"Twist of Lemon"

"Twist of Lemon"
12" x 12" Framed Oil on Canvas
© Monique Straub

Summertime and the lemons are crazy! While taking my morning walk each day, I pass by the lemon tree down the street in amazement. This little lemon tree is working overtime, producing some of the most beautiful lemons and foliage in the garden. The birds are happy, the bees are happy, and occasionally I pocket a few that are scattered on the ground, and I'm happy!

"Twist of Lemon" 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. Time for a tall glass of Lemonaide! Updated 3/4/14: Sold!

"Gone to Market #2"

"Gone to Market #2"
12" x 12" Framed Oil on Canvas
© Monique Straub
 

The oil paintings are still flowing! These tomatoes were also painted for the "Fresh From the Market Series." I've made many trips to the local farmers market and Trader Joes for inspiration, pausing to fumble around with my cell phone to take photos, while being eyed by curious onlookers. Sunflowers are also on the easel this week!

This piece is offered framed and available here, you can have it shipped to your door, or pick up at the studio and I'll refund the shipping. $275 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. Hope to see you soon :) Updated 3/8/14: Sold...to a local collector!

"An Apple a Day" and "Friday Night Liberty"

"An Apple a Day"
12" x 12" Oil on Canvas
© Monique Straub
 

Yes...another oil painting. I'm having fun with the transition from the "dusty fingered" work of pastel, to the "Now I have to mix all the colors" world of painting in oil. I also found the perfect gold crackle float frames (say that ten times fast), and I have my new favorite combo! I'll have six of these new pieces on display this Friday for "Friday Night Liberty."

And speaking of "Friday Night Liberty"... it all happens this Friday, June 7th, from 5-9pm at NTC Liberty Station. You are invited to browse open art and design studios, quilt and watercolor galleries, and yes... the new Stone Brewing Restaurant is now open! It's a really fun night, with plenty of food, drink and music. Stop by my studio in Barracks 19 and take a peek at what's new.

If you just can't wait...this piece is available here, and you can have it shipped to your door, or pick up at the studio and I'll refund the shipping. $275 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. Hope to see you soon :) Updated 10/6/13: Sold...to a new local collector!

"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!

Daily Painters "Just Add Onions"

"Just Add Onions"
Soft Pastel on Sandpaper
8" x 10"

Bell Peppers are favorite subjects for many an artist. Crisp, clean color and those sumptuous curves make for a great design. This is a fun piece for your kitchen, or just the right "gift" size for someone special. 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: $165.00 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental U.S. or Canada. Thanks for looking.

Daily Painters "Persimmons Please"

Another recent farmer's market find, Persimmons not only make great artist props, they also make for a fun and colorful table decoration. Not being much of a "Suzie Homemaker," I have no idea what to do with them other than stack them in a pretty bowl and enjoy looking at their warm colors. Works for me :)

This piece measures 12" x 12" and is painted in soft pastel on sandpaper. Framed in a coordinating gold crackle finish wood frame with UV/non-glare museum glass, it is ready to hang and enjoy. Buy it now price: $295 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental U.S. Thanks for looking. Updated 12/2/11: Sold...to a new collector in Virginia!

Daily Painters "Where's the Pasta?"

Shopping at my local Trader Joe's is always a fun adventure. The smell of the fresh flowers and the colors of the seasonal fruits and veggies always get the creative wheels turning. Knowing there would be spring fresh produce in abudance, I found a reason for an early morning visit. Well, if you've ever been to a Trader Joe's, you know what I'm describing when I tell you the aisles are more than a little cramped. Now with that in mind, picture me blocking traffic with camera in hand, fondling the tomatoes into just the perfect pose...with the store manager hot on my tail. In my defense, I did buy all of the tomatoes I touched, and quickly headed toward the check-out stand...now, to find the pasta.

Painted in soft pastel on sandpaper, this piece measures 12" x 12" and is framed in a wide, gold/crackle finish wood frame with UV/non-glare museum glass. Ready to hang and enjoy with your favorite glass of the grape! Buy it now price $295 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental U.S. or Canada. Updated 8/18/11: Sold...and on its way to Victorville, CA!

Painting a Day "Feelin Groovy - Two"

Still "Feelin Groovy" today. This was another color combo that was hard to fully capture in a photo. The background is actually reflective silver, with white pastel patterns on top. Same with the bottom area, it's metallic with pastel overdrawings. Really striking "in person". While I'm most likely to paint a landscape, a quick still life or two is a great change of pace. With creative juices flowing, I'm headed to the studio today to work on a new "vineyard" painting.

This painting measures 9" x 12" and is offered in a coordinating wood frame ready to hang and enjoy. Buy it now price: $225 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental U.S. Thanks for looking. Updated 6/26/11: Sold!