Keeping an Open Mind

 "Water's Edge"  

24 x 30  

Oil on Canvas

This is a large painting that I recently completed in my studio. I worked from a small plein air canvas (pictured below) that I painted on location, as well as a reference photo and a sketch that I did on location. The plein air painting was done in the late afternoon, standing on the edge of a large body of water.  I went there with a very specific plan in mind, aiming to paint the lovely church that stands on the opposite side of the water. However, when I arrived at my painting location and looked around, I saw this beautiful vista on my right. I loved the sweep of the waves and the curve of the land, and the way both elements drew the eye to the church dome and little garden at the end of the stretch. So...my original plan went right out the window, and I painted the scene you see here. I have learned that when something sparks your interest like this, you should go with it! You can learn more about this painting here.

The small plein air painting appears below. I used it as a color guide and inspiration for my studio work. It's impossible to see true color relationships from a photograph, and so I find the process of doing a study on location to be invaluable.

"Guidecca Afternoon"  

8 x 10  

Oil on Linen Panel

Working in Series

 "Tea with Teddy"  

14 x 11  

Oil on Linen  

I enjoy working in series, where I paint the same or similar subjects a number of times.  It is a wonderful way to become familiar with a subject, and it helps teach my eye to see truly in different settings.  Painting in series is a time-honored tradition in the art world.  Think about Monet's famous series of the Rouen Cathedral, or his haystacks.  (Not that I would dare compare myself to Monet!).  

Recently I have worked on a series of paintings featuring a teddy bear.  I have used my ancient, threadbare bear in different still life setups.  I love the blues in the painting above, and the juxtaposition of different sorts of objects, hard and soft.  For a different theme with teddy, see below.  There's still plenty of room for exploration and development here.  Sometimes I fear that the subject is too "nursery" themed.  But everybody seems drawn to the teddy, so I hope that he will find a more universal audience.

I think the painting below is one of my more interesting efforts lately in terms of brushwork and paint application.  I made a real effort to "lay it and leave it" with the paint.  And I chose to let the toned canvas show through in selected mid-value areas.  I was pleased with the overall effect.

"Teddy & Co."  

SOLD

Wrap Sessions

"Wrap Session, Yellow"  

20 x 20  

Oil on Canvas  

During the chilly winter months, I have enjoyed painting a series of still lifes in my studio.  I have been experimenting with color and texture.  You should see my props closet--it puts most flea markets to shame!  I have discovered that tissue paper is a great way to inject a pop of color, and to set the color theme for the painting.  In the painting above, I was aiming for a calm palette of greys and yellows.  A heavily tarnished silver sugar bowl, which was a gift from a friend, partnered well with the yellow tissue-wrapped package.  See below for more of the series.  And stay tuned for more adventures in still life!

"Wrap Session, the Blues
18 x 18
Oil on Canvas

By the way, these two paintings are showing at Huff Harrington Fine Art (Atlanta) in their annual show called "A Grand Affair", through February 4, 2013.