I have set up my own still life "cubicle" with lighting and all , based on what we were using in Darrells class. So now I am experimenting with compositions. This Amaryllis bloomed magnificently and I had to try and paint it. The blossoms were so heavy they wouldn't stand up! Not sure I like this composition but I am happy with the execution....
This is the last painting I did in Darrell Andersons painting class. I worked it over in the studio and brought out a lot more contrast. I also set up a similar still life "cubical" in the studio where I plan on composing more S.L. paintings...for those rainy days.....I'll get a picture of it for you...
I sold this commission painting of Kells Irish Pub in Seattle to a guy with the last name of Flanigan on Saint Patricks Day!!........No kidding!!
My painting "Seattle Sailboat" will be on the cover of 48 Degree North sailing magazine for the month of April! Check it out at http://www.48north.com/ (in April)...=]
Another painting from Lagoon Beach on the way to Marrowstone Island. I painted this one in the studio from the pictures and sketches done on location.
My friend Alexa agreed to sit for me so I can practice my portrait painting. She is a good model but I think I need some more practice... sold
Seagulls hovering around a lone hiker with his dog on the beach. Mount Rainier in the distance with the light sparkling off the water. This is a common scene in the Pacific Northwest and one off the reasons I love living here. What beautiful country and what a blessing to see it and paint it everyday!
I have been on several plein air painting trips over the last month. The image above is the painting I did on a little known beach down at the end of Seven Sisters Rd, just over the Hood Canal Bridge. There were lots of folks digging clams and oysters...and making me hungry!
The set up at Seven Sisters....It's always nice to have a sturdy piece of driftwood at your back for leaning ,shade and storage....=]
The set up in Port Townsend......I didn't post the painting.....it may end up on the Frisbee pile...
The set up and the setter.....at Lagoon Beach on the way to Marrowstone Island. Got my trusty Indiana Jones hat on..
The painting done on site at Lagoon Beach. I will probably work these guys over a bit in the studio. 8x10 oil on panel
The Poulsbo marina is always a good source of scenes to paint. I left this one a little looser, trying to keep a painterly, impressionistic feel to it.
I'm not advocating this for anyone else, but if you hang out by the gate at private marinas....and look harmless enough....some kind soul with a key to the gate will usually let you in....which is how I found this old relic, begging to be immortalized on canvas.
We went out on a blustery late afternoon for some plein air painting in Port Townsend and ended up here at the US Geological Survey Site. I did my best to capture the fleeting light. After a lot of scrubbing and scraping I ended up with this study of the residence. I love the late winter, brittle texture and color of the tall grassy fields. Annie stayed in the van with a good book.....=]
My third still life painting from Darrell Anderson's oil painting class at the Creativity Center. We are still exploring the Analogous color wheel and the use of compliments in color composition. This is an 8x10 panel but looking at it on the monitor I think it would be better cropped to 8x8?
I love my little town of Poulsbo. Especially quiet mornings down by the marina. Poulsbo has a Norwegian heritage and the city has made an effort to keep that "flavor" throughout the town. There is a small but energetic business community with galleries, shops of all sorts, the famous Sluys bakery that made "Poulsbo" bread common in most grocery stores and, of course, The Sons of Norway Hall where one can sample lutefisk during Viking Fest.
The marina still has fishing boats that come and sell salmon in season. They often moor the boats by the seawall at the mouth of the harbor.
My second piece done in Darrell Anderson's oil painting class. Check out Darrell's blog by clicking the link in my blog list. I'm having a great time in class and learning a lot about how colors relate and work off of each other. It's the first time I have heard of the Analogous color wheel. This wheel helps you set up color composition by choosing a main color then using that colors compliment and two discords to add "Pop" to your painting. sold
Accepted into the Collective Visions Gallery, juried exhibition. 2010
9x12 oil on panel Sold
Annie walking down the alley outside "The Alibi Room"
I am struggling with this painting ....and even more so now that I am taking a class on color value and relationship! The problem is, I can't decide which direction to go with it.. I like the girl but not the color in the shadow area. The wall up to the window is gray. From the line at the bottom of the window up, it is white.....but in shadow down to the shade line above the girls head .....Sometimes you just have to set a painting aside for awhile until you can look at it with fresh eyes....Or post it on your blog and hope someone has a good suggestion!'''=]....
The full painting is 18x36 oil on canvas. Sold
I'm taking an oil painting class on Wednesday nights with local painter Darrel Anderson.
I wanted to convey a sense of contented safety. The light and pastel color helped lend that atmosphere. It reminds me of Luke 15, 3-7.
My friend Alexa came over to to the studio after school. Modeling is no fun but she has a great attitude and hopefully had as much fun as I did drawing and painting her.
From the sketch book
Reworked painting
Original demo painting.
This painting has been floating around my workspace and I have been picking away on it between other projects....Thought I had it done and took this pic but yesterday I added a ferry in the background so it still looks different than the photo. But I'm done now! I think...
It's been a little tough getting back to my blog posts this week. I have been painting every day so there is a lot of new work to post. I'm going to leave my rest series for a bit while I post the work that has been waiting in the wings.....This painting is a companion piece to "I Will Give You Rest". The combination of the cool moon light hitting the church and the warm light from within created an inviting atmosphere.
I snapped a quick shot of the Lutheran Church in Poulsbo on my way home Christmas eve night. The moon was full and folks were walking up to attend services...
A view from outside the studio window to add to my "Rest" series , this little 5x7 oil on panel
I'm thinking of starting a new series of paintings based on resting places. My purpose would be to create a dialogue within the viewer about what it means to rest, either in a physical sense or a spiritual sense. I'm not going to narrow it down to much, just keep the idea in the back of my mind as I am composing paintings and see where the Spirit leads.
