Friday, September 30, 2011

What Matters

A different format-this canvas is 8x24. Liked breaking the rules of having the flag pole dead center, balancing the composition with notes of red, keeping a pretty muted palette throughout. Contemplative.I've been invited by The Spring Bull Gallery to become a member! Of course I accepted, as it's a fine gallery I've admired all the artists there for years. So a new chapter begins.....More updating soon, and more posting too!

Monday, September 26, 2011

Unfinshed

This painting is almost completed but I am still trying to solve some problems. Which is a lighter value,the white mast or the grey foggy morning sky? How do I describe the jumble of items in the foreground, but stay abstract? Bisecting the canvas with the flagpole breaks the rules, which is a challenge. Can I make it all work? On a side note, the painting from the previous post DID get accepted! What a diverse and intriguing show up through most of October at the Portsmouth Arts Guild.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Up Again

Working on a 16x20 format, this painting is my entry for a show juried by Roger Kirby, whose work is so diverse and amazing. I like the painting anyway, and won't take it personally if I don't get accepted. This is so hard when you first start entering juried shows, it's a personal affront and so demoralizing if you don't get accepted. We have to develop a thick skin and keep on making the art  that is truest to us. One jurors rejection is another jurors prize winner! I've seen it happen, to myself and to others. Meanwhile, my fingers are crossed....

Monday, September 12, 2011

One Fine Day

More involved with my thought process and the composition of this one, simplifying the background,eliminating really everything but the dock pilings. Trying not to be literal  with the photo reference.I edit so much when I paint plein air, experimenting with doing the same when I am in the studio.

Monday, September 5, 2011

Hauled Out

Plein air study at the dock.Windy morning 6 days after Irene hit New England. Many boats were hauled out of the water, couldn't tell if this one was headed back in, or out for the winter. No one around early Saturday morning.

Friday, September 2, 2011

Docked

Have wanted to paint these fishing boats on a larger format for some time. This one is 20x20 and it felt good to have the size. This painting is going to The Spring Bull Gallery in Newport where I am the guest artist for August and September. I wanted to bring a new painting in for the opening tomorrow night. I decided to keep the palette limited which helps to quiet the painting and reinforces the solidity of the boats. There is so much information and this was a way to keep the viewer from being overwhelmed. Not so much for the artist!! Happy Labor Day weekend to everyone.