Green Moon

Green Moon
48"x36"

Looking For a Way Out

Looking for a Way Out

Upstairs

Reading Under Tree

The Artist as Fool, sitting in a bed of poison oak. Well, if I must be a fool, let me be this type. It was a beautiful day, and so sweet to connect with Laura afterwards.

Amazing Vanishing Act

The Amazing Vanishing Act

Clear Blue Sky

This is one of those paintings that was pure delight to create.

Got a phone call this week that my paintings are going to be used in an Acura commercial. The story-line is of a man who is trying to find his artist-girlfriend in San Francisco, and in one scene she's painting my pictures. It will be shown in China. Now when I go downstairs to paint it feels mythological, something foreigners would romanticize about. I was bound to get back to China, one way or another.

Boat in Desert #3

So much of life is waiting. The challenge is having open eyes when standing in line, being surprised when doing the same task for the hundredth time.

Boy in Chair

I love the clouds in this one. There is an orange undercoat which makes everything glow.
The young man is so high, but he's unfazed by it, like he takes it for granted that this is the way life goes.

My Studio

I paint in my basement, cradled by heater ducts and redwood beams. I go downstairs with a cat or two and a cup of tea, turn on NPR, and fill my palette with beautiful colors. I can't leave until the colors are all used up. Photos and sketchbooks are scattered about, wood panels and old picture frames. It's a chapel. It's a dungeon. Just the easel is illuminated with a blank canvas. Have I painted my last? Are new surprises in store? Will anyone notice? This painting will be for only my eyes. For now.

Woman with Angel

Another 12"x12" painting. I feel like I can take more risks and be more personal with the little ones.
Is the woman on the left even aware that the angel is there?
carolaust.com

Night Sky #2

I found a book this week about Van Gogh's night skies. He wanted to prove he could paint night without black, so I took on the challenge.

Red Curtain

This little 12"x12" painting took a week to make. I sanded it off and repainted it six or seven times. Painting hope can be a lot more challenging than painting fear.

One Step at a Time

I painted this last week.
These days I need to focus on single steps, take life one bite at a time.

Nocturnal Reunion

Dreamer #2

Boat in Desert #3

Familiar Path