The Verde Artist Guild held a paint-out today on the grounds of Stanford University. More than 30 artists attended! It started out a bit foggy, but thankfully cleared up quickly. The area includes beautiful fresh-spring grasses, grand eucalyptus and oak trees. Given the slight fog in the atmosphere, it was a great day to practice … Read more
Just back from a long weekend in the Sierras. Alas, the weather was not exactly cooperative. Had a good day Friday, but Saturday it was both raining and foggy. The snow scape painting I did was a smaller, 6×8 plein air sketch. I painted on linen on board, definitely my favorite combination right now. The … Read more
This weekend I’m headed up to Alta to paint the Sierras. I’m staying with Sam and Phil, close friends that have us up at their home on Alta lake a couple of times a year. I hope there’s snow at the lake, as there are compositions ready to be painted everywhere! I also may head … Read more
This is another example of a sketch I did in France to plan out a painting. I use shapes and values to lead the viewers eye around. This composition is based on a circular plan. I actually never ended up painting this, but it’s a good example of the type of planning that can really … Read more
The third gallery in the past 12 months to close in Half Moon Bay did so today. More than 30 years in business, and the first gallery to show my work. They were so terrific to work with. I wish them well, Teresa, Gene, and Darryl. Great turn out, met many collectors that have my … Read more
I’m re-reading Edgar Payne’s Composition of Outdoor Painting. What a classic! I think it was Kevin Macpherson who said he re-read the classic art books often, because he learned something new each time. Sometimes your own experience painting informs your ability to really understand what the book is trying to teach. Design is, I think, … Read more
Before I start a painting, I think about design, and how the design leads the viewer’s eye around the painting. In these sketches from France, I looked for patterns of dark/light that form interesting shapes. They eye is attracted to areas of great contrast, so that makes a good starting point, or focal point for … Read more
Since I’ve been on the subject of technique lately, here’s something I learned from Barry John Raybould–use of the notan sketch. The notan sketch is a great way to try out several different compositions of design, based on a 4-value plan. Why not do this before committing to paint? I use 3 felt tip pens … Read more