Sunrise Marsh

Pastel, 6x9 on UArt

I made this composition from a composite of other paintings of these palm trees and the marsh.  The sun is just above the horizon, and the mist is beginning to rise.  This time of day and this view of the marsh are infused with expectation for the day ahead.

Palm Bay

Palm Bay

Pastel 12x12 on UArt

I did this painting to express the sense of stillness and calm that surrounds the slow moving stream as it enters the salt marsh.  On the banks of the stream at the edge of the deep oak forest, the palm trees grow tall and straight.  It is as if these palms guard the entrance to the higher ground, and in the heat of the day, they appear to stand all that much taller.  As the clouds begin to form in the early afternoon, they diffuse the light and cast passing shadows over the marsh.

I updated and revised this painting - lightened some of the deeper areas, added some purple, and added blue tints to the distance.  The essence of the painting is the same.  I was also able to take a better photo.

Watch Tower across the Moat

Watercolor, 9x5x5

Fort San Marcos has guarded the entrance to St. Augustine for hundreds of years, but the sentry posts on the corners still keep watch on the pass and the harbor.
This is one of a series of the "icons" of St. Augustine.

Breezes

Pastel 9x6 

This small painting was inspired by the atmosphere of the beach when the sea fog moves in with the strong winds of autumn.  The bright colors are swept away and the horizon almost disappears. A few spots of color persist in the shadows, but they are overwhelmed by the brightness of the mid-day.

Palms & Cedar 2

Digital Tablet Painting

Printed on W/C Paper, 5x7 signed and numbered - ArtRage1.0.0

This is a view of a small stand of palms with cedar on the edge of the estuary.  When the tide is out, they stand isolated above the sand.  

I have created these paintings so the result will have some of the appearance and freshness of a block print. 

Palms in the Morning

Pastel, 9x12 on UArt

I am always inspired by views of the salt marsh in the early morning.  The gold and pink of the sky washes the grass with color and paints reflections in the water.

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.

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.

First Light

Pastel on UArt, 6x9

When the sun first breaks above the horizon and floods the marsh. the grasses glow with a blaze of spring freshness.  The dark blue of the sky is reflected as an even deeper blue in the still water, and against this tableau the palm trees of the scattered hammocks stand as sentries to greet the coming day.
This painting was completed as a demonstration in the Georgia Nick Gallery in St. Augustine.

Stiff Wind 2

Watercolor & Ink, 6x4

As the sea breeze gains strength, it seems to bend even the palm trees with its force.  The late sun paints the faces of the dunes with blue and purple shadows which exaggerate the reds and browns of the summer grasses.

Stiff Wind

Watercolor & Ink, 6x4

In the late afternoon, the sea breeze gains in strength and blows over the dune face sweeping the grass and palms.

Tomoka River Palms

Watercolor & Ink, 4x6

The palms that grow on the edge of the Tamoka River seldom grow straight but bend and in unusual ways.  This trio of palms appear to be engaged in a twisting, exotic dance.

Palm Expressions 4

Watercolor & Ink, 6x4

I have become intrigued by the possibilities of simple compositions of trees and the variations that can be achieved in color exchanges.  I have been working largely with primary and secondary colors with different combinations - almost a Florida Fauvist?

Palm Expressions 3

 

Final Version

First Iteration....

Watercolor & Ink, 6x4

This painting is an experiment in color and composition with the plan of becoming part of a larger work.  I call these painting, "Palm Expressions."
I took another look at this piece in the morning, and made some needed changes.  I have posted both versions to document the changes.

Dawn Palms, Study

Watercolor & Ink, 6x4

When the sun first breaks on the marsh, the palm trees and the small islands are painted with special colors.  The shadows hold the deep blue of the night, but the grasses glow with the fire of the coming day.  
This painting is a value and color study for future work.

It will be available on eBay through 1/29/16 - click here for eBay

Beach Path, 2

Watercolor over Ink, 4x6

The paths to the beach often lead between houses on Jacksonville Beach.  On this particular path, the old cement garden wall on one side and a palm tree in the corner of the next-door yard create a dramatic entrance to the bright sunlight of the beach and surf.

Florida Palm, Study

Watercolor over ink, 4x6

This is a representation of a palm tree that stands near a causeway to the beach.  It stands along on a little islet surrounded by salt marsh and water.  In the early morning it provides a striking contrast against the distant lines of trees and marsh.

I do these paintings in this size so that they will fit a standard 4x6 photo frame.

Beach Path, Study

Watercolor over Ink, 4x6

SOLD on eBay

The paths to the beach often lead between houses on Jacksonville Beach.  The walls and bushes create a dramatic entrance to the bright sunlight of the beach and surf

I have begun a series of small watercolor paintings, of which this painting is the first, that I hope will serve two purposes.

1.  I plan to use these paintings as the foundation for larger works in pastel or watercolor.  In these studies, I will explore color and composition seeking to express a more open and liberal interpretation of the subjects.

2.  I will offer these studies on eBay for a low opening bid and free shipping in an effort to find greater exposure for my work and to enlarge my e-mail base for my newsletter by adding people who have purchased my work.

Palm Bay

Pastel on UArt, 12x12

I did this painting to express the sense of stillness and calm that surrounds the slow moving stream as it enters the salt marsh.  On the banks of the stream at the edge of the deep oak forest, the palm trees grow tall and straight.  It is as if these palms guard the entrance to the higher ground, and in the heat of the day, they appear to stand all that much taller.  As the clouds begin to form in the early afternoon, they diffuse the light and cast passing shadows over the marsh.

To purchase painting, visit my Daily Paintworks.

Palm Bay, Study

Watercolor over Ink, 7x7

In this view, I have tried to capture the sense of the expanse of the marsh as it appears through the opening between the groves of palms where the fresh empties into the marsh.  The summer haze softens the colors and edges of the distance but intensifies the nearby shadows.  I did this painting as a study in preparation of a larger work, but I like it enough to let it stand on its own.

To purchase, click on Daily Paintworks.