Thursday, June 25, 2009
Southern Sunrise
I am headed back to Ohio for the opening of the Mid Year Exhibition at the Butler Museum of American Art. I'm looking forward to seeing one of my paintings hanging on the wall in this prestigious museum.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Sunset on a Lake 5"x6" oil
A very large lake with nice views of the mountains and hills in the Tennessee Valley. I used a cad. yellow as a ground color to begin.
This sketch is painted on a gessoed 100% rag illustration board. I like the hard, slick surface but the gesso, absorbing the oils will take a little getting used to.
This sketch is painted on a gessoed 100% rag illustration board. I like the hard, slick surface but the gesso, absorbing the oils will take a little getting used to.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Sunset on the River 8"x8" oil
This is the Tennessee River at sunset. Decatur, Alabama is in the distance. For a lower perspective, I sat on the ground, also because I forgot to pack a tripod to attach my paint box to.
Monday, June 22, 2009
i 2 i chat 8"x16" oil NFS
Usually Kathi and Caroline stay connected with i chat, last week they were able to chat eye to eye...no computers. They are trying to talk me into this technology...maybe after I learn how to use my cell phone. I did receive an ipod for fathers day so I am becoming more hi-tech, of course my daughters set it all up, I just put on the headphones.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Gray Morning on a Great Lake 10"x10" oil
This is the first sketch from the last day of my trip to Ohio. From Edgewater Park you get a great view of Cleveland. Gray and overcast with a few sprinkles really fit my mood, I was leaving home the next morning for work again.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Rushing Water, Standing Tree 6"x8" oil
The early summer heat must be getting to me...I forgot to photograph one painting and completely forgot that I did this one. I have been out late, sketching sunsets this week for a commission. Yeah, thats it...the heat and exhaustion...I'm not getting old!
Click to bid
Click to bid
Gray Day in the Flats 10"x10" oil
This is the second of the sketches I painted on my last day in Cleveland but, I forgot to photograph the first one. I really enjoy painting in the "Flats".
The Cuyahoga River runs through it. There are bridges everywhere you look.
It is urban, industrial, decayed and full of character. I felt as if I was in another world and other time. The RTA trains were going by on the bridge in front of me and a huge barge and tug boat on the river behind me...it was great!
The Cuyahoga River runs through it. There are bridges everywhere you look.
It is urban, industrial, decayed and full of character. I felt as if I was in another world and other time. The RTA trains were going by on the bridge in front of me and a huge barge and tug boat on the river behind me...it was great!
Friday, June 19, 2009
River Willow 8"x8" oil
This spot was pretty far from any trails or road. I had painted near here previously and wanted to explore it a little more. I chose this view for completely non-artistic reasons - I was tired of lugging all of my paint supplies through the brush and I had packed a great lunch and couldn't wait any longer. In the past I have found that I would search and search for a subject and find nothing, using up all of my available time. Now, I pick a location, unpack my gear, sit and look...eventually the subject of the painting finds me. By the way, while I was painting this, the biggest turtle I've ever seen came by. He walked/swam right up the middle of the river going against the current. Another treat and reason to paint and explore outside of the studio.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
River Rocks 5"x7" oil
A loose and spontaneous sketch, as I try to capture my reaction and impressions of this scene. The contrasts of the solid, almost immovable rocks and the shallow,transparent and constantly moving water as well as the sunlight and shadow was a delight to study and paint. Water is always a challenge for me to paint. It is so easy to become confused, the reflections, what lies beneath the surface, the movement. Every look between brushstrokes is different."Squinting" often, really helps simplify some of this. I'm pretty happy with this sketch. An alternate title for this might be "You First".
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Click to bid
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
The River Falls 8"x8" oil
These falls are found in Berea, Ohio. I completed a couple of sketches there.To see my first painting at the falls (May 6, 2007 post)
The blue shadows on the water were from my "block in" and are overstated but I liked them so I left them. It was a pleasant afternoon, no one took any notice of me at all.
The blue shadows on the water were from my "block in" and are overstated but I liked them so I left them. It was a pleasant afternoon, no one took any notice of me at all.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Down River 8"x8" oil
There is a lovely covered bridge on this river...I am standing underneath it! A few feet behind me are two small boys, fishing.
I chose this spot for its shade, privacy and the view down river. About half way through the painting, the boys came over with their fishing gear and set up a few feet behind me. They were very happy and excitedly discussing strategies for catching fish. I felt as if I were in a Rockwell painting. Their father walked over, stood on a rock almost directly in front of me. The boys began casting their lines as if they were fly fishing. Not very effective if you are under a bridge and frightening if you are 3 or 4 feet away with your back turned. Within seconds their hooks were caught up in the rafters and floor joists of the bridge, whew! not in my back, neck or ears. I finished my sketch quickly and moved on with out a scratch.
I chose this spot for its shade, privacy and the view down river. About half way through the painting, the boys came over with their fishing gear and set up a few feet behind me. They were very happy and excitedly discussing strategies for catching fish. I felt as if I were in a Rockwell painting. Their father walked over, stood on a rock almost directly in front of me. The boys began casting their lines as if they were fly fishing. Not very effective if you are under a bridge and frightening if you are 3 or 4 feet away with your back turned. Within seconds their hooks were caught up in the rafters and floor joists of the bridge, whew! not in my back, neck or ears. I finished my sketch quickly and moved on with out a scratch.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Broken on the Bank 6"x6" oil - SOLD
The third sketch on the river, a tree that has lost its footing from the high spring run off. I was attracted by the strong direct light as well as the reflected light off the the exposed river rock. If you ever find yourself on the west side of Cleveland, check out the metro parks. There are lots of hiking and bridle trails and beautiful river views everywhere.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Sunlight on the Riverbank 6"x6" oil
My second painting on the river. It is a great day when I can spend a few hours beside a river. I had a few new brushes with me and seemed to do more "dabbing" than usual. I love new brushes...the sharp edge and the point. I don't have a very delicate stroke and tend to beat brushes into an early grave. I mostly use Utrecht bristles and I carry a few Princeton bristles, all flats and brights and cheap.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Rocky River Saturday 6"x6" oil - SOLD
I had a great trip home, it was so much fun. I was able to paint...a lot because as anyone with teenage daughters knows (and I usually forget), they have their own lives,always have plans and always have friends they have to meet at the mall...so dad had plenty of free time to paint (after the yard work was done).
This is a sketch in the Rocky River reservoir. There are tall cliffs on both sides and the river runs for miles. I was able to complete 10 sketches at the river and will be posting them over the next week or so.
This is a sketch in the Rocky River reservoir. There are tall cliffs on both sides and the river runs for miles. I was able to complete 10 sketches at the river and will be posting them over the next week or so.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Broken Sunset 6"x6" oil
The last of the sketches. This was started just before the sun fell behind the hills. This is the "loose-est" of the 4 with the quickest and fewest brush strokes I could make.
After four months away from home for work, I am heading home to celebrate my daughters high school graduation. I will paint and post if there is time...but I wouldn't bet on it! this is family time.
Click to bid
After four months away from home for work, I am heading home to celebrate my daughters high school graduation. I will paint and post if there is time...but I wouldn't bet on it! this is family time.
Click to bid
Light at the Edge 6"x6" oil
The third of my 4 sketches. I was facing south west, I think. The sun was low and just to the right, peripherally (gotta love spell check). I like this small lone tree catching the light at its edges and bathed in reflected light from the field.
Northeast View 6"x6" oil
The second of the series of sketches. There is a gravel road in to this farm and it is up and down steep hills. Both sides are fenced off with barbed wire. As I was painting I was treated to a chorus of cows moving up and over the hill. Way off in the distance there were mules and donkeys braying. You can't get that in the studio. I am convinced that there will come a time when I am able to infuse all of this stimuli into my painting, it's just a matter of practice and discipline...I hope!
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Click to bid
Monday, June 1, 2009
Near and Far Hills 6"x6" oil
This is the first in a series of 4 paintings. I began shortly after 5pm and raced the sun. As each sketch was completed, I would turn the easel to find the next picture and begin again. This was fun and forced me to simplify and make very quick decisions. Best of all...I am 4 sketches closer to becoming the painter I want to be.
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Click to bid
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Big Tree in a Small Town 9"x12" oil
The clarity of the afternoon light was intoxicating. Everything just sparkled.
Afternoon Light and Shadows 6"x8" oil on linen
One of my favorite things to paint is the unusual view or unlikely subject. This is one of those. It seems as if you just stumbled in to it but, I have been looking at this spot for many months and yesterday "it" and I were ready to work together. I am very pleased with this painting.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Thistle, Bow 6"x8" oil on linen
I love the color of these wild flowers but, you don't want to pick them...they hurt!
Monday, May 25, 2009
Black and White and Gray 9"x12" oil
I sort of abstracted the background, I think it works pretty well against the vase of flowers. Once again, there is loads of glare on the painting. The background is considerably darker than it shows here.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Golden Afternoon 6" x 8" oil - SOLD
That perfect time in the afternoon as the sun is moving lower in the sky. Everything was sharp and clear with strong light and shadows.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Below The Fields 6" x 6" oil - SOLD
Yesterdays painting was looking back on the road in, todays painting is looking forward on the same road. The rabbits were still there and still watching but not as closely as yesterday...I guess my painting doesn't interest them very much.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
The Road In 6x6 oil
A small dirt road to the fields. I had a large audience of rabbits watching me. At first they were very frightened, running in every direction. By the end of this sketch they hardly paid any attention to me at all.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Small Town Style 11x14 oil
Late afternoon in front of a beauty parlor / barbershop. I like the vintage hair dryers and the mismatched chairs in the window, even a magazine rack in the shadows. This shop reminded me of the "beehive" hairdo's that always seemed to be sitting in front of me in church or the movie theater when I was a boy.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Fire Sky 20x16 oil
"Please don't hate me, cuz I'm ugly! Some dope took an bad photo of me, I'm really not as bad is this photo" It's true, the photo is REALLY ugly, the painting is just a little ugly. I don't know what I was thinking, taking a 16x20 canvas out to paint a sunset! The sun was practically down before I finished blocking in the house, I tried to finish as best I could from memory...in the dark.
UPDATE; I just took delivery of a frame I ordered for the painting that will be sent to the Butler Institute of American Art. I stuck this painting in it for ha ha's...and it looked pretty good. I think I like it now! Below is the painting in a frame.
I have also changed the title.
UPDATE; I just took delivery of a frame I ordered for the painting that will be sent to the Butler Institute of American Art. I stuck this painting in it for ha ha's...and it looked pretty good. I think I like it now! Below is the painting in a frame.
I have also changed the title.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Bedtime Reading 8x8 oil
I have been asked about the book on the bed. It is "Marjorie Dean, College Senior" by Pauline Lester. I think it was written in 1922 and is part of a series (Marjorie Dean, College Freshman etc. "A Series of Stories for Girls 12 to 18 Years of Age").It has an inscription inside, "From Evelyn Cowan, To Ruthie Ann Cowan, December 25, 1927. I have a number of books from the early 1900's for kids, they have great cover illustrations and the stories are very entertaining.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Wild Flower Garden 10x10 oil
A very pretty wild flower garden next to the garage. I have painted more flowers this spring than in the whole rest of my painting life and I am enjoying it very much.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
A Stream Emerges From The Wood 8x10oil
This is the same stream I was beside on May 7 when I painted "Beside a Stream" (clever title...not). I followed the stream and found the spot where it exits the woods. I like the word "Emerge" better than "Exit", hence this title. In my small world and imagination, this was like discovering the source of the Nile. For me that is half the fun of my painting. I love the searching for new locations. I feel like an explorer even when I am in my own backyard because you never know when you will see something for the first time, something that you may have never taken notice of before...its magic, when that happens.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Spring, into the Studio 8x8 oil
I always surround my vegetable garden with Marigolds. Being away from home for work again, means another spring and summer without a garden. Fortunately, I can bring a little bit of "Spring into the Studio"
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Preparation Of Lunch 10x10 oil
There is hardly a meal that in my opinion, isn't improved by these ingredients. My kids won't go anywhere near anchovies. If, they only knew how many of their favorite "Dad" meals, include anchovy in them.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
A Table For Two 12x9 oil
A Geranium a dish of strawberries and loads of straight lines! It looks as if the flower and the berries are on a date. I was drawn to the composition, light and the subtlety of color and value but, I like the hint of a story too.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Beside a Stream 9x12 oil - SOLD
The springtime weather here in Alabama has been violent in its extremes. Thunderstorms and tornado's interrupted by a beautiful warm day every now and then. The weather cleared yesterday afternoon...so I rushed out to paint.I discovered this quiet shady spot, perfect for an afternoon of painting... the mosquito's liked it to.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Companions 10x10 oil - SOLD
I found a clump of these very pale pink flowers by the roadside. I have no idea what kind they are but they are beautiful. I paired them with a plate of blackberries in front of the blinds. This painting was done with a very limited palette. Alizarin Crimson and Thalo Green. There are a few little additions of Cerulean Blue and Yellow Ochre.
I also re-photographed and re-posted yesterdays painting (Tall and Short) under natural light, the color of the first photo was too far off and it bugged me.
I also re-photographed and re-posted yesterdays painting (Tall and Short) under natural light, the color of the first photo was too far off and it bugged me.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
The Tall And Short Of It 9x12 oil
Last night I received notification that one of my paintings has been accepted for the 73rd Mid-Year Exhibition at The Butler Institute of American Art. The painting is "A Boyfriends Car" and can be viewed below. I am really thrilled with this very unexpected news.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Daisy Pool 8x8 oil
One of the flowers had a broken stem. I didn't want to throw it away, so I put it in a tuna can with some water. I keep several left over tuna fish cans in the studio. When I need a new brush cleaner, I wrap one with galvanized wire mesh or screen and drop it into a tomato can and add mineral spirits. The sediment falls through into the tuna can. I have several store bought turp cans but none work as well as this method and the cost is a tiny fraction of the commercial cans.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Well Rusted in Retirement 16x20 oil
I am drawn to old cars and trucks that have been left to rust in a field, it seems such a waste.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Friday, May 1, 2009
The Color of a Sunrise 7x9 oil
Painting at sunrise is one of my favorite things to do. The light changes so quickly that you have no choice but to simplify. I prepare for painting the night before. My brushes are clean, palette is clean and fresh paint is squeezed out. I hate rooting through my back pack trying to find a specific tube in the dark or low light and it eats up valuable painting time. Sunrise and sunset seem to be the easiest to paint. I find mid-day the most difficult. The color of the light, lack of good shadows, everything seems flattened out...much harder decision making process.
Best of all, before most people have even thought about their first sip of coffee, I've completed a painting!
Best of all, before most people have even thought about their first sip of coffee, I've completed a painting!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Tulips Silhouette 10x14 oil - SOLD
I found the spider like arrangement of the flowers against the horizontal blinds interesting. There is something about back lit objects that always attracts me. I think because the objects are silhouetted, the shapes are somewhat simplified and more graphic. Simplify, something I try to remember but too often its only after I have finished my painting that I recall.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Artist and Model 12x12 oil
Another attempt at painting a subject that I don't usually paint. It is always frustrating but well worth the effort if I can learn from the experience. I was trying to paint in a looser, more free way but found myself getting to caught up in some of the details. Finally I ended in that very awkward spot of to much detail and not not enough detail. I am trying to eliminate or at least minimize "rendering".
This was fun and frustrating!
This was fun and frustrating!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Below The Hills 12x12 oil
This is the second view of the barn. I liked that it was nestled into the small valley below the hills. The structure of the barn was interesting, mostly open with a shallow pitched roof line. The metal roof with the light reflecting off of it gave me fits. I just couldn't get it to feel right.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Overflow 9x12 oil
I found this farm on route 50, near Lynchburg. It was a beautiful location. It would be a simple, straight forward deal to paint this barn or so I thought. After all, this is right in the middle of my "comfort" zone. I've painted hundreds and hundreds of landscapes...a piece of cake, NOT. I painted 2 views of this barn and struggled every inch of the way. Painting seems to do that every now and then, just when you think you're in the "groove", the paints and brushes rise up and kick you in the ass just to remind you how little you control. I will post the other barn painting tomorrow.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Field Road 10x10 oil - SOLD
I was heading to a different location to paint but, when I got there I found that real estate developers had beaten me to it. I continued my search for a subject and found a small dirt road turn off. I must have driven 1 1/2 miles around and between fields when I saw this scene. It was a nice quiet spot to spend a few hours painting. I am very pleased with the results and hope the developers never find this spot.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Kitchen Yard 10x10 oil - SOLD
While painting this house I was treated to a Blue Grass concert going on across the street. It was fun having music to paint by. I may have to finally get an ipod. I have received 2 of them as gifts but re-gifted them when I found out they didn't automatically come with my favorite music and that I would have to "download" it...that didn't sound like something I would enjoy doing. I've since learned that its not so bad or hard to do.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Spring Puddles 9x12 oil - SOLD
This is the same location as "Winter Wheat". I got there after work, turned to my right (east, I think) and began painting. Now that I have met the "crop consultant" and he told me the name of the owner, I may move off the roadside and into the fields.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Yellow Tulips 8x10 oil
I don't often paint flowers. My goal this year has been to paint subjects outside of my comfort zone, ie; still life,plastic bags, meat etc.. This was harder than I expected and I am looking forward to doing more. Apologies for the "glare" on the painting, I always seem to struggle trying to photograph "dark, wet" paintings.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Winter Wheat 8x10 oil
This field of winter wheat is directly across the road from the pond I painted yesterday. The tire tracks are what attracted me to paint this. They show you where you are and in what direction you are headed and hold the promise of the future at the end or around the next corner. I really wanted to drive through this field but, I didn't know who owned it and in my experience farmers can get pretty annoyed at strangers tramping through their fields. In fact just as I was finishing up a truck pulled up with what turned out to be the crop consultant to the owner. He was there to check on a report of someone suspiciously standing near one of Mr. Shaw's fields...just me, paintin'
Monday, April 20, 2009
Sunday, April 19, 2009
The Path That Follows The River 10x10 oil
In the afternoon I found this path through the woods along side a river. I really enjoyed painting the moss covered tree trunks. It is always fun to paint in the woods. One of the perks of painting in the woods is the solitude and that other than the birds and chipmunks you aren't going to have to deal with an audience. I recently read an article about painting in the city and all of the difficulties involved. The most obvious one being all of the people that stop to watch and talk. The author came up with a great remedy to that particular problem...put out a cup and sign asking for donations! Nothing gets a crowd to move on faster than asking for a donation.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
Scattered Color 16x16 oil - SOLD
In my studio is a small formica table with various tubes of old paint. I thought this would be a simple painting that I could complete in the evening after work. I was wrong. A tube of paint is not a difficult thing to paint but, 25 tubes scattered over a table top with pliers was sort of like doing a jigsaw puzzle, only fun.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Monday, November 3, 2008
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Faith, Up On Crystal Ridge
The Crystal Ridge Community Church, high up on the ridge on a beautiful autumn day. Lots of sun and reflected light and color, it suited my mood. This painting is 9"x7", oil on a canvas panel.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
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