Gary Curtis

Meeting of the Corks

2009-12-21T05:19:00.000-08:00

Real corks seem to be passing away, so here is a celebration of the real thing.

Original watercolor 4 in. x 6 in.
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Late Evening

2009-12-17T15:58:00.000-08:00

Another view of a familiar scene. Doily was made by my grandmother, but not the cigar.

Original watercolor 4 in. x 6 in.
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Double Nickels

2009-12-12T14:18:00.000-08:00

An old tobacco jar from the days of smoking a pipe. The aroma was enchanting and brings back many memories.

Original watercolor 4 in. x 6 in.
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New Bottle

2009-11-12T17:03:00.001-08:00

Original watercolor 4 in. x 6 in.
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Strawberry

2009-11-02T17:01:00.000-08:00

Except for glass and silver, nothing has been more inclusive in my still life paintings than the strawberry. The beautiful red color was always my first consideration. But, I have to admit, the enticing aroma as I worked on the painting kept me coming back to this wonderful dash of color. This, then is a singular tribute to my favorite berry.

Original watercolor 4 in. x 6 in.

Wine & Chocolate

2009-11-01T17:09:00.005-08:00

I just can't stay away from the chocolates! And then there is the wine...

Original Watercolor 4 in. x 6 in.
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New Pour

2009-11-01T17:09:00.004-08:00

This close-up view provides real intimacy f0r the viewer. I like the immediacy and punch that it gives, not unlike the wine it celebrates.

Original watercolor 4 in. x 6 in.

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Chocolate Truffle

2009-11-01T17:09:00.003-08:00

My passion for strawberries is only exceeded by my passion for chocolate. This delightful truffle purchased from Godiva Chocolatiers is just begging to be consumed.

Original watercolor 4 in. x 6 in.
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Wineglass & Truffles

2009-11-01T17:09:00.002-08:00

It may be a difficult choice between a luxurious truffle and a glass of good wine. Why not enjoy them both? The most difficult part of this painting was not eating the candy before the work was done!

Original watercolor 4 in. x 6 in.
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Abbott & Arturo

2009-11-01T17:09:00.000-08:00

This one is all about texture-the cork with it's bumps, cuts and holes and the tobacco leaf carefully hand wrapped. Both represent the care and love that was put into their creation. Something I can admire.

Original watercolor 4 in. x 6 in.

Down Time

2009-10-31T12:55:00.000-07:00

Usually my favorite compositions are the simple ones with only one or two elements. I squeezed a lot in this small painting, but the colors are rich and inviting. It is hard to beat wine and books.

Original watercolor 4 in. x 6 in.

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And Counting...

2009-10-31T12:51:00.000-07:00

The pure crystal simplicity of this wineglass drew me to this subject. Strongly displayed in front of the dark background, the glass sparkles. The corks add warmth to this otherwise cold, hard subject.

Original watercolor 4 in. x 6 in.

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Leisure Time

2009-10-29T12:17:00.000-07:00

A pleasant combination

Original watercolor 4 in. x 6 in.
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Before the Amontillado

2009-10-27T17:02:00.000-07:00

Edgar Allan Poe became one of my favorite poets from the time I first read his dark work in high school. My simple tribute to a fascinating mind.

Original watercolor 4 in. x 6 in.
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Comrades

2009-10-22T17:32:00.000-07:00

A nice warm painting to complement the warm feeling that comes from that first taste. My California heritage paid tribute to once more.

Original watercolor 4 in. x 6 in.
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Aspirations

2009-10-20T13:39:00.000-07:00

The Dutch Masters greatly influenced my painting. I copied them tirelessly as a child. How appropriate that I would use a paint brand with the grand master's name on it. A careful look will discover my reflection in the silver vessel.

Original watercolor 4 in. x 6 in.
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California Dreaming

2009-10-19T17:30:00.000-07:00

Another great bottle of wine. Just thinking about my roots.

Original watercolor 4 in. x 6 in.
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Silver Strawberry Reflections

2009-10-16T14:42:00.000-07:00

One of the things that intrigues me about this combination of objects is the cool, hard surface of the silver contrasted with the soft, warm texture of the berries. A very simple, but eye-catching design.

Original watercolor, 4 in. x 6 in.
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Elephant Walk

2009-10-06T16:04:00.000-07:00

Some good friends of mine own a delightful antique store where I have been able to encounter fascinating objects. These were in close proximity, so the arrangement seemed to fall together.

Original watercolor 4 in. x 6 in.

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Shine Upon Shine

2009-09-28T12:42:00.000-07:00

It intrigued me how the darkened studio shadow, reflected in the silver, repeated the strawberry shape. The blue bands of my studio windows give interesting texture to the shadow.

Original watercolor 4 in. x 6 in.

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Conquest

2009-09-27T07:57:00.000-07:00

All the necessary elements are here and the time to conquer has arrived. I wanted to create a warm feeling with this painting to communicate how a fine glass of wine makes you feel.

Original watercolor

4 in. x 6 in.

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Strawberries & Wineglass

2009-09-26T10:27:00.000-07:00

I love aromatic fresh strawberries, and their rich red color is delight to paint. The wineglass is empty so the viewer can add the flavor they desire.

Original watercolor 4 in. x 6 in.

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Crystal & Clay

2009-09-24T16:59:00.000-07:00

The grey green glaze on this simple pitcher intriqued me with it's mottled finish. It is a wonderful play off the clear crystal cruet.

Original watercolor 4 in. x 6 in.

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Cinnamon & Strawberry

2009-09-23T13:11:00.000-07:00

Two delightful flavors and aromas in one painting. The simple design is in contrast to the intricate decoration on the cinnamon cannister. Rich, red strawberries are a perennial favorite in my still life paintings

Original Watercolor, 4 in x 6 in

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Cabernet

2008-12-19T13:10:00.000-08:00

Nothing could be more inviting than a clear, clean wineglass waiting for the bottle of Cabernet to be opened. I enjoy the slight distortion of the wine label through the glass.

Original Watercolor

6 in. x 4 in.

SOLD

Red Rose & Piano

2008-12-10T10:54:00.000-08:00

I have painted a number of musical instruments, mostly the violin. This is my first piece featuring the piano. I have kept it simple, but the contrast of the black, white and red immediately invites the eye. I love the soft reflections of the piano keys in the background.

Original Watercolor 4.5 in. x 6.5 in.

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White Wine & Red Vase

2008-12-10T10:47:00.000-08:00

Here again is another arrangement utilizing the brilliant red of this raku pot. I did a smaller study of this with a glass of white wine earlier. In this composition I accentuated the tall narrow wineglass with long and narrow dimensions of the painting. The glass is frosty and inviting.

Original Watercolor 10 in. x 4.5 in.

Cut Crystal Glass

2008-10-28T12:29:00.000-07:00

Original watercolor - 6 in. x 4 in.

I find cut crystal to be the most challenging of the always difficult subject of glass. I thoroughly enjoy the abstraction that occurs through the glass as it distorts the objects behind it. In this painting I once again make use of this beautiful red Raku pot.

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Blue Reflections

2008-10-14T17:05:00.000-07:00

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Original Watercolor 4 in. x 6 in.

Cobalt blue is one of my favorite colors. Every painting I do has it somewhere and laying the tube before this shiny silver surface is a special tribute. The artist and his studio is lurking nearby.

Tee Time

2008-10-12T06:26:00.000-07:00

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Original Watercolor, 6 in. x 4 in.

In my fantasy life I would love to have more time to relax on the golf course. It is a wonderful time to refresh, laying away the cares of life. It seems lately that I have had to settle for painting a tribute to the things I love, rather than actually participating in them. But then, painting is my real passion, so it is a pleasant substitute that allows my mind to go there.

A Good Evening

2008-10-06T18:41:00.000-07:00

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Original watercolor, 6" x 4"

This reveals the end of a very pleasant evening for two. One glass is empty, the other soon to be finished along with a few more words to consider. All together, a very good evening.

Red, White & Blue

2008-10-02T07:26:00.000-07:00

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Original watercolor, 6 in. x 4 in.

With all the attention this year focused on American politics, I thought it would be appropriate to look at this country's colors from a different perspective. Enjoy!

Crystal & Geranium

2008-09-29T13:00:00.000-07:00

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Original watercolor, 6 in. x 4 in.

Summer has merged into Fall and the temperatures are so very pleasant. Leaving the warm days behind means saying goodbye to the rich red geraniums in our garden. This is one of the last vestiges of the season seen through this heavy crystal vase. I love the abstract distortion in the midst of this realistic painting.

Silver Creamer & Grapes

2008-09-26T17:15:00.000-07:00

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Original Watercolor, 4" x 6"

I am facsintated with reflective silver as well as transparent glass. These have been featured in hundreds of my paintings over the last fifteen years that I have immersed myself in the tradition of Dutch-style still life. Watercolor has great subtlety and nuance that is a delight for a realistic painter. I love both the reflection of color that the grapes provide and the distortion of shape that the silver creamer creates in this piece.

"New Pour"

2008-09-25T07:50:00.000-07:00

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Original Watercolor, 6"x4"

The anticipation of a new bottle of wine complements a new chapter in a favorite book. The oriental carpet tells of the richness of this wine and is completed by the interesting design of the wine label itself. All the elements are there for a comfortable evening.

"Personal Moment"

2008-09-25T07:08:00.000-07:00

Original Watercolor, 3 1/2 " x 4 1/2 "

SOLD

As I work at this painting, in my mind I am wanting to go to this place which to me says "relaxation". My life has been surrounded by good books. I have always loved reading, and nothing would be more inviting than a good glass of red wine and a great novel.

New Directions

2008-09-06T09:42:00.000-07:00

Today brought me to a new way of thinking about my art. I have used the internet for a few years now to present my work in "brochure style" to those who have seen me and my watercolor paintings at juried art shows and perhaps galleries. In my desire to discover new audiences, I have decided to pursue this blog format to not only show my current paintings, but to expand the work with my thoughts about them. This combination has been the great attraction to me for doing fine art shows. Though galleries have their place, and I have shown in several over the years, nothing can beat the direct interaction between artist and patron that takes place at an art show.
Although my website allows me to display many samples of my artwork, what it misses is the conversation that often links the work of the artist to the observer. It is my hope that this new venue will accomplish that which is lacking in my website, as well as the missing link in gallery representation. I also hope that a conversation can begin not only between artist and buyer, but between the artist and casual observer as well as fellow artists.
With this in mind, it is my plan to present new current work, fresh off the drawing board, that will help to stimulate this conversation. Painting can be a lonely business, and it seemed to me that the only way to correct this, aside from my outside exhibits, is to invite folks into my studio. That is the motivation behind this new endeavor.