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.
 

Contrasts 1

Contrasts 1

Acrylic on Paper, 6x6

The motivation of this abstract painting was to explore the use of underlying texture with contrasts in hue, value, intensity, temperature, and line.  I am also tying an unusual focal area at the center top at the edge of the painting which intentionally breaks several rules of composition.  I wanted to see if it would work - I think it does and creates a little tension as well.
 

Structures 1

Structures 1 Acrylic

Acrylic on Paper, 4x4

My goal in this small "daily" painting was to experiment with Lucas Pasto acrylic to create texture.  On top of the texture, I added standard acrylic for color.  As the painting developed, colors seemed to fold one into another giving the painting "structure."  I added the lines to separate and add distinction to the color areas.  The idea was to draw the eye to the upper right where it could rest in the dark red and then to the left to circle the painting. 

Experiments 1

Experiments 1

Acrylic 4x4 on Paper

Something entirely new for me - experimenting with Lucas Pasto heavy acrylics to add "dimension" to the flat surface. Set the design and colors with Lucas and went back with standard acrylics to refine the composition and colors.

Acrylic Patterns 1

Acrylic Patterns 1

Acrylic on paper, 4x4

My focal area was to be the two rectangles in the lower left - one is blue the other a light blue violet.  From that I wanted the four quadrants to radiate out with the blue on the left, green on the right.  I used the acrylic because it dies quickly and can work to overpaint in areas and to deepen the saturation.
 

Abstract 1 - Blue Coming Out

Abstract 1 - Blue Coming Out

Acrylic on Canvas, 11x14

This painting is completely abstract.  I started with the blue rectangle with blue in one corner and yellow in another and worked from there.  I limited my palette to the primaries plus white.

Boat Channel II

Acrylic on gessoed Masonite - 20x16

This painting represents a new direction for me in a number of ways. It is in acrylic which I have done before, but it is with larger brushes. I have kept to a limited pallet - cadmium yellow med. cadmium orange, permanent rose, alizarin crimson, ultramarine blue, ultramarine violet, burnt umber, and white.

I have deliberately exaggerated the forms, limited the color and detail, and focused on shapes and glazes to define the scene.

I am going to give this piece a rest for a few days before I sign it and put it away.

Boat Channel II

Second Image 2:15 pm

First Image - 8:30 am

Work In Progress
Picture of work as it stands as I begin this morning as I begin work.
I wanted to get a picture up so I have a reference as I begin work on the reflections in the water.
I also see some other areas that need more attention, but one of the things I find sometimes are easier for me to see in a photograph of the painting than in the painting itself.
Second image has middle distance reflections painted. Trees still a WIP. Start now on foreground, especially the grass and tree on the left.
This is the stage of a work that can scare me. What I've done pleases me, and I am fearful of ruining a good start with a bad finish.

Boat Channel II WIP

Had to walk away - passage on the right was turning to "mud." Wanted to think about the direction and colors.

Took some pictures and decided to post them as a means of interrupting my frustrations.

Added the page from my notebook for reference. See my "note to self" on the bottom. I think you can read it.

Boat Channel II WIP

Acrylic on Masonite - 20x16

I have worked the deepest shadows in the middle ground and distance and added first coat of blue to the water. The reflections of the grasses and trees will be painted over the blue, but I'm planning to let some blue show. The broad areas of water in the foreground will remain a reflection of the sky with some rework and intensification of the color.

The trees in the back and middle distance will need to be made warmer and more articulation will be added.