Winter

Winter is a time that can be inspiring and also tough for me.  The shorter days and sometimes grey stretches, can leave me a little sad.  Snow is helpful to brighten up the subdued grey of winter. I do look forward to the colors of spring.  Here is a painting of my studio in the snow. "In the Snow" 18x24 oil.

I am getting ready for a painting trip to Maine with the Plein Air Painters of the Southeast, which I am a member. I look forward to painting some new scenery and painting with some great artists and people. 

Below are some paintings from my last trip to Maine this past June.

Painting the figure outdoors is a great experience.  Nature, sunshine and the nude figure go together very well.  I love how the figure reflects the colors of the sun, sky and landscape.

In the Summer Sun, oil 20x24

In the Open Air, oil 20x16

I have not posted on this blog in soooo long.  Facebook is so easy and instant that I have neglected this blog.  So I am going to try and be better at keeping my blog current.  Here are a couple of new paintings to get things going.

"Palace Gardens"  oil 24x20

"Window Flowers" oil 20x16 Alla Prima Plein Air

Recent Paintings

Painting from life is the most fun. Control of the outcome is not as easy as when painting in the studio. Painting with friends is always fun and gives me a chance to see things from a different point of view.

What to do?

I am always trying new ways of painting and approaching new subjects. I try to put last on the list of my considerations - "will someone buy it?" Painting for me is very personal and cherished time. "I take money for it, but I don't do it for money." I know many painters that when considering a painting or subject, the first question for them is about commerce. I am privileged to be able to exercise my God given gifts ( no matter how humble ) knowing that I am free. What a blessing.