This last few weeks I’ve been too busy with work and painting to blog much. The weather has warmed up and their has been some new interest in print ads so I’m trying to make hay while the sun shines. Although I’ve stayed close to home I’m still managing to get some plein air in and I’ve noticed that my work has turned a bit more chiaroscuro—a trait I tend to anyway but something I’ve tried to temper. Actually I’m just not trying to over think it—just go with my instincts a bit more. A few recent paintings are approaching the abstract colorist look that I so admire—I’m starting to look for the bigger shapes and color.
Next in Line. This was inspired by a small drawing I did of the bird feeder—and it’s constant traffic all day. A bit was talking about are the building of these strong shapes and colors out of almost black background.
The Dog Park. Another of these looser abstract oriented paintings. While working on another painting on Saturday I turned to see this view of the Dog Park—everyone gathered under the shade of a large oak tree. Interesting dark red plum tree foliage served as a back drop to this. I like painting figures —I just try to get the gestures and go with whatever it resembles. I painted several out and restated until I got a few that I liked.
Hydrangea at Noon. I started this after a big rain on Sunday and was waiting for the sun to come back out — it never did so I kept this very dark and put it away. I went back out today around noon and used it as an under painting and put in the lights. This one reminds me a bit of my new favorite painter Bahto.