"Torrey Blush"

"Torrey Blush"
12" x 16" Pastel on Sandpaper
© Monique Straub
 

Hiking the local bluffs at Torrey Pines State Preserve is a favorite activity this time of year. Cool, clear mornings give way to beautiful views of the Pacific, looking south to the shores of La Jolla. Fresh greens are sprouting through the warm browns of summer, and the air is sweet with the smell of pine. A plein air painters paradise, I plan on breaking out the oil paints at this very location soon!

"Torrey Blush" is framed in a wide, dark brown, plein air style frame with UV/non-glare museum glass. Ready to hang and enjoy. You may purchase here and have it shipped to your door, or purchase here and pick up at my studio/gallery at Liberty Station, Pt. Loma, and I will refund the shipping. $365 + $35 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada.

"Pt. Loma Light #4"

"Pt. Loma Light #4"
12" X 16" Pastel on Sandpaper
© Monique Straub
 

It is only fitting that with a studio/gallery located at NTC/Liberty Station, I should have a painting of the Pt. Loma Lighthouse hanging at all times. The old Pt. Loma Light stood watch at the entrance to San Diego Bay for 36 years. At dusk on November 15, 1855, the light keeper climbed the winding stairs and lit the light for the first time. What seemed a good location 422 ft. above sea level, however, had the serious flaw of obscurity when fog and low clouds rolled in. On March 23, 1891, the light was extinguished and the keeper moved to a new lighthouse located closer to the water at the tip of the Point.

"Pt. Loma Light #4" is framed in a wide, dark brown, plein air style frame with UV/non-glare museum glass. Ready to hang and enjoy. You may purchase here and have it shipped to your door, or purchase here and pick up at my studio/gallery and I will refund the shipping. $365 + $35 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada.

"Road Trip"

"Road Trip"
24" x 24" Oil on Canvas
© Monique Straub
 

It's summertime...time for a road trip! This was the scene out the windshield on my way to Las Vegas last summer. Perfect puffy clouds, wide open road, and not another car in sight. The first in a continuing series of "on the road" paintings, this piece is painted in oil on 1-1/2" deep stretched canvas with sides painted black, ready to hang and enjoy.

Buy it here and have it shipped to your door. $650 + $35 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada.

"California Coastal"

"California Coastal"
12" x 12" Pastel on Sandpaper
© Monique Straub
 

My inspiration today looks forward to an upcoming trip to the Carmel/Monterey Bay area. Each summer my husband and I spend a week in Carmel during "Monterey Car Week." It's a fun filled week of auto shows, auto rallies, and historic auto racing. I've always been a car girl, and really enjoy these events, but an artist in Carmel? Yup, he's at the track and I'm in the galleries and studios mingling with fellow artists. It's my once a year opportunity to actually smell the oil on a Ken Auster painting, and visit the works of some of my favorite artists. The scenery is spectacular, and I always return with lots of sketches and photos. This scene of "California Coastal" is located along the Pt. Lobos trail, looking north toward Carmel. Craggy rocks, interesting trees and color streaked skies are everywhere!

Offered in a wide, brown, plein air style frame with gold liner and UV/non-glare museum glass, this piece is ready to hang and enjoy. Buy it here and have it shipped to your door, or buy it here and pick up at my Liberty Station studio and I'll refund the shipping fee. $295 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. Updated 5/13/13: Sold...and on its way to Alberta, Canada!

Thank You!

It has been a fun and busy week in the studio, and I would like to thank everyone that stopped by my festival tent at the Mission Federal ArtWalk this past weekend. Many paintings found new homes. I would also like to thank all of my new collectors that attended my open studio for "Friday Night Liberty." Held on the first Friday of each month, the "Friday Night Liberty" event takes place on the first Friday of every month from 5-9pm. I'm usually showing a work in progress, as well as pouring some of the best Sangria in town! To top off my week, I will be showing my work at the Talmadge Art Show tomorrow (Sunday, May 5th) at the NTC/Liberty Station Events Center from 10-4pm. This is a fun show of high end craft, one of a kind clothing, handmade jewelry, and of course...M. Straub Pastels. Hope to see you soon :)

"Village Path"

"Village Path"
12" x 16" Pastel on Sandpaper
© Monique Straub
 

This piece was a fun challenge posed to me by a new collector. From time to time I'll receive a photo reference or idea from someone as a potential commission work. Since I don't enjoy the stress of "commission" works when I know I've been paid up front or have a strict time frame for completion, I take on these challenges "risk free" and if the requestor likes it that's great...if  I've missed the mark, no worries...someone else will probably love it.

So here it is Brennan...what do you think? (I'll wait a few days to hear from Brennan, then I'll add a Paypal button if this piece is still available...check back in a week or so if  you like it :)

Updated 5/8/13: Brennan took a pass...so it's up for grabs! Framed in a wide, dark brown, plein air style frame with UV/non-glare museum glass, ready to hang and enjoy. $365 + $35 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. Updated 5/13/13: Sold!

Mission Federal ArtWalk, April 27-28!

 

Ready...Set...Walk!

 

The white tents of ArtWalk means Spring is here! The 29th annual festival returns to the streets of Little Italy next weekend, filling 17 blocks of San Diego's most charming neighborhood with more than 350 visual artists. The free outdoor festival also offers a full array of music and dance performances, and KidsWalk area with 15 interactive art activities. Come celebrate the creativity!

 

Stop by my booth #313 at the corner of India and Cedar Streets
(next to Indigo Grill)  and see my latest works in pastel and oil.

 

For a map and directions:

 

Read the 2013 Event Magazine Online!

"Twilight Poppies"

"Twilight Poppies"
12" x 12" Oil on Canvas
© Monique Straub
 

Yup...more poppies, but this time instead of soft pastel, they're painted in oil on canvas. It has been a fun transition from the "dusty fingered" work of pastel, to the "I have paint on everything" world of painting in oil. And just when I thought I was getting away from having to frame my work, I found these too cool gold crackle float frames (say that ten times fast), and I have my new favorite combo! I'll be debuting six of these new pieces at the Mission Federal ArtWalk in Little Italy, April 27 & 28, from 10am-6pm. I'll be located at the corner of India and Cedar Streets, next to Indigo Grill.

If you just can't wait...this piece is available here, and you can have it shipped to your door, or pick up at my Liberty Station studio and I'll refund the shipping. $275 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. Hope to see you soon :)

"Wine on the Vine"

"Wine on the Vine"
12" x 16" Pastel on Sandpaper
© Monique Straub
 

I'm often asked where I get the inspiration for my paintings. As a native San Diegan, I feel very fortunate to have so many sources of inspiration all around me. From the mountains to the ocean, Southern California is an artists dream. Many of my pieces take inspiration from my own back yard, and every day scenes often stop me in my tracks, but the vineyards of the wine country are one of my favorite subjects. The crisp, clear air of Northern California makes everything seem so much more vivid and alive.

"Wine on the Vine" is offered framed in a wide, dark brown, plein air style frame with UV/non-glare museum glass. You can purchase here and have it shipped to your door, or purchase here and pick up at my Pt. Loma studio and I'll refund the shipping. $365 + $35 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. Thanks for stopping by :)

Join Me for Open Studio at "Friday Night Liberty"

 

You're Invited!

"Friday Night Liberty" at NTC Liberty Station

This is your chance to meet the artists and visit open studios, galleries and free opening night art and dance receptions.

Held on the first Friday of every month...yes that's tomorrow...from 5-9pm.

Ample free parking, and several restaurant selections make this a great date night opportunity! Hope to see you there...


"I will be featuring a pastel demonstration with Sangria and snacks!"

Monique Straub Studio/Gallery
Barracks 19, Second Floor, Studio 207
 

"Spring Blush"

"Spring Blush"
12" x 16" Pastel on Sandpaper
© Monique Straub
 

A quick trip to Best Buy after a spring rain created a scene that stopped me in my tracks. I've done a few different versions of this piece from the photo I snapped, and I think this is my favorite. I'm not sure what made my fingers reach for the red, but then, I don't question those things. Maybe it was the disco music in the studio?

"Spring Blush" is offered framed in a wide, dark brown, plein air style frame with UV/non-glare museum glass, ready to hang and enjoy. Buy it here and have it shipped to your door, or buy it here and pick up at my Pt. Loma studio and I'll refund the shipping. $365 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. Updated 4/26/13: Sold!

"Sunny Trio"

"Sunny Trio"
12" x 12" Pastel on Sandpaper
© Monique Straub
 

One of my favorite sunflower motifs, Sunny Trio is just in time for spring. I've painted similar sunflower pieces in various color combos, and I never tire of their happy faces. A visit to the local farmers market has given me renewed inspiration for many more floral paintings, along with a few fun bell pepper and tomatoe works as well.

"Sunny Trio" is offered framed in a wide black, plein air style frame with gold liner and UV/non-glare museum glass. Ready to hang and enjoy. Purchase here and have it shipped to your door, or purchase here and pick up at my Liberty Station studio and I'll refund the shipping cost. $295 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. Updated 4/27/13: Sold!

"Vines and Olives"

"Vines and Olives"
6" x 6" Pastel on Sandpaper
© Monique Straub
 

Another view of the distant mountains of the Sonoma wine country from one of the many beautiful vineyards in the area. I'm currently working on a wide variety of subject matter and sizes, in preparation for the Mission Federal ArtWalk in Little Italy next month. Most of these pieces will be available for viewing and presale at the next Friday Night Liberty Open Studios event at my studio/gallery, Friday, April 5th from 5-8pm. Mark your calendars and drop in for a look!

"Vines and Olives" is framed in a wide, dark brown, plein air style frame with antique gold liner and UV/non-glare museum glass...very classy! Purchase here and have it shipped to your door, or purchase here and pick up at my Pt. Loma studio, and I'll refund the shipping cost. $125 + $20 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. Thanks for looking :)

"Sonoma Springtime"

"Sonoma Springtime"
12" x 12" Pastel on Sandpaper
© Monique Straub
 

Light rain and the sweet smell of grapevines makes for a pleasing memory of my time spent in the wine country of Sonoma. It's almost time for a return trip to recharge the creative batteries, and there's nothing more relaxing than sipping a nice dark red while overlooking a beautiful springtime valley of green. The air is crisp and clear, and the colors vibrant!

"Sonoma Springtime" is offered framed in a wide, black plein air style frame with gold liner and UV/non-glare museum glass. Ready to hang and enjoy. You can purchase here and have it shipped to your door, or purchase here and pick up at my Pt. Loma studio and I'll refund the shipping cost. $295 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada.

"Cactus Blossoms"

"Cactus Blossoms"
14" x 18"  Pastel on Sandpaper
© Monique Straub
 

Birds are chirping first thing in the morning, the rabbits are scurrying around on my front lawn, and the cactus is blooming! Sure signs that Spring is in the air. I'm headed out tomorrow with my trusty camera to document the occasion, and will start a new series of season inspired pieces for my upcoming display at ArtWalk this April...that is...unless you snap them up here first :)

"Cactus Blossoms" is offered framed in a wide, dark brown, plein air style frame with antique gold liner and UV/non-glare museum glass. Ready to hang and enjoy. You may purchase here and have it shipped to your door, or purchase here and pick up at my studio/gallery and I will refund the shipping. $525 + $35 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada.

"Along the Wash"

"Along the Wash"
20" x 20"
Oil on Canvas
 

Mmm...I love the smell of oil paint. It takes me back to the 60's, when my mom would sit and paint everything from Eucalyptus trees to kittens, using her tiny little brush and multitude of little oil paint pots from her paint by numbers kits. Remember those? The smell of the oil paint is what I remember best. I still have the pair of light blue kittens she painted for my room when I was six.

Well, here is another example of my transition from pastel to oil painting. Fun, but much messier than pastels for me! "Along the Wash" painted on 3/4" stretched canvas, is offered unframed. Buy it here and have it shipped to your door, or buy it here and pick up at my Pt. Loma studio and I'll refund the shipping cost. $325 + $25 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada.

"Thoughts of Spring"

"Thoughts of Spring"
14" x 18" Pastel on Sandpaper
© Monique Straub

I can't get the excitement of the change of weather out of my head today. The sun is beaming through my studio windows, the birds are chirping, it's another great day to paint. I had fun playing with reflections in glass today, only to hit a snag when I tried to represent this painting in a photo here. The colors of this piece are fresh and brilliant, but for some reason the darker blue/green in the background window frame would not cooperate. All the other colors are true, but the brilliance and saturation of that deep turquoise green was just too much for my camera! Hmm...maybe another camera class is in order :)

This piece is offered framed in a wide, dark brown, plein air style frame with antique gold liner and UV/non-glare museum glass. Ready to hang and enjoy. You may purchase here and have it shipped to your door, or purchase here and pick up at my studio/gallery and I will refund the shipping. $525 + $35 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. Updated 2/26/13: Sold...to a new collector in Ramona, CA. She now has two in her collection!

"A Burst of Spring"

"A Burst of Spring"
12" x 12" Oil on Canvas
© Monique Straub
 

I spotted fresh Tulips at Trader Joe's last week and it prompted me to dig through my floral photos for this cute little still life arrangement.  I painted this in pastel last spring, and with art show season fast on the horizon, I'm breaking out the oil paint and revisiting a few of my past favorites done in pastel. I'm often asked where I get my inspirational photos, and this one is a perfect example of "I'm glad I have an iPhone!" This vase of tulips was sitting on the desk of a neighboring goldsmith, and just begging to be painted. I'm heading out to the local "doggie parade" in the park for a little four legged inspiration a bit later today.

This piece is painted in oil on stretched 3/4" thick canvas, with sides painted black. It is offered unframed. Buy it here and have it shipped to your door, or buy it here and pick up at my Pt. Loma studio and I'll refund the shipping. $250 + $15 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. Updated 4/27/13: Sold!

"Torrey Bloom"

"Torrey Bloom"
Pastel on Sandpaper 11" x 14"
© Monique Straub
 

My thoughts are on the scenic views of Torrey Pines State Park today. While pondering the upcoming plein air painting competition at this historic site, I'm enjoying a quick browse through my giant photo inspiration box. Winter in San Diego offers wonderful opportunities to experiment with a few of the lesser used colors in my pastel collection, and the beautiful underblanket of dried pine needles, blooming weeds, and dried grasses at Torrey Pines presents a mosaic of ideas.

"Torrey Bloom" is offered framed in a wide, dark brown wood, plein air style frame with UV/non-glare museum glass. Ready to hang and enjoy. Buy it here and have it shipped, or buy it here and pick up at my Liberty Station studio and I will refund the shipping. $295 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. Updated 2/12/13: Sold...to a collector in League City, Texas :)

"Pt. Loma Light"

"Pt. Loma Light"
14" x 18" Pastel on Sandpaper
© Monique Straub
 

It seems only fitting that with a studio/gallery located at NTC/Liberty Station, I should have a painting of the Pt. Loma Lighthouse. The old Pt. Loma Light stood watch at the entrance to San Diego Bay for 36 years. At dusk on November 15, 1855, the light keeper climbed the winding stairs and lit the light for the first time. What seemed a good location 422 ft. above sea level, however, had the serious flaw of obscurity when fog and low clouds rolled in. On March 23, 1891, the light was extinguished and the keeper moved to a new lighthouse located closer to the water at the tip of the Point.

"Pt. Loma Light" is framed in a wide, dark brown, plein air style frame with antique gold liner and UV/non-glare museum glass. Ready to hang and enjoy. You may purchase here and have it shipped to your door, or purchase here and pick up at my studio/gallery and I will refund the shipping. $525 + $35 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. Updated 2/3/13: Sold...to a collector here in San Diego...thank you!