Merlot Magic

"Merlot Magic"
40" x 40" Oil on Canvas
© Monique Straub

It's a festive time of year, and holiday parties are already in full swing. The appetizers are plentiful, and the wine is flowing. I generally can't wait to get into my studio to paint, but I must admit, it can be difficult to stay focused this time of year. As I sip my wine, it dawns on me that it's time to paint the vineyards again. I've previously painted this scene in soft pastel, but never in oil. I hope you like it!

"Merlot Magic" is painted on 1-1/2" depth gallery wrapped canvas, sides painted black, ready to hang and enjoy. The inspiration for this painting was a recent trip to the vineyards in Sonoma. You can purchase here and have it delivered to your door. $1800 with free shipping anywhere in the continental U.S.

"Merlot"

"Merlot"
12" x 16" Pastel on Sandpaper
© Monique Straub

Now that my outdoor festival season has come to a close, I'm happily painting away in my studio, and preparing for the holiday season. Yup...Christmas carols are playing in the studio, and I'm already decking the halls of my Spanish Village studio with fun new things for gift giving.

"Merlot" is framed in a wide, dark brown, plein air style frame with UV 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 in Spanish Village, Balboa park and I will refund the shipping fee. $365 + $35 to ship anywhere in the continental U.S. or Canada. Updated 11/28/15: Sold...and on its way to Northern California :)

"Summer in Sonoma"

"Summer in Sonoma"
14" x 18" Pastel on Sandpaper
© Monique Straub

Always a favorite trip of mine, the Sonoma wine country is an artists delight. The smell of sweet grapes on the vine and warm breezes of summer have me wanting to return again and again. I'm always reminded of my artist friends that paint en plein air (outdoors), and in places like this, it is an enviable pursuit. I rarely take to the outdoors with my work, in part because I never seem to be able to haul enough supplies to make it enjoyable. Lately, spending time painting in my beautiful new air conditioned studio, I'm finding it hard to go home at the end of the day! Big paintings are on the easels, and excitement is in the air :)

"Summer in Sonoma" 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. $525 + $40 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. Thanks for stopping by! Updated 3/5/15: Sold!

"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!

"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!

"Wine on the Vine"

"Wine on the Vine"
12" x 16" Pastel on Sandpaper
© Monique Straub
 

I'm often asked where I get the inspiration for my paintings. As a native San Diegan, I feel very fortunate to have so many sources of inspiration all around me. From the mountains to the ocean, Southern California is an artists dream. Many of my pieces take inspiration from my own back yard, and every day scenes often stop me in my tracks, but the vineyards of the wine country are one of my favorite subjects. The crisp, clear air of Northern California makes everything seem so much more vivid and alive.

"Wine on the Vine" is offered framed in a wide, dark brown, plein air style frame with UV/non-glare museum glass. 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. $365 + $35 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. Thanks for stopping by :) Updated 3/4/14: Sold!

"Vines and Olives"

"Vines and Olives"
6" x 6" Pastel on Sandpaper
© Monique Straub
 

Another view of the distant mountains of the Sonoma wine country from one of the many beautiful vineyards in the area. I'm currently working on a wide variety of subject matter and sizes, in preparation for the Mission Federal ArtWalk in Little Italy next month. Most of these pieces will be available for viewing and presale at the next Friday Night Liberty Open Studios event at my studio/gallery, Friday, April 5th from 5-8pm. Mark your calendars and drop in for a look!

"Vines and Olives" is framed in a wide, dark brown, plein air style frame with antique gold liner and UV/non-glare museum glass...very classy! 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. $125 + $20 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. Thanks for looking :)

"Vineyard Walk" by Monique Straub

"Vineyard Walk"
9" x 12"
Soft Pastel on Sandpaper

We're going back to the vineyards of Sonoma today. This is one of my favorite images from a vacation two years ago, and I've had fun creating various versions and color variations on this theme. The smell of grapes on a hot summer day brings back childhood memories, and there is also something special about Eucalyptus trees that intrigues me, with their tall, graceful trunks reaching skyward. Aren't you glad we're not living on Mars? It would make my job so much more difficult :)

Framed in wide, gold, plein air style with UV/non-glare museum glass. Buy it here and have it shipped, or arrange to pick up at my Spanish Village Studio and I'll refund the shipping. $225 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. Updated 10/20/12: Sold...and on its way to College Station, Texas!

The Vine Two

"The Vine Two"
Soft Pastel on Sandpaper
8" x 8"

A revisit to the vineyards of Sonoma, "The Vine Two" is a special request piece that has been created as a companion to "The Vine." Framed in wide black wood with thin gold liner and UV/non-glare museum glass, the pair will surely brighten your day!

Since this is a "special request" piece, it is currently on hold. My collector has first choice and will decide if I've "hit the mark."  Updated 5/6/12: She liked it...sold!

Daily Painters "The Vines"

"The Vines"
8" x 8"
Soft Pastel on Sandpaper

The play of shadows, backlit trees and dusty rows sets the scene for romance....  Can you tell I've been watching The Bachelor?

"The Vines" is offered framed in wide black wood with thin gold liner and UV/non-glare museum glass. Ready to hang over the bar and enjoy with a smooth sip. Claim it here $150 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. Updated 4/29/12: Sold...at ArtWalk!

Daily Painters "Plum Tree Dreams"

While in Sonoma this past summer, visits to several of the incredible vineyards and wine tasting rooms filled my days. Pulling away from another beautiful winery, this was the scene down the exit drive. A perfectly aligned row of trees swaying in the breeze...bidding a plum farewell.

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 US or Canada. Updated 2/25/12: Sold!

Daily Painters "Summer Stroll"

 

My mind was back on "the vine" yesterday. Painting scenes of  warm summer walks through the dusty rows of a scenic vineyard makes a girl thirsty. I'll probably be vineyard painting again today, then off to the casino to celebrate my birthday! Now where did I leave that little pointed hat....? 

This piece is painted in soft pastel on sandpaper and measures 12" x 16". Framed in wide dark wood with UV/non-glare museum glass, it is ready to hang and enjoy. Buy it now $375 + $40 to ship anywhere in the continental U.S. or Canada. Thanks for stopping by. Updated 10/16/11: Sold!

Daily Painters "Sonoma Foothills"

California landscape paintings are favorites of mine, and the wine country offers an endless source of beautiful settings. John and I are looking forward to another trip to Sonoma soon. He will get his race car fix at Infineon Raceway, while I'll be armed with sketchbook, pastels and camera. Maybe a few race car paintings, definitely more vineyard paintings, and oh...I'm sure there will be a few glasses of the grape in there somewhere!

Painted in soft pastel on sandpaper, this piece is 9" x 12" and framed in wide, dark wood with UV/non-glare museum glass. Buy it now price: $250 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental U.S. or Canada. Updated 4/21/12: Sold...and on its way to Lakewood, WA...thank you!

Daily Painters "Before the Storm"

It's another beautiful stroll in the Wine Country, even though there is an approaching storm. Soon we'll enjoy clean, fresh air and the smell of damp earth underfoot. The perfect day to curl up in front of a warm fire with a nice glass of vino..."Honey, where are the cheese and crackers?"

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. Buy it now price: $315 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental U.S. or Canada. Updated 12/3/10: Sold! To a new collector in San Diego, CA.
Copyright 2010 Monique Straub. All rights reserved.