Swimming Through The Colors of Fall

"Swimming Through The Colors of Fall"  Oil  20" X 24"
I've been working on and off this piece for a while.
I found this pair of Chinese Geese while out at a private pond I was invited to this past October. I couldn't resist sketching and photographing them as they swam through the fallen leaves.  

Shore Line Two Step

 "Shore Line Two Step" Oil on linen 18" X 24"

This will be the painting that I'm submitting to the Salon International at the
Greenhouse Gallery. The Canada Goose is so common that people really don't take
the time to examine all the color that these birds can reflect. I really enjoyed painting
the effects of direct light as well as the reflected light on these geese. I also took a little
more time experimenting with different techniques while maintaining my refusal to use
a smaller brush than a #5 Signet Filbert.

Postcard Size Art

(L) Chinese Goose (R) Canada Goose

Both are 7" X 5" on Gallery Wrapped Canvas.

These are for Toucan's "Little Art Show". Postcard size paintings that are unframed. I usually take the opportunity to try different techniques and materials with these small paintings. I just finished reading a great book on techniques of the masters, so I started with a detailed black & white under painting, then started glazing in with thin layers of color building to thicker applications of paint. It was really fun and the end result was a Classic Atelier look.

Valley Awakening

"Valley Awakening" 16" X 24" Oil on Panel

Actually, I started this on location, yet after the block in my light and clouds were gone, so I finished it in my Studio. I really enjoy hiking out in new areas of the Madison Valley, especially when it's a cold early Spring morning before the sun breaks the top of the mountains. Alone with my paints, the slightest movements and sounds are amplified, colors seem more identifiable and the trees display their unique character. The stage is set...

In Passing

  "In Passing"   Oil    12" X 16"

I started this painting as a demonstration during

Artists in Action at the 2012 Woodson Art Museum's Birds in Art Event.

 I feel very fortunate to have been juried into this wonderful event and

meet so many accomplished artists, several of which are heroes of mine.

This painting is a full donation to the Woodson Art Museum with

a sincere "Thank You!"

This event and museum has really inspired me to "Step Up my Game"

and keep submitting to future Birds in Art events.

In The Shade of a Russian Olive Tree

"In The Shade of a Russian Olive Tree"  Oil  12" X 16"

These are not wild ducks, yet I couldn't resist the colors and contrasts of this simple composition with light filtering through the branches of the Russian Olive tree. This also allowed me an opportunity to explore the colors of domestic waterfowl, the subject of one of my favorite artists, "Alexander Koester".

OCT. YELLOWSTONE SUNSET

"Oct. Yellowstone Sunset"  Oil   9" X 12"

Taking a break away from the Geese.  With all the smoke in the air and no prospects of rain, I'm looking forward to Fall's arrival.

WATERFRONT PASSAGE

"Waterfront Passage"  Oil  8" X 10"

While painting this piece I realize that I need to concentrate on economy of brush strokes, I'm starting to "noodle" too much. I do enjoy the color combinations and overall color harmony.

MOVING ON

"Moving On"  Oil   8" X 10"

I've given myself a goal of One painting a night. (I was at Life Drawing last night so Thursdays don't count). Anyway this was painted Wednesday night on a lead primed linen canvas panel. I'm still experimenting with edge quality and color harmony.

TELLING SECRETS

"Telling Secrets"  Oil  9" X 12 on Canvas Panel

When out sketching and photographing geese it's really hard not to create an anthropomorphize situation. After observing them for a while I can see simple social situations occurring much like watching a group of people in a restaurant or kids out on a school playground.

MORNING BREAK

" Morning Break"  Oil  9" X 12"

I want to experiment with more exaggerated and broken color,

yet still retain a representational style. I eventually want to

push the handling of my subject breaking up the simple

shapes into more complex arrangements to where the

end result will be more Expressionistic. 

JEFFERS' FARM

"Jeffers' Farm"  Oil   12" X 16"  Plein Air    SOLD

I don't usually paint Barn Scenes, yet I've passed this farm many

times on my way to different locations on the Madison River. I had

always thought that other Artist's could paint this location

and do it better justice than I. Not only did I have a fantastic time

painting here I came away with a better understanding of atmospheric

perspective and color harmony. What a great education...