Departing Storm

Another seascape in a new style. I was pleased with last weeks Trestles seascape. I'm still dealing with foreground issues in these early evening paintings. This is a 5" x 7" so I can't wait o start a large seascape in this style.

Edge of the Ocean

Ididn't think I would finish this small 5" x 7" but, sometimes you just need to stop. Pick a point to stop painting and don't touch it again. This semi-daily painting has taught me the importance of that lesson. I am happy with what I have learned here.

I was trying to be very simple and still have a a little something going on with the background, a la Matisse. The title comes about because the shell is on the edge of the table and looks so lonely.

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 -

Surf's UP!

The surf is up at Trestles Beach in this early evening view during a storm. I've been reviewing VanGogh and Gauguin's work recently so was looking to put a few of their techniques to practice. Thicker paint and more definitive outlining give it a different feel and mood than may of my other paintings. Trestles is a world famous surf spot and a great view. More pictures to keep the great memories of San Diego North County alive.

Speaking of pratice, this surely was practice! I'm very happy with the clouds but I think the foreground could use a little thought & work. ~NEXT

Here are a few detail photos to give a clearer view. Enjoy!

A Look Inside My Studio

I completed another painting last night and I'm working an a few others so I thought I'd give you a peek inside at the work in progress. The Monet painting is a favorite of mine and I've painted it several times; I'm not sure why I'm drawn to this particular painting. Maybe it's the simplicity of the color scheme and the subtleties of their application. I have learned quite a bit every time I paint it. (9" x 12")

The lagoon painting is again a favorite subject of mine and is an early morning view of Batisquitos Lagoon in Carlsbad, California down the street from where I grew up. Growing up being a temporal term. I' trying to capture the early morning fog and impending warmth of the day. Just a bit more to add to this one. (18" x 24")

This painting of an Aldergrove, Canadian farm at moonrise is a new one for the week and I hope to finish it today or tomorrow. Reference photos are a source of inspiration for me lately as I work a full dime desk job in finance that precludes me from sunlight in my studio during the week. After completing last night’s painting I wanted to try a few new techniques on a different subject. I’m excited about this one. (16” x 20”) Stay tuned for more peaks inside my studio....

SPIKE IT!

I found this railroad spike years ago and after seeing some of the other artists on Daily Painters Blog - especially http://dailylifepainting.blogspot.com/. I liked the sharp edges in his paintings because they were not harsh and curt, but rather tactile. The tone of D. B. Ellis' still life paintings (http://dbellisart.blogspot.com/) inspired my palette, as did the simplicity of my new friend Pilan's small paintings (http://pilan.blogspot.com/). Trying new things seems to be working for me lately so I continue it here with new subject matter, new tone, and an altered approach. Fair warning, I will probably paint his subject again. I like the challenge it presents. ~NEXT

Spike IT DETAIL

A bit of detail on the above picture to see the approach to the hard edges of the spike and the soft double and triple edges of the shadow. I think I learned a bit with this painting.

Just A Memory...

I ran across the reference photo of these bright eyed Echinacea Flowers the other day when I couldn't find a subject to paint. I could almost feel the warm summer sun and its' bright colors. I just attacked the canvas with more of an eye on the negative space first, then on to the color. It just worked for me. Let me know if it works for you. I'm working on a few new canvases for the week and finishing up a few that have been gathering dust. (5"x7" on oil) ~NEXT

This "new" seascape was rescued from a pile of unfinished paintings from last year. I attacked the painting with a new approach and I'm fairly happy with the finished product. I have always loved the approaching storms and the intensity of their clouds, ocean surge, wind, and odd glimpses of light on an extra large horizon. I have many reference photos from back home to keep this new approach moving forward; We'll see where this takes my painting. 9"x 12" oil ~Next

Approaching Storm - Detail

Many of my previous seascapes have been soft brushstroke interpretations that didn't always capture the true power of the Pacific. Here you can see the more intense strokes and thicker pigment of my latest seascape in detail.