Happy Halloween

"Beach Side Pier", 10 x 9.5", oil on board

I painted this from a photo I had taken after hurricane Sandy & the 'frankenstorm' that hit NC Outer Banks two years ago.   I had drawn this onto a board then, but just got around to painting it this week - spooky.  I've started a series of small seaside themed paintings in preparation for a show this January in Asheville, NC.   More details on January's show in the coming weeks, in the mean time I'll be sharing some new work.... and painting on.

Over the Dunes

Over the Dunes,  9x10.5", oil on wood panel

This was one of the small quick paintings from our week on Hatteras Island.   Our morning commute; a walk over the dunes to some serious surf fishing.  There is a very special feel to the Outer Banks; bare bones, vulnerable, raw nature...it's a stripped down version of life that is at the same time a very full life.

Under Avon Pier

Under Avon Pier, 10x10", oil on board

I feel so fortunate to be working from the Outer Banks this week.  A refreshing change of scenery and subject matter.  I did a painting of the Avon pier last year from a different angle.  There is a wonderful, dramatic contrast between the white sea foam, the deep tones of the pier posts and the long shadows cast on a sunny fall afternoon.  I feel like I am there.

Moonlight over the Outer Banks

14x32", oil on board

I had reworked this piece as I wasn't happy with the balance in the composition. I am happy with the results, which is not always the case.  You can see the earlier version posted, November 1, 2009.

Lunch Hour on the Surf

7x7" oil on board

There is something exciting about seeing a fully loaded van at beach.  It just screams adventure.

Surf Search

8x8" oil on board

The beach next to Hatteras light house is one surfers and fishermen flock to.  I caught a couple on their way out for the afternoon.

Surfside Birder

7x7" oil on board

I have decided one of my favorite things is watching our little boston terrier-mut run on the beach chasing the seagulls and sandpipers.  This was one from our fall trip to the Outer Banks... go get'em Posey!

Michigan Yucca

8x10" oil on masonite

I was captured by the repeditive arrangement and the blooms of the yuccas along the path to lake Michigan on a recent trip to Port Shelton.  I painted started and finished this one over a few hours.  I am feeling the need to start and finish work quickly these days.  I am aiming to learn by doing and doing a lot.

I am currently working on painting of the ocean and pulled this drawing from my files.  I completed this this past spring/early summer.  I drew this from an imagined scene but, think it would have been better if drawn from life.  Perhaps the lighting would have been sharper, lines crisper and perspective less dream like.  I like the subject matter (the interesting swim cap and bright sunlight).  So I would like to use it and am brainstorming on a different perspective for an oil painting.