Garden Party II

"Garden Party II"
36" x 36" Oil on Canvas
© Monique Straub

After the heavier than normal rains in San Diego County, things in the garden are bursting with color this spring! Floral paintings are always a fun subject in the studio, and this painting is the little sister to the "Garden Party" painting that I presented last summer. The difference here is the light blue background, instead of the all black background of the first version. Both fun and cheery, just different.

"Garden Party II" is painted in oil on 1-1/2" depth gallery wrapped canvas, sides painted black, ready to hang and enjoy. You can purchase here and have it delivered to your door, or purchase here and pick up at my North Park studio and I will refund the shipping fee. $1800 + $40 to ship anywhere in the continental US. Updated 12/30/17: Sold!

"Golden Sunrise"

"Golden Sunrise"
24" x 36" each, diptych, oil on canvas
© Monique Straub

The bright, clear mornings of Spring are upon us. Here on the east county side of San Diego, the morning light over the distant purple tinged mountains greets us with a golden glow. Trees are sprouting to their full glory, and the smell of fragrant blooms is in the air. My latest paintings have taken on the colors of Spring, in anticipation of my first show of the season, Mission Federal ArtWalk, the last weekend of April. Mark your calendars for Saturday and Sunday, April 30 and May 1st, and watch here to see all of my newest work.

"Golden Sunrise" is offered here, ready to hang and enjoy. Painted on two, gallery wrapped canvases, sides painted black. 4/29/17 update: Sold...at Mission Federal ArtWalk!

"Summer Song"

"Summer Song"
18" x 24" Pastel on Sandpaper
© Monique Straub

Inspired by my long morning walks through Balboa Park here in San Diego, the lily pond is one of my favorite destinations. I'm there early, when the fish are active and the water is cool and still...

"Summer Song" is offered framed in a wide, black plein air style frame with an 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 Spanish Village Studio and I will refund the shipping cost. $675 + $50 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada.

My newest work ... "Cactus Crazy"

"Cactus Crazy"
24" x 36" Oil on Canvas
© Monique Straub

Yes, it has gone crazy. The quest for cactus here in San Diego County has reached a fever pitch. On a recent visit to the San Diego County Fair horticultural exhibit, it was very clear that succulents and cactus have taken the spotlight in the landscape and garden community. Entire exhibits dedicated to waterwise and drought tolerant plants were the focus, and the local green thumbs are at the top of their game. I never knew cactus and succulents could be so beautifully arranged. I guess the unfortunate side of the water shortage here in Southern California has brought about an artful change to our garden palettes, and I love it!

"Cactus Crazy" is painted on 1-1/2" thick gallery wrapped canvas. The sides are painted black and it is ready to hang, unframed. You may purchase here and have it shipped to our door, or purchase here and pick up at my studio/gallery at Liberty Station, Pt. Loma, and I will refund the shipping. $1295 + $40 to ship anywhere in the continental U.S. or Canada. Updated 11/23/14: Sold!

"Gala"

"Gala"
24" x 24" Oil on Canvas
© Monique Straub
 

Birds are chirping, blooms are bursting, and an early Spring is in the air! While browsing through my big box of vacation memories, this shot was just begging to be painted. A stroll down the streets of San Luis Obispo brought this welcome surprise of crispy apples on the tree. I was a good girl and kept my hands to myself...but it wasn't easy :)

"Gala" is painted on 1-1/2" thick gallery wrapped canvas. The sides of this piece are painted black and it is ready to hang, unframed. 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. $575 + $35 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. Updated 4/27/15: Sold!

"On the Pond"

"On the Pond"
Framed Oil on Panel
© Monique Straub

Unusually warm days of January here in San Diego have prompted long walks through Balboa Park. One of the beautiful features of our park is the historic Lily Pond. Spent blossom pods and newly blooming flowers make for fun shapes to paint, and lily pads always sport interesting shapes.

"On the Pond" is offered framed in wide, black plein air style frame with gold liner, 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. $275 + $35 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada.

"All Choked Up"

While in Sonoma a few years ago, I not only browsed some beautiful vineyards, I also stumbled upon an architectural design/garden center. The garden displays were so unique, I spent almost three hours just wandering about and snapping photos of the many interesting plants. One of the most unique settings was an entire vegetable garden built in raised planters with vertical rebar mesh fashioned into ten foot tall trellis structures. There were fabulous heirloom tomato towers, and this wonderful stand of artichokes that were the tallest I've ever seen. Veggies on steroids I was thinking...

Painted in soft pastel on sandpaper, this piece measures 11" x 14" and is framed in wide dark wood with UV/non-glare museum glass. Ready to hang and enjoy...without the garlic butter :)
Buy it now price $325 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental U.S. or Canada. Sold!

Daily Painters "Bugs Eye View"

Have you ever pondered the life of a bug? No cell phone, no television, no email, no traffic ... just strollin' through the Philodendrons, day in and day out...

Painted in soft pastel on sandpaper, this piece measures 12" x 16", and is framed in wide dark wood with UV/non-glare museum glass. Buy it now price $365 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental U.S. or Canada. You could be a bug every day!

"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!

"Old Town Sentinels"

"Old Town Sentinels"
12" x 16" Pastel on Sandpaper
© Monique Straub
 

Towering high above Old Town in San Diego, these agave type succulents burst forth with beautiful stalks of flowers. Standing at their base, and gazing up, one can't help but marvel at their structure, and the sound of the bees, busy with their morning duties.

"Old Town Sentinels" is framed in a wide, black plein air style frame with 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 at Liberty Station, Pt. Loma, and I will refund the shipping. $375 + $35 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. Updated 10/13/14: Sold at the La Jolla Art & Wine Festival!

"Trailside Tangles"

"Trailside Tangles"
18" x 18" x 1-1/2" ea., oil on canvas diptych
© Monique Straub
 

"Trailside Tangles" is the second piece in a series of works celebrating the California State Parks. Did you know the California State Park system is the largest in the country? With summer winding down, and fall on the horizon, I'll be visiting some of my favorite inspirational scenes here locally at Torrey Pines State Beach and Old Town San Diego, as well as Anza Borrego Desert, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, and Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. 

"Trailside Tangles" is offered unframed, 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. $675 + $40 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. Updated 8/25/13: Sold...to a new collector at ArtWalk!

"Ocotillo"

"Ocotillo"
14" x 18" Pastel on Sandpaper
© Monique Straub
 

Found in the Anza-Borrego State Park, east of San Diego, the Ocotillo plant (which is not a true cactus), is known for its bright crimson flowers that appear especially after rainfall in spring, summer, and sometimes fall. Pollinated by humming birds and native carpenter bees, the Ocotillo is one of the spectacular sights in an otherwise simple landscape. As a kid, my family would visit the desert in spring, and one of my favorite things to do was stand under the Ocotillo and listen to the buzzing of the huge bees, with my eyes closed of course...ok, I was a weird little kid :)

"Ocotillo" 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 9/4/13: Sold...to a new collector right here in San Diego!

"Call me Lily"

"Call me Lily"
9" x 12" Pastel on Board
© Monique Straub
 

So much of what I enjoy about painting florals is the memory attached to the particular flowers. Lilies were planted in every nook and shady corner of my grandmas yard. As a kid, I would forage around under their glossy green leaves hunting for snails. Yup...I was a tomboy, and these snail hunts would always delight my green thumb granny. It was on one of these "hunts" that I discovered the beautiful scent of the creamy white powder that forms on the yellow centers of the flowers. I would rub the fragrant powder behind my ears like perfume. Mmm...I can still smell it..!

"Call me Lily" is offered framed in a wide, gold, 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 Pt. Loma/Liberty Station studio and I will refund the shipping. $225 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. Updated 2/7/14: Sold...to a new local collector!

October on the Vine

"October on the Vine"
8" x 8"
© Monique Straub
 

October can't go by without a pumpkin painting. Last night the house was filled with the yummy aroma of roasted pumpkin seeds, and I was elbow deep with my spooky carving project. The month has gone by with a flash, and another "Friday Night Liberty" event is just two days away! Stop by NTC Liberty Station in Pt. Loma between 5-8 p.m. this Friday night and delight in our monthly (first Friday) open studios event. Meet the artists, sip some wine, and enjoy one of our fabulous neighborhood restaurants for dinner.

"October on the Vine" is offered framed in 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 drop me an email to pick up at my studio. $185 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada.

"Pride of Madiera"

"Pride of Madiera"
Soft Pastel on Sandpaper
16" x 16"

Beautiful stalks of lavendar/blue are springing up all around my neighborhood. This is the time of year the "Pride of Madeira" come to life. Botanically known as Echium Fastuosum, these beautiful spires are attractive to bees and butterflys. Perfect for a drought tolerant garden, these evergreens bloom in late spring, early and mid summer. My hillsides are covered with them, and on a recent walk, one of my neighbors decided she would like a painting of them for her home. Thank you Sherry...this was a fun project!

If ever you are inspired by something you see, and would like a custom painting for your home, drop me an email and a photo. I always love a challenge :)

Daily Painters "Welcome Spring"

"Welcome Spring"
Soft Pastel on Sandpaper
12" x 12"

After the last few days of crazy, rainy weather here in San Diego, it feels good to know that it's officially Spring! "Jayson" our resident Blue Jay, appeared in the thick of it yesterday, soaked to the bone and pacing in front of the window in hopes of a fresh peanut. He's been missing in action the last few weeks, and we're thinking he is tending a new family somewhere in the neighborhood. He makes a fast appearance, gulps down a few nuts, then he's in a big hurry to take off again. Today the sun is shining, it's 70 degrees outside and everyone is back to work for the week.

"Welcome Spring" is offered framed in wide crackle finish gold wood with a thin black liner and UV/non-glare museum glass. You can buy it here and have it shipped :) $295 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. Updated 11/23/14: Sold!

Daily Painters "Paddle Play"

"Paddle Play"
Soft Pastel on Sandpaper
8" x 10"

Shapes, shadows, and color are the recipe for today. Paddle cactus provides an endless source of creative opportunities...not to mention it makes a great base when chopped with onions and peppers for salsa! Break out the chips...

"Paddle Play" is framed in wide dark wood with UV/non-glare museum glass. Ready to hang and enjoy. Buy it here $175+ $30 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 "Lemonaide"

For some reason, the lemon tree doesn't know its winter. Still producing fruit and new pink buds, the smell of lemon blossoms is in the air. Lemonaide in December...ok.

Painted in soft pastel on sandpaper, this piece measures 12" x 12" and is framed in wide black wood with thin gold liner and UV/non-glare museum glass. Very striking! Buy it now $295 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada.

Daily Painters "Buckwheat"

Hiking along Mission Trails Regional Park this time of year, you will be greeted by the transition of the last blooms of Buckwheat. This is when the last creamy white blooms of the year will join the deep, rust colored blooms of spring that remain. Makes for a beautiful color combo, and smells good too!

Painted in soft pastel on sandpaper, this piece measures 12" x 12" and is framed in wide black wood with thin gold liner and UV/non-glare museum glass. Bold and colorful! Buy it now $295 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. Updated 5/1/12: Sold at ArtWalk!