Sunflowers - Free Spirits

I think almost all people like something about Sunflowers, myself included. So in my journey to develop my painting skills I decided to try to communicate what I like about Sunflowers. Mostly I they are beautiful. They don't smell so sweet, but love how they are strong and hardy and a bit irregular or playful. Simply a free spirited bloom.

 Free Spirited Sunflowers

6 x 6 Oil on Canvas Panel

© 2012

I used some scrapping technique on this one to see if I liked the effect. I guess I do since I left some of it in the image. The colors are very vibrant under daylight bulbs. I think it will look nice with either an antique gold or wood tone frame.

"Countryside Studio"

I did some teaching for awhile several years back when I had a business called 'the Countryside Studio'. The photo below is the entry.

It was located in a space I rented for a full year and had great ambiance. Barn board siding and walls, large tall windows, a large fireplace in the middle of the front area, and plenty of room in the back room for easels, models and still life setup and of course students. It was really a dream come true... until the owner's family lost their mom and had to make some family decisions. This of course influenced my plans. Nevertheless, it was a great experience and a whole lot of fun to say the least. I painted everyday and taught about three times per week. This next photo is the fireplace.

After about a year, things were going well with the studio, but my personal life took a bit of a down-turn about the same time - it was like the perfect storm, but by the grace of God, I am still here.

Plein Air - First Day Results...

Here's a photo of the scene I chose from the first day of plein air painting this past week. It is a little overexposed, and of course the normal changes between sunshine and cloud cover was part of the experience so nothing new there... BTW, the bugs were out and wouldn't you know I forgot the repellent!

Deep Lake Dock Photo

The resulting field sketch here is a little loose and undefined... but a good reference for later. Found something pleasing to my eye...

Deep Lake Dock Field Sketch

6 x 8 on Canvas Panel

© 2012 (June)

And the finished study from the studio... I so enjoy doing these! You can purchase this at Daily Paintworks.

SOLD

Deep Lake Dock Final

6 x 8 on Canvas Panel

© 2012 (June)

Oranges for Sale!

This past week I bought some oranges that were the sweetest I've eaten in a very long time. I enjoyed every juicy bite.

I decided to paint a few of these to share with you... hope you can just imagine how sweet and juicy they taste. BTW, these are for sale on ebay...

I am also working with a few new colors on my palette. Prussian Blue (instead of Pthalo Blue) and Quinacridone Magenta (instead of Alizarin Crimson). I really like they effects of these two colors. I also understand that they are more stable colors, have to be really careful with the Prussian Blue and its high tinting strength. It makes a beautiful mix with the Ultramarine Blue for a little different tone.

Orange and Blues

6 x 6 Oil on Canvas Panel

© 2012

Orange and Slices

6 x 6 Oil on Canvas Panel

© 2012

A gift for Leslie...

This little landscape painting is a thank you gift for Leslie. She and I have been friends for so many years I kinda lost count. She shares my love of horses, and told me about my Arabian Mare Bella that I owned for 18 years.

This is one of Leslie's favorite trail riding spots on the Green River,
and she wasn't expecting it, so it was a lot of fun to surprise her too!

Thank you Leslie, I hope you enjoy it for a very long time!

On The Green River

8" x 10" Oil on Linen Panel

© 2012

Georgetown Atelier - Student Show

I got the bug to do some figure drawing again, prompted by the 'Paint Two Images' project. So I did some research and found the Georgetown Atelier. This is an art school that teaches good traditional skills and technique for creating art.

I have always been a fan of traditional art skills. Even if the artist's work has gone a different direction, he or she still knows the basic foundation for this time honored profession. The basic skills will serve well no matter what direction they are headed.

The Atelier is planning its student show for this year to be held 

June 30th 5-9 pm.

Located at 5628 Airport Way S. Suite #330, Seattle, WA  98018

http://www.georgetownatelier.com/

First Image Idea for 'Paint Two Images'...

When I first wrote about 'Paint Two Images' a couple weeks ago. I had no idea what to paint and I am still not locked into the idea just yet. I considered landscape, still life (floral), and figure. Any of these would work as a basis to start, but I am leaning toward figurative - partly because it is a favorite subject, but also this is an opportunity I don't get very often. And figures on a bedroom wall will look more fitting, rather than in the dining room. 

So here is a drawing that I am thinking about using for one panel... Not a finished rendering, but the bud of any idea. I haven't drawn figure for some time, so this may take a little while to get comfortable with again. I am just very glad I do not have a hard deadline for this project. It is teaching me that stress is not always good for good art. 

Model Sketch

Newsprint & Charcoal

18 x 24 Original

© June 2012

Model Sketch - closeup

Newsprint & Charcoal

18 x 24 Original

© June 2012