Bonfire

Bonfire (18 x 24) 2011

Bonfire used some of the same flame techniques as the painting "Campfire".  However, with this one I used some glazing on the orange/red flames to give them some sparkle and depth.  I wanted to get the feel of dark woods contrasted by bright flames.

Campfire

Campfire (11 x 14) 2011

Campfire above actually started out as a small study for the "Bonfire" painting.  I had never painted flames and wanted to practice.  The paint has been thinned with OMS and blended well.  The background has no detail, but like the flames has been blended by using a brush with OMS.

First Paintings for 2011

I've been working on several paintings since last year. I thought I would try to do 2-4 paintings at a time instead of focusing on just one. So over the past 5-6 months I've started and completed the paintings that will be included in individual entries  In fact, I'm actually in the stages of three more paintings right now.  So in the next few months, expect to see more. 

The newest paintings are shown above (as I don't know how to change the order of posts!!).

Wisconsin Culture

Wisconsin Culture (Still Life)

I completed my first still life. I was trying to capture the look and feel (shadows and light) of the 17th century Dutch old masters. Only, I wanted it to be a modern whimsical subject.
I began with a black canvas. This photo shows a bit of glare because the medium is not dry yet.

Spanish Moss and Blossoms

I recently completed the painting "Spanish Moss and Blossoms". It's technically not a completely original painting as I borrowed the basic concept from a print. My brother bought the old framed print at a rummage sale in Florida because he liked the frame. The print was in pretty bad shape-faded and perhaps some water damage. I decided to do a painting with the basic layout of the print but modified enough to be different from the original. I've called it "Spanish Moss and Blossoms". I used an acylic underpainting for values and a unique color feel:

Foamy Shore

Today I finished a seascape that I've been working on for some time. I spend a good deal of time working on the details of grains of sand and the ocean floor in the first few inches of waters. I also tried some different styles on the clouds. Still thinking about the title. Any suggestions? Update on October 1, 2010- I am calling this painting "Foamy Shore".

Stonehenge in Spring Updated

Stonehenge in Spring BEFORE

Stonehenge in Spring AFTER

Last June I was displaying my paintings at an Art Fair in Waupaca, Wisconsin. The painting "Stonehenge in Spring" was facing me all day. I'm alway critical of my own work, but staring at this painting all day was making me sick. So much was missing as far as light, shadow and perspective. A couple of weeks later I took the painting out of the frame and painted over it to include more shadows, light and perspective. Now, I can actually look at it without feeling sick. Comments, anyone?