Stormy Colors

Pastel, 6x9 on UArt

The colors of the marsh come alive after a rain.  The wet makes the gold and bronze colors pop out of the green, and the shadows flow richly with purple.

Wind Rising

Wind Rising

Watercolor and Ink on Paper, 4x6

As the autumn storms move in, the dunes fall into darker colors, the wind rises, and the pounding waves drive the birds into the air seeking shelter inland.

Unsettled Weather

Unsettled Weather

Pastel 6x9 on Sanded Paper

When the weather changes, the beach takes on its own special wild beauty. As the sun begins to set and the wind picks up, a solitary couple has the beach and the weather to themselves. 

Conversation

Pastel on UArt - 16x12

I started this painting as an inspiration from a painting by John Alfred Arnesby Brown - "The Dutch Windmill," but I wanted my own interpretation of clouds and a broad, flat landscape.  I also wanted to explore the problem of a composition with two, relatively equal areas of interest.  In this case, I wanted the clouds to be prominent, but I also wanted the trees in the sunlight to hold a special place. As a resolution, I used the light to create a "conversation" between the two.

Majesty

Pastel, 12x9 on UArt

As the afternoon showers rise over the marsh, they assemble in majestic splendor and soar into the heavens.  I have reduced the horizon to emphasize the height of the clouds against the blue sky and strength as the storm begins.

Waiting

Pastel, 12x16
As the line of showers approaches, the estuary lies in quiet expectation waiting for the rain.  The long line of pines on the shore have seen the storms come before, and they will weather this one easily.

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.

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.

Timed Study 1 - Rain Coming

Timed Study 1 - Rain Coming, pastel 6x9

This is the first of what I hope will be a series of timed studies in Pastel.  The plan is to limit the time for painting based on the size of the paper - 4 minutes PLUS 1 minute for each 3 square inches of the paper.  In this case the paper is 6x9 - 54 square inches; 54 / 3 = 18. So 4 + 18 = 22 minutes.  It may sound complex, but it works for me.  I also limited my  palette to 16 pieces of pastel, an arbitrary number that seems to be enough to do the work but small enough to make me think about my choices.

I started the project with a simple line drawing on paper of the subject. I am careful at this stage to make sure the proportions of the drawing are the same as the pastel paper I plan to use.

The next step is to draw the basic image/design on the pastel paper with vine charcoal.  I like vine charcoal because it permits me to make corrections and/or erase any part of the image easily with a gum eraser.  

Once I'm, satisfied with the placement of objects and layout, I reduce the charcoal drawing to a "ghost" with the eraser.  I don't want any of the black charcoal bleeding through into the image.

With a concept in mind, I then select my palette keeping in mind the self-imposed limit of 16 pieces.  I make my selections based on color values within families keeping in mind whether the result I want is warm or cool.  For this painting, I selected 2 shades of blue,  3 shades of purple/mauve (warm), 3 shades of green (warm), 3 shades of yellow, 2 orange/pink shades, and one piece of white (warm) which leans toward yellow.

With the paper and pastels in place, I set my timer to 22 minutes and start working.  When the timer goes off, I quit.

As a last caveat, if the timed work has promise, I reserve the right to go back later and "finish" the painting.  I haven't yet decided what to do with this painting.

After the Rain 2

Pastel, 9x12 on UArt

The late summer weather comes in from the northeast, and as the showers come and pass, the rain leaves the salt marsh awash in pristine color.  The wind leaves the water ruffled without much reflection which accents the color and shadows of the marsh.
To purchase this painting, please click on the link - "After the Rain, 2"

Storm Front

Pastel, 6x9 on UArt

Number 18 of '21 in 21' Cloud Challenge

The summer storm clouds come in lines across the salt marsh.  Between their lines, the sun paints splashes of brilliance that blaze in contrast against the shadows on the marsh and the dark clouds.

To purchase this painting, please visit my web page by clicking on "Storm Front"

Rain Coming

Pastel, 6x9 on UArt

Number 17 of '21 in 21' Cloud Challenge

In the summer, the late afternoon rains move in suddenly from the west chasing everyone off the beach.  The sky is reflected in the wet sand left by the retreating tide.
To purchase this painting, please follow the link to my Web Page: Rain Coming.

Piling Up

Pastel, 6x9 on UArt

Number 16 of '21 in 21' Cloud Challenge

In the heat of the mid afternoon, the clouds begin to build and pile on one another with the promise of rain.  The tide is high and the storm's majesty is reflected in the still water.  The heavy haze masks the details and mutes the blazing colors of summer.
To purchase this painting, click here: "Piling Up"

Beach Rain

Pastel, 6x9 on UArt

Number 12 of '21 in 21' Cloud Challenge

As the summer rain stops and the thunder dies away to the southeast, the beach lies deserted, glistening and renewed.  With the tide out, the reflections of the passing clouds stretch smooth, clear, and undisturbed by wave or footprint.
To purchase this painting, visit my web page: Beach Rain