"Dahlia Patch" Fower painting by Robin Weiss

"Dahlia Patch" 18x14 oil on panel  $980

 

For my upcoming featured artist show in March at the Scott Milo Gallery I wanted some flower paintings. I love painting flowers and haven't done any for awhile so I went through my reference photos and found a series of pictures from the Dahlia Patch outside the post office in Port Gamble.

I started this painting by toning the whole canvas  with a mixture of Quin Magenta
(M Graham color) and Cad Orange. The mix was a color similar to the mid tone Dahlia shade.  Then using a paper towel I wiped out the highlights and flower shapes very loosely. I tried to stay as loose as possible on the first layer filling in the whole canvas and graduating contrast from dark to light as I reach for the color in the sky. I splattered the canvas with dark and light thinned paint to add textural interest. As I added more layers of paint I picked out leaves and petals.  At that point it is good to set the work aside and come back with fresh eyes to make adjustments.

An exhibition reception will be hosted by the Scott Milo Gallery in Anacortes on March 6th 2026 for all those who would like to see the paintings in person. Joining me in this fine art exhibition will be Rowen Carey, Lorna Libert, Bithia Bjurman, Donna Nevitt Radtke, and Ron Radtke.

I am very fond of M Graham paint!  I used it almost exclusively long before they sponsored me because of my love of alla prima painting. This paint will stay loose and fresh on the pallet longer than others.  If you would like to learn more about this fine product check out their website HERE

"Dosewallips Elk" Wildlife painting by Robin Weiss

"Dosewallips Elk" 18x24 oil on canvas  $1400

 

It has been another long interval of not doing much with the blog. Life has intervened in my usual routine of painting and posting. Life has a way of doing that but it always seems to circle back around to my internal drive and passion to create art... along with gallery friends urging me to produce fresh work.... =]   

I'm back in the studio now during this frigid stretch of winter, cozy with music, paint and canvas. 

 The painting above has been around for awhile sitting on an easel in the studio. I decided to add Elk into the scene. It was the natural choice since this is an area that the Elk bed down along the Dosewallips river in the summer months. It was the touch of life I think it needed.

This painting along with a group of others I am working on and will post in the coming days, will be included in a featured artist exhibition at the Scott Milo Gallery in Anacortes.  Hope you can make it to the opening but if not, check back here to see a preview of what will be hanging at Scott Milo in March! 

"Salt Marsh" Landscape painting by Robin Weiss

"Salt Marsh"  14x18 oil on panel    SOLD 

 

This is one of those paintings that fell through the cracks and was never posted but sold recently through the Cole Gallery in Edmonds WA.  It was created from photo reference taken at one of my favorite painting spots on the Olympic Peninsula. If you have ever taken a drive down Seven Sisters road, parked and walked south on the beach you will recognize this view. Walking north you will eventually reach Shine Tidelands State Park.

"Sea Stack Reflections" landscape mini painting on easel

"Sea Stack Reflections"  Mini  2.5x3.5 oil
on easel  Sold

 

There has been a lot going on in our life the last several months and I have not been painting much. However, to keep the creative juices flowing I have been doing small mini paintings on 2.5x3.5 little stretched canvases I found online. I put them on small easels and have been selling them at the Front Street Gallery in Poulsbo. People seem to really love them. Especially the small bird paintings. 

This is one of the mini landscape paintings I did from reference gathered this summer at Olympic National Park in La Push.   I would be happy to ship this little painting on it's easel to you for Christmas!  

"Twisted" Whidbey Island tree painting by Robin Weiss

"Twisted" 20x16 oil on canvas  $1400

We took our traditional hike around the island after turning in the final paintings picked for the gala exhibition on the last night of the Whidbey Island Plein Air competition, 2025. It's always a fun time and a great way to purge the stress of all the elements involved in a painting competition like this. It is great relief to get those paintings touched up, framed and turned in on time! 

We have done Whidbey so many times a routine has established itself.  One of the party of four artists reserves an AirBnB as soon as we get the dates. Once settled in we begin the week painting together or on our own. At the end of the week we help each other pick the best three paintings of each artist then after turn in we play ping pong in the park, go for long hikes and have dinner somewhere together. My son Maury is usually with us and it's really special to spend time with him doing what we love together.

Sooooo,,,all of that to say this painting I call "Twisted" is a coastal fir along one of the Bluff hikes we took after turn in.  I took a quick picture of the light hitting the trunk and did a studio painting using that reference.  I have entered this work into Plein Air Washington Artists Winter Show 2025. We will see what happens!  

"Fall Chestnut" Port Gamble plein air painting by Robin Weiss

"Fall Chestnut"   8x16 oil on panel   $750

 

The last two years have come full circle with these autumn paintings of Port Gamble.  I painted this very scene two years ago when the leaves turned golden.  See my post HERE.  It's fun to go back and see how I interpreted the scene two years later. 

"October in Port Gamble" plein air landscape painting by Robin Weiss

"October in Port Gamble"  8x16 oil on panel   $750

 

I was happy to get out on a couple beautiful fall days early last week.  I knew it would not last long with an "Atmospheric River headed our way...That's the way it is around here. Near the end of October it finally gets cold enough to turn the leaves golden and then the November monsoon season arrives and blows them all away..🍂

I only made some small adjustments on this one back in the studio.  The house was rendered way too small so I made it bigger.  I added some darker passages around the leaves in the foreground. Stuff like that. 

The morning fog simplified some of the detail for me. I considered putting a car on the road but like it a bit more quiet..  Peaceful.

This painting will be on display in our upcoming North Kitsap Studio Tour. I will be showing once again at the Knowles Studio in Poulsbo. Get more info from the Cultural Arts Foundation Northwest website HERE 

"Quiet Morning" Whidbey Island painting by Robin Weiss

"Quiet Morning"  12x24 oil on panel   $1200

 

I'm starting to paint in the studio from reference gathered during this summers art adventures. This one comes from the Whidbey Island Plein Air event.

 I had fun trying to paint the individual character of the rocks and not get too fussy...not sure I succeeded. There is a pretty big difference between the plein air attempt and the studio version, which is why I paint as much on location as possible and hopefully bring that PA immediacy and freshness to the studio. 

  

"Fall on Front Street" Poulsbo painting by Robin Weiss

"Fall on Front Street"  16x20 oil on canvas  $1200

 

Even though I was born in Ohio, Poulsbo is my home town now. I love to paint it's many seasons and faces.  This painting is a classic fall day in the Pacific Northwest with the "marine layer" of fog in the morning enhancing the changing color of the leaves which will be fleeting as the November winds and rains strip the color from the trees.

This studio painting has been around for awhile and undergone at least one repaint. Right now you can see it at the Front Street Gallery in Poulsbo. Stop by and see the new all gallery artist show called "Birds of a Feather" and how all the artists interpret bird themed paintings, pottery, prints and crafts.

"Corner Conversation" Seattle city painting by Robin Weiss

"Corner Conversation"  6x8 oil on panel   $400

 

Continuing to post paintings from the current group exhibition at Alki Arts called "Splendor"  Contact Diane Venti for more info at 206-295-5115.....Or if you are in the vicinity of West Seattle stop by and see some of the best local and affordable art in the area!  

"Smith Tower View" Seattle city painting by Robin Weiss

"Smith Tower View" 8x6 oil  $400

 A sunny day study of the Smith Tower. Call Diane Venti at 206-295-5115 if you would like a sweet memory of your visit to Seattle .  =]

"September City" Seattle city painting by Robin Weiss

"September City"  12x16  oil on panel   $850
Available through Alki Arts
206-295-5115

 

Fall is my favorite time of year not only out in nature but in the city.  This Seattle city scene with the Smith Tower in the background and the trees in their fall finery is available through Alki Arts in West Seattle. For more info call Diane at 206-295-5115.

"Post Alley Afternoon" Seattle city painting by Robin Weiss

"Post Alley Afternoon"  12x16 oil on panel   $850
Available through Alki Arts  206-295-5115

 

Alki Arts presents "Splendor" a group exhibition on display now, through October 2025. To view all the paintings and for purchase inquiries contact Gallery owner, Diane Venti at  206-295-5115 or go to the gallery website HERE.

"Reflecting Seattle" Seattle city painting at Alki Arts by Robin Weiss

"Reflecting Seattle" 14x11  SOLD

 

I am enjoying doing paintings of Seattle again for a group exhibition opening at Alki Arts in West Seattle on Saturday, October 4th from 5-7pm. Join us for "Splendor" a group exhibition with fellow artists, Leigh Knowles, C A Pierce and Cheryl Zhaniser.  There will be wine, fun and lots of art! =]

"Market Sunshine" Seattle city painting by Robin Weiss

"Market Sunshine"  30x40 oil on canvas   $3200

 

All the work has been turned in and the gallery hung and ready for the opening artists reception on Saturday, October 4th from 5 to 8pm. Hope to see you at Alki Arts in West Seattle for the opening of "Splendor" a group exhibition of the best fine, local and affordable art in Seattle. Come down and join the fun!  =]

I you are interested in this large 30x40 oil painting of Pike Place Market or any of the work at Alki Arts please contact gallery owner, Diane Venti at  206-295-5115

"View from Sunset" Edmonds plein air painting by Robin Weiss

"View from Sunset"  8x16 oil    $800
available through the Cole Gallery, Edmonds, WA
425-697-2787

 

This year I had the privilege of judging the Edmonds and Beyond Plein Air Paintout hosted by the Cole Gallery. Every plein air competition requires a judge of awards. It is not a job that artists jump to take on but it can be a very rewarding opportunity. It also gives you an insight in what it is like to be the one responsible for choosing eight paintings out of eighty works most of which are excellent.  Which should give you pause when criticizing the  judge in your next competition! Ha!  We will see how that works out...

I also did a few plein air paintings myself during the competition which are displayed at the Cole Gallery in Edmonds Washington. Stop by if you get the chance to see this stunning show of plein air paintings completed by artists from the area and around the country. 

"Morning Light" Whidbey Island plein air painting by Robin Weiss

"Morning Light"  6x8 oil   SOLD

 

Last little early morning plein air painting wrapping up the 2025 Whidbey Island Plein Air competition. 

I sold two paintings at the Friday night awards reception.  Fellow artists and plein air buddies Kelly Bailey and Brook Borcherding walked away with well deserved, Best of Show and First Place awards . 

After we turned in our work it was time to relax with a little ping pong in the park and some hiking around the Island. 

I have already completed some studio paintings from photos and reference gathered during those hikes. I will be posting them soon.

Meanwhile getting ready for teaching a workshop at Bloedel  Reserve on Bainbridge Island , Sept 30th. There is still room for you!  =]  check out more info HERE

Also an upcoming group exhibition will be opening on October 4th at Alki Arts in West Seattle.  Come say hi and see an amazing show of local and affordable art!  =]

"Misty Morning" Whidbey Island plein air painting by Robin Weiss

"Misty Morning"  10x12 oil on panel   $750

 

Wandered down to the little slice of rocky shore near our Air BnB with my coffee one foggy morning during the Whidbey Island Plein Air competition.  I felt the magic of the moment and scooted back for my gear.  I painted a larger studio interpretation recently. I'll post it soon. 

 

The rocks viewed through the water intrigued me and I tried to capture that transparency while keeping the water as a flat plane.

I figured if I could pull that off I could successfully finish the painting.

"Keystone Beach" Whidbey Island plein air painting by Robin Weiss

"Keystone Beach"  9x14 oil on panel  $750

 

Keystone Ferry

Keystone is where the ferry docks on Whidbey Island from Port Townsend. It's the ferry I take to get there. If I didn't have this ferry I would be driving for about three hours or taking two other ferries. It is also it's own cool little location. There is a new restaurant opened in an old building shut down since covid. I had breakfast there and it was great!  Down the street a bit is the entrance to the park where the Admiralty Head Lighthouse is. (see earlier post) Next to the ferry dock across the inlet is a camp ground that has access to the beach in the painting above. I really enjoyed painting this beach!  After I was done I walked a long way in search of interesting beach rocks.

  

"Kayaks in Coupeville" Whidbey Island plein air painting by Robin Weiss

"Kayaks in Coupeville"  6x12 oil on panel  $400

 

Three or five simple but interesting shapes. That's what you're looking for in a plein air painting. I think this painting is a good example. If you reduced this painting down to two values, black and white, you can do this by squinting..(something you should do a LOT in the field while painting) you will see everything in the shade as black and everything in the sun as white. Those shapes should be interesting. Go ahead, do a search on "Notan" and play around with black and white shapes in your sketch book...Oh, you don't have a sketch book?  Drop everything and go out and get one!  Or order one online. Or contact me and order one of  mine..  =]

A note about shadow shapes.  All the detail in the shadow shape should reside value wise in that shadow shape. I sounds easier than it is and you have to work on it.  The first step is understanding what I am saying here.  Again I think this painting is a good example of that. See the apparently "white closed umbrella on the deck that looks like a white sort of stick standing up in front of the awning?  It's not white paint!  But it looks white.  It "reads" white because it is a value within the shadow shape value. If I painted it with pure titanium white it would stick out like a sore thumb.  

"Field Apple" Whidbey Island plein air painting by Robin Weiss

"Field Apple"   11x14 oil on panel   $800

In my quest to find subject matter that I haven't painted before during the Whidbey Island Plein Air competition I glanced over at the morning light hitting this old apple tree in the field by the sunflower farm and decided to go with it.  As I have recommended before, get one under your belt first thing. =]

While you are painting that first one you are also refreshing your pallet and finding that you have all the supplies you need like paper towels etc. and are set for the rest of the day.   

"Coupeville Wharf 2025" Whidbey Island plein air painting by Robin Weiss

"Coupeville Wharf 2025"   SOLD

 

After many years of trying and rejecting Thalo Blue in my plein air pallet I finally think it is here to stay. Not sure if it is the result of my eyesight dimming or my color taste changing.. My wonderful eye doctor who has been taking good care of me for many years says I need the cataract surgery soon.. That may change things. I love the color I am able to achieve in the sky and water with just a tick of Thalo Blue in Titanium White. It is similar to the color you get with a tick of Viridian and White but more intense. 

I have painted the Coupeville wharf so many times during the Whidbey Island Plein Air that I have to title it with the year now.. Ha!  But they always seem to sell so I keep painting it!  Besides, the competition is always in August and it is usually HOT at least some days so tucking in down on the beach in the shade is a great way to beat the heat.  I ended up going down to the shade several times and did three paintings! 

The Whidbey competition was in August and since then a lot has been happening that I want to tell you about so stay tuned!   =]

"The River Slaney" Ireland plein air painting by Robin Weiss

"The River Slaney"  11x14 oil on panel  $800

 

There is a beautiful walking path that follows the River Slaney out of Enniscorthy. I walked about half a mile up the trail to find this location along the river to paint. There were artists all along the way enjoying a lovely June afternoon. For me, another moment in time to give thanks for the ability to pursue what I feel called to do in spreading the beauty of Gods creation to the world through art.

"The Stone Bridge at Enniscorthy" Ireland plein air painting by Robin weiss

"The Stone Bridge at Enniscorthy"  12x16 oil on panel  $800

 

Situated on the River Slaney, the second largest city in County Wexford and our third and last bus trip adventure. It was sad that we only had one day to explore Enniscorthy. There was so much here to see! 

plein air painter

The challenge in these competitions for many artists is to manage your time efficiently. In other words you want to be inspired by a new location and as you look around your artists eye sees all the possibilities for composition and design. There is always the hope that a better view is around the next bend.  You can spend your time walking around or driving around overwhelmed by all the beautiful scenes and never get a painting done. Better to set a time limit on scouting, find a spot near by that strikes your interest and get down to painting, at least for your first one. After you get one under your belt, while your still fresh, then scout a little further. I explored a little further to find this scene, maybe half an hour, but was glad I did!  The blooming wildflowers in the foreground clinched it for me!

You can barely see the castle in the upper right hand corner of the painting. Yes! There are many castles in Ireland! 

"Duncannon Beach" Ireland plein air painting by Robin Weiss

"Duncannon Beach"  8x16 oil on panel   $800

 

My pattern of routine for Art in the Open was working great! By doing one painting in the morning and one in the afternoon I had just enough panels to make it through the week. The size of 11x14 or 8x16 were large enough to take about two hours if I took my time using a preliminary sketch and paid attention to value and detail in the under-painting.

This also allowed me to explore the town between paintings, have lunch at a local pub or restaurant and visit with the other artists painting on location.

The above painting of Duncannon Beach features the old fort above the cliffs built in 1588.  It was used as the location for the opening scenes in the 2002 remake of the Count of Monte Cristo staring Jim Caviezel and Richard Harris. It also has a rich history in the legends and stories of southern Ireland.

As the tide rolled rapidly in, some artists who started too far out on the sand got wet. Since I started late it was nice to be farther up past the tide line!