Chinese Hats (click here to bid)

O/b. 5x7". © 2006.
Man, Chinatown in LA is a rich visual resource. These straw hats, baskets & straw mats caught my eye.

Venice Streetlight (click here to bid)

O/b. 7x5". © 2006.
This is an old brick building in Venice called Brickhouse.
They serve great omelets and they're walking distance from my studio.

Here We Go

I'm sending my brand new blog out into the world, first to friends & family, then who knows? If you like what you see, pass it on.
Okay, I'm off to bed, because I've got a painting to do tomorrow. And the next day. And the next. And...

Culver City Scene (click here to bid)

O/b. 7x5". © 2006.
LA is full of these old school street lamps. Many were built during the WPA & add a touch of nostalgia to neighborhoods. I found this one in Culver City, which is Venice adjacent.

Purple Cloud (click here to bid)

O/b. 5x7". © 2006.
California has some of the best clouds anywhere. Combine these clouds with this light and voila, the seeds of another painting. and another. and another...

Eucalyptus & Chimney (click here to bid)

O/b.7x5"
© 2006.
This is the view from the porch outside my studio. Eucalyptus trees are in many of my paintings.

Elephant Statue (click here to bid)

O/b. 7x5".© 2006.
I know, this is different than the urban landscapes on this site. It's a maquette of a statue in my studio, which led to painting the entire elephant in a large painting recently. To see how urban landscapes and the elephant tie together, watch for that painting on my web site (hyper link in right column).

Streetlight Nocturne (click here to bid)

O/b. 5x7".© 2006.
A night view of Penmar Park in Venice, Ca.

Bamboo, The Wall & The Door (click here to bid)

Bamboo, The Wall & The Door, originally uploaded by msokolis.

O/b. 5x7".
© 2006.

This is our backyard. I walk through this peaceful scene each time I get my mail. Giant bamboo shows up in larger paintings in my next exhibit.

Benjamin's Roof (click here to bid)

Benjamin's Roof, originally uploaded by msokolis.

O/b. 5x7".
© 2006.

Ever changing Venice sky over my neighbor's roof.

Pampas Grass (click here to bid)

Pampas Grass Scan copy, originally uploaded by msokolis.

O/b. 5x7".
© 2006.

These exotic looking plants grow well in Southern California. When certain afternoon sun lights them, they appear to glow. This is the first one I've painted. More will follow.

Maquettes

I will be posting a painting a day. These are small oil paintings on 1/8" masonite.
They are prepped the same way I prep my large canvas. They are fully archival.