"Wake Up to Sunshine"

"Wake Up To Sunshine"
24" x 24" Oil on Gallery Canvas
© Monique Straub

Studio News: Oh how life can change in the blink of an eye! If you're following me on Facebook, you already know that I've been diagnosed with Cancer. Stage 2 Lymphoma to be exact. I've just completed my second round of Chemotherapy, and I'm happy to report that things are going very well. Getting tired easily is the only side effect I'm currently experiencing, so the painting continues at my home studio, and I hope to be ready to show my work again at ArtWalk in Little Italy this coming April.

"Wake Up to Sunshine" is my latest oil painting on canvas, it is 24" x 24" on 1-1/2" thick gallery wrapped canvas, sides painted black, ready to hang and enjoy. You may purchase here and have it shipped to your door, or purchase here and pick up at my Spanish Village Studio #34A  in Balboa Park and I will refund the shipping fee. $575 + $40 to ship anywhere in the continental US. or Canada. Thanks for stopping by :) Updated 5/22/15: Sold...and on it's way to Missouri!

"Pond Play"

"Pond Play"
12" x 12" Oil on Canvas
© Monique Straub

Moss green, sea green, lime green, yellow green...the colors of summer on the pond. Balboa Park is the location, and the pods are popping. Long stems swaying in the breeze, an occasional turtle pops up to munch on a ruffled pad. It's all play for the artist, paint mixing play!

"Pond Play" is offered framed in a gold crackle finish float frame, ready to hang and enjoy, and available here. You can have it shipped to your door, or pick up at my studio in Pt. Loma and I'll refund the shipping. $275 + $35 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. SOLD!

"Cyber Monday" and "Cactus Blossoms"

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

Just one example of the original works available at 15% off for Cyber Monday! Check out my website to see many more available "ready to hang" pastel and oil paintings. Local and don't need to buy online? Purchase in my Liberty Station studio today, on Cyber Monday from 10am - 3pm. *Website purchases will receive 15% discount off listed prices through Paypal refund :)

"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 and 15% savings. $525 + $35 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. Updated 3/15/14: Sold...to a new local collector!

"Shadow Dance"

"Shadow Dance"
24" x 24" Oil on Canvas
© Monique Straub

The subject of todays painting was captured during a "Nation Wide Photo Walk" in Coronado a few weeks ago. I accompanied my husband on a two hour walk through the scenic streets of Coronado, along with about 30 other photographers as they captured the sights of this beautiful city. Hubby snapped photos with his Nikon, and I just couldn't resist snapping a few of my own with my trusty cell phone. The image that caught my attention was the bold shadow patterns of these poppies, cast on a stucco wall.

"Shadow Dance" is painted on 1-1/2" depth canvas with sides painted black, 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. $595 + $40 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. Updated 12/10/16: Sold!

"August Breeze"

"August Breeze"
12" x 12" Framed Oil on Canvas
© Monique Straub
 

I can feel it coming...the cool breeze of Fall. Not yet you say? Well here in San Diego we've had a more than mild start to summer, and I'm hoping it stays this way right into October. Breezy and cooler than normal days have extended into the beginning of August, making work in the studio more than comfy. I'm off for my yearly visit to Carmel, CA soon, and will surely see my first "pumpkin on the porch" as I always do. Can you tell I'm ready?

"August Breeze" is offered framed in a gold crackle finish float frame, and available here. You can have it shipped to your door, or pick up at my studio in Pt. Loma and I'll refund the shipping. $275 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. Updated 4/26/14: Sold...to a new local collector!

"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!

"Pink all Over"

"Pink all Over"
9" x 12" Pastel on Sandpaper
© Monique Straub
 

I glanced out on the patio table this morning to find that my "Christmas" cactus had exploded into bloom. This cute little potted cactus has been in my family for over thirty-five years (that I can remember). It originally hung in the patio of my grandmas house, then it was passed on to my mother, and now it holds court on my back patio table, center stage. As I recall from childhood, grandma called it a Christmas cactus because it bloomed during the holiday season. I think with all the strange weather we've had here in San Diego lately, my little cactus is confused!

"Pink all Over" is framed in a wide, gold, plein air style frame with UV/non-glare museum glass.  Ready to ship to your door, or I'll refund shipping if you pick it up at my Pt. Loma studio. $225 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. Thanks for looking :)

Daily Painters "Windswept"

"Windswept"
12" x 16"
Soft Pastel on Sandpaper

Poppies blowing in the wind always bring me to a peaceful place. They bring back memories of the six foot tall oriental poppy plants swaying in the breeze in my grandmas front yard. They were supported by the white picket fence that ran along the front of her yard. Each spring I would assist in pressing the tiny black seeds into the ground along the fenceline, knowing that late fall would bring the sway of the brightly colored, towering blooms. I still remember the thrill of getting close enough to the blooms to feel the wind on my cheeks that was generated by the wings of the black and yellow bumble bees, just close enough, but safely away from the possiblity of a sting.

"Windswept" is offered framed in wide dark wood with UV/non-glare museum glass, ready to hang and enjoy. Buy it here and have it shipped $375.00 + $35 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada.

Daily Painters "Rosey Posies"

"Rosey Posies"
8" x 8"
Acrylic on Canvas

Just to mix it up a little, I decided to give myself a rest from the dusty fingers of pastel today. When I began my daily painting journey a few years ago, I was working mostly in acrylic and oil. Now that I have more room in the new studio, I'm able to set up working areas for both.

"Rosey Posies" is painted on stretched 3/4" canvas with sides painted black. Add to your collection $150 + $20 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada.

Daily Painters "Be Mine Valentine"

"Be Mine Valentine"
8" x 8"
Soft Pastel on Sandpaper

Yes, Valentines Day is right around the corner. I was reminded today when I saw the advertisement for The Marine Room Valentine Day special in the newspaper. For anyone planning a visit to San Diego, The Marine Room offers spectacular dining right on the sands of La Jolla. One of my favorite times to go there is when they hold their "High Tide" breakfast. That's when the waves crash against the big plate glass windows as you dine on their fabulous (and very foo-foo) breakfast buffet. Not for the faint of wallet, but maybe put it on your bucket list :)

"Be Mine Valentine" is offered framed in wide, black wood with thin gold liner and UV/non-glare museum glass. Ready for gift giving! Buy it here $150 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. Updated 4/20/12: Purchased from my Spanish Village Studio by a new collector!

Daily Painters "Fall PoppiesTwo"

Swinging in the breeze, today's piece is Poppy painting number two of two.

Painted in soft pastel on sandpaper, this piece measures 8" x 8" and is framed in wide black wood with thin gold liner and UV/non-glare museum glass. They look great in pairs...stay tuned for more in square format with varying background colors...and they make great gifts too. Buy it now $165 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. Updated 4/29/12: Sold...at ArtWalk!

Daily Painters "Fall Poppies One"

Funny how something as seemingly delicate as the poppy can thrive here in November. Yes...they're popping up all over.

Painted in soft pastel on sandpaper, this piece measures 8" x 8" and is framed in wide black wood with thin gold liner and UV/non-glare museum glass. They look great in pairs...stay tuned for more in square format with varying background colors...and they make great gifts too. Buy it now $165 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada.

Daily Painters "Poppy Time"

What is it with Poppies, and why are so many artists drawn to their masses? Could it be the opportunity to capture a little snippet of joy on a sunny day? Maybe it's the chance to use those colors of the rainbow reserved for happy times?  Hmmm...
Painted in soft pastel on sandpaper, this piece measures 8" x 10" and is framed in wide dark wood with UV/non-glare museum glass. Ready to hang and enjoy. Buy it now price $175 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental U.S. or Canada.  Updated 11/2/11: Sold...to a new San Diego collector!

Daily Painters "Poppy Parade"

It's springtime and the Poppies are on parade! I was at the home of a friend yesterday and spied what I thought to be artificial Poppies on her dining table. But no...this talented little lady had grown these beauties in her own back yard. They were unbelieveably perky and perfect, not a snail nibble to be found. Yes...now I must have some too...now where did I put that trowel...?

Painted in soft pastel on sandpaper, this piece is 12" x 12" and is offered framed in a wide wood frame with gold crackle finish, black liner and UV/Non-glare museum glass. Buy it now price $295 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental U.S. or Canada. Updated 6/22/11: Sold, to a cute young girl from Colorado!

Daily Painters "Leapin' Lillies"

Well...they appeared to be Leapin' to me. This piece was inspired by a beautiful floral arrangement my studio partner Shelley created. I'm so lucky to come back into our cozy little studio to fresh flowers each week. This could easily evolve into a fun series of paintings.

Painted in soft pastel on sanded board, this piece measures 12" x 16" and is framed in a wide, dark wood frame with UV/non-glare museum glass. Ready to hang and enjoy, or give to that special someone as a gift. Buy it now price: $350 + $40 to ship anywhere in the continental U.S. or Canada. Updated 6/5/12: Sold!