Conte and charcoal sketch.

Some recent work from the sketchbook...

playing with line quality...

composing a page is FUN!

Here are two recent sketches. 2.5 hours each...

Nichole 10"x8"
Oil on linen

Emily 14"x11"
Oil on linen

Below are several sketches I did on a recent painting trip in Sonora, CA. This was my sixth year attending this invitational plein air show put on by the Vault Gallery. Kris Kestley does a great job of organizing a fun show each year. It is not a competition so there is much comraderie between artists - especially since many of us have been painting together annually for all six years.

It is amazing to me how concentrating on painting and drawing the figure has aided in painting the landscape. I think it boils down to drawing. Painting these sketches 'felt' easier after having painted from the figure exclusively for about six months.

The paintings will hang at the Vault Gallery until the end of May.

The paintings range from 6"x8" to 12"x16" and are all oil on linen.

Enjoy - and thanks for any comments you might give. - Eric