Sea Side Cove

Sea Side Cove

16 x 20

acrylic on canvas

The painting Break of Day, was a drawn from a momentary minute of inspiration. The sun was just cresting over the hill as I viewed it from the studio window. Not even having had my coffee yet, I was still rather in a mental fog, but I knew I had to record the essence of what I witnessed.

So, I grabbed a pencil and a scrap of paper and recorded the moment. I knew that if the sketch held true, then the painting would too.

Break of Day

16x20

acrylic on canvas

A sketch can be a discarded napkin with some scribbles on it, or a piece of note paper or part of the grocery list. What the artist puts on it, at the time is significant, and is often used for further studies, or references for a work. Recently, I have been thinking about how I have been using the sketch as a step off point for a finished painting. Now, I am thinking, that sometimes, my sketch says it all. It doesn't need any further embellishment or adjustment. In, fact, the translation, can often be a step down in the original work, or sketch, and would be better off if left alone and appreciated for what it was. A spontaneous work, done in an inspired moment, and complete as it is. Why not, then, use the sketch, as the work, .. not as a point of departure.

I think, I am going to pursue this concept, to see what develops. ~

More on this later.

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.