Sunday, May 29, 2022

Abstract Primaries #11

Abstract #11

 Gouache and Ink, 4x4 on Paper

This is the 11th in my series of small abstract paintings using mostly gouache and ink and using a limited palette of mostly primary colors and white.  My objective for this painting was to avoid straight lines and predictable format.  I wanted this painting to hold two fratues - pleasing colors and a sense of surprise.  I wanted the pink dot to be the center of focus by the shapes and lines as well as by its color.

Friday, May 27, 2022

Abstract Primaries #10

Abstract Primaries #10

Gouache and ink on paper 4x4

This painting is the 10th in a series of abstract paintings using only primary colors and ink.  My goal for this painting was to emphasize the vertical essence with the color while minimizing the geometric accents and ink lines.  I was hoping the starkness of the forms against the "organic" background would create interest.

Wednesday, May 25, 2022

Abstract #9

Abstract Primaries #9

Gouache and Ink, 4x4 on archival paper

I set for myself the challenge to create a workable composition with fewer clear shapes, fewer lines and just two complementary colors.  I did add some purple to warm up the lower left corner and to add some accents in the vortical lines - other than that, the colors are all blue and yellow (which blends to green) with white.

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Abstract Primaries #8

Abstract #8

Gouache and Ink, 4x4 on Archival Paper

This is the 8th in the series.  For this painting, I wanted to place the focal area in the upper right and work with pure blue in the upper left with two secondaries on the bottom.  The light area in the center is balanced by the upper and lower details which keep it from becoming too dominant.
 

Monday, May 23, 2022

Fort and Flagler

Fort and Flagler

Mixed Media, 4x10 inches - Watercolor, Pastel, and Ink

This is the view we have of St. Augustine from Vilano Beach across the Matanzas River.  In the distance the Castillo San Marcos and Flagler College look like one complex, but they are not.  Here are two of St. Augustine's most famous icons sitting together.

This painting was done in watercolor with pastel accents over an ink drawing.

Abstract Primaries #7

Abstract #7

Mixed Media - Gouache, Pastel, and Ink 4x4

I began the drawing for this small 4x4 abstract, the 7th in the series, based on a simple compositional elements.  My goal is to lead the eye from the large green in the upper right through the painting to the bottom center.  My goal is to create motion and interest throughout the painting.

Saturday, May 21, 2022

Abstract Primaries #6

Abstract #6 4x4

 Gouache and Ink, 4x4 on Archival Paper

I constructed this painting using block shapes with the concept of moving from light to dark values and cool to warm temperatures from top to bottom.  I wanted the blue-white panel in the lower left to be the resting place for the viewer and the focal area of the painting.

Friday, May 20, 2022

Abstract Primaries #5

Abstract Primaries #5

Gouache and Ink 4x4

For this series that I label "Abstract Primaries." I limit my palette almost entirely to the primaries and secondaries with white gouache. My goal is to create with color, value, and abstract shapes a pleasing composition with movement between warm and cool, dark and light, and shades of color accented with a few guiding lines.

Thursday, May 19, 2022

Abstract Primaries #4

Abstract Primaries #4

Gouache and Ink, 4x4

I have set myself a challenge to paint one small abstract painting a day for the next 21 days. my goal is to refine my sense of design and composition. I am painting mostly in gouache or gouache and pastel. Up till now, I have carefully avoided doing anything abstract, so this is all very, very new to me.

Wednesday, May 18, 2022

Abstract Primaries #17

Abstract Primaries #3

 Gouache on archival paper, 4x4

This painting was redone and renumbered as "Abstract #17."

This small painting went through several iterations of color and value to get where I was pleased.  I was pleased with the way structures emerged from random marks.  

This is the 3rd in a series.  I have set myself a task of doing a series of small abstract paintings primarily in gouache as an exercise to sharpen my perception of design and as a way to learn the nuances of gouache.

Monday, May 16, 2022

"Abstract #3"

Abstract 4x4 #2

Gouache and Pastel with Ink on paper 4x4

This is another venture into abstract forms with gouache and pastel.  The limited size makes it easier for me to complete them quickly.

I set the basic form with gouache and add pastel to even out color, control edges, and set values.

Sunny Morning

Sunny Morning


Mixed Media - Gouache and Pastel 5x7

This small study is another exercise in mixing pastel and gouache.  I like the wash and tone I can get with gouache as well as the precise details while the pastel is at hand to add sparkle and to tie the painting together.

I selected this view of the ocean and beach through a gap in the dunes to emphasize clear brightness of the morning, the brisk sea breeze, the building waves, and the coming heat of the day.

Wednesday, May 11, 2022

Abstract #2

Abstract 4x4 #1

Gouache - 4x4 on paper with ink

Playing with a new toy - gouache - and a new objective - abstract with primary colors, shapes, and composition.

Estuary with Palm


Estuary with Palms

Mixed Media - watercolor, gouache, pen and ink with pastel

I started this scene of the St. Johns and Intracoastal estuary started as a gouache and watercolor painting.  I added the highlights and texture with pastel.  


Tuesday, May 3, 2022

Stormy Day



Stormy Day

Mixed Media on watercolor paper 5x7.

My objective was to capture the dunes and sea oats on a cloudy day when the colors and values are somewhat muted. I started out as an link and watercolor wash but the colors and values did not work. I tried to fix it with gouache and created some really flat, dull, lifeless forms. Pastel to the rescue! The result in truly mixed media accomplished what I wanted.


Sebastian in Charge

Pastel on Pastelmat - 6x6 This portrait of Sebastian is taken from a series of photos I took of him a few years ago.  It was hard for me to ...