Nantucket

24x36 Oil on Canvas

Progress on this piece this week.i have taken this painting to the place where I need to stare at it for awhile to see what it needs.  Great lessons learned!

Kathy's Place

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8x10 Oil on Stretched Canvas.   SOLD

Lots of family means lots of fun and lots of swimsuits and towels.  I saw this lineup at a neighbor's place and the interplay of the pines and the sunshine with the clothesline said all one can say about a summer day.

Summer Studio

11x14 Oil on Stretched Canvas           NFS

I'm sharing a plein air painting that I completed two years ago with a friend on a lazy afternoon.  It is one of my first attempts to paint outside and I have it hanging in my office to remind me that I am an artist as I work on other projects.  At the time, I had converted a lawn shed into a studio for the summer and It is a favorite space-like being at summer camp in a rustic cabin.  On the lessons learned front, I am realizing what I most enjoy painting-most landscapes or seascapes with some sense of structure and great light.  

Midwest 3

8x10 Oil on Stretched Canvas

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Another in this series-I am consumed by farms this week.  The morning that I took the reference photos had such white hot light that even the most common of buildings had a bit of a glow.

Long Beach Path

8x10 on Stretched Canvas             

When I went to the beach to paint, I noticed the light on this little house and had to paint it.   I am learning so much this summer!  I was so happy about it all day. I am learning the value of pre-mixing as well and hope to play with palette knives again soon.  All to say, I like this one, love the familiar place it represents-joy in July!

Landscape 4

11 x 14 Oil on Gesso Panel

I finished this one early this morning after a start on it last weekend.  Working on managing greens and brush strokes.  Painting is such a lifetime of lessons.  I am never bored.   I am calling he week ahead 'Cape Cod Plein Air Paint Camp'.  I am currently the only attendee to this outing, but have the whole week off and intend to make the most of it!  If you are on the Cape and want to join in the fun, let me know.

Chesapeake Bay

20x24 Oil on Canvas

We made a visit to Easton, MD to see family early this spring and I came across this lovely boat in the harbor-had to paint it!  

Perfectly Nice Pear Painting

 16 x 20 Oil on Stretched Canvas

In order to gain some momentum again, I decided to finish some starts.  This is one that has been hanging around the studio. I brightened the background, played with some contrasts, etc.  It is a nice painting- I like the interplay now - the warmth of the walls and table against the blues and greens.  I may touch it a bit more, but for now, I am happy with it.  It is bright and sunny and restful.

Shady Lane

18x24 Oil on stretched canvas

This weekend I found myself a bit frustrated with painting small.  I'm seeing a lot of copying going on in the sites I follow- even my stuff. Painting small is fun and quick and rally challenging in a lot of ways.  You have to get your values right. Your subject is usually simple.  You use less paint, so it is economical.  There is less risk- which is good.  I like painting small.  But yesterday I felt I needed a challenge- to throw a  lot of paint around- to work larger -to stretch my unused muscles a bit.  So I picked a photo from my fall strolls through nearby parks.  I liked the verticles of this one and the way the light caught pieces of the trees.   I like the result.  Very gratifying.

Cape Marsh 4

16 x 20 Oil on Stretched Canvas

This one was from a scene I took a photo of during the summer months some tine ago near Sandwich, MA.  Lots of light and warmth and life.  A great place to stroll.

Cape Marsh 3

16x20 Oil on stretched canvas

Another view, same marsh.  Autumn is almost past and the leaves have fully turned to browns.  

Living Large

16 x 20 Oil on Canvas

I found myself at home alone on a stormy Saturday night- perfect for painting.  I've been thinking all week about working on some larger pieces again.  The daunting thing about bigger work ifor me is subject matter- what is worth the extra space?  This size-16x20- isn't even particularly large.  But last night I thought ' why not'.  And I like the result.  It was quite freeing.  I took a walk last weekend in the Minuteman Park in Concord, MA.  Lots of nice trails and the leaves at peak.  I think I have captured the joy of the day-sunlight and crisp temperatures and a lovely slow pace.

Friends Gone Home

24x24 Oil on Canvas

I don't do abstracts often.  I think they are far more difficult than realism, requiring emotion and thought and balance.  This one was painted for friends I've lost to cancer.  Tonight I think of Stephen Gerber who died one year ago this week. An extremely talented composer and conductor and musician and friend- sorely missed.  I painted this one in a year when three friends died within month and I think of them every time I see it.  So tonight- here's to Stephen and Tony and Andrew and Janet....

Lighthouse

11x14 Oil on Canvas

I decided to post one that I did some time ago just because I really love it.  I caught a photo of the lighthouse at Race Point near Truro on Cape Cod last summer and wanted to capture the sense of warm sunlight that day.  I've slowed down a bit since the September 30 Day challenge but am still painting regularly and have 2 on my easel now that I am working on.  The daily pace doesn't allow time for larger pieces or complex subjects.  More to come.

Let it Snow!

 In January, there are people who are in bathing suits and flip flops while I am in Boston and it is 20 degrees. Went small and fast with this little 6 x 6  - fun!