"Kingston Marsh" plein air landscape painting by Robin Weiss

"Kingston Marsh" 6x8 oil on panel  $350

 

There is a salt marsh not far from home in Kingston that has always caught my eye as a beautiful natural  painting location. I have painted it from different vantage points but have not been very successful in getting a great painting from this great location.  I stopped again last week and did a small 6x8 study. The time of day and the light quality has a lot do to with how the painting turns out. It's a good idea to record time of day and location either in a notebook or on the back of the painting. I carry a marker in my back pack for that reason.

"Vern's Barn" plein air landscape painting by Robin Weiss

"Vern's Barn" 8x10 oil on panel   $500

 

Another barn and another scene I drive by almost daily. It's only about 3 mins from my house but I drove around for an hour and covered about 40 miles before I gave up looking for an inspiring scene to paint. On the way home to work in my garden I saw the barn behind Vern's Topsoil With a spring cherry in bloom and jerked over to the side of the road.  Glad I did!  I'm thinking this might be a nice larger painting....What do you think?

"Kingston Farm" plein air landscape painting by Robin Weiss

 

"Kingston Farm" 8x16 oil on panel  $800

A lot of the old barns around Kitsap County are falling down and being replaced mostly by steel buildings which are cheaper and easier to build. While some steel buildings are interesting I prefer the old, historical wood sided ones.

I have been driving by this farm on West Kingston road for decades. Last week I pulled to the shoulder and set up for a quick painting. One of the missions and traditions for us plein air painters is to document visually the history of our local area.  I have paintings of old barns that have disappeared from the landscape years ago but will live on at least in the heart and on the canvas of this wandering artist.

"Farm Stand Field"  11x14    Sold

"Poulsbo Boardwalk" plein air landscape painting by Robin Weiss

"Poulsbo Boardwalk" 9x12 oil on panel 

 

Our little town of Poulsbo on the Kitsap Peninsula is growing fast as it becomes an international tourist destination. You can tell if you go downtown on weekends. I still like to go early in the morning for coffee when I do my computer work and posting for this blog. Every now and then I will paint in town and you can see a number of Poulsbo paintings in prior posts. The boardwalk above is a favortite for dog walkers and early morning strollers. 

If you visit us be sure to stop by the Front Street Gallery. This co-op gallery is owned and operated by the artists. All local with a diverse selection of 2D, 3D art and local jewelery, glass and more!  

"Poulsbo Crossing" 9x12 oil on panel  $600

"The Rock at Point no Point" plein air landscape painting by Robin Weiss

"The Rock at Point no Point"  6x12 oil on panel   $500

 

Anyone who has spent a sunny summer day at Point no Point knows this rock. Especially if you have kids. I have been coming here for almost half a decade, since Maury was little and spent hours exploring and studying the wonders found in the tide pools around the "Big Rock". Now he is all grown up making his own art and I find myself hiking the back trail down to the beach on my own to spend a couple hours in the sun painting...and remembering.

This is a composition I am drawn to over and over here in the Pacific Northwest. Long format. Distant landmass fading into the haze. The elipse of beach in perspective with driftwood you can step onto as you enter the scene. 

"Eglon Beach, Fresh Air" plein air landscape painting by Robin Weiss

"Eglon Beach, Fresh Air" 6x10 oil on panel   $500

 

As the weather was getting better and increasing "studio" fever was taking over, I was able to get out to some of my favorite haunts for some spring plein air. I took a couple cleansing breaths after unpacking my gear at Eglon Beach. There was nobody out there but the seagulls and a lone dog walker reminding me again how much I love to paint in nature from life. 

To get those dark northwest evergreens standing up behind the alders on the bluff I mix a tad of Cadmium Yellow with Ivory Black to start. Ivory Black has a lot of blue in it which makes a dark, rich green. After that you can tweek the color with Cobalt or Ultramarine Blue and tint with Titanium White to push the land mass into the distance. 

Check my website for workshop opportunities this summer.  There are a few coming up!  =]

"Skagit Clouds" original landscape painting by Robin Weiss

"Skagit Clouds" 24x30 oil on canvas  $2500
Available through the Scott Milo Gallery, Anacortes, WA
360-293-6938

 

This larger landscape painting was an experiment. I have been working in my own studio at home recently. A much smaller space than I am used to and the fumes from oil painting are more concentrated.  Especially during the first stages of a painting where I use a lot of turp to "wash" the surface of the canvas with transparent color.  On this landscape I started with acrylic paint in the manner I used to start a lot of watercolor paintings by layering very thin washes of color. First Azo Yellow, then Alizerin then Cerulean Blue. After that I went in with saturated color and mostly finished the painting in acrylic. After letting it dry I went back in with oil paint, softening edges, adjusting color and adding texture leaving some of the acrylic passages.  I like the way it turned out and saved time and toxicity at the start of the process.

You can see this painting and many others at the Scott Milo Gallery in Anacortes where I will be showing new work with other artists in a group show opening June 6th. For more info check the website HERE

"Night Life" Seattle city painting by Robin Weiss and upcoming workshop at Black Barn Fine Art Studio

"Night Life"  30x15 oil on canvas
$1500
Available through Alki Arts
206-395-5115

 

Nocturnes or darker paintings are the hardest for me to photograph.  This painting should really be seen in person and you can do that at Alki Arts in West Seattle. "Night Life" is part of a group exhibition showing through the month of April at Alki Arts.  See the whole show online or in person. For more info click the link HERE

On another note, if you are interested in taking a workshop with me, one is coming up in jsut a few days, April 26th at the Black Barn in Kingston WA. Register today online at Black Barn Fine Art Studio and lets paint together!

"Tower Walk" Seattle city painting by Robin Weiss and Alki Arts April show

"Tower Walk"  6x8 oil   SOLD

 

"Slices of Life, a group exhibition of local fine art is still on display at Alki Arts in West Seattle through the month of April.  Along with many of my recent Seattle city paintings is the work of local artists Brooke Borcherding, Brian Cameron, Christopher Mathie and others you will love!  

The opening on April 5th had the gallery filling up with art lovers and collectors excited about the fresh new work expertly currated and hung by gallery owner, Diane Venti.  Three sales on Saturday night to start this month long show really helped encourage the artists and made for some very happy collectors! There is still time to see the show in person or online!  Check out Alki Arts website HERE

"Pike Sreet Reflections" Seattle city painting by Robin Weiss

"Pike Street Reflections"  30x40 acrylic on canvas   SOLD
Available through Alki Arts   206-395-5115

 

Yesterday, Ann and I took another fun road trip to West Seattle via the Southworth ferry to bring recent artwork to Alki Arts.  The April exhibition "Slices of Life" opens Saturday, April 5th from 5-7pm and features work from local artists Brooke Borcherding, Brian Cameron and myself. It's always a fun time in West Seattle!  Hope you can come down and enjoy local art, music, wine and small bites with us!  

A happy rainbow appeared over a ferry leaving 
Vashon Island on our way home...  =]

"Pike Place Pit Stop" Seattle city scene by Robin Weiss

"Pike Place Pit Stop"  18x24 oil on canvas  $1400
Available through Alki Arts     206-295-5115  

 

Feels good to be back painting Seattle city scenes.  A new exhibition at Alki Arts coming up in April has gotten me back into urtban figurative painting again.  The challenge requires a basic knowledge of perspective drawing. Another aspect is the figure in these settings. Ideally, non specific figures with interesting gesture and personality....It's easier said than done! 

If you find yourself in West Seattle, stop by Alki Arts in April to see "Slices of Life". For more info on the show click HERE.  Hope to see you there!  =]

"Bell Town Inn" Seattle City painting by Robin Weiss

"Bell Town Inn"  15x19 oil on panel $1100
Available through Alki Arts  206-295-5115

  

I spent the night at the Bell Town Inn sometime in October to gather reference for city paintings which I am working on now. They are for an upcoming group exhibition at Alki Arts called "Slices of Life" Along with local favorite painter Brooke Borcherding and Oregon artist Brian Cameron we will be opening the show on April 5th from 5-7pm at Alki Arts in West Seattle. Hope you can make it!

"Coffee Commute" Seattle city painting by Robin Weiss

"Coffee Commute"  11x11 oil on panel  $800
Available throiugh Alki Arts  206-295-5115

This Seattle city painting will be part of a group exhibition at Alki Arts in West Seattle opening April 5th from 5-7pm.  If you are in town, stop by and enjoy the work of Brooke Borcherding and Oregon artist Brian Cameron along with many of my recent city paintings. There will be light bites, wine and music! Yay! Look forward to seeing you!
 

"Sound Access" original ferry painting by Robin Weiss and Alki Art's April exhibition "Slices of Life"

"Sound Access"  36x36 oil on canvas  
Available through Alki Arts  206-295-5115

 

Interesting the various stages of metomorphosis some paintings go through. Art historians and art experts have discovered many master paintings that were painted over other work. 

If a painting makes the rounds through all the galleries and venues and art competitions and does not sell, I can't leave it laying around the studio. Some smaller work that we really like will become part of our home collection, otherwise it gets gessoed over and repainted.

This painting started out as a commission with a completely different subject. The commission didnt work out for the client but the initial sail boat design ended up as this ferry painting which will be my featured piece in the Alki Arts April exhibition, "Slices of Life"  

Diane Venti owner and director of Alki Arts writes; 

  "April brings an exhibition of scenes of daily life, as masterfully depicted by artists Brooke Borcherding, Robin Weiss, and Brian Cameron. Each artist, with their own signature style, captures the moments, places, and feelings that make the memories that we hold dear to us.

If you are in West Seattle be sure to stop by the gallery for the opening on April 5th from 5-7pm. Always a fun time in the nieghborhood as many art lovers gather for music, wine and of course, some of the best, affordable art by local and national artists in Seattle!

"Olympic View" original oil painting by Robin Weiss

"Olympic View"  18x14 oil on panel  

 

It happens a lot around here. Especially in the winter months when snow comes to the mountains and the trees loose their leaves and open the vistas. You will be driving along, pop over a hill and be presented with a jaw dropping view of snow capped mountains, blue ridges and sparkling waters.  I drive down Lincoln Hill road a lot coming and going to town and every so often the skies clear, the light is just right and this view of the Brothers in the Olympic Mountain range across the Puget Sound will make me pull over and stare.. Somrtimes I have the presence of mind to snap a decent photo..

This painting is curently hanging at the Front Street Gallery in Poulsbo. Maybe you will see the mountains as you drive to town..   Hope so!  =]

"Look to the Sea" Port Townsend oil painting by Robin Weiss

"Look to the Sea"  14x18 oil on panel   $1100

 

Another view of the Point Wilson Lighthouse at Fort Worden in PT . I used the driftwood to lead the eye into the scene as I often do with coastal paintings in the Pacific Northwest. If you look closely you will notice a small figure, top, right ....looking out to sea...

Plein Air Washington Artists will be hosting a paintout at Fort Worden in September, 10,11,12,13 .  If you are planning on going, reserve your camp site now!!  They fill quickly!  Hope to see you there!

"Cascade Locks" original oil painting by Robin Weiss

"Cascade Locks"  16x20 oil on panel   SOLD

 

Ann and I took a little mini vacation for our anniversary in November. We booked an Air B&B in White Salmon for the night and then took a paddle boat ride on the Columbia river at Cascade Locks.  It was super fun and I got some good reference photos to work from in the studio. 

The captain of the paddle boat has been doing these tours for 40 years!  He even let me drive the boat for awhile..

"Point Wilson Lighthouse" Port Townsend plein air painting by Robin Weiss

"Point Wilson Lighthouse"  9x14   SOLD

 

This is the time of year I take a second look at mediocre paintings that have been stacking up in the studio and work that has come back from multiple galleries unsold. I have very limited space for storing paintings. There are several options to deal with this issue.

I can go back in and repaint all or part of the painting. I can crop the the painting down for a better composition and at the same time make it more affordable or I can scrub the entire painting re-gesso it and paint an entirely new work. ( be sure to re-gesso an oil painting with oil based gesso) On smaller work I may even turn the painting upside down and paint directly onto the old painting leaving some of the prior work to show through. In the above Lighthouse painting I cropped it down. To the right you can see it as painted on location.

Big thanks to Mara at Mara's Gallery in Port Townsend for accepting my work and for the sale of Point Wilson Lighthouse!  I look forward to working with Mara and appreciate her support and encouragement!

"Dawn Breaks" original Poulsbo painting by Robin Weiss

"Dawn Breaks"  6x8 oil on panel  $350

 

I still take walks down by the waterfront in Poulsbo most mornings. It seems I can never sleep late these days.  I miss a lot of sunsets but get to see a lot of glorious sunrises. My goal this year is to remain and get more motivated to create the most beautiful paintings I can achieve. I feel the sun rising in my spirit as I think about the new year and it's possibilities. Not only for creating art but the myriad relationships that involve and revolve around this business which itself is much more than a business. It is a gift I have been given to share the created beauty of nature with others hopefully leading to reflection of the Creator Himself.

This month starts off with First Friday Art Walk in Winslow. I will be hanging out at the J G Gallery. Come say hi!   

On Saturday the 4th, Alki Arts will host the opening of their January 2025 exhibition, "Paint in Motion" This show will feature many Alki favorite artists. Come join us at Alki Arts in West Seattle, 5-7pm.

The Second Saturday Artwalk in Poulsbo is Sat, the 11th.  You can see my new Poulsbo paintings on display along with lots of affordable new work from local artists and makers at the Front Street Gallery.

A shout out to Maras Gallery in Port Townsend who will be showing a few of my north end Olympic Peninsula and Port Townsend paintings. Port Townsend Art Walk is the first Saturday of the month.

Happy New Year!!

"Poulsbo Crossing" original oil painting by Robin Weiss

"Poulsbo Crossing" 11x14 oil on panel   $800

 

Continuing on with the Poulsbo series this scene looks up the hill on Front Street . Along this stretch are a couple coffee shops I like to fuel up in the morning.  The Poulsbohemian at the top of the hill and Cafe Cocina on the right.  I hope you get a chance to visit Poulsbo some time. It is becoming an international tourist destination these days reflecting a growth spurt of business and folks moving in.  If you do visit us be sure to check out the Front Street Gallery! It is a cooperative of many talented and local artists and you can find my recent work there.

Here's wishing you a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

"Poulsbo Evening" original oil painting by Robin Weiss

"Poulsbo Evening" 20x10 oil on panel
SOLD

 

I hope everyone had a peaceful, joyous Christmas!  Ours was quiet this year but filled with beautiful moments among family and friends.  

I have been working in the studio lately with the weather turning cold and wet in the Pacific Northwest.

I have gathered a ton of referance photos over the summer and lots of studies and sketches to work from. I just fineshed a series of paintings from Poulsbo, the little town here on the Kitsap Penisula where we live. Well, "little" Poulsbo is growing fast! Lots of tourists in the summer and new folks moving in. All that has helped the art sales.  

I'm looking forward to the coming year with lots of shows planned and workshops to teach. Check out the Black Barn for their schedule of classes and workshops coming up. I will also be participating in shows at Alki Arts in West Seattle, J G Gallery in Winslow, The Scott Milo Gallery in Anacortes and The Cole Gallery in Edmonds in 2025.

I appreciate so much all those of you who have followed along, supported and encouraged me this year!

 Thank you!! Have a Blessed New Year!

"The Space Needle from Gasworks" Seattle plein air painting by Robin Weiss

"The Space Needle from Gasworks"  6x12 oil on panel  $500

 Gasworks Park in Seattle is one of the places we painted during the James Kroner workshop earlier this summer.  There are some great views of Lake Washington and the city beyond!  

I took advantage of the diagonals in the landscape to try and compose a dynamic design. The morning was still hazy which added to some atmospheric effect. This was a very fast painting attempting to get a feel of place.

This painting is on display at the Alibi Room tucked into Post Alley by the famous Gum Wall in Seattle. Stop by if you are in the area. They have great food and it is a cool location to take a break from touring the city.

Also if you are in Kitsap County on the other side of the Puget Sound, our local studio tour is coming up fast.  Lots of recent and past work from the years painting adventures will be displayed at the Knowles Studio in Poulsbo. Five other artists will be in the studio along with me and print masker Leigh Knowles Metteer. Check out the Cultural Arts Foundation Northwest for more info.

"Volunteer Park" Seattle plein air painting by Robin Weiss

"Volunteer Park" 11x14 plein air oil    $800

 

Earlier this summer I took a workshop as continuing education from artist and friend James Kroner.  We had a great time going to different locations around Seattle, learning and painting together!  If you get a chance to join a workshop with James you should do it! Especially his European workshops!

I reworked this painting a bit after getting back to the studio. It is now on display at the Alibi Room in Post Alley. If you are in Seattle you should stop in and see the show! Try their pizza! We love it!!  =]

"Chilberg Road" Skagit co. plein air painting by Robin Weiss

"Chilberg Road"

 

From the October Skagit trip.  Right off the highway headed into LaConner are these views of the farms and fields with the Islands of Skagit Bay showing in the distance.  Trying to capture the forms and groupings of the cattle was a fun challenge.

This painting will be on display along with many other recent plein air paintings at The Knowles Studio on Noll rd. in Poulsbo during Art in the Woods!  November 8, 9, 10 , the second weekend in Nov., will be the annual North Kitsap Studio Tour. get your maps and more info at the Cultural Arts Foundation Northwest website.

"Ika Island" Skagit County plein air painting by Robin Weiss

"Ika Island"  14x11 oil on panel  $800

  
 

Ika Island is one of many islands in Skagit Bay.  This view is from a favorite painting spot at the end of Rawlins Road.  Me and Mark went out one morning during my October painting trip which unknown to us coinsided with the first day of duck hunting season!  We saw an amazing variety of waterfowl coming in to glean the fields left from the corn harvest.... Along with a lot of shotgun blasts! We managed to get a few paintings done and really enjoyed the day.