Fountains and Light

Fountains and Light

Acrylic on Paper, 6x6 Inches

My goal for this abstract was to create a blue, formless background upon which to paint structures that would carry the interest.  I added areas of white and very light green blue and lavender to indicate upwelling fountains of water in the darkness.  I put them into the painting in such a way as to draw the viewer into the painting and move his attention from place to place.
 

Come on In

Come on In

Watercolor, Ink, and Pastel - 12x8 on Paper

This is a view of a garden door from Avilez Street, St. Augustine, Florida.  Coming from the heat of the Florida sun into the cool shade and color of the walled garden is an irresistible invitation.  This painting was done on request for a good friend.

Emerging (Abstract 19)

Abstract 19

Acrylic 4x4 on paper

My objective on this painting was to build my composition upon a focal area in the upper left.  I started with areas of orange and blue which seemed to clash, and the blue won out along with help from lavender and red with white.  In the end, though, a yellow influence remained.

Boundaries

Boundaries

Gouache and Ink, 4x4 on paper

My goal for this painting was to use the warmer side of the color wheel with blue through yellow only.  This required that the blue and yellow would not be used where they could blend to green.  I wanted the main focal area to be a light area on the lower left with secondary areas in the upper left and upper right.  I added the lines to set "boundaries" between close colors and values and to provide suggestions of movement.
 

Structures 4

Structures 4

Gouache and Ink, 4x4 on Archival Paper

My goal in this painting was to create a point of interest in the upper left with bright yellow and to have that area supported by shades of yellow, green, and blue. I added the lines for definition and to create movement.

Quiet Patterns

Quiet Patterns

Acrylic on Archival Paper - 4x4

This painting developed into the idea of the focal area on the lower left with repeating colors and values leading to the lower right and then to the upper right.  With my decision to keep the composition quiet, I chose a palette that eliminated all the red and lavender pigments so the all I am using is azo yellow, Prussian blue, and phthalo green with white.
 

Praise in the Dunes

Praise in the Dunes

Ink and Wash, 5x7 on Paper

The wind constantly moves and changes the dunes, and as it does, it carves dynamic breaks and banks in the sand as the sea oats and shrubbery holds back the top of the dune.