Friday, January 11, 2013

Monday, March 26, 2012

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Friday, December 09, 2011


Thanksgiving sketches

Sketch 1:  Carbon Canyon (front lit)

 6" x 8" oil on RayMar canvas panel

Indeed, I have much to be thankful for and the time to get out and sketch is one of them!  I thought the flat effect caused by the sun being right behind me, was interesting.  The dry hillsides and brush made for a harmonious palette.


Sketch 2:  End of Eureka Street


8" x 6" oil on RayMar canvas panel

A white house in shadow is a nice challenge.  I used a toned canvas which is not my usual approach.  Sorry Len Chmiel.  I had in mind to be careful to keep my values in distinct 'families'.

Friday, June 03, 2011

Fullerton Footbridge


8" x 5" watercolor on 4-ply plate bristol
(plein air sketch) 
 
This was a much quicker sketch than the previous one since it was late in the day.  It's such an exciting challenge to capture the fleeting light and yet the beauty before you is almost irresistible.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

View Towards Carbon Canyon


8" x 5" watercolor on 4-ply plate bristol
(plein air sketch)


I love this view which is very close to my home in Yorba Linda, CA.  The weather was very quick to change as it was windy and partly cloudy.  I'm still trying to get the hang of the medium and in this case was surprised at how long it took for each layer to dry.  I've committed to paint in a transparent (traditional) fashion for a while to take advantage of the beautiful translucent quality of the medium.   This "waiting to dry" time was to my advantage as I was able to really just observe and mentally record the different light and shade patterns which were constantly changing before me.  It was a glorious day though I've been frustrated many times trying to paint in such weather.