Winter Redbird (Cardinal)

This 9" x 6" watercolor is inspired by the dozen or so Cardinal pairs that live in my back yard among the Pecan trees and shrubs. I love trees, especially in the fall and winter. The obvious focus in this painting is the tree trunk contrasting with the orange background, but a closer look reveals the spot of red up high in the tree top!

"Outta Gas" 16" x 20" Watercolor
I've been painting every day the past couple of weeks, trying to meet several deadlines; 22 illustrations for a children's book and 2 exhibitions. I can't share my book illustrations yet...the author is still working with a publisher. But, I can share one of the paintings I completed last week for a membership exhibition of the Ellis County Art Association in my hometown of Waxahachie, Texas. This painting is of an old abandoned gas station with 50's era trucks parked behind it. The scene is on a corner of a little town in South Central Texas called New Zulch. It has most of the "ingredients" for a Texas landscape...all that's missing is a Longhorn standing in a patch of Bluebonnets! I plan to do several paintings of this location from different angles. The change from Daylight Savings time has resulted in a lot less time for plein air, and more time in the studio. Speaking of studio, I better get back to work.

First Place in Paint Out

Well, it was a good trip to Corsicana the past 2 days and a successful paint out. I won 1st Place with my painting of "Palace Playbill". "Olsen Feed Store" and "Palace" are 11" x 14", watercolor. Both paintings will be on display (and for sale)at the Corsicana, Texas Chamber of Commerce for 2 weeks. Enjoy!

Another Paint Out!

Today, I traveled south about 45 miles to Corsicana, Texas to participate in a 2-day paint out. After checking in, I drove around the historic downtown area and came upon an old feed store. The sunlight was filtered by a haze so I opted to get my drawing in place and return tomorrow, hoping for better light conditions. Check back in a couple of days; I'll have at least 2 new paintings to share!

Reunion

Last week, after returning home from Hawaii, I spent 3 days with two girlfriends from high school.  We've been pals for over 50 years.  Anyway, while the other two were napping, I gathered up my plein air gear (I'm never without it) and walked a few yards away and painted my friend's home.  This is a view of her back porch, looking from across the golf course fairway #17. Outside my family, Ginny is my biggest fan; she has my paintings hanging from floor to ceiling on 2 walls in her home....a "Tina Bohlman Collection" .  

"Doug & Ginny's Hilltop Home"
Good friends are a joy....and when friendships span more than 50 years,it's truly a blessing!

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"!

ON THE ROAD AGAIN.....

Within the next few days, I'll be on a plane to Maui for a "working" vacation.  New airline rules for luggage limits a person to 1 checked bag and a carry-on....and each bag cannot weigh more than 50#.  Needless to say, I may be painting "nekkid" cause I'm packing my plein air gear first & if there's any room left, I'll throw in some clothes too.  I'm excited about this trip; it's my first visit to the Hawaiian Islands and I'm sure that I haven't allowed enough time (or money) to "do it right".  

More later.....gotta go gather up my gear.