“HILL COUNTRY MORNING”

8” x 10” Oil/canvas
About a month ago, I was in Wimberley, Texas attending a plein air oil painting workshop by Jill Carver.  On the 3rd and final day, we set up on a hilltop overlooking a farm and the vineyards of a local winery.   It was a gorgeous view…it seemed we could see forever.  Jill gave us all inspiration with her morning demonstration painting – it was beautiful! Afterward, it was time for us to paint…. I took a little too much time making a sketch on my canvas and brushing in the basic under-painting. Alas! the time got away from me and it was time to pack up the gear and head for home.  I made  value & color notes in my sketchbook and took several photographs, so I could finish it after I got home. So, this weekend, with the aid of my sketchbook notes, photographs and memory I completed the painting. Enjoy!

Paint Out in Terrell, Texas – Day 2

Today was another “bluebird day” – sunshine, 75 and only a little more wind. I went back to the historic home on 1st street and decided to paint the carriage house.  The shadows cast from the trees created plenty of contrast across the roof and the lawn.

The sketch – even though I have my ‘Best Brella’ clamped on my easel,  the sun was already creeping onto my paper.  In the course of the 2-1/2 hour painting session, I had to adjust the umbrella 3 times.  I’m painting on 140# Arches cold press that has been glued to a  masonite board. My paints are Daniel Smith.

I’m almost done here – just need to add another layer to deepen the shadows and add more foliage to the big tree behind the carriage house. This photo doesn’t show the huge tree very well, but it’s at least 4 stories tall and the new spring yellow-ish green leaves were absolutely glowing in the bright sunshine.  As you can see, I did some “pruning” of  several shrubs and completely eliminated one.   All Done! Another great day at “work” – As I’ve said many times…..I love my job!!!!

  

“CARRIAGE HOUSE” - 11 x 14 Watercolor                                                   Paint Historic Terrell - Terrell, Texas

ALOHA from Hawaii.....

The island of Maui in Hawaii is absolutely beautiful.  My travel sketchbook is filling up quickly.  Everywhere I look is a painting waiting to happen! This is my first visit to Hawaii..and I hope it's not my last...it's truly like being in paradise.  I have only 2 more days before I return to "the real world".   Here are some watercolor & ink paintings from my sketchbook...enjoy!

LAHAINA HARBOR, MAUI - 5-1/2"x 7" -  9/16/08

POINT BLACK ROCK - KAANAPALI - 3-1/2" x 5" - 9/14/08

KAANAPALI BEACH- BLACK ROCK POINT & MAUI SHERATON - 5-1/2" x 7" -  9/19/08

KAANAPALI BEACH - 3-1/2" x 5" - 9/14/08

HANAKAOO BEACH PARK- LAHAINA HARBOR IN DISTANCE - 5-1/2" x 7" - 9/19/08

A lovely couple from Ohio stopped to talk for a few moments before leaving for the airport. 

KAANAPALI BEACH (from Black Rock Point) -5-1/2" X 14" - 9/18/08

This scene was so vast, I captured it using 2 pages across in my sketchbook.

HANAKAOO BEACH- 5-1/2" x 7" -  9/19/08 - the wind blowing in from the Pacific was about 20 mph...my paint was drying on the brush before I could put it to paper!  Plein air painting has it's "moments"!

Saturday Paint Out

Last Saturday, 6 other painters and I gathered in the little town of Maypearl, Texas.

Home Town Pizza

9" x 12" (22.9cm x 30.5cm)

Watercolor on Arches mounted on Masonite board

 

The painting above depicts a combination of "new & old"...new business in an old building...typical of a small town. Home Town Pizza is a favorite hang out for pizza lovers. In the background is the town water tower.

Everybody finished their morning paintings about noon so we had a "show & tell" then took a break for lunch. In the afternoon, even though it was almost 100 degrees, we all found shade trees and produced another painting. I found a lovely blue cottage with a ramblin' rose climbing up the front window. Perfect color combination; red, white & blue!

Blue Cottage in Maypearl

9" x 12" (22.9cm x 30.5cm)

Watercolor on Arches mounted on Masonite board

As we all packed up for the day....covered with a layer of dirt, a little more tanned, & tired...it was agreed we'd return to Maypearl soon; there are still a lot of places & people to paint!

"Sage-y Lady" - 8" x 10" Watercolor - Plein Air

Although it was 90 degrees by 10am, I couldn't resist painting at our local Farmer's Market today. This old International truck was parked next to the street & loaded down with flowers. The vendor kept coming over & checking my progress and finally, she said: "Ok, how much? I gotta have it". I absolutely LOVE our Saturday Farmer's Market!

Another day, another painting

Title: Shed, Wood's Farm - 8" x 10" Plein Aire

This painting is a simple exercise in control; using only 3 primary colors, plus Burnt Sienna and limiting each color/wash application to no more than 3 strokes. The objective was to produce an image with spontaneous, transparent passages. I think I cheated on the strokes at least a dozen times, but I still ended up with a very nice miniature.