Live Oak Allee - Graphite Study

Graphite Study for Live Oak Allee

Back to in the studio & it feels good.  Above is a sketch for 'Live Oak Allee', a commissioned painting.  It was a bit of a struggle getting the composition balanced or to a place where I felt it was interesting.  I think I struggled because my paintings typically focus on the tree as subject and this is more about the path.  A fun challenge I must say.  Paint on.

Elm, process

9x12", pencil on paper

18x24", oil on canvas

I have had my nose to the grindstone staying focused on finishing a group of paintings for a show at the end of January. The show will feature trees, some of which I have posted while in progress.  I am realizing the meaning of "blog" is to share the process of creating so I am making an effort to be more present. This piece is an elm that reminded me of red velvet cake... the rich colors and intense texture really screams at you.

Prepretory Sketch

In preparation for a new painting I snapped some images of sycamores around Asheville.  This is one of many, many, many. 

I did several sketches from photos like this one to work out the composition and tonal balances.  Then I placed a 2" grid over the sketch with blue pencil.

From there,  I placed an 8" grid on a 48x48" canvas and started with a sepia outline.  More to come as it progresses.