Sand Harbor

Sand Harbor

Oil on Linen   11 x 14"

sold

Sand Harbor Study

Oil on Canvas   6 x 8"

Available here

It has been great to get back into the studio this week. I find that if I don't get there on a regular basis I begin to loose my desire to go. Then I get real unhappy, and wonder why..
I had a nice visit from some of my favorite people from the Sacramento area. I miss them so much and for them to make the trip up here makes me feel loved. They came for the Truckee Thursday event and a couple of them stayed over to paint with me on Friday. More happiness!

Anyway, I have been working these past few days on a couple of different pieces, one being this 11x14 commission piece. I painted this from a study reference that I painted a few weeks back. Michael took me to Sand Harbor on a beautiful stormy day last May and I came home with some amazing photos. I couldn't believe the colors in the water. It so happened that the clouds added to the atmosphere and the colors shone.

I hope to paint more of these.

And by the way, look for news from me in the next couple of weeks. I plan to announce my Fall workshop and class schedule. See ya next time!

The Truckee

"The Truckee"

Oil on Cradle Board   12 x 12"

purchase here

I haven't painted in what feels like weeks, other than here and there. What with family visits, the holiday and just this past weekend a trip to Utah. I needed to get into the studio today. I had started this piece by painting a heavy layer of white oil paint mixed with a little alkyd to help it dry faster and give it a bit of texture. I like the non-adsorbent texture of painting on wood and have decided to paint a few of these smaller panels.

At this point I went into the transparent wash, using rich runny color. It is a fun and exciting way to start a painting, but a real challenge because it is so abstract. In this instance I kept the values in tact and tried to create the glow that I enjoy so much. I also wanted to keep a strong abstract element.

This under painting has been sitting in the studio for weeks, so it felt good to go in and finish it up.
I'm still wanting to paint the snow, I guess I was just inspired. I love the play of the warm and cool. I've been wanting to paint the Truckee for a while, I really enjoy the piles of snow on the rocks in the river.

And I'm ready for snow again already!