GUARD SHORE BEACH STUDY

 

Being only a short drive away from where we are staying here on the Eastern Shore, Guard Shore Beach offers an opportunity for walks as well as some relaxed birding. At this time of the year, there's not that much around but we have had good views of Loons (Divers) as well as a selection of ducks and other waterbirds. I have also completed a few paintings of the area and this study was done looking south along the beach. We'll continue to explore this area and see what else turns up as there is always something interesting to see each time we visit. Size of this painting is 5" x 7", oil on canvas.

CRESTED SNAKE EAGLE

 

I think this is the third or fourth study I have done of this interesting bird. I have always admired the rather subtle plumage and unusually-shaped head, with a crest that to me resembles a cobra. I also prefer doing these kinds of studies in watercolor as although they take a long time to complete, I find I can obtain a better feeling of softness in the feathers than if I were to use any other types of medium. This one is another of my paintings currently showing at McBride Gallery in Annapolis. Size is 14" x 10", watercolor on Arches paper.

EVENING CLOUDS, PART 4

 

I finally got this one finished! The painting certainly took longer than expected (as is usually the case). I think I struggled a bit with the balance of the foreground grasses and the water. Also getting the tones in this area right took some time too. I really should have done a pre-study first as that would have helped sort out some of the problems that I had to work through. Anyway, this and a few other paintings will be at McBride Gallery in Annapolis, MD soon. Size is 13" x 25" (33cm x 64cm), oil on canvas.

EVENING CLOUDS, PART 3

 

After adding the darker areas and finishing the trees on the edges of the painting, the water looked a little too light so decided to repaint it. I then had to subtly adjust some of the other parts of the painting too. When I felt there was a better balance between lights and darks, I indicated the areas of grasses in the shallower water on the right and made a start on the tawny-colored grass of the foreground. Hopefully during the next session I'll be able to finish the painting.

EVENING CLOUDS, PART 2

 

Things are progressing slowly with this painting but I think it is heading in the right direction. I'm only managing to work on it from time to time and it seems somewhat like a jigsaw puzzle at this time. Hopefully it will be finished soon as I have so many more paintings to get to!