My Painting Process -- SOLD

Summer Wind

6x8 Original Oil, on Linen Panel

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My passion is painting marsh scenes!  If you follow my blog, you probably know that I live in coastal South Carolina, with the most incredible, ever-changing view.  This beautiful view is the first thing I see in the morning, and the last thing before going to bed at night.  I often paint en plein air.  But actually, I have done a lot of sketches and studies that get filed away for a rainy day.  Some days I will look at one of my studies, and then just use my creative license.  That is when the fun really begins!

So, I thought I would share my process with you.

1.  First, I like to begin with a toned canvas.  The reason I do this is         to start with a warm tone, and get rid of all that white.  Generally, my panel is lightly toned with either Transparent Red Oxide, or Burnt Sienna.  Using a big brush, I loosely apply a few large strokes, thinned with Gamsol.  It doesn't take much paint!  Then I take a paper towel and rub all over the canvas, until there is just a glow of color.  (Below) 

2.  Then I quickly do a block in.  At this point, I'm not thinking of details.  More importanly, I'm thinking of shapes and values.  It is difficult to see in this image, but I am setting up where my darks and lights will be.  I have established three main values.  The darkest area will be the trees at the horizon level.  (Below)

3.  Next I begin to add color.  I love color, but really prefer to work with a limited palette.  A limited palette assures color harmony.  I am learning I don't need fifty-two colors.  I can mix any color I need.

4.  Having fun, and trying out colors!  Almost there.

I hope you have enjoyed viewing my process.  Please email me if you have any questions.  Thank you for stopping by.

Tacking

Tacking

8x10 inches, Original Oil on Panel

I've been busy working on a few large paintings.  When I'm painting marsh scenes, for example, I also like to have another easel set up with a different subject matter.  This way, when I get tired of working on the large piece or just feel frustrated, I can work on the smaller painting to break things up.

After two days of incredible heavy rain and strong winds, our weather in Hilton Head is beautiful today.  It's perfect for smooth sailing.  Remember this iconic hit, Sailing from Christopher Cross?  Well, here it is...  Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7khQNR7s1Ho

Kyaking on the May

Kayaking on the May

6x8 inches, Original Oil on Panel

I am happy to report that last month I sold six paintings.  I also picked up a large commission.  The best part is that I will donating 100% of my April 2013 sales to Boston One Fund, which will help victims most severely affected by the bombing that occurred on April 15, 2013. Boston had been my home for many years, before relocating to South Carolina.

This little painting was done some time ago.  One day while I was painting near the May River in Blufton, South Carolina, I noticed  a group of kayaks.  It was obvious that some of these people were fairly new at the sport.  Nevertheless, I really enjoyed watching them.

Tomorrow is Derby Day.  I have my big hat already!  Do you?  A group of my friends gather together each year to celebrate with mint juleps... and wager just a little.  We have so much fun!  I hope you have a wonderful weekend.  Stay safe and healthy!

A Little Tweaking

Day Dreaming, II

5x7, Original Oil on Panel

I originally posted this little painting a few months ago.  The more I looked at it sitting on the shelf in my studio, the more it bothered me.  Does that ever happen to you?  So, I decided to tweak it a little.  The sky is now more blue, and less high-key.  I also gave more definition to the cloud shapes, and the trees at the horizon.  I did not touch the foreground.

Here is what it looked like before...

It only took me twenty minutes to make the adjustments.  Some times I can really ruin a painting with "tweaking", but in this case, I'm happy with it now.  What do you think?