Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Rockpile Break 12 x 24



I am very fortunate to live a block from the beach. I can hear the waves in the morning when I wake up. Big sound...Big waves. Quick check of the tide table; gather my gear; and off to the sand. The sea has been particularly generous with beautiful big waves this spring. It gives up two or three studies on any given morning. From the studies I can attempt larger studio paintings. I've tried to paint ocean scenes from photos; but I've found that lacking. Nothing compares to actually looking at the ocean and watching how the waves break. Shore breaks are greatly influenced by the bottom/floor of the ocean. In my area, the floor is made up of rock formations that are pretty solid. If the floor stays the same....you can pretty much count on the wave breaks remaining the same general formation for your painting session..thus eliminating the panic to get the wave completed on the first go. The same general image will repeat and repeat. Really..go watch and enjoy. The painting above is a 12 x 24 painted in the studio from three studies. This painting is for sale thru the artists Gallery. Contact number is 949-395-2139.

Thursday, May 5, 2011



May 5, 2011

I'm back from my sabbatical; and scrambling to get my painting chops back. Trust me, it's not like riding a bicycle. The rust is everywhere. It will take miles and miles of canvas to hit my stride again; but what a challenging journey. I had an old teacher long ago that preached "practice; but practice perfect." Basics again. Yep, color charts and all. It's a slog for sure; but I'm oh so happy to be slinging paint again. . Boats always seemed kind of bravely uncertain to me.....I get that now. This little boat, in for the night; and breathing a sigh of relief to have made it through another day..... This study is 8 x 10 and sells for $185.oo unframed.