"Daybreak"

"Daybreak"
36" x 48" Oil on Canvas
© Monique Straub

Must be something in the water, the sun, the thought of marshmallow peeps. Maybe it's the smell of Honeysuckle in the air. The colors of Spring are slowly sneaking on to my palette, and it has been the perfect invitation to paint flowers and switch gears from landscape paintings to a few still life works. Patterns, reflections and brilliant color are always a welcome addition.

"Daybreak" is painted in the vivid colors of Spring. View it with a flower in your hair...it is on gallery wrapped canvas, sides painted black, ready to hang and enjoy.  You can purchase here and have it shipped to your door. $1800 with free shipping anywhere in the continental U.S.

Rainy Lane

"Rainy Lane"
14" x 18" Pastel on Sandpaper
© Monique Straub
 

Another favorite image of mine, the reference photo for this piece was taken on a rainy day right here in my own neighborhood. I was pulling into the parking lot of a local shopping center after a cloud burst of rain, and noticed these interesting tree reflections in the street and on the sidewalk. Inspiration can strike at any time!

"Rainy Lane" 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 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 3/15: Sold...and on its way to Texas!

"Spring Blush"

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

A quick trip to Best Buy after a spring rain created a scene that stopped me in my tracks. I've done a few different versions of this piece from the photo I snapped, and I think this is my favorite. I'm not sure what made my fingers reach for the red, but then, I don't question those things. Maybe it was the disco music in the studio?

"Spring Blush" is offered framed in a wide, dark brown, plein air style frame with UV/non-glare museum glass, ready to hang and enjoy. 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. $365 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. Updated 4/26/13: Sold!

"Puddles #2"

"Puddles #2"
Soft Pastel on Sandpaper
12" x 16"

Today I'm revisiting an image that was my first painting of 2012. The first time I painted this scene it was 8" x 10", and it was so much fun I figured I would try another a bit larger, with a similar color palette. I spied this scene on a rainy day as I pulled into the parking lot of Best Buy in La Mesa. Cell phone cameras are really a handy thing...I just rolled down the window of the car and snapped away!

Framed in wide dark wood with UV/non-glare glass, this piece is ready to hang and enjoy. Buy it here and have it shipped or stop by my studio at Spanish Village Art Center and pick it up there :) $365 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. Updated 6/6/12: Sold!

First Painting of the New Year "Puddles"

"Puddles"
Soft pastel on sandpaper
8" x 10"

The end of December brought on a bit of much needed rain to Southern California. While rushing about with holiday errands, I spied these reflections on a rainsoaked sidewalk, as the glow of the winter sun again filled the sky.

Speaking of reflections, this is the time of year when I'm busily making plans for the year ahead, and also reflecting on the accomplishments of a year gone by. Have I told you lately how much I love to paint? Well, I love to paint so much that in 2011 I found the time to paint over 97 paintings! I would again like to thank all of my collectors for enjoying my work and welcoming original art into your homes. I'm looking forward to another exciting year in the studio, and welcome your visits whenever you are in town.

"Puddles" is offered framed in wide, dark wood with UV/non-glare museum glass, ready to hang and enjoy. $175 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. Updated 4/28/12: Sold at ArtWalk!