Marsh Palms II, Study

Completed work - Pastel over watercolor and ink on paper

This study was conceived to capture the contrast between the flat marsh and the soaring palms and pines.  I set these against the rising clouds of an early morning.

Watercolor underpainting over ink drawing.  I used the watercolor to set the basic values and contrasting colors for the painting.

Dawn Palms, Study

Pastel over Ink and Watercolor on Paper, 5x7

This is a commission painting.  The collector wanted a beach scene with palm trees to balance a painting she already had.  I developed this painting to match color combinations and time of day with her original painting to make a pair.

Bright Passage, a Study

Pastel over ink and watercolor, 5x7

This pathway through the dunes blazes with the brightness of the early morning sun.  Before the sea breeze comes up, the air is calm and clear.  Daily study as a potential for a larger work.
After I posted this, I realized that the lower left corner had some issues with small clumps of grass that were acting as "eye catchers" - these have been fixed, and the photo updated.

White Dunes, a Study

Pastel over watercolor and ink on paper, 5x7

In the early morning, the dunes reflect more of the blue and gray of the sky, and at times they look like snow.  As the sea breeze gains strength, the air is clear and bright accenting the colors of the sea oats.

Palms on the Marsh

Pastel on Wallis, 9x6

This bright view of the marsh with its stately palm trees and their long reflections intrigues me every time I see it.  Breaks in the shadows cast by trees off to the right make the grass in the foreground blase against the deep foliage of the oaks and pines.

I did this painting as a 2-hour demo at the Georgia Nick Gallery in St. Augustine as part of my week-end reception and presentation.  It was purchased from the easel even before I had finished it.  It doesn't get any better than that.