TIDAL INLET

16 X 20

ACRYLIC ON CANVAS

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It wasn't on the first attempt that this painting came together. I work it and then decided it was not going where I wanted it to go. After the first initial painting, I sat back on it, and then decided it needed to be reworked entirely. I rubbed out the entire painting, and then proceeded to work on it again, yet this time with the knowledge of where I didn't want to painting to go.

It seemed to take form and shape with a lot more ease this time, and when I stood back, I realized that I got what I wanted. It just took two attempts to arrive there.

COTTAGE BY THE SEA

16 X 20

ACRYLIC ON CANVAS

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I am becoming fascinated with other tools than just the brush. The palette knife, combined with the brush produces a rich texture and vibrant colors, as no hue is diminished by the addition of a thinning agent. Its just the paint, alla prima. I think I will stay with this approach for a while and see where it takes me.

Sea Harbor

9x12

acrylic on canvas

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Done primarily with a palette knife tool. Colors are allowed to meld into each other, and texture surfaces where the paint is thick. I find exciting qualities in this kind of paint application.

You ever wonder what Van Gogh did when he wasn't painting. I mean, everybody has an image of artists always in their studios or out in fields, painting away. But, think about it. There is a lot of time in between to think, meander, get ideas, socialize, hang out, have a beer, tend to the garden, or just look for some place to grab a cheap meal. I mean, artists are people. But people with a passion for getting something created with a burning desire, and in the process, that creates a colorful lifestyle at times. Because, REAL artists, live the life in order to create. Everything is put aside for their work. Unlike a hobby or a recreation,.. it is not a fill in occupation to close the dead space up, while they are on to do something else. Usually the artists life, is built around his need to do his work, and not much will he allow to get in the way. I guess, that is why, an artist would choose to live on the edge of starvation, before giving up his work. How many other things can you think of where that drive is so strong? I'm sure it exists with some other passions as well, but artists have, I think, a corner on that determination.

So, when you see an artist doing something else, besides painting, ... it is always best to assume he is filling his spare time with whatever... not the other way around.

Van Gogh and the rest.. built their life around art. It was never a hobby. A real artist, usually can't afford a hobby.

LIGHTHOUSE BLUFF

9x12

acrylic on canvas

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I am beginning to really love the use of palette knife, as it lends itself to the effect of texture. I find that texture and impasto, create so much more than just the image. When the paint is revealed in the work, and is used as an energetic force, then the work becomes infused with this combination of image and medium. Not dissimilar to how a sculpture is viewed. The viewer takes in both the image, and the medium. Its a dual experience.

I am confident that I will continue to search out any other means to I can, to achieve the effects that help in the completion of my painting. However, or whatever I need to make the painting work, then that is the most important thing.

The day was superb! Soft warm air and the scent of earth. Just last week it was miserable and looked like we were never to see the sun again. Now, its just a memory. Spring has shown it full beauty today. This is what we wait for, and why seasons help us to remember that.

I wouldn't even attempt to paint it. It's too... perfect.

Harbor Along the Coast

11x14

acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas

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The small coffee stained sketch is still at my desk, and I wonder how a scribbled pen and ink drawing, which I can barely recognize, becomes a painting. But, at the time, the sketch was fresh and alive, and I knew exactly what I wanted to say. That is why, if I feel it necessary to add notes and info. bites onto the drawing, just in case I can't get to it right away.

Fortunately this one surpassed my expectations.