"Jive"

"Jive"
12" x 24" Oil on Canvas
© Monique Straub

Poppies dancing in the wind, the smell of warm garden soil, the chorus of birds singing in the morning. These are some of my favorite things. I recently noticed that the song birds have returned to my neighborhood. Waking to their morning "jive" is a sure sign that we are heading into summer. I'm often visited by the birds during my evening watering in the back yard. I hold the hose high and spray into the sky as the hummingbirds dive through the water, back and forth. It's the simple things in life that make life so enjoyable :)

"Jive" is painted in oil on gallery wrapped canvas, sides painted black, ready to hang and enjoy. You can purchase here and have it delivered to your door. $385 with free shipping anywhere in the continental U.S.

The Golden Hour

The Golden Hour
24" x 36" Oil on Canvas
© Monique Straub

With the arrival of Spring, the late afternoon golden glow is slowly returning to the sky. Palette changes are in order, and I'm up to the task. This familiar scene of traveling through central California will spark another series of new paintings, as it always has. It's the beginning of art show season, and oil paint is flying in the studio. First up is Mission Federal ArtWalk in Little Italy here in San Diego, April 28-29...I'll be there...will you?

"The Golden Hour" is painted in the warm colors of a springtime afternoon, on gallery wrapped canvas, sides painted black, ready to hang and enjoy. You can purchase here and have it delivered to your door. $1200 with free shipping anywhere in the continental U.S. Updated 4/27/18: Sold!

"Spring Break"

"Spring Break"
12" x 36" Oil on Canvas
© Monique Straub

It's that pink again...it has worked its way into another painting! With all things Spring happening everywhere lately, my color palette has definitely taken a turn. This new piece is also a fun experiment with new canvas sizes and shapes, sure to fit nicely into any room.  I'm even painting one for my guest powder room, that way I can match some bold new towel colors for a quick Spring lift.

"Spring Break" is painted in oil on gallery wrapped canvas, sides painted black, ready to hang and enjoy. You can purchase here and have it delivered to your door. $495 with free shipping anywhere in the continental U.S.

"Poppy Crazy"

"Poppy Crazy"
18" x 24" Oil on Canvas
© Monique Straub

Yes, "Poppy Crazy"...that's what one of my collectors has described as the condition of her back yard. The abnormally warm temperatures here in San Diego have contributed to the current explosion of color, and I'm just giddy, hopping around with my camera in hand. Many more poppy, sunflower, and flowering tree paintings are sure to follow!

"Poppy Crazy" is painted on 1-1/2" depth gallery wrapped canvas, sides painted black, ready to hang and enjoy. Purchase this beautiful painting here and have it shipped to your door. $495 with free shipping anywhere in the continental U.S.

"75 Degrees"

"75 Degrees"
20" x 20" Oil on Canvas
© Monique Straub

Yes, it's 75 degrees outside most days through October, and I'm loving it. Lots of activity in the studio this month, with preparations for the La Jolla Art & Wine Festival this coming weekend, and my Open Studio event on the 14th and 15th. Stop by for a peek!

"75 Degrees" is painted in the vibrant colors of sunset, 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. $600 with free shipping anywhere in the continental U.S. Updated 10/12/17: Sold!

Persimmons

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

Every year at this time I have the same funny conversation with my husband. I say, "I'm starting to feel a little bit of fall in the air..." He says, "It's 95 degrees outside, how can it feel like fall?" I think since fall is my favorite season of the year, and I've already seen pumpkins at the craft store, and Halloween costumes at Costco...it must be close! Persimmons and Pomegranates are another sure sign, so here they are!

"Persimmons" is painted in the warm colors of fall, on 1-1/2" depth gallery wrapped canvas, sides painted black, ready to hang and enjoy. (Note: the background color is a touch more light blue, and not quite as gray as the photo turned out) You can purchase here and have it delivered to your door, $650 with free shipping anywhere in the continental U.S.

Happy Birthday!

"Happy Birthday!"
36" x 36" Oil on Canvas
© Monique Straub

Strange name for a painting? Well...June is my birthday month, and this year it's a big one! The big Six-O. I haven't really been keeping a "bucket list," but if I was, I think many of the things that would be on it, I've already experienced...except winning the Lotto...still waiting on that one. As I was sitting in my studio pondering my next painting and flipping through inspiration photos, I came across this beautiful vase of flowers. As usual, a lot of the colors, background, etc. are made up as I go, but I can do that...it's my birthday :)

"Happy Birthday" is painted in vivid color with bold brush strokes, on 1-1/2" depth gallery wrapped canvas, sides painted black, ready to hang and enjoy. You can purchase at Adelman Fine Art. Updated 7/31/17: Sold!

"Sun Splashed"

"Sun Splashed"
12" x 16" Oil on Canvas
© Monique Straub

The back roads of the Sonoma Valley provide tons of inspiration for artists from all over the world. This scene, which I have painted several times in pastel, is from a photo taken on a simple exit road from a wonderful winery we visited. Something as simple as a gravel road, a few trees in a row, and dappled sunlight can trigger a painting adventure. With a cell phone camera always at the ready, I never miss an opportunity to share a beautiful scene.

"Sun Splashed" is painted on 1-1/2" depth gallery wrapped canvas, sides painted black, ready to hang and enjoy. You can purchase here and have it shipped to your door, or purchase here and pick up at my Art on 30th studio and I will refund the shipping fee. $450 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental U.S. Updated 7/31/17: Sold!

"Room with a View"

"Room with a View"
20" x 20" Oil on Gallery Canvas
© Monique Straub

I can hear you know..."What in the world?" Yup, it's an abstract painting. Every once in a while I'm intrigued by abstract art, so I figured I would have a little fun with my left over palette at the end of the day. It's really no different than painting a landscape. I'm still aware of color choices, balance, movement, brushwork, etc. These little gems are great for adding a pop of color in those hard to decorate spaces.

"Room with a View" is painted in oil on gallery wrapped 1-1/2" depth canvas, sides painted black, ready to hang and enjoy. You can purchase here and have it shipped to your door, or purchase here and pick up at my Art on 30th studio and I will refund the shipping fee. $600 + $35 to ship anywhere in the continental U.S.

"Another Road Trip"

"Another Road Trip"
36" x 36" Oil on Canvas
© Monique Straub

Something a little different rolled off the brushes this week. I've been painting steadily for my upcoming show at the Indian Wells Art Festival, and palm trees have been center stage. Not sure where this came from, but I like it :) I generally start my morning painting sessions by pouring through a big box of photos I've taken over the years. Some still excite me, and some not so much. This photo reference was taken on the way home to San Diego from Las Vegas. I've painted it in soft pastel once, and in oil twice, each time a different color palette and flavor shows through. This is my favorite version to date.

"Another Road Trip" is painted in oil on gallery wrapped canvas, sides painted black, offered ready to hang and enjoy. $1800 + $40 to ship anywhere in the continental U.S. Purchase here and have it shipped to your door, or purchase here and pick up at my North Park studio and I will refund the shipping fee. Updated: Sold!

"Spring Canopy"

"Spring Canopy"
12" x 16" Pastel on Sandpaper
© Monique Straub

My early morning walks through the neighborhood are always ripe with inspiration. Currently, the gold and rusty tones of fall have given way to the bright green glow of new growth on the treetops. The smell of Eucalyptus on a crisp spring morning is second only to the cup of hot coffee that awaits at the studio.

"Spring Canopy" is painted in soft pastel on sandpaper, offered framed in a wide, dark brown wood, plein air style frame, ready to hang and enjoy. You may purchase here and have it shipped to your door, or purchase here and pick it up at my studio/gallery at Art on 30th, and I will refund the shipping. $375 + $40 to ship anywhere in the continental U.S. or Canada. Updated 8/14/16: Sold...at ArtWalk Liberty Station!

"California Gold"

"California Gold"
12" x 16" Pastel on Sandpaper
© Monique Straub

Another image from my California series, "California Gold" is located off the backroads near Paso Robles. I just loved the interesting contours of the hills and the multi colored scrub  brush. It's all pretty dry this time of year, especially with our current drought, but the golden color of the hills is beautiful just as well.

"California Gold" is framed in a wide, dark brown, plein air style frame, 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 in Spanish Village, Balboa Park and I will refund the shipping fee. $365 + $40 to ship anywhere in the continental U.S. or Canada. Updated 2/14/16: Sold to a lovely San Diego couple for Valentine's Day :)

"Just Sunnin"

"Just Sunnin"
24" x 24" Oil on Gallery Canvas
© Monique Straub

Things have been hopping in the studio lately, since I'm gearing up for the La Jolla Art & Wine Festival on October 10 & 11. I've been working on expanding my pastel series "Torrey Pines" and also creating many large and colorful oil paintings on canvas. Held on Girard Street in the heart of beautiful La Jolla, this is a fun and festive show, and one of my favorites. Stay tuned for more info on the festival, and more previews of featured art.

"Just Sunnin" is offered ready to hang and enjoy, on 1-1/2" gallery wrapped canvas, sides painted black. You may purchase here and have it shipped to your door, or purchase here and pick up at my studio/gallery at Art on 30th in North Park, and I will refund the shipping. $575 + $40 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. Updated 5/1/16: Sold!...to a new collector at Mission Federal ArtWalk :)

"Poppin"

"Poppin"
8" x 8" framed oil on canvas
© Monique Straub

After another great ArtWalk weekend, I'm back at the easel having fun creating for my next show at the La Jolla Festival of the Arts on June 20-21. These smaller original oil paintings are a great way to jump start your art collection, or add a pop of color to that special little spot in your home.

"Poppin" is framed in a 1-1/2" deep gold crackle frame, ready to hang and enjoy! $115 + $12 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada, or pick up at my Spanish Village studio and I'll refund the shipping. Updated 10/25/15: Sold!

"November Sundown"

"November Sundown"
12" x 12" Pastel on Sandpaper
© Monique Straub

The cold, crisp evenings and clear forever skies of November provide some of the most beautiful sunsets here in San Diego. A stunning backdrop for the shadows of palms rustling in the breeze. The historic Hotel Del Coronado is always a favorite destination for John and I between the end of November and the beginning of December. We love to sit in the lounge and snack, enjoying the idea that we can be tourists in our own town!

"November Sundown" 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 Little Italy studio, and I'll refund the shipping cost. $325 + $40 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. Updated 10/11/15: Sold...and on its way to Florida!

"Sonoma Stroll"

"Sonoma Stroll"
24" x 36" Oil on Gallery Canvas
© Monique Straub

With summer fast approaching, my thoughts are on vacation time! The vineyards of central California are always a favorite spot, as hubby and I motor our way to the Monterey and Carmel area each year. A short break from painting, and beautiful scenery is just the thing to recharge the artistic batteries.

Also, in just a few short weeks, it will be time once again for "Friday Night Liberty" at NTC Liberty Station. The date is June 6th, from 5-9pm. It is a fun evening of open art studios, music and dining. Oh, and you can see "Sonoma Stroll" up close and personal.

"Sonoma Stroll" 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 your door, or purchase here and pick up an my studio/gallery at Liberty Station, Pt. Loma, and I will refund the shipping. $1495 + $40 to ship anywhere in the continental U.S. or Canada. Updated 1/29/15: Sold...through Inspirations Gallery!

"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!

"Paradise Found"

"Paradise Found"
24" x 24" Oil on Canvas
© Monique Straub
 

Birds of Paradise are gracing the canvas today, and they are found in the landscape just about everywhere you look here in San Diego. I'm occasionally reminded by visitors to our city that tropical things like this are an oddity in some hometowns. Well...they grow like weeds here, and I've had many a personal experience with trying to extract them from the yard, and I can tell you, as beautiful as they are...they are not easily removed!

"Paradise Found" 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 4/26/14: 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!

"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!