Pink Flamingo Cupcake

8" x 8" oil on panel

Available at Etsy

My best friend recently told me that an ex coworker once assigned her the spirit animal of a pink flamingo. I found this assignment amusing and was inspired to make a Signature Pink Cupcake painting in honor of my friend's spirit animal.

Right away I wanted to base the painting on a cupcake I had seen in a local bakery last summer.  The head had been sculpted out of, most likely, fondant or marzipan (a confection consisting primarily of sugar or honey and almond meal) and the wings were colored white chocolate.

Surprisingly, I already had three flamingo themed paper/fabric patterns to choose from. I finally settled on the fabric with the off white background with the pink flamingo silhouettes. I was so happy with the way this turned out, that I already have ideas for another flamingo themed painting in the future.

                   Option One                                  Option Two                                  Option Three

                     

Rainy Day Martini

8" x 8" oil on panel

Available at Etsy

This is my second attempt at painting a fancy cocktail. My first cocktail inspired painting in this series was the Mexican Margarita. So far I really enjoy tackling this subject matter along with my desserts!

When I first saw this background pattern, the shapes reminded me of cocktail umbrellas. Naturally, I was inspired to make another cocktail painting and the martini seemed like the perfect drink. I got a little hung up by the cocktail umbrellas, but the painting is finally finished! I did make some changes to the background pattern as you can see the differences in the original pattern below.

Original Pattern

 

                     

Mexican Margarita

8" x 8" oil on panel

Available at Etsy 

 In addition to desserts, I have decided to branch out into fancy cocktails. My first attempt is my newest painting, entitled Mexican Margarita. Even though my beverage of choice is a Shirley Temple, I can really appreciate the beauty of these alcoholic drinks. 

When I first saw this playful cactus pattern in the store, I fell in love. When I see a pattern that interests me, I buy it even if I am unsure at the time how I want to use it. When I decided to start painting cocktails, this pattern came to mind. 

Originally, I  wanted to include a mini cactus in the design. I never got that element right, so I left it out of my final still life set up. I am hoping to make another version of this painting at some point. In the second version, I plan to use the chili pepper string lights as the main light source and finally incorporate that mini cactus.  


               

 

Chocolate Chip Cookies & Milk

8" x 8"oil on panel

SOLD

One of my favorite anytime snacks has to be chocolate chip cookies and (in my case) almond milk! I was thrilled when I came across this cow patterned fabric and was excited to pay tribute to this classic dessert. In uncertain times, a little comfort can go a long way. 


                   

 

Holiday Hot Chocolate

8" x 8" oil on panel

SOLD

Some people might call me a hot chocolate snob! It is definitely my sugary drink of choice, especially around the holidays. I enjoy hot chocolate so much, that every time I visit a new place I seek it out. By far, my favorite hot chocolate place is L.A. Burdick Chocolates in Boston MA. Always a must stop, when I am in the area!

My newest painting is long long over due and has been sitting on my easel since the beginning of winter. Although the winter cold is giving way to Spring, I knew that I had to buckle down finish it. The painting features a steaming glass of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream! I merged two different fabric patterns to get the background I wanted and....voilà!

                                              Pattern One                                 Pattern two


                     

A Slice of Carrot Cake

8" x 8" oil on panel

SOLD

It is always exciting to get a painting commission! When I was asked recently to paint a picture of a slice of carrot cake, of course I said yes! 

Quick Process Overview

Step 1: I started by asking my patron a lot of questions to get a feel for what she was envisioning. For example, what is the dessert subject matter, main colors, mood of the painting, background pattern etc. For this piece, my patron chose a dreamy slice of carrot cake and was inspired by three different Autumn patterns.

Step 2: After getting a sense of what my patron was looking for, I mocked up a three still life arrangements and placed each option in front of the three possible patterns.  

                        Option A:

                        Option B: 

                        Option C: 

My patron ended up choosing Option B. However, it was decided that the cake would be oriented in the opposite direction. Below is a comparison of the still life set up and the final painting. As with every painting I make, I took artistic license and changed some elements around. What differences can you see?

 

                     

Mini Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

8"x8" oil on panel 

Available at Etsy

The mini pineapple upside down cake has been an inspiration for many years. In fact, my dessert painting obsession began with this delightful little cake!

 My First Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cake

I have wanted to make this particular painting for many years now. It all started when I ran across this beautiful fabric pattern in a Joanne Fabric store. Right away I envisioned a mini pineapple upside down cake atop a glass pedestal. I had to do a little baking for this still life, but mini pineapple upside down cakes are surprisingly easy to make and of course yummy to eat!