Max's Ride (Plein Air)

First of all, I'd like to apologize to mother nature for all of the terrible things I've said about her since November..my sincerest apologize madame. Today was a about as perfect a day as you could ask for.

Max took a nap in the afternoon so I set up my paint box and did a little plein air painting of "Max's ride" in the back yard. Just me and my paints, the sound of spring birds singing and the baby monitor cranking.

One of the challenges of plein air painting is the moving sun..you can see how much it shifted the shadows from when I began (in the first photo) to only an hour and a half later (the second photo).

One of the challenges of a stay-at-home dad plein air painter is a waking child. This one was cut short in less than two hours.

Magazine pumpkin sketches

How goes the great struggle? Alls well here thanks! I recently got an illustration assignment from my favorite children's illustration client, "Highlights for Children" magazine. They have a magazine for younger children called Highlights Hi-Five that I've done work before. Fun assignments, great deadlines and professional/trustworthy art direction...Thank you again Highlights, I love you.

this is for the October 2008 issue and they've asked me to do a bunch of Jack-o-Lantern paintings. I did some pencil sketches, scanned them in to Photoshop and added some value..viola!

They gave me the go ahead to add color, so I'll get cracking on that asap.

The Venerable Spirit

I finished this small (6x8") oil painting of a dinghy I'm calling "The Venerable Spirit". OK maybe this is just the current working title because it doesn't sit well with me after re-reading it here. I think it's the "venerable" part. Maybe this boat deserves a simpler title. The word venerable seems like I'm trying too hard to have a sophisticated title or something...

Just thinking out loud here.
Anyhoot, let me sleep on it.

(Click on image for a larger view)

Cherry

I finished this small oil painting study of a Cherry on a plate. It's 4x6" and is oil on masonite panel.

The Secret Key

I finished this Key painting a while ago too but I wasn't sure if I was going to add something else to it. My better judgement was to finally leave it as is. Sometimes a painting will let you know when it is done..and sometimes they take a while to get that idea across.

"The secret key" got it's name by finally letting me know it was done. The secret is out. This is oil on wood panel and is 4x6"

Key #4

Finished this small oil painting last week and forgot to post it on this blog. "Key #4" is an oil on wood panel and is (7x5"). This takes on a different meaning after reading the critique from my last post.

Art and Critique spotlight #2 (Keys to Desire)

Elija from Artandcritique.com did another critique of my oil paintings, this time it's the series of Key paintings I did and you've got to see the slant he put on them...on me. It turns out I'm a horn-dog..go check it out for yourself, you can read Elijas latest critique of my painting here: Artandcritique.com

Thanks again Elija. Alison read the critique and thought he may be on to something.

Art and Critique spotlight

I recently received an email from Artandcritique.com and they are currently posting an extensive critique of my boat paintings. I would like to thank Elija and include a link to his very cool web sight. You can check out his critique of my work here: ArtandCritique.com

I have to be honest and tell you I'm flattered and my ego is stroked, Elija has an amazing insight and quite a way with words.

Key #4 (Under painting)

I'm trying something new for me..I'm transferring about 20 drawings to 20 panels and will try to work simultaneously on all of them rather than just hammering one out at a time. A few of my art friends have suggested this for several reasons: 1) it will keep the work fresh and you'll be less likely to "worship" the current piece and loosen up 2) If you get stuck on an area simply move to another painting and return later with a fresh eye...and 3) Productivity increase. This is important I think, productivity means you are releasing all those ideas that are bunched up in your head. So, we'll see how it goes.

Today I am posting an under painting of another key, this will be "Key #4". It is an oil raw umber wash with some under painting white in some areas to make the lights pop.

The Heifer (Finish)

"The Heifer" (14x11") Oil on Masonite
I finished "The Heifer" painting last night and put it in this wood frame (see below for detail and framed painting image). I was working on a companion piece to this simultaneously but ended up cursing the counterpart...perhaps later this year I'll revisit the companion. We'll see, lots to do and the limited time seems to fly.

I hope you are all well, the weather is looking better and I'm looking forward to dusting off the pochade to do some outdoor plein air painting soon.


Detail of "The Heifer" (click on image for larger view)

"The Heifer" Framed. email me for purchase inquire: tmbonita@gmail.com

Max eating sketch

Max likes strawberries and can pretty much eat on his own now. This afforded me the opportunity to do a quick pen drawing of him in my sketch book while he ate lunch.

The Heifer (Under Painting)

This is an under painting of a heifer gingerly making her way towards the door of the barn. The light coming from the entrance was what caught my eye..the way it lit the young cow and then timidly begins to enter the darkness of the barn..wonderful and subdued drama..good stuff. It's always more fun to paint something I'm excited about and to me, it's not so much the subject matter here as it is the playfulness of that light.

This was done with a burnt umber wash where I then wiped out the lights with a paper towel and further enhanced them with an under painting white. I'm going to gently build more color on this for the finish.

Max pen sketch

Sketching a thirteen month old child makes chasing the sun in a plein air painting seem like a breeze. They simply don't stay still long enough.

I put on a Baby Einstein DVD and Max watched a little then played with his trucks a little, he went back-and-forth. I used the opportunity to do a quick pen drawing of my young fella in my sketch book. He's growing so fast.

Bow (redu)

I gave this old painting a makeover by sanding out an area that just didn't sit well with me. In the lower right there was a pile of snow on the dock that I didn't manage to paint well and it simply looked odd. After sanding it, I painted in a blue shadow area and these dark shapes/lines that suggest rope. My wife just saw them on the computer screen and said "what's that?", pointing to the rope...I may be back to square one with this painting, we'll see. I have to sit with it for a while. I've included the before image below as well.

Anyhoot, it was a good lesson in repairing a problematic area, I definitely feel more confident in this procedure, which will allow me a little more freedom in knowing it's ok to screw up...I can always bust out the sander.



*Note the color difference in the photos...the actual painting looks more like the redu above.
This is "Bow" Oil on wood panel and is 11x14".

Motorcycle Hog logo

I just did this quick turn-around illustration-logo for an online motorcycle business. it will be used on T-shirts and other marketing material.

It started with a sketch of the hogs head, then I scanned it and painted it in Photoshop using a Wacom drawing tablet. This was real fun, it flowed smoothly and was done reasonably fast for me..I can't say that for every assignment.
Any-hoot, I'm no graphic designer but I slapped together the wrap-around font, motorcycle wheel and flames and put it all together for what you see here.

Tomorrow, I'll be spending the day in my studio working on a large under painting..nice.

Key #2

I finished painting the Keys and mailed them off to England. I had fun with the wood on this one..there is really something to things that are aged and weather worn. This is "Key #2" it's 6x4" oil on wood panel.

Skeleton in the closet (finish)

I worked on all three Keys at the same time which I think helped give them continuity..although, I think I prematurely sprayed the last one with retouch varnish while the high lights were still wet and it bled a little. I'll post it after it dries and I fix it. Here is "Skeleton in the closet" (6x4") Oil on wood panel.

Key #3 (under painting)

This is...drum roll...."Key #3" ladies and gentlemen! This is the final in a series of three small paintings I'm doing for a gallery in England. One of the gallery owners from the Cape just bought a small gallery in Cornwall, England and is including my work and giving it a go across the pond. The Art House Gallery UK..good luck Joan.

Key #2 (under painting)

I'm having fun with the key as subject matter, I like the look of it against this old piece of wood. There is a nostalgic feeling that comes from this old key and the weathered and cracked wood helps to support that. I'm calling this under painting "Key #2" for now...see what I mean about me being really bad at naming paintings.

If you have an idea for the title of this one, please shoot me an email.

American Art Collector magazine add

The February issue of "American Art Collector" magazine has a reproduction of one of my boat paintings in this The Daily Painters advertisement. My painting was reproduced about the size of a postage stamp, not exactly big time but I'm tickled non-the-less. "Ol Red", it's the last one on the end.

"click on image for larger view"

Skeleton in the closet (under painting)

Max officially started day care on Monday (he'll be going two days a week) that means two days in the studio to get cracking on some oils. I layed in an under painting of this really cool skeleton key. I placed it in a shadow box and adjusted the light source to add interest to the composition.

I've admitted before that I don't really enjoy naming paintings but I like this working title so far.."Skeleton in the closet".

Moo

I put the finishing touches on this small oil painting of a dairy cow that I'm calling "Moo". This gal lives about a mile down the road from me. It felt good to finish something. Starting next Monday, I'll have an additional day in the week to paint so I'm looking forward to doubling my productivity and exploring some new ideas with oils.

New Year, New web sight!

Happy New Year!!! I'm very excited about 2008 and eager to slap down some more oil paint over the next 365 days. I just had my web sight re-done by a professional so that means all the pages work again..Thanks Wade.

It feels like a fresh new start for the year, nice!
check it out: TODDBONITA.com

Slow and Steady

Oil on Linen (8x10")

Max (finish)

I finally finished this small portrait of my son Max. This was too fun and i hope to paint him every year. I put it in a small antique frame that I bought on Ebay and I'm giving this to my wife as a gift. I'm posting a picture here of said cool frame.

This is oil on wood and is about 3 inches in diameter..very small.

Button Factory Open Studios

This weekend (December 1 &2) is the Button Factory annual open studios in Portsmouth, I'm in studio #224, come on by Saturday or Sunday between 11am - 5pm if you'de like. I have a few bottles of red wine and maybe you'll get to meet Max. I only have a few paintings on the wall but it will be great fun to meet people, drink some wine and talk shop. There are over 70 artist represented and tons of great art to see. It's really a great time, I hope to see you there.

(click the link below for more info and directions):

The Button Factory

best,
Todd

Ball Player sculpture (in progress)

Last night as I climbed into bed, I was going through my sketch book and came across my "Ol time ball player" drawings and thought, "I should really do a sculpture of these guys". I grabbed a gob of sculpey clay and started smashing it around..it felt great. My wife fell asleep so I kept sculpting in bed, making a mess, until I finished this a few hours later.

I don't know what it is..I feel I have to make stuff lately. My productivity for 2007 has been very low and I swear my insides are responding by screaming for me to create more stuff. (Note to my insides: "Max will be in day care soon, so relax until then and stop keeping me up at night making crazy sculptures until all hours"...)

It was too fun though..maybe I'll consider sleeping more after I'm dead. For now, here are a few photos of the sculp in progress. I'm going to smooth out the surface and eventually paint him.

I'm going to post the original sketch I used as reference too.

Computer company poster illustration (finish)

I scanned my sketch and banged it out in Photoshop pretty quickly (for me!). I think the speed was necessary to give it energy and keep the color and lines fresh looking..great fun!

Computer company poster illustration (sketch)

I just got a quick turn-around assignment from The Botnay Bay computer company in Portsmouth, to do an illustration for there Christmas poster. it will be large (54x42") and hang in there window. It has to be a simple composition to be able to be seen from the street. I submitted this sketch and got the go-ahead to color it for the finish.

I'm busy as hell but it feels great to take an assignment again...I'm doing this for pure fun and to get some kinks out..a cupla holiday bucks is good for the soul too.

Max (underpainting)

Here is an under painting of my boy, Max. He's awesome! This is painted from a reference photo that I took when he was about six months old (artist note: there is no chance of him sitting still and posing). He's 9 months and some change now, growing fast and tall, already had five stitches, he stands and even sais a few words..(Papa, Mama, Hi) he keeps his mom and dad very busy.

This is a small, round painting, slightly less than three inches. I cut this circular piece of luanne wood by hand to fit an antique frame I bought on Ebay. This is a gift for Alison's birthday tomorrow (it wont be finished in time but that's ok) I want to do a bang up job on it and take my time. As you can tell by my infrequent post that my time is limited these days.

I hope you are all well.

Scotty's Cove dinghy (under painting)

I've been very busy raising my little guy and being a stay-at-home dad. As a result, I failed to notice that this under painting didn't post..so, shazam!..here it is. This is "Scotty's Cove dinghy". This piece represents my effort to paint some larger works, it measures 16x20".

The Passageway (finish)

"The Passageway" (14x11") oil on canvas.

The Passageway (underpainting)

I've been tinkering with this oil under painting of a room interior that I'm calling "The Passageway". This piece is for a project for an upcoming show at The Woodsum Gallery in Warner, New Hampshire called, "Elegant interiors and exteriors". The gallery asked about 20 artist to do interior and/or exterior paintings of some of the historic houses in Warner, NH. The finished works will be on display at the Woodsum gallery on September 28 through November 08.

A few weeks ago I was introduced to and welcomed into the home of Anne McNamara, the fairly new owner of a historic house on Waterloo street in Warner. I took a ton of reference photos and settled on this composition for that dramatic light and the simple design of the architecture. It has a story telling quality to it..I swear I can almost see the ghosts of the generations of people who passed through this corridor, coming and going, scuffing up that floor. Those same four panels of light coming through the windows have been spotlighting that floor every morning for centuries.

I've been re-inspired by an Andrew Wyeth book I recently bought so to me, it was no surprise that this particular image stopped my eye. I love the mood of it.

Kathleen Nicosia (Remembering 9/11)

Kathleen Nicosia
was a flight attendant on American Airlines Flight 11 on September 11, 2001. I didn't know Kathleen but thought I would take the time to sketch her and remember that day. I read that she lived in Winthrop, Massachusetts for 32 years. I lived there for over twenty years myself and I wondered if we ever crossed paths in that small town. God bless her, her family and all the victims of 9/11.

Ball Player #4 (sketchbook)

click image to see larger
This is one of my favorite months because of the weather, the anticipation of fall and the thrill of the Baseball season heating up before October. I've been sketching this ball player while watching the sox games in bed this week. I'm still reeling from the no-hitter earlier in the week by Clay Buchholz..most exciting game I've ever watched, no kidding. I don't even know this kid but I'm so happy for him.

Anyhoot, "Ball Player #4" looks like he's got one of those cool, old time nicknames like, Willie "Hit 'em Where They Ain't" Keeler.

Pacific Yachting Magazine feature

click image above for larger view

Toot-Toot! I'm tooting my horn today because I just received this months issue of Pacific Yachting magazine in the mail and there is a feature on "Boat stories and Art" (The enduring quality of boats and there inspiration to artist). The article includes the art work and short essay by this painter from Greenland, New Hampshire named Todd Bonita...wait, thats me, how cool!

Back in March I responded to Robert Genns Twice weekly letter, a websight forum for fellow artist. the topic was about artist and there love of painting boats. Jeffrey Briggs, the editor of Pacific Yachting magazine happen to read the letter and made a magazine feature out of it that includes fourteen artist from around the world who paint boats.

The feature has a nice color reproduction of one of my paintings and includes my post as it appears on Robert Genns sight. I'm jazzed! Many thanks to Robert Genn and Jeffrey Briggs.

Ol Red

I finished this small dinghy painting last night that I'm calling' "Ol Red". He looks like he's been around the block a few times and his sides have been banging against the dock for a few dozen seasons. He could tell you tales, sing shanties and match you shot for shot at the Sea Snatch Inn whiskey bar by the docks. He's a hard worker. He's the goods.
but I digress...(The author would like to take a moment to recover from his own babbling tomfoolery). Thank you.
I experimented with a thicker under painting with this piece, using under painting white and Burnt Umber Alkyd (both are quick drying and allow for a thicker and more stable surface and an opportunity to establish texture early on). I also used Galkyd light medium (also quick drying) which allowed for many layers of glazing in a short period of time. I did this piece relatively quick (for me) and will continue to explore this process.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to the Sea snatch Inn for a whiskey.

Marlon Palladino (8 Year old artist)

My friend Tommy has an 8 year old son named Marlon who has been doing some extraordinary paintings with his mom Arika and has recently shared them with me and WCCO channel 8 in Minnesota. I think he's on his way to not only making some great art work but also becoming a superstar, no kidding. This is a recent letter from Tom and a link to Marlons web sight and WCCO feature:

"I have been holding out on spreading the word about the paintings that Marlon
and Arika have been doing this year, so I am sending out the good word
to you now. Marlon has been doing paintings with Arika for a long time,
but in the last year they have gotten more serious about their work.
They have done over 100 paintings, most of which were on display at an
art show in June that attracted about 200 people (mostly friends and
family) and at which they sold almost 60 paintings!

They have a website at

MarlonsHands.com

that I welcome you to check
out. Please send Arika and Marlon a message from the site when you
visit. Marlon loves the feedback. Forward the link to whomever you
like.

WCCO Marlon Palladino feature

Cape Cod Art Association

I was juried into the Cape Cod Art Association as an "Artist Member" today..a nice birthday gift to myself, (I'm 39 today).


I drove down to Barnstabe, Mass on the Cape (About a three hour drive with Friday traffic) in my 1999 Toyota Corolla with the broken air conditioner..did I mention it was like 378 degrees today. No, seriously, it was about a hundred, no kidding. Barnstable is where the Art association is and I had to pick up my paintings from the jurors. One of them whispered to me.."I'm not supposed to say anything, but you got in..they'll send you a letter in a week..congratulations". I was thrilled but I also was suffering from heat exhaustion and had to cut my Cape Cod trip short and drive home. Still not kidding.

Wind Talker

I just finished this oil painting of a sail boat I'm calling "Wind Talker". This is loosely based on a photo I took of a very cool crafted sail boat in Provincetown last year. This piece represents my new effort to add more color into my work. I used liberal amounts of audacity when painting the sand that screaming orange color. It was fun to let go of the desire to match the color to nature exactly.
"Wind Talker" (6x8") Oil on gessoed wood panel.

(click on image for larger view)

To the Mother Ship

I finished this small oil painting I'm calling, "To the mother ship". This lobster man is rowing his small boat from the shallows to his larger vessel, presumably moored in deeper waters not too far away.

This is loosely based on a photo I took of a fisherman about a year ago in a harbor in Rockport. I made this guy a lobster man in my painting and added the orange jump suite to compliment the blue of the water. I was perched above him on a rock jetty and watched him work that single oar like a champ, he was cookin but made it look casual. What a cool way to commute to work.

"To the Mother Ship" (6x8") Oil on wood panel
(Click image for larger view)

Featured Artist @ The Art House Gallery

Joan Orr of

THE ART HOUSE GALLERY(Brewster, Mass)

has featured me as her artist of the month. She also reports that I'm on pg27 of "Along 6A", the Cape Cod magazine that features galleries and artist. Nice!

The Humble Trapper (Finish)

I finally finished this oil painting I'm calling "The Humble Trapper". It's oil on gessoed wood panel. (6x8")