"Tropical Dreams"

"Tropical Dreams"
36" x 36" Oil on Canvas
© Monique Straub

I have a love/hate relationship with one of Americas favorite flowers. Most folks thrill at the sight of these beautiful "birds," but my experience has been a bit comical. Years ago, when we were first married, John and I had a huge Bird of Paradise plant growing in our front yard. It had probably been there for twenty years or so, and with our plans for a new front yard, it just had to go. Easier said than done, and long story short, we realized it could not be removed by digging, so John had the bright idea to extract it (like a bad tooth) with a chain tied around the base, and hooked to our Volkswagen Rabbit. The Rabbit huffed and puffed, and I was certain the "bird" would win the battle. Fearing the worst, I went into the house, not wanting to witness the blown motor first hand. About a half hour later, and after much burning rubber, the entire "bird" was flying down the driveway and down the street behind our mighty little VW! They're pretty, but we shudder at the sight to this day :)

"Tropical Dreams" is painted in the vivid, rich colors of the islands on 1-1/2" depth gallery wrapped canvas, sides painted black, ready to hang and enjoy. Updated 12/27/17: Sold!

Jungle Jive

"Jungle Jive"
36" x 48" Oil on Gallery Wrapped Canvas
© Monique Straub

The current weather in San Diego has worked its way onto my canvas again! Yesterday was 88 degrees and raining, and today it's 78 degrees and very humid. Our palm trees love it, and I must say it has done wonders for my skin...the hair, not so much! With all their fun shapes and fresh color, palms are a favorite subject of mine, so you'll probably be seeing more of them popping up.

"Jungle Jive" is painted in the brilliant colors of the tropics, 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. $2400 with free shipping anywhere in the continental U.S. Updated 10/26/17: 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!