"Tropical Dreams"

"Tropical Dreams"
36" x 36" Oil on Canvas
© Monique Straub

I have a love/hate relationship with one of Americas favorite flowers. Most folks thrill at the sight of these beautiful "birds," but my experience has been a bit comical. Years ago, when we were first married, John and I had a huge Bird of Paradise plant growing in our front yard. It had probably been there for twenty years or so, and with our plans for a new front yard, it just had to go. Easier said than done, and long story short, we realized it could not be removed by digging, so John had the bright idea to extract it (like a bad tooth) with a chain tied around the base, and hooked to our Volkswagen Rabbit. The Rabbit huffed and puffed, and I was certain the "bird" would win the battle. Fearing the worst, I went into the house, not wanting to witness the blown motor first hand. About a half hour later, and after much burning rubber, the entire "bird" was flying down the driveway and down the street behind our mighty little VW! They're pretty, but we shudder at the sight to this day :)

"Tropical Dreams" is painted in the vivid, rich colors of the islands on 1-1/2" depth gallery wrapped canvas, sides painted black, ready to hang and enjoy. Updated 12/27/17: Sold!

"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!