48 by 60 Sycamore: Completed

Completed commission piece

Here it is: 48 by 60 inch Sycamore is complete and I am scheduled to deliver it to it's new home this week.  I am celebrating by starting a new piece and will post what's on my easel before week's end.  Happy painting!

Process for 48 by 60 inch Sycamore Painting

48x60 inch gallery wrapped canvas crafted by Gary Grubbs, Black Mountain, NC

1:50 scale drawing for 48x60 inch Sycamore painting

Using a grid; free hand graphite sketch onto canvas

 Currently on my easel is a 48 by 60 inch canvas, my largest piece to date.   I have fallen in love with the sketch, thrilled to be working large again and trucking along with this commissioned piece.  I will be posting more process images in the coming days, so stay tuned... 

I want to plug the work of craftsman and neighbor Gary Grubbs, maker of custom art canvasses.  He crafted this canvas and a few other sizes for me last week.  The frames are kiln dried to %5 (preventing warping), gallery wrapped fine tooth canvasses with a triple gesso application.  I found Gary going through the archives of Ursula Gullow's blog 'Art Seen Asheville' here.  Gary is kind, does quality work (at affordable prices) and is happy to share a bear story or two.  He can be reached at (828) 669-5562. 

White Oak, Horizontal

White Oak, Horizontal 24x36", oil on canvas

I completed this second white oak painting a little more than a week ago.  I worked with a red under painting on the trunk and layered with blueish grays that I mixed from cobalt blue, indian red, burnt umber & siennia... and white.  Some areas I splashed with violet.  The greens in the leaves are a mix of viridian green, chromium oxide and a chartreuse hue I can't recall the name for with cadmium orange blended at the edges.

Vertical Oak

Development of "Vertical Oak"

Vertical Oak, 24x48" oil on canvas 

SOLD

This white oak piece is a commission I had been working on this past month.  I worked with a red under painting and layering with complimentary colors.  It has a stain glass mosaic look that developed on it's own.  That's the mystery of creativity.  It's wonderful when you can let go and learn from what flows through you.

Coastal Maine

"Coastal Maine", 9-3/4" square, oil on board

Inspired from a trip up the coast of Maine a couple of years ago with my husband. Amazing color in the rocks up there, especially on a misty day. I am taking this today to hang in Atelier Gallery, 24 Lexington Ave. downtown Asheville.

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.

Pining away up

The scrub pine is native to our area and it's texture is so intense when the sun hits it, it 'smacks' it.  It truly is a feast for the eyes.  This is another I am working on to include in the January show.  I will be adding some more shadow for depth.  Look for the final piece on my website later this winter.

Large Sycamore

Here it is, the final sycamore painting.  I have this posted on my website as well.
Painting onward...