Three Late Etudes

New Oats 1 - 7x5

New Oats 2 - 7x5

Windy Morning, 5x7

These three small studies are ink and watercolor with pastel.  They represent my final work of 2016.

Morning Reverie

Pastel, 9x12 on UArt

As the morning fog rises from the pond and reveals the colors and forms of the trees and grasses, I find myself drawn to remember and reflect on all that is good and peaceful.
Looking back over 2016, I set for myself the challenge to select my one favorite painting for the year and describe why it’s my favorite.
“Morning Reverie” 9x12, is my choice for the following reasons:
1. It represents a scene I love and to which I had a distinctly visual and emotional reaction.
2. Painting it forced me to make design and color choices based on values, temperature, and form rather than old habits of color and perceptions.
3. The result communicates a feeling about a time and place rather than a picture of a location.

Late Showers

Pastel 9x12 on UArt

Demonstration done at GNGallery.  In the late afternoon, the brief showers move quickly through the marshes bringing out the deepest colors. 

Last Visitors

Pastel, 9x12 on UArt

In this view of the beach through the dunes, I wanted to capture the color and warmth of the end of the day.  Even as purple and blue creep into the shadows, the open sands and the drifting clouds radiate the memories of a sunlit day.
To purchase this painting, click here.

Estuary, December Afternoon

Pastel 9x12 on UArt

This painting was done plein air at Guana Preserve.  The high, mid-afternoon sky and hazy sunlight over the estuary washed the color from the marsh and trees as it muted the contrasts in values.  For this study, my goal was to capture a true rendering of the scene and atmosphere of the afternoon.

Storm Break

Pastel, 12x18 on UArt

This sunrise view of Jacksonville Beach was inspired by the breaking cloud of a passing winter storm front.  The wind is up, mist shrouds the distant shore, and the surf is till choppy.  At this moment, the sun has broken through to paint a streak of the beach with color an promise.  
I used mostly Terry Ludwig pastels for this painting.

Patty Etude, 1

Umber Pastel on Gray Paper, 14x10

This is my first portrait sketch of my wife Patty since about 1969 - I don't know what has taken me so long.

Self Etude 2

Self Portrait - Pastel pencil on drawing paper

I did this etude from a photo while watching TV - a diversion from the distraction.

Hazy Morning

Original work - Dec. 2016

Rework - July 2017

Pastel, 8x12 on UArt

This is another painting in a series exploring the broad horizons and muted values of the Guana River Estuary.  This painting was begun as a validation of color and design for a larger work, but I am pleased enough with the result to sign it and let it stands on its own.

Hazy came off as dull and boring, so I added color and punched the values.

I reworked this painting July 26, 2017.  I added color to the clouds, sky, and water and changed the temp of some of middle ground to repeat the pinks and reds.

Estuary, December Morning

Pastel 9x12 on UArt

This painting was done plein air at Guana Preserve.  The high, mid-morning sky and hazy sunlight over the estuary washed the color from the marsh and trees as it muted the contrasts in values.  For this study, my goal was to capture a true rendering of the scene and atmosphere of the morning. 
To purchase this painting, click here.

Rain Cloud Rising

Pastel, 12x9 on UArt

This painting was done as an exercise in values during the Stan Sperlak workshop.  I drew the concept from an experience of watching the summer thunder clouds rise over the marsh.  Before they become great towers, the smaller clouds have already begin to bring rain across the distant hammocks and grass.
To purchase this painting, click here.

Coming Through the Fog

Pastel, 9x12 on UArt

This painting was done as an exercise in values during the Stan Sperlak workshop.  I drew the concept from an experience on a foggy morning beside a pond near my house.  The pine trees on the near side seemed to be marching out of the fog while the distant trees remained as hints and suggestions in silhouette.
To purchase this painting, click here.