Friday, May 27, 2016

15 Bridge Street

Pastel 12x9 on UArt

I have been captivated by this garden gate which I pass almost every time I go to St. Augustine.  Painting it was a challenge.  I had to work from reference photos and memory because of the restrictions place on plein air painters in St. Augustine.  The ornamentation is the critical feature though it is not the focal area of the painting.  It had to be accurately drawn but not overpowering.  I subdued the dominance of the form by keeping its value nearly the same as the background.  The perspective is also important and a little difficult given the short viewing distance and the straight-on angle of presentation.  This painting was completed using NuPastels almost exclusively.
What I hope people will see in this picture is the gate itself.  It stands slightly ajar letting sunlight out and inviting us in.
I left the door handle of the first presentation.  Took another photo in better light 5/29/16.

Friday, May 20, 2016

Palm Expression 5, Palm Expression 6

Palm Expression 5

Palm Expression 6

Pastel, Watercolor, and Ink, 6x4

Added more pastel accents, 5/19/16 - Revised from earlier post.
I completed these two simple paintings of palm trees on the marsh as a reference for later works. My objective was to capture the diffused light on the marsh just before the sun rises.  The original painting is watercolor over ink over which I have added touches of pastel for highlights in the clouds and foliage.  
These paintings were done together on one sheet of paper which I will cut to 5x7 so that they can be framed separately. There is sufficient white space on the edges so that these paintings will fit a 5x7 photo frame without a mat.  However, they will also fit nicely in a 4x6 mat if that is preferred.

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Palm Expressions 5, 6

Palm Expressions - painted together


"Palm Expressions, 5" - 6x4
"Palm Expressions, 6" - 6x4

 Watercolor and Pastel on Paper

Two studies for a rainy afternoon - I completed these two simple paintings of palm trees on the marsh as a reference for later works. My objective was to capture the diffused light on the marsh just before the sun rises.  The original painting is watercolor over ink over which I have added touches of pastel for highlights in the clouds and foliage.  
These paintings were done together on one sheet of paper which I will cut to 5x7 so that they can be framed separately. There is sufficient white space on the edges so that these paintings will fit a 5x7 photo frame without a mat.  However, they will also fit nicely in a 4x6 mat if that is preferred.

Sunday, May 8, 2016

Shadows on Aviles St.

Pastel on UArt, 9x6 - Plein Air


"Shadow on Aviles Street" - St. Augustine - my painting from Romanza on Aviles plein air celebration. This is a view of a gate in the wall at the end of Aviles Street. In the early morning, the shadows paint the coquina wall with inviting patterns. Capturing this view was a little more difficult for me than I expected because my pastel selection in my plein air box is mostly for landscapes and beaches, but I managed to get the effect I wanted.


Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Dune Contrasts

Pastel, 6x9 on UArt

In the early morning, the contrasts of light, shadow, color, and value on the dunes create a sense of wonder and enchantment.  The combination of boldness of color and depth of value presents a challenge for me to paint with that same sense of drama.  I compiled this small painting from notes, sketches, and photographs in order to work out the elements of the scene to create realistic images using these strong color and value contrasts.

Path in the Pines

Pastel 12x16 on LuxArchival 100 This view of an old path through the pine woods has held my attention for years.  The woods are now a housin...