STONE

I found this stone along a rocky shore in Maine a few years ago and became fascinated with the whorl patterning and texture. I collected a few others when I was there (as I do when I go to other places around the world) and completed some paintings of them too. Although this one looks to be a very simple study, I wish that it had been as easy to paint! Done life size in watercolor on smooth Arches paper, I had to go slowly layering many thin washes to build up the desired tones. Actually the shadow was the most difficult part of the painting! I would like to do more like this but am a bit leery of the thought of copying Alan Magee who has done a wonderful series of such paintings both in watercolor and acrylic. Size is about 7.5" X 11".

SNOW AND SHADOWS

It has been so hot here lately with records being broken all over the place! Working out of doors is now a distant memory as I relish the cool of my studio. Painting this small study helped on a subliminal level to keep the heat at bay and I was left feeling somewhat refreshed (even if it was all in my head). All this hot and humid weather has been somewhat unbearable at times, still I can't believe I am saying this but for once, I am actually looking forward to winter! Hopefully then to get outside with a small box of paints and do more scenes like this. Snow and Shadows is 5" X 7", oil on canvas.

SUMMER SUNDOWN

This is another painting that had been hanging in the studio for awhile. Occasionally it would catch my eye and I would feel that perhaps it needed something extra (always a tricky thing to re-work a painting). After some time, a decision was finally made to do something so it was placed on the easel (still in the frame) and I got busy. Reworking didn't take long (I did post the original on my blog some time ago - if you can find it - good luck!) and comparing this final version to the earlier painting, I can see that there isn't much of a difference! Mostly a subtle lightening of the yellow and orange areas of the sky and some work to the foreground. Still, I think it is better for the redo and I'm happy at last! I have recently finished another similar painting so will probably post that one next. This oil is 7" X 12" and can be seen along with other paintings of mine at McBride Gallery in Annapolis, MD.

MORNING OVER THE MARSH

Sometimes a quick study or plein air painting like this can be the motivation for a whole series of  new paintings.  Each time it is a little different and as my eye drifts over the forms and undulations of the land, takes in the weight of moisture-laden skies, a new feeling comes over me - a kind of joy that inspires my painters' heart. Exploring and working along the Eastern Shore like this has been for me a continued experience of discovery and joy. Even going back to some of the same places reveals new ideas and I am nearly always faced with exciting images from which to work. One of these days I hope to take a month off and spend the time painting along the coast - always a major source of inspiration for me. There is always so much more to see and my eye is eager for the next experience. So much so that I could spend the rest of my life working this way without ever coming to an end. This small oil study is about 5" X 7".

BLACKWATER SUNDOWN

Once again, sorry for the lack of posts lately, we have just got back from Spain traveling around the Andalucian region. Quite a trip! Starting from Madrid, we went on to visit many of the most important cities and towns of Southern Spain and saw many monuments, castles, churches etc. One of the many highlights was an early morning visit to the Alhambra and many pleasant hours were spent walking around there. I even managed to do some sketching and painting along the way so I'm sure that many of the places and people that I saw will become paintings in the not-too-distant future.
Far away from sunny Spain is one of my favorite places on the Eastern Shore of the US - namely Blackwater wildlife reserve. In the above painting, the sun has set across one of the many bodies of water there creating interesting cloud patterns in the sky. This one was completed for a client who wanted an evening sky painting and I am delighted to say that she was very happy with it. This oil on canvas is 27" X 40". SOLD.

EVENING SUNDOWN

On occasion, I'll come across a painting that has been put away in some corner or other of the studio and having had the chance to look at the piece with a fresh eye, one can sometimes make some changes. In this case I cropped off quite a bit at the bottom then worked on some of the more subtle tones within the dark mass of greenery. I also worked on the sky and water a little too (just about the whole painting then!). Unfortunately this one has proven to be extremely difficult to photograph correctly even though I tried many different lighting conditions. It then had to suffer some editing in Photoshop - mostly to no avail. I'll try again later and if I get some better results I'll re-post the pic. This is one of a group of paintings that will be heading to McBride Gallery in Annapolis MD soon. I have some larger works on the go but they are really taking their sweet time! I had hoped to post them before now - hopefully in a week or so. Evening Sundown is an oil on board - 4" X 8".

LATE FALL EVENING

In the nearby reserve, this particular view across a small valley is a favorite of mine. From the top of the hill looking in a westward direction, one can see miles across the varied landscape. Most of the open fields are behind me while more smaller areas of grass and shrub run down to the river and beyond. Tall trees on the right shelter a disused farmhouse while both lakes are in view from up here. On my right is a small white pine forest that gives way to larger oaks and sycamores and a smaller line of pines makes an effective wind break on my left. It is a wonderful place to sit and while away the hours observing wildlife, the clouds and in this case, a colorful sunset. I have painted here often and never seem to tire of the many and varied views through the seasons and feel privileged for having the opportunity to do so. This study in oil is a 9" X 12".