In a previous post, I lamented my struggles with color–specifically, finding a balance between grays and pure color. I received good feedback in comments (thanks Jan and Bart) and made changes to the painting (see before and after images below). The changes may appear subtle, but I think the graying down parts of the painting … Read more
After Monet produced his series of water lilly paintings, can anyone else take them on? It is a beautiful subject and coincidentally the “birth flower” of July. When I was at Lake Alta recently, I took a number of reference photos. I wish I’d done some onsite sketches, but the photos I took are making … Read more
My painting “Last Light, Eucalyptus” was selected for the Estes Park Plein Air 2006 advertisement in Southwest Art Magazine (August, 2006 issue). I just shipped this painting to Morro Bay for the Central Coast National Exhibition, where it will be until September 17.
I received post cards today for the “Peninsula Plein Air” event opening August 4th at Filoli. The front of the card features a pastel, “Half Moon Bay Garden” by my good friend Kim Fancher-Lordier. Go Kim! Unfortunately, I will be out of town the day of the reception (Saturday, August 12th, 10am-2pm), but I hope … Read more
Just back from Chicago tonight, had a great time. Weather was perfect. The days before we arrived were unbearable, high heat, high humidity. We suffered some rain, but other than that, great weather. We lucked out! I was inspired by Katherine Tryrell’s recent travel sketches to do some of my own. I rarely use watercolor, … Read more
Here’s another plein air sketch from my recent long weekend at Lake Alta. I guess it’s a “dappled light” theme. Speaking of that, I just received a new book on Joaquin Sorolla (by Blanca Pons-Sorolla) that just amazing. Talk about a master of dappled light. Blog post on that coming soon. In the meantime, enjoy … Read more
Just back from Lake Alta (in the Sierras). I painted this week with my good friend Andy Skaff along the Trukee River. I definitely went for “colorist” in this painting, as opposed to “tonalist“. I have a few more that are drying that I’ll post later. Off to Chicago tomorrow until 7/24, so probably won’t … Read more
Some time ago I wrote about “Reflections on a Pond” , then the latest book by accomplished plein air artist Kevin Macpherson. Well, Kevin has indeed been busy, as he’s just come out with a new DVD and has another instructional book close to publication. Wanda & Kevin Macpherson and Ed Terpening The new DVD, … Read more
I’m getting a shipment of 15 paintings ready to the Pheonix Topeka Gallery (in Kansas) and came across this painting of Lake Tahoe requested by Kyle, the owner. I love how a plein air painting can take you back instantly to the time and place, everything about the day. This painting does that for me. … Read more
We had a great turnout at today’s Verde Artist Guild paint-out. I’d guess at least 20 artists. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooporate. I got there at 9am and it was completely overcast, foggy. I thought I’d just do a quick “gray day” painting until it cleared up, but…no such luck. Even so, everyone painted away … Read more