This is a small painting of the north shore of Kauai, from my recent trip there (here’s a sunset painting from the same trip). I love the Hawaiian sky! Kauai – Oil on Linen – 8×10″ From a technique perspective, here are some things I can note: I’ve kept this simple, just a few (
Another study, based on my photos of Venice. I enjoyed painting this one a lot. I enjoy mixing the subtle earthy tones of old buildings or nature with man-made shocking colors, like the clothes hanging to dry here. The photos aren’t great (taken with my camera phone), so when this finishes drying (in the Wedgewood … Read more
Hung out at home today, so went through my digital library to find images to paint. I’ve always loved this late afternoon shot of Venice, in the “Golden Hour”. This is a small study, but I may work on a studio version as well. The light really was this orange, and hitting the red brick … Read more
I just love the coastal ice plant on our coast. The colors this time of year range from hot red to green. I tried to paint in Point Lobos this week, but the fog won out. So this one is from a reference photo. I’m pushing color and paint in this one. Enjoy! Coastal Ice … Read more
Once in a while I paint on commission, but I don’t know about you, but it’s not my favorite thing to do. I guess it’s because we need to find a balance between what the client wants and our own creative sensibilities. Luckily, this client was a friend, liked my work, and asked that I … Read more
Here’s another studio painting, done from a reference photo from one of my favorite spots to paint, Point Lobos. I have next week off, so will (if the weather stays clear) paint there a few days. I wish they allowed dogs! I’ll either have to leave Gracie in the car, or leaver her at home … Read more
Painted two little studies this weekend, both in my studio. The light just wasn’t quite right outside. I think I’m becoming more of a studio painter as I’m finding it tough lately to get inspired outdoors. Maybe a break is needed. Luckily, I have a pretty good collection of images to work from in my … Read more
My big Achilles Heel is painting large, studio works. I have a short attention span, so the thought of working a long time on a single painting doesn’t come naturally to me. I’ve worked as large as 3’x5′, but this work is 20×22″. It’s based on “Dry Stream Bed“, which I posted last month. I … Read more
I have been reading another Emile Gruppe book, this one focusing on brushwork. He painted on the east coast, so many of his example paintings in the book are of the gritty boats and docks of small fishing villages. As per a discussion on the Facebook Plein Air Painters group (please, join us…click here for … Read more
Palm trees have beautiful strength, character and movement. They can make a great subject. While in 1,000 Palms a few weeks ago, I painted two field studies (one, two) of a view between groups of palms to the steep hills below. The two studies where done in different light conditions, the first with the hill … Read more