Lampasas River Girls

This is one I've been working on for sometime. I just couldn't make it work, these cows were odd. This breed is very angular and their heads are out of proportion so it makes them a challenge to paint. I've been using reference photos and site sketches to finish this up and I'm happy with where it is today. I believe it reflects the wide open spaces of Texas and the springtime blue of the sky. I wnated to capture something a photo would not, otherwise why paint it. It's really a painting about how it feels to have the Texas sun shining down on you while you stand in the cool grass and be free to go anywhere you want. I think I said what I wanted.

Detail #1

Like I said, their heads are so angular it makes them daunting subject. I liked how the sun bounced off their hide and how the cool of the grasses reflected underneath. I was able to try different combinations of colors to evoke the temperature and light and not get caught up in details.

Detail #2

In what is becomming a stylistic signiture for me, I have once again referenced Klimt in the rythm and repetition of both color & texture. It allows me some abstract expessionismwhile maintaining my subject. I really like this method as it gives just enough information and allows the mind to wander as well.

Let me know what you think.

Lampasas Girls 36"x48" oil on canvas, frameless 2" studio wrapped, available $2400.00 USD + shipping & delivery. Can be framed at your choice.

Aldergrove Moonrise

Reference photos can be deceiving because they are two dimensional which poses a problem for most painters. I prefer to paint the effect of the light with reference to observations outside my studio windows. So it is that I came across this photo of the Moonrise on a farm in Aldergrove, British Columbia. The mountains reminded me of their counterparts in Southern California with the only difference being the California mountains tend to be a bit more purple. The cows were a first for me as well - 2 out of 3 isn't bad. I liked the double effect of the setting sun and the the rising moon; warm reds & oranges versus the cool aqua blues & violets. I cant wait to paint a similar subject in the style similar to my previous Trestles seascape. I think this would do well with a dramatic color approach. It took me a few extra days to complete but I'm satisfied with the finished painting. This was a very difficult painting to photograph, but thanks to my friend Paula, it's better than expected. Comments please. (16"x20" oil) ~NEXT Detail -