Sunday, August 24, 2014

July Lunch





















Although I wanted this arrangement to have a random look, I spent a fair amount of time designing the composition. I drew intersecting diagonal lines on my canvas to help determine where to  place the focal point and how to lead the eye through the composition. I also decided I wanted blue as the color theme. Before starting the large painting, I painted a small study to experiment with colors and composition.

"July Lunch", 16" x 20", oil on linen, Sold


Saturday, August 23, 2014

Little Hen

















I painted this hen from life... in my studio. Ok, she is mounted. I wanted to create the atmosphere of a dimly lit chicken coop.

"Little Hen", 9" x 12", oil on linen, Sold


Friday, August 22, 2014

More Lures


























I'm continuing to have fun with the "Lure Series".

Each painting is 8" x 8" x 1.5", oil on linen, Sold



Figures

In June my friend Judy and I took a portrait workshop from William Schneider at the Peninsula School of Art in Door County, WI. The emphasis was on developing a loose technique when painting portraits and figures. Bill was an excellent instructor and we both learned a lot. We really liked the school. 



















I painted this before taking the workshop. It's from a photo I took of my niece. I painted a smaller version a couple of years ago. This time I painted with a limited palette of colors: yellow ochre, ivory black, cadmium red and titanium white. This palette was often used by the Swedish painter, Anders Zorn. I'm amazed at the range of flesh tones and colors that can be achieved with these four tubes of paint. I used ivory black mixed with white for her eyes and they look blue in the context of the painting. 

"Mink & Pearls", 9" x 12",  oil on linen, Sold























Rebecca was one of our models during the workshop. I painted an oil study of her in class as well as taking photos. I created this painting later in my studio using the photos and oil study for reference.

"Rebecca", 18" x 14", oil on linen























This is a larger version of a painting I did last winter. I was happy with the smaller painting, but was struggling with the larger one. After the workshop, I started over and was able to solve the problems I was having. 

"Red Scarf # 2", 20" x 16", oil on linen, Sold




Square Format

Over the past couple of years, I've enjoyed painting in a square format. I'm not sure why, but I do love a grid. Here are some works created this winter and spring.






















"Pomegranates", 8" x 8", oil on linen, Sold

























Although I used a full palette of colors, this painting has a monochromatic look. I also experimented with a smooth gessoed painting surface which gave the brush strokes a different character.

"Spoons", 8" x 8", oil on board, Sold

























I like these bold shapes and the simple color scheme.

"Tea with Lemon", 8" x 8", oil on linen

























"Ready to Plant", 8" x 8", oil on linen, Sold

























"Steam Iron", 8" x 8", oil on linen

























"Pears & Spoon", 8" x 8", oil on linen, Sold