Stormy Beach

Watercolor & Ink, 4x6

As the storms of winter pass, the sand fence and sea oats show that they have done their job in holding back the waves.  As the color returns to the sky and water, the old dunes rejoice.
SOLD

Down to the Beach, 2

Pastel on Wallis, 6x9

I have been intrigued by this dune and the path that goes around it to the beach.  The changing light and wind continually paint it with a new and different look.

Pine Point

Watercolor & Ink, 6x4

I pass these pines almost every day, and each time I see them, they are somehow new and different with the changing light, wind, clouds, time of day, weather, and season.  The pines stand in a grove at the end of a long, narrow point of land.  In the midday breezes, they make the point of land seem almost like a ship under sail.

Painting is available on EBAY until 2/3/16

Resting

Watercolor & ink, 4x6

The lowest branches of the tall, old pine tree are bent and gnarled with age.  They provide a perfect resting place for the forest birds that pass.

This painting will be available on EBAY until 2/1/16.

Windy Oats, Studies

 

"Windy Oats, 1" - Watercolor & Ink, 6x4

 

"Windy Oats, 2" - Watercolor & Ink, 6x4 

In these two paintings, my goal was to capture the freshness, the wind, and the freedom of the summer sea oats as they dance with their golden seed heads on the ocean breezes.

I painted these two small studies to be a pair.  They will be available separately on eBay until 1/31/16.  Click here to see Windy Oats 1, an here to see Windy Oats 2

Dawn Palms, Study

Watercolor & Ink, 6x4

When the sun first breaks on the marsh, the palm trees and the small islands are painted with special colors.  The shadows hold the deep blue of the night, but the grasses glow with the fire of the coming day.  
This painting is a value and color study for future work.

It will be available on eBay through 1/29/16 - click here for eBay

Down to the Beach, Study

Watercolor & Ink - 4x6

The sun is the brightest and the wind always seems to be freshest on the top of the dunes.  The fine sand is an irresistible invitation to come down to the beach.

Painting is listed on eBay - auction ends 1/27/2016.

January Mist, Study

Watercolor and Ink, 4x6 Study

January is a season of rain which often settles as a light, penetrating mist.  As the temperature falls, and the day turns to evening, the landscape become more indistinct and filled with shadows.  Things that are near become dark masses and strange shapes, and the distances fades away into mere suggestions in purple and gray.

This painting will be available on eBay from 1/19/16 - 1/26/16

Morning Colors, Study

Watercolor and Ink, 4x6

In the early morning after a night of rain, the surf is up, the air is clear, and the color of the morning paints the dunes with its own shade of lavender.  I love this time before anyone else has time to leave foot prints in the sand.

Painting is listed on eBay - auction ends 1/23/2016.

Beach Path, 2

Watercolor over Ink, 4x6

The paths to the beach often lead between houses on Jacksonville Beach.  On this particular path, the old cement garden wall on one side and a palm tree in the corner of the next-door yard create a dramatic entrance to the bright sunlight of the beach and surf.

Florida Palm, Study

Watercolor over ink, 4x6

This is a representation of a palm tree that stands near a causeway to the beach.  It stands along on a little islet surrounded by salt marsh and water.  In the early morning it provides a striking contrast against the distant lines of trees and marsh.

I do these paintings in this size so that they will fit a standard 4x6 photo frame.

Beach Path, Study

Watercolor over Ink, 4x6

SOLD on eBay

The paths to the beach often lead between houses on Jacksonville Beach.  The walls and bushes create a dramatic entrance to the bright sunlight of the beach and surf

I have begun a series of small watercolor paintings, of which this painting is the first, that I hope will serve two purposes.

1.  I plan to use these paintings as the foundation for larger works in pastel or watercolor.  In these studies, I will explore color and composition seeking to express a more open and liberal interpretation of the subjects.

2.  I will offer these studies on eBay for a low opening bid and free shipping in an effort to find greater exposure for my work and to enlarge my e-mail base for my newsletter by adding people who have purchased my work.

Note on Care of Pastel Paintings

Framing and Care of Pastel Paintings

Paintings in pastel are not fragile, but as with all fine art, reasonable care needs to be taken to conserve their beauty.  As with all pastel paintings, care must be taken to keep anything from touching or rubbing the painting’s surface so be sure to frame them under glass.  As with all art on paper, be careful to protect it from moisture.  The paper and the pigments I use are “archival” in that they should last indefinitely and should not fade, but as with all paintings in color, it is good to keep them from direct sunlight.  If you need any additional information on framing a pastel painting, feel free to contact me.

 
Rick Petersen