Los Penasquitos Preserve

"Los Penasquitos Preserve"
12" x 16" Pastel on Sandpaper
© Monique Straub

A short burst of rain in the San Diego area has given me lots of ideas to work with. Our sky is usually "severe clear" with not a cloud in sight. A trip up the coast near Del Mar was just the inspiration I needed to capture fleeting clouds and the beautiful greens and oranges of the Los Penasquitos Preserve, with Hwy.1 and Torrey Pines State Park in the distance. Each year I receive an invitation to paint at the Torrey Pines Plein Air event, but wind, fog and rain have made me think twice. Maybe 2015 is my year!

"Los Penasquitos Preserve" is offered framed in a wide, dark brown, plein air style frame with UV/non-glare museum glass. Ready to hang and enjoy. $365 + $35 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada, or pick up at my Spanish Village studio and I'll refund the shipping.
Updated 4/27/15: Sold!

"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!

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!

"Pt. Loma Lighthouse #5"

"Pt. Loma Lighthouse #5"
14" x 18"
© Monique Straub
 

It is only fitting that with a studio/gallery located at NTC/Liberty Station, I should have a painting of the Pt. Loma Lighthouse hanging at all times. The old Pt. Loma Light stood watch at the entrance to San Diego Bay for 36 years. At dusk on November 15, 1855, the light keeper climbed the winding stairs and lit the light for the first time. What seemed a good location 422 ft. above sea level, however, had the serious flaw of obscurity when fog and low clouds rolled in. On March 23, 1891, the light was extinguished and the keeper moved to a new lighthouse located closer to the water at the tip of the Point.

"Pt. Loma Light #5 is framed in a wide, dark antique brown, 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 studio/gallery and I will refund the shipping. $525 + $40 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. Updated 8/16/14: Sold...at Artwalk NTC!

"Summer Vacation"

"Summer Vacation"
36" x 48" Oil on Gallery Wrapped Canvas
© Monique Straub
 

It feels like ages since I've shared a new painting, but I haven't been slacking off! My studio is humming in preparation for Mission Federal ArtWalk in Little Italy, April 26th & 27th.

Are you still contemplating one of my pieces? You can get a "sneak preview" and "first pick" at my studio during "Friday Night Liberty," this Friday from 5-9pm.

My most recent oil painting, "Summer Vacation," will be the centerpiece of my display. Painted in response to happy travel memories, it was a joy to paint so large. 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. $2495 + $50 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. Updated 7/3/14: Sold...and on its way to Sand Point, Idaho!

"Pacific View"

"Pacific View"
12" x 12" Pastel on Board
© Monique Straub
 

Views of the Pacific Ocean along the California coast can keep an artist busy for an entire lifetime. I never tire of the changing sky and shadows of this area along Torrey Pines State Park. The brilliance of the sky after a light rain makes this stroll up the hill all worthwhile!

"Pacific View" 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. 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.
$295 + $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.

"Speedy"

"Speedy"
12" x 12" Framed Pastel on Sandpaper
© Monique Straub
 

What is it about dogs that always makes us smile? I was browsing a recent "doggie" event at Liberty Station, and met "Speedy" the terrier mix. He reminded me of my little "Skidmore" the Schnauzer, who now looks down on me from doggie heaven. Since this was an adoption event, it was really hard not to bring them all home. "Speedy" was sporting red bandana, and melting hearts left and right! I'm sure he found a wonderful home that day.

"Speedy" is offered framed in a wide, brown plein air style frame with gold liner and UV/non-glare museum glass. 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.
$295 + $35 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada.

Would you love a doggie portrait of your own little sweetheart? Drop me an email and we'll make it happen!

"Just Apples"

"Just Apples"
12" x 12" Framed Pastel on Sandpaper
© Monique Straub
 

Dipping into the new box of pastels last week was a real treat. It's funny how my work gravitates toward favorite colors until they are worn down to little round nubs, only to find that months go by before I realize my entire color palette has changed. Today's painting is the pastel version of a very large oil painting completed a few years ago. The composition is fun, and you will soon probably see another large version in oil.

"Just Apples" 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. 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.
$295 + $35 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. Updated 4/27/15: Sold!

"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!

"Sonoma Springtime" & "Small Business Saturday"

"Sonoma Springtime"
12" x 12" Pastel on Sandpaper
© Monique Straub
 

Just one example of the original works available at 15% off for Small Business Saturday! Check out my website to see many more available "ready to hang" pastel and oil paintings. Purchase in my Liberty Station studio today, on Small Business Saturday from 10am - 3pm, or through my website and I'll refund the savings :)

"Sonoma Springtime" 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. 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 and 15% savings. $295 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada.
Updated 2/15: Sold, to a lovely couple from Texas!

Up the Road #2

"Up the Road #2"
12" x 12" Oil on Canvas
© Monique Straub
 

And here is the companion piece to the painting I posted yesterday. Sometimes I get the urge to paint two or three pieces that hang well together :)

"Up the Road #2" 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.

"Up the Road #1"

"Up the Road #1"
12" x 12" Oil on Canvas
© Monique Straub
 

Do you have varied interests in art? Are you a collector of many different styles? As an artist, I find that I'm frequently drawn to the bold and unusual when it comes to my personal collection. The art that I surround myself with calls to me when I'm browsing art shows and galleries. For me, it's one of those "I'll know it when I see it" types of purchase. One of the fun things about watching and listening to people as they browse my booth at an art show, or enter my studio/gallery, is hearing their impressions and opinions, and the joy of watching each of my works strike a chord with another person, and join a new collection.  With variety being the spice of life...this painting revisits a neighborhood theme I've enjoyed in the past. Not fully abstract, and not fully representative of anything in particular, they are just a fun walk through the canvas, on another sunny day :)

"Up the Road #1" 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.

"Hillside Oaks"

"Hillside Oaks"
12" x 12" Framed Oil on Canvas
© Monique Straub

 

My paintbrush took me back to Central California today. Oak trees dancing in the wind, hillside grasses golden from the sun. These smaller format paintings are just the ticket for holiday gifts, or that special little spot in your home that could use a pop of color.

"Hillside Oaks" 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.

"Torrey Shadows"

"Torrey Shadows"
12" x 12" Framed Oil on Canvas
© Monique Straub
 

An early afternoon stroll along the cliffs at Torrey Pines is great inspiration for another series of coastal paintings. Usually rendered in soft pastel, this time I've decided to recreate favorite scenes in oil on canvas.

"Torrey Shadows" 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.

"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!

"Suns in the Garden"

"Suns in the Garden"
24" x 24" Oil on Gallery Wrapped Canvas
© Monique Straub
 

"Suns in the Garden" was painted from a favorite photo of mine. I've painted several versions of this in pastel, and thought it time to try it in oil...big! Fall is winding down, the sunflower blooms are fading, and the vase in my studio will soon be filled with pine and holly. Seems like this year has just flown by. Already I am tasked with the planning of shows and festivals for the coming year, and also my own personal goal setting. Do you set goals for the year ahead? For me, having a written list of goals to ponder throughout the year is akin to the old story of the donkey with the stick tied to his back, carrot dangling just out of easy grasp. Notice I say "easy" grasp. I tell myself, "The goals must be an uncomfortable stretch. Too easy = Not enough progress." Now back to the studio...

"Suns in the Garden" 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 8/17/14: Sold...at ArtWalk NTC!

"Good Old Boys"

"Good Old Boys"
24" x 24" Oil on Canvas
© Monique Straub
 

I'm mixin it up a little today...and sharing something quite a bit different than my usual landscape and botanical works. As you probably know if you've followed my work on Facebook or here on my blog, my husband is a "car guy." From time to time over the years, I've painted cars and trucks in pastel and oil. A trip to the "bone yard" is always an adventure, and the faces on these trucks had my imagination cooking up stories of past lives spent hauling construction materials and maybe visiting a drive-in or two. Old but not forgotten, these rusty vehicles are experiencing a renewed popularity at auto auctions, and believe it or not...collectors are adding these "patina" vehicles to their collections.

"Good Old Boys" 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. $625 + $40 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. Updated 11/23/14: 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!