Breakfast Bar
(18" x 36", oil on canvas)

This piece is a bit of a departure for me. While I generally lean more towards spare, quiet compositions I thought I'd challenge myself with this over-sized riot of objects and colours. This was a fun project taking three weeks to complete.

Read the Diary
To see my "diary" of this painting, where I have posted photos I took every few days illustrating how I tackled this somewhat complex subject, please visit my website using the following link: http://www.lemieux.artsites.ca/page/diary

If you’d like to be included on my Painting of the Week email list please write me at daniele@DanieleLemieux.com.

Sweet Honey
(12" x 12", oil on canvas)

After a day of sketching out various alternatives, I realized that a small canvas would suit this subject matter the best. I edited the composition down to a few basic elements and, finally, found the painting I was looking for. Sometimes a composition comes together almost effortlessly, but, more often than not, it’s a longer process of trial and error.

If you’d like to be included on my Painting of the Week email list please write me at daniele@DanieleLemieux.com.

Crisp Cuts
(20" x 30", oil on canvas)

This painting is an example of my love of working with simple, clean shapes. The many years I worked as an art director will always have an influence on my work. While I used to try to repress my early design training and compose in a more "painterly" fashion, I have found that the combination of graphic and fine art disciplines has given my work its often distinctive spare style.

If you’d like to be included on my Painting of the Week email list please write me at daniele@DanieleLemieux.com.

Summer Promise
(24" x 36", oil on canvas)

I originally wanted to do a piece with theses wonderful blushing Granny Smith apples, showcasing the unexpected hints of red on the bright green skins. But adding the fresh strawberries to the crisp greens and whites gave way to an overwhelming feeling of early summer and my focus shifted from the apples to a more complete and fresh colour story.

What’s more, I was so enthusiastic about the composition that I decided to make it larger that my original 18" x 24" sketches. I rendered all the elements larger-than-life giving this piece greater overall impact.

If you’d like to be included on my Painting of the Week email list please write me at daniele@DanieleLemieux.com.

Apple and Iron
(18" x 18", oil on canvas)

Few things capture my attention more than great contrast.

The juxtaposition of the bright apple against this old cast iron pot provided me with contrast of not only colour, but also of tone and texture. The apple looks brighter, crisper and brand-spanking-new against the antique background of the pot, while the pot's darkly aged texture is in turn amplified by the freshness of the just-peeled apple.

If you’d like to be included on my Painting of the Week email list please write me at daniele@DanieleLemieux.com.

Tin Cup
(12" x 12", oil on canvas)

I spent hours and hours trying to compose a simple piece with this handful of Rainier cherries. After many failed attempts I scrubbed everything out and left my studio, disheartened. The next morning I sat down at my easel and within a few short hours I had this little gem well on it's way.

People often ask how long a painting takes and I always try and answer honestly. This little piece may have taken 8 hours, but it was the hours I spent in miserable frustration during the previous days that made it possible.

If you’d like to be included on my Painting of the Week email list please write me at daniele@DanieleLemieux.com.

Red and White on Blue
(18" x 24", oil on canvas)

Most of my work focuses on mood, where light is often my real subject matter. This piece, however, was motivated purely by colour.

I found this errant pomegranate in the back of my fridge and immediately pictured it on the blue cloth that I have been using (okay, addicted to) recently. The white vase adds sparkle and makes the colours even more royal.

If you’d like to be included on my Painting of the Week email list please write me at daniele@DanieleLemieux.com.