Lighten Up- Travel Journal

I wanted to show in this gouache plein air how I thought it could be improved upon after looking at it the next day. I wanted to put more light into it, so I went back in with a specific plan in mind. I am normally an oil painter and I can keep all my color mixes very clean because I have trained myself to mix with the palette knife. With the gouache I am mixing right on the palette and it is easier for the colors to get muddy, which sometimes results in lovely muted shades and other times results in mud! I went in with clean color the next time and the result made me happier, which is what I wanted with a painting of sunflowers!

Bark Beach- Travel Journal

Camping on the Delmarva Peninsula the water was still warm enough for Cooper to swim. He's the soaking wet one on the right with one of his newfound friends. I had no idea how many more people you meet when you have a dog!

I wanted to paint the beach assigned to dogs- the Bark Beach, and was able to do so before the kayaks and paddleboards were put away til next season. Just in time- they were all gone by the next day!

I love the off season- a slower and more relaxed pace for everyone except the dogs!

Fishermans Marina- Travel Journal

As I am drawn to the fishing boats at home on Aquidneck Island, I search them out when we travel. Nothing beats standing on a dock and painting these hard working vessels. I have huge respect for the men and women who choose this livelihood- not an easy life out on the ocean. One of the men came up and asked if I wanted some of the coffee he had made! So thoughtful! Meeting so many good people as we travel in our motorhome. 

On the Boardwalk- Travel Journal

I decided to work with gouache on this latest trip. My concerns are simplicity, keeping all the work in one sketchbook, minimum supplies. As primarily an oil painter, I found that I really enjoyed the quick drying aspects of this water based media. I also like the subtle matte finish. What's better than a clear blue sky, the ocean and a paint brush in your hand? Loving the life I live.

Surface Tension

 Just thrilled that my painting titled Scattered Light made it to Surface Tension, an exhibition collaborating works between URI faculty and students as well as members of the Art League of Rhode Island. Held at URI's Main Campus Gallery, the show was on exhibit October11-November 18, 2016. I love forsythia, among the first to bloom in our gardens here in the Northeast, an explosion of the happiest of colors-yellow! This oil painting is 12x24.