"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!

"Coastal Walk #5"

"Coastal Walk #5"
12" x 12" Pastel on Sandpaper
© Monique Straub
 

I'm revisiting one of my favorite images today. This is a scene from the path along Torrey Pines State Park. The smell of sage on a dusty trail, the sound of the surf pounding the cliffs...memories of a summer walk.

Painted in soft pastel on sandpaper, this piece is framed in a wide, black plein air style frame with gold liner and UV/non-glare museum glass. Ready to hang and enjoy. Buy it here and have it shipped, or buy it here, pick up at my Liberty Station studio, and I'll refund the shipping charge. $295 + $35 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. Updated 4/27/13: Sold!

"Peds"

"Peds"
Soft Pastel on Sandpaper
16" x 20"

It's one of my favorite times of the year. I can remember back when I was about six years old, I experienced my first ride on the ferris wheel with my dad. It was June 30th, my birthday, and the beginning of a long standing tradition to spend my special day at the Del Mar Fair each year. Now known as the San Diego County Fair, I continue to look forward to visiting the milk cows, petting the goats, and eating everything from jumbo cinnamon rolls to chocolate covered bacon! Not to mention a stroll down the midway and into the Fine Art Show. I've entered one of my original pastels into the show for the past six years or so. "Peds" is my entry for this year. It was inspired by a trio of mopeds I saw parked in a gas station lot in Pt. Loma last summer. In one of those "Honey stop the car!" moments, I was able to jump out and snap a few photos for reference. The Del Mar Fair is open from Friday, June 8th through Wednesday, July 4th. Be sure to check out the art show if you go :)

Framed in wide dark wood with black mat and UV/non-glare museum glass. Ready to hang and enjoy. $550 + shipping (call for quote). Updated 5/18/12: Sold...to a collector in San Francisco, CA!

"Moonbeams"



"Moonbeams"
Soft Pastel on Sandpaper, 12x12"
 2012, Monique Straub

Sometimes waking up in the middle of the night can be a good thing. I tossed, I turned, and finally went downstairs for a drink of water. Standing at the kitchen sink and gazing into the back yard, I spied the most beautiful scene. Cannas glowing in the moonlight. It was as if they were featured under a spotlight...dancing for a star filled sky!

"Moonbeams" is framed in a rustic, black 2" wide wood frame with UV/non-glare museum glass. Ready to hang and enjoy. Buy it here $295.00 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada.

Joy of Spring #2

"Joy of Spring #2"
Soft Pastel on Sandpaper
8" x 8"

I'm busily preparing my work for ArtWalk Little Italy today, and while knee deep in frames, glass and pastel dust, I realized that we are only 29 days away! Since I receive many requests for smaller works in "pairs," here is the companion piece to "Joy of Spring #1". Sparkling and alive with iridescent pastel, these pieces are available individually or as a pair.

"Joy of Spring #2" is offered framed in wide black wood with gold liner and UV/non-glare museum glass. Buy it here $150 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. Updated 4/28/12: Sold at Artwalk!

Daily Painters "Joy of Spring #1"

"Joy of Spring #1"
Soft Pastel on Sandpaper"
8" x 8"

With all of the recent storms, the yard is emerald green. The rain has washed the faces of the succulents, and I just can't wait for the sunflowers to start their show in the back yard. I think a few bird paintings are in the plan also, since I woke this morning at 4:30 to the sound of birds singing in the dark. They're happy it's spring too.

"Joy of Spring #1" is offered framed in wide black wood with gold liner and UV/non-glare museum glass. Buy it here $150 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. And yes, there will be a "Joy of Spring #2" that would make a great companion piece to this, same size, subject and color palette. Updated 4/28/12: Sold at ArtWalk!

"Fall Faces #3"

"Fall Faces #3"
Soft Pastel on Sandpaper
12" x 12"

When it comes to sunflowers, one is never enough. I've revisited my sunflower "close-ups" a few times now, and in fact, this is similar to the image I use on my business cards. Getting nose to nose with botanical subject matter usually reveals interesting patterns and textures we don't see under normal observation...and may occasionally require first aid when startling the bumble bees!

Framed in wide black wood with thin gold liner and UV/non-glare museum glass, this piece is ready to hang and enjoy. Iridescent pastel adds to the glimmer of this colorful piece! $295 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. Thanks for looking :) Updated 5/10/12: Sold...and on its way to Charlotte, NC!