Untitled, 24" x 32" oil on linen

I can't quite put my finger on it, but somehow this piece has a whimsical feel to it, as if she's about to go on a journey. The combination of innocence and longing here intrigues me.

Late Night Connection, 18" x 24" oil on linen

I enjoyed the challenge of painting a night scene for a change. It gave me a chance to keep things more understated and vague than I normally would have. It helps give off that feeling you get late at night when things start to blur together and emphasizes the couples fixation on each other, careless of their surroundings.

I wonder if anyone can figure out where this is? I'll give you a hint, it's somewhere in Los Angeles.

A Summer of Painting & More

I’m back and so excited to finally share with you what I’ve been up to over the past couple of months. Not only do I have a new series of paintings, but exciting news that I have recently signed with a great publishing company called Second Story Fine Art. They will be releasing limited edition prints of my work, the first of which will be the top two paintings in this post. These paintings continue the themes of urban life that I love to explore with my unique focus on figures and architecture. There is a mix of San Francisco and New York above, but it is my hope that the mood and energy goes beyond specific areas and is more about the moments in our lives. I don’t have specific dates when prints will be released, but I will continue to post news as this journey unfolds.

For now if you would like more information about purchasing originals or prints you can contact Second Story Fine Art at 323-664-7339 or email me at mtalbert@gmail.com

Jack Riley, 18" x 24" oil on linen

Unlike a typical portrait commission where I take my own photos, in this painting I used an old photograph that had sentimental value to the family. Luckily it was a great photo that really lent itself to be painted.

Union Square, 40" x 60" oil on linen

I was recently commissioned to paint this large San Francisco cityscape. The cafe is right in Union Square with the skyscrapers towering all around. I love how this area has such a nice balance of people, architecture and greenery.

San Francisco Cable Car, 9" x 12" oil on canvas

When I was up in San Francisco a couple weeks ago I captured this great shot of the Powel & Mason Line.

"Together" Close Ups

This was another big canvas so I thought I would share some close ups. I'm starting work on a large San Francisco commission next, but I plan on doing some small paintings in between to post here. Talk to you soon!

Together, 36" x 42" oil on canvas

This is my latest painting, which has a much more subdued mood than the mother and child painting. I see the woman and her dog as companions in an uncertain world. I feel the interaction of the colors and shapes create harmony in the piece and perhaps hope for the two characters.

Enrique, 9" x 12" oil on canvas

Here is a new portrait commssion I just finished.  Unlike the usual portrait, Enrique wanted this one slightly abstracted, more concerned with the overall structure and mood rather than the fine details.  I really enjoyed making this portrait and trying to capture my subject's essence in an untraditional way.

Close Ups

I thought I would share some close up shots of the last painting since it was so big and the image on the blog is so small. These heads are about a foot tall in the actual painting so at least you'll be able to get a better idea of what the painting is really like. As usual you can click on the images to see a larger view.

I also wanted to mention a great new brand of paint I've started using called Blue Ridge Oil Paint. The owner is extremely helpful and seems to work hard at making the best paint possible. If you've ever used Robert Doak's paints, these are very similar. So I would definitely recommend them to anyone who's interested. Until next time.

With Strength & Love, 40" x 60" oil on canvas

I finally finished this painting and although it took me longer than planned, I'm really pleased with the outcome. It's hard to put into words the feelings I get from this image. Love and strength come to mind and the interlocking figures reflect the unique bond between mother and child.

I wish you could see the painting in it's full size because the large canvas adds to the emotional response. Now I know what to do for my next several paintings and this piece will definitely be a guide.

the lay in

Here's a preview of the 40" x 60" painting I've been working on. Even though it is almost done now, I thought it would be fun to share the very beginning stage of my process.

This will be the first painting in a new series of candid shots of people going about their lives. I think its important to slow down and take a good look at our surroundings, too often we pass by everything without really seeing anything.

Mystery Woman, 12" x 16" oil on canvas

It's been a busy holiday, but now I'm going to try to post more often. A lot of my time this month has been consumed by a larger painting that is still not done, but hopefully I can share it soon.

In the painting above I was trying to simplify the forms and push the painting towards abstraction, while still representing a figure. It's grown on me, so I thought I might as well post it. Take care!

Amy, 9" x 12" oil on canvas

Here is one of my latest portrait commissions. Check out my website www.westcoastportraits.com for more info on my portraits.

Remember When, 24" x 30" oil on canvas

It is easy to get lost in memories.