MOTHER'S DAY

TULIPS FOR MOTHER

This painting is a studio piece that I finished in time to honor Mother's Day.  Though my Mom has been gone from us for a number of years now, I remember how fond she was of spring flowers, especially tulips. So this painting is in her honor, as well as for all mother's everywhere who give unconditionally of themselves for the betterment of their children and families.

ENJOY!!

Spring at the Conservatory

CONSERVATORY PATH

This painting is a plein air study done at the Franklin Park Conservatory during a plein air painting session. Unfortunately,  about half way though the painting process, we were struck by a pop up thunderstorm and had to run for cover.  I did take a photo of my subject before the rain started so was able to finish this at home.  Hope you enjoy!!

SOULFUL

WINTER HAYFIELD

This painting is inspired by a snowy walk in winter in the midwest.  I love walking after a snowfall because all sound is muffled and the landscape is quiet and soulful.  These hay bales were resting in the field and had snow covered hats.  They reminded me of Frosted Mini Wheats cereal.   

The blues of the shadows were tough.  Getting the value right was the most challenging.  Because it was early evening, the sky still had a fair amount of light in it,  but the field was darkening.   I lightened the sky and background trees twice before I felt like it read right.

This is not one of those paintings that catches your eye because of contrast in light and shadow, but a subtle painting that depends on finessing the values to make it feel moody. I think I got it right.

ENJOY!!

A WALK IN THE WOODS

SHADOWS ON A SNOWY AFTERNOON

This painting was inspired by a winter hike some years ago.  I especially love walking in the woods after a snowfall.  The sound is muffled and on a sunny day, the shadows are beautiful.  This particular afternoon proved to be a perfect day for observing the beauty of it all.  This painting will also be shown during Studios on High Gallery's Winter's Embrace Show.

ENJOY!!

BIRD LOVING

ISN'T SHE LOVELY

This is another painting for the Winter show coming up at Studios on High Gallery.

Everyone seems to relate to the cardinal in the midwest.  It's the state bird for several states and almost everyone can identify it.  Most people love the bright red male cardinal, but I find the subtlety of the female very lovely in it's own right.  Here she is hanging out near the bird feeder in my backyard. 

ENJOY!!

SUMMER BALES

POST OFFICE HAYFIELD

 This painting was inspired by a trip to our local post office.  Yes, we do live in the city, but there are still areas that have not succumbed to urban sprawl.  As I was getting out of my car, I noticed the hayfield adjacent to the post office had been cut and fresh round bales of hay were sitting there in the sunshine. I took a quick shot and the painting above is my take on the day.

ENJOY!!

CALIFORNIA STYLE

California Bungalow

When we visit our son and his wife, I always enjoy walking in their neighborhood.  They live in Santa Monica and its a very short walk to the main street and beach.  I have passed this bungalow several times and love the color and the street with its big beautiful ficus trees and trailing rosemary.

ENJOY!

Art and Aviation

Here are some process shots of my latest painting, painted for a fund raiser to benefit the 2017 US Nationals Aerobatic Competition that will be held at Wittman Regional Airport in Osh Kosh, WI later this month.  

Here is the preliminary sketch showing the iconic arch that  welcomes aviators to the airport.  I included several type of aerobatic aircraft, both bi-planes and mono- planes.

 This photo shows the preparation of the surface.  I used a sectional start for the state of Wisconsin and trimmed it to fit the board I was using.  The Osh Kosh airport is in the lower right and will be visible to the viewer.  The chart was adhered to the board with YES paste and covered in clear acrylic gel medium to seal the paper.  Then I applied several coats of thinned gesso to fade out the map slightly and provide a texture for the oil paint.

 Here is the drawing that was transferred to the board.  After spraying with several coats of fixative,  I was ready to begin the painting process.

Below is the finished painting ready to make its way to Osh Kosh.

2017 US Aerobatic Nationals- Osh Kosh, WI