She Sells Sea Shells

Still Life with Shells

Still lifes have endless themes to be explored. I painted a series in which all had shells somewhere in the composition. This is one of my favorities.

 The unusual formations created at the top of the white sea shells are intriguing and must be painted in a way to create their hardness and bumpiness. They contrast with the smooth white wax candles on the right.

The red berries make the greens pop. Artists are free to crop their paintings as they see fit. It isn't necessary to show all the leaves in the beige pitcher, for instance.
 Next time you go to the beach, take a good look at nature's little masterpieces!

For more painting: www.mdiggsart.com
Most paintings on the blog are for sale.
mdiggs@mdiggs.com

Home in the Gardens



The Corner of my Street

I´ve just come back from vacation. It's wonderful to travel, to see family, as well as new sights. But, it is always good to return home. For me, that is São Paulo, Brazil, the largest city in Latin America.

 Here I´ve painted two common scenes only blocks from my apartment building, both dealing with flower sellers. Someone has just purchased  flowers from Antonio, our neighborhood florist who sets up every morning on the same corner. The lime green structures behind the lady buying the plant, are two public phone "booths" - the tall one is for adults and the short one for kids and wheelchair drivers. The tall buildings cast interesting shadows that create pockets of light. These contrasts enhance the composition of the painting.



The Flower Vendor



Just down the block is another seller, who is obviously not the owner, since she is relaxing against the telephone pole and probably miles away in thought. The stone wall behind her hides a luxurious apartment building in the "Manhattan of São Paulo", appropriately called the Jardins (Gardens) neighborhood.

For more paintings on this subject and others: http://www.mdiggsart.com/

Let me hear from you at mdiggs@mdiggs.com

Most of the paintings on this blog are for sale.