Sketch for Water Series

Sketch for Little Falls on Glenn Creek, graphite on paper

I have been busy with a new series focused on water.  I am working with smaller pieces on board, layering colors, building thin to fat.  Previously, I worked oils solely with linseed oil or way back with only turpinoid.  Now using a thin base layer cut with turpinoid and subsequent layers cut with turpinoid/linseed or linseed.  This means starting a number of pieces together to allow a bit of drying time.  The change in approach keeps me moving with sketching and planning.  A good discipline.

Fall Leaves on Flat Creek

Fall Leaves on Flat Creek, 16x20" acrylic on canvas

Every so often I return to test the waters of acrylic medium.  I struggle with acrylics, it's the plastic texture I think.  Perhaps I'm using old paints that are separating and stringy.  Whatever the case, there are elements I love about this piece: the light reflecting on the water surface and the bold colors of the leaves which are what inspired this piece.  It will be nice to revisit this with oils for more fun.  Happy painting.

This painting is currently available at Atelier Gallery Asheville.

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.

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.

Afternoon Nap

Afternoon Nap, 12x12" oil on wood panel

Looking back over some sketches I thought this would be fun to paint.  I wasn't anticipating the rug and all it's details, but ended up really enjoying and learning from this one.  The perspective is skewed and somewhat harsh about the angles which I think adds to the dreamy impression.  Plus I got to concentrate on two of my favorite subjects.

Morning with Magnolia

Morning Magnolia, 7x8" oil on panel

Inspiration for morning sketching is made easy with bright colors.  The deep brown of coffee encircled by turquoise glaze of the cup, complemented by the bright fuschia texture of a Big Leaf Magnolia seed pod.  It's like a sugar feast for the eyes.

Turquoise Tea Cup with Cotton Boll

Turquoise Tea Cup with Cotton Boll - 7x7" oil on wood panel

While out browsing a local thrift store, 3 fiestaware tea cups caught my eye.  I was drawn like a moth to a flame by the gorgeous turquoise color.  I have current fascination with turquoise and bright white color combination.  Maybe it's the heat. 

Turtle Shell with Magnolia Seed Pods

Turtle Shell with Magnolia Seed Pods - 8x8" oil on wood panel

I am venturing into still life.  Hiking last week, I was struck by the vibrancy of the Big Leaf Magnolia seed pods that littered the forest floor.  They are striking next to a sun bleached turtle shell.

Preliminary sketches for up coming group show "Waking Up with Van Gogh" at the Hickory Art Museum, Hickory, NC in May 2012.  A number of artists responding to Van Gogh's "Bedrooom in Arles" together in one show.  I am looking forward to seeing it! 

I am working through the idea of ordinary objects (aka. our monochromatic, tiny bedroom) transformed by use of color to evoke restful balance.  Something I think Van Gogh struggled with personally and fought to portray or find in his own work.  A good challenge.