Cedars and Muhly Grass

Cedars and Muhly Grass

 Pastel on Sanded Paper, 6x9

This quick exercise that started with a "spontaneous" watercolor, and it evolved into this study of cedar trees and muhly grass on the dunes.  As it progressed, it took a life of its own.  In order to correct weaknesses in the basic composition, I added the path, extended the pink muhly grass and moved the cedar tree to the left and back.  I had to abandon much of the native color to get the values and movement in the painting to work.

Autumn Dunes

Pastel, 12x18 on UArt

In the autumn, the muhly grass seems to blaze with pink fire between the dunes and the sea oats are taking on their winter tones of burnished bronze.  The late sun paints the path to the beach with light and brushes the tops of the grass with touches of flame.

Dunes and Muhly Grass

First View - 6x6

Second View - 6x9

Third View - 6x9

Fourth View - 6x8

Dunes at St. Augustine Beach, October - reference photo

4 Pastels from one photo - various sizes.

These small paintings were the result of a personal project. I set myself the task to draw different compositions from one photo taking the liberty to add or subtract elements and color to support the composition.
The original photo is one of several taken the same day at St. Augustine Beach.  They were taken in October and the muhly grass was ablaze with color.  This particular view did not include the broad swathes of pink grass, so I took the liberty to add it in my own sketches for color and drama.
The results speak for themselves.  There are innumerable paintings in almost any photo if we take the time to dig them out and let our imagination run loose.

"Marsh in October Colors"

Oil on stretched canvas, 9x12

SOLD

The muhly grass brings in the pink color in waves before the rest of the autumn colors fade.  This is a color study of those colors in oil from some earlier works and reference photos.  The feel in October is one of expectation and dazzle.

This painting was done with larger brushes to limit the detail in order to emphasize the color and drama.

"Sunshine Choices"

Pastel on sanded Gatorfoam - 14x11

SOLD

In October, the muhly grass is spectacular along the marsh.  It is especially colorful at the Little Jetties Park.  This painting is the result of earlier drawings and photographs of a path that follows the edge of the marsh. 

This painting was done at a place where the path divides.  One branch continues next to the marsh.  The other goes through the groves of cedar and palm trees.  Either choice is good.

At the close of yesterday, I took what I had done out in the yard and hosed it off.  Yesterday was filled with frustration.  This is the same panel, new undercoat, new color, and sand, and voila!