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Showing posts from September, 2015

Stunningly Beautiful

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The scenario is there before you. You spot a scene that is so stunningly beautiful to pass up. It can happen anywhere at anytime. Usually it is when you are without a camera or too fleeting to capture anything. All you have to work with is your memory to record the vivid detail. Well, such was the case around 5 pm yesterday. We were passing the fall meadow and among the aspens were a magnificent bull moose and a young moose revealing just his ears and head in the tall grass. We returned the next morning to take photos of their resting place. Enjoy the fall colors.

Painted Turtle

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Painted Turtle,   Oil, 12" X 16" These last few days I have felt like this turtle. That is OK because we certainly can use the rain. I went out in the rain and took several photos down around Homestake Lake. It was quite nice being out there. The ducks did not like their photos taken; they swim away before you even get near them. I have been slowly switching to Cobra water soluble oil paints. I really like working with them especially with my sensitivity to chemicals/solvents. For transparency and thinning I use Gamblin Solvent-Free Gel.

Patterns in Nature

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Fall is a favorite for many. It will be here soon and the signs of fall are coming out. Captivated by the colors and patterns foliage produces, I just went out and took a few photos.

Triptych Progress

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This project is going slower because I work on it in-between oil paintings. It is probably a better approach in that I can see it clearer after days away from it. Working on cold press water color paper is a challenge. It is almost like working on blotter paper. And that takes be back to art school with perspective drawing. We were assigned to do a plein air perspective drawing on blotter paper using markers. That paper really soaks up the media with no workable time. Using markers really gave one a headache with the fumes. Back to the current triptych, next time I will go with hot press where the working time is a bit longer.

Working On The Next Ones

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Currently, I am working on 5 paintings. There is much to be said about painting miles and miles of canvas that leads to better quality work. I am working on that diligently. With winter approaching I need to get out and collect reference materials and studies for studio hibernation. And just outside my window wildlife are visiting more frequently. They are great for life sketching.