was our model for our portrait session Friday before last. oil 12 X 16 NFS

Clamp Lamp

2009-02-17T09:01:00.000-08:00

I thought it would be an interesting challenge to deal with a very strong contrast between light/shadow. oil 8 X 10 Purchase for $160

Mill Creek

2009-02-12T08:19:00.000-08:00

I'm looking forward to spring as much as anyone, but meanwhile... Mill Creek runs behind my neighbor's property. oil 11 X 14 Purchase for $300 unframed.

Sierra Stream

2009-02-08T09:07:00.000-08:00

So far I've only visited the Bishop area once. Hopefully I'll get back before too long. oil 14 X 18 Purchase for $500 unframed, shipping not included. SOLD

Kate

2009-02-05T14:58:00.000-08:00

This portrait is of a model who posed for me not long ago. oil 14X18 purchase unframed for $500

Portrait

2009-02-03T07:58:00.000-08:00

Our model sat for us twice recently in our portrait group. This painting is the best of my efforts. oil 12 X16 NFS

Tools of the Trade

2009-01-29T09:05:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately, I don't take better care of my palette knives than my brushes. But I think the dried pant smears add an interesting texture. oil 8 X11 Purchase for $160 unframed

Lights

2008-12-13T16:54:00.001-08:00

Clear vs frosted. I felt the gradation from highlight to mid-tone on the face of the spot light came out successfully. oil on canvas 8X10 purchase for$150 unframed. shipping not included.

Markham Road Redux

2008-12-09T07:59:00.000-08:00

This is a modified version of yesterday's post. This painting lifted my spirits on a glum day and I posted in haste. A friend pointed out an area of visual confusion which, hopefully, I've solved. 11X14 oil. Purchase for $300 unframed

Dutch Teapot

2008-12-07T15:20:00.000-08:00

I've always enjoyed the challenge of illustrating various metallic surfaces including copper. 12X16 oil on stretched canvas. This painting is available at the Esprit Decor Gallery, Phoenix, AZ.

Mountain Stream

2008-11-20T11:24:00.000-08:00

Driving through the Blue Mountains, I spotted this little creak with lush grass growing on one side and a barren rocky slope on the other. 12X16 oil Purchase for $400

Sunday at Rasmussen's

2008-11-18T08:59:00.000-08:00

Rasmussen's fruit and vegetable stand is a popular place to be in Hood River, OR on a Sunday afternoon in the fall. oil 11X14 This piece can be purchased at Esprit Decor Gallery in Phoenix AZ

Ken

2008-11-16T11:10:00.000-08:00

Our model last Friday has been a play director at the Columbia Center for the Arts; another talent he has is the ability to sit very still for 3 hours. oil 12X16 SOLD

Fall Sculpture

2008-10-17T14:05:00.000-07:00

this Maple leaf was a nother thing I picked up on my walks. I wonder if I'll find anything to paint today. 9X12 oil on canvas Purchase at the Columbia Center for the Arts.

Racing Home

2008-10-15T16:00:00.000-07:00

This grouping of beets seems to be in a tight race. 8X10 oil on canvas purchase for $160 unframed. shipping not included.

Mom,Pop and Little Charlie

2008-10-13T13:19:00.000-07:00

I picked these pods along the road along which I usually walk. I don't have a clue what they are. 8X10 oil on canvas.

You Say Tomato...

2008-10-12T07:37:00.001-07:00

I enjoyed the challenge of differentiating the reds of the potato and the tomatoes. 8X10 oil on canvas. purchase for $160 unframed. Shipping not included.

Gary

2008-10-06T14:22:00.000-07:00

Several weeks ago Gary, who is a volunteer at the Columbia Center for the Arts, posed for the Friday morning open portrait session. 12X16 oil on linen. NFS

Contemplating a Conundrum

2008-10-01T09:49:00.000-07:00

A couple of months ago I had a lot of fun doing this using a soft toy that my daughters had played with when they were young. 11X14 oil on canvas. Purchase for $300 unframed. Shipping not included.

Plum with Candle

2008-09-30T09:12:00.000-07:00

For this painting I experimented by setting up on my pallet so the subject would receive the same lighting I paint by. 8X10 oil on canvas. Purchase At the Columbia Center for the Arts.

Helen and Ted's Best

2008-09-27T17:19:00.000-07:00

A visit to friends yielded this group of vegetables-plus some carrots. Perhaps I'll paint them soon. 12X16 oil on canvas. Purchase for $400 unframed. Shipping not included.

Homemade Jam

2008-09-26T15:11:00.001-07:00

I was given this jar of refrigerator raspberry jam and I'm loving it. 8X10 oil on canvas. Purchase for $160 unframed. Shipping not included.

Signs of Fall

2008-09-25T10:07:00.000-07:00

I picked these up on a recent walk. It's been beautiful weather- Indian Summer? 8X10 oil on canvas. Purchase at the Columbia Center for the Arts.

Sylvester's View

2008-09-24T17:27:00.000-07:00

This painting is of a view tucked away in a far corner of the Hood River Valley, OR. The painting is SOLD 11X14 oil on canvas