Thoughts of summer

Thoughts of Summer

Although it won't be summer in Seattle for another 3 months (and at that, maybe only a couple weeks of 72 degree weather), I was thinking of it today as a 3 minute sunbreak passed over the studio.  We LOVE our sunbreaks in Seattle.  Now, if I could just find where I put my sunglasses back in storage at the end of last July....

It's always an adventure...

YellowWindow

Yellow Window

This is a window at a residence bed/breakfast where we spent a week in Provence a few years ago.  The colors (and, especially - quality of light) in Provence are wonderful.  I did this yesterday from a photo.  I like watercolor because it's so fast.  (I have 3 oils in various stages of drying before adding another layer.)

It's always an adventure...

French sidewalk

French Sidewalk

I did this back in 2004.  It's from a photograph.  Medium is graphite pencil - before my charcoal phase.  The original is really light.  I punched this up with Photo Shop (for shame!)  This sketch is what eventually drew me to using charcoal, in that I always was disappointed with how "wimpy" pencil was (for me).  Finding charcoal was an epiphany.  

Can't remember what town.  Love the light.  It's all about the light.

It's always an adventure...

Morning Coffee

Morning Coffee

Another practice sketch with watercolor overlay.  From a photo somewhere in Barcelona.  Watercolors are sooo different from oils.  It's fun going back and forth, and a learning thing.  I wanted to get depth on this one.

It's always an adventure...

Morning Window Flowers

Morning Window Flowers

This isn't really 'plein air', though I drew it from a photo I took in Paris.  Admittedly, I spent more time on this than in one sitting.  I just love the French shutters set deep in the stone wall.  The flowers have an attitude, blooming yet somewhat askew and unattended.

It's always an adventure

quick study sketch

I'm experimenting with pen sketching and watercolor highlights for future oil painting work.  This is with micron pens and a fine point 'Sharpie', both waterproof so they don't run.  This method is also great for plein air outdoor painting, which I hope to do more of, whenever the 'plein air' in Seattle isn't so full of water.  Plus, it's hard to paint in a down parka and gloves....

It's always an adventure...

Horizon

Horizon

From a photo taken by a friend, somewhere in southwestern Kansas ( I think).  I just finished this, so it's still on my backer board.  Kinda looks like a jeep window.....Love the single tree in the distance.

It's always an adventure...

Stair to where

Stair to where

This one is an experiment in different techniques.  The light/shade works better if you see it in a smaller view.  I kinda did it for the color combo more than anything, although it does pose the question, "what IS this?"

It's always an adventure....

Oil painting study

composition study

I haven't painted for about 5 days now, what with framing and doing mats for the bin at the gallery.  I've also had some architectural work to do which is seriously cutting into my studio time.  Ha!  Both pay about the same.  If you know an architect, take them out to lunch.  Chances are they haven't eaten in a few days.

This was fun to do and took about 30 minutes or so.  Gotta love charcoal!

It's always an adventure...

Beyond

Beyond

Recently I got hooked into painting doorways I have seen.  I liked the colors on this one.  The composition borders on the abstract.  It's hard to tell what it is at a distance, and it calls you in to see more closely.

It's always an adventure...

Pumpkin Sun

Pumpkin Sun

This is from another photo my Landscape friend took.  Sort of a sunset without the clouds - just a heavy mist.  Kinda spooky almost.  I did my best to interpret.

It's always an adventure...

Yellowstone Trees

Yellowstone Trees

Just finished this one last evening.  12" x 16".  A landscape architect friend of mine took this photo while visiting Yellowstone Nat'l. Park last summer.  I loved the colors and 'progression' of landscape back to the distant mountains.  Mostly done with palette knife.

This piece is going up on my wall at the Kirkland Parklane Gallery in March.

It'a always an adventure...

Barn Flowers

Barn Flowers

Two weeks and a virus behind me now, I have somewhat regained my energy and general well being.  Whatever it was, it knocked me out.  This is a little 6" x 6" block that I started while recovering.  You have to imagine the detail - I left it out.  Don't know what's inside the dark barn, but I remain content to be outside in the sun and flowers.

It's always an adventure  

Reflections

Reflections

Charcoal study of chrome reflection on curved hood.  Can't remember what vintage car ornament this is, but I thought it was really cool.

It's always an adventure...