"Deception Pass" update, marine oil painting, seagulls

Here is an update on the Deception Pass painting.....I was able to get all the fold marks out of the canvas.....finally.....by gessoing the back and letting it dry....Sheesh! That was close!!...Now I need to decide whether I will go in and fix a few things that are bugging me.

I have entered this piece in the North Kitsap Arts and Crafts show in July. Last year I won first place, best of show and viewers choice .........so this year I have to step up the game....=]

16x32 oil on canvas

"Red Peonies 2" palette knife , oil still life painting

I did two peony paintings ......a pair of .....no ...a perfect pair of passionate, pink, peony paintings........=]..........you get the picture.....

6x8 oil on panel

"Red Peonies" tree peonies with apple, still life oil painting

Every year our tree peonies are spectacular......and every year I attempt to paint them.....usually in watercolor......their true color is an impossible red....unmixable!!!.....(well.....I'm sure Richard Shmid could do it)........This year I got so frustrated trying to paint them in oil I finally resorted to using a palette knife and paint squeezed straight from the tube. Checking out my work the next day I thought " I need to try this palette knife stuff some more"......but I'm not sure that it will work as well if I'm not MAD...

8x10 oil on panel sold

watercolor from 08

one from 07

Detail views of "Deception Pass" oil marine landscape

My sketch was composed of several different photos taken on location, and field notes. I then had it enlarged to twice it's size and transferred it to the canvas. I use all my reference for the final rendering. The work is still progressing and I am trying to work out some bugs.....Tip for the day........never use folded canvas for a large painting!!

16x32 oil on canvas

"Deception Pass" Washington coast,oil painting in progress

I've been hoping for some good reference photos of seagulls in flight and my hope was answered a few weeks ago when Ann and I went camping up at Deception Pass by Anacordes. We found a great spot and went for a hike down the beach towards the bridge that spans the narrows of Deception Pass. These seagulls were hovering in the pressure created by the wind coming over these rocks . I'm working on a 16x32 oil painting using this sketch and reference photos. I will be posting my progress as we go along....

8x12 graphite on paper

"Waterfall at the UPS Garden" Seattle city oil landscape

There is this wonderful garden with a beautiful water feature right by Pioneer Square in Seattle that was constructed by The United Postal Service for an anniversary, not sure which one...I took a few pictures and notes while Annie and I were out wandering the streets a few weeks ago. Here is the resultant sketch and painting..... sold

After that we went to a great restaurant called Marsalas and had boiled crayfish and beer...=]

8x12 oil on canvas