Doheny- taking time to relax

The challenging part of this painting for me is that I have no real useful photo reference because the winter has taken its toll with storms and a lot of the vegetation is dead or dormant.  On the other hand, it leaves me open to express the feelings of peacefulness that this area represents to me as I take my walk at the end of the day. The egret makes it magical to me.  It seems impossible that such a beautiful and exotic bird could be living free, here in Orange County, CA., with all the hustle and bustle.

Doheny Underpainting

"Doheny, untitled"  Under painting  2/16/11

Finally, had a chance to get back to the studio to paint on "Doheny untitled."  I woke up and said to myself, "today is going to be a day of fun," and headed for the studio.  It was a great day.  I do walk at Doheny regularly for inspiration.  Winter has taken it's toll on the beach and things do look a little different, but still beautiful.  Thanks to Paula for her supportive comments, which reminded me to post my progress.

Painting Class-negative and positive shape, among other things

Yesterdays painting class was the study of negative and positive shapes using the subject of flower.  Students brought in a flower to study and arrange in a composition.  Some brought in a flower while others worked from photos. Above is the demonstration, starting with a block in using cadmium red progressing to local color.  I found this a great subject because of the interesting shapes the forms made. 
 

This is the finished painting.

"Dance of the Cyclamen"   Oil   9x12

I used painting gel in the background to give texture. This was a fun painting...feels happy, like dancing.

Start of new series

One of my New Year resolutions is to be in nature more.  After one of my recent walks through San Mateo State Park,  I decided to start a new series of paintings featuring the state parks.  I painted a study at Doheny about 3 months ago and loved it so much I decided to make it the first of my series.  The painting is BIG, 24 x 36.  Look at it in reference to the life size sculpture bust next to it.  This is the start of the "block in."  It is very exciting to work this big because I feel it will give me plenty of opportunity to experiment with the paint.  I plan on using a lot of  gel to the paint for body and quick drying.  I am now on my way to Doheny Beach with Rosie to enjoy the rest of this beautiful day.

Three more video paintings

"One Plus Two"    9x12  Oil

These three paintings are subjects I used in teaching videos for Martin F/Weber soon to be released.  I just finished framing them and getting ready to display at the CHA convention in LA January 29-February 1. 

"Waves at Sunset"    9x12   Oil

"Rosie"   9x12   Oil

Making the videos was a great experience and I hope to do more in the future....sculpture?

Apple demo

In Nov.2010 the Martin F. Weber Co/ filmed me teaching a series on "how to oil paint."  This apple was the first, a promotional video really.  Still haven't seen it or the other three.  I know they are in process and hopefully by the end of this month they will be out. 

Organizing Day

 After yesterdays day of sculpting and previous days of painting, my studio was a mess.  Decided to clean and organize. 

 Whew, ready to start again... Better put on my think cap.  Who is that crazy person that got on my blog?