Rejoice! A New Painting in Progress

Small sketches for the latest painting, oil on watercolor paper

How joyful it is to begin a new painting!  There is so much hope and anticipation of great challenges ahead to be conquered, new horizons to cross, and a really good painting to enjoy. But in reality the thrill of the whole process is very much befitting to the agony and the ecstasy. Hard as I try, not all paintings will become their best. This is the reality of each new canvas. That is why I begin with as much preparation I feel needed before jumping into it whole-heartedly. But that work still does not guarantee success or get me out of hot water because the painting process itself really is what determines the finished work.

Acrylic and Oil on canvas, 45" x 50" work in progress

The underpainting prepares the basic color scheme and the drawing continues to be finessed as each layer is built. I decided to invert the horses from the original sketch- why? I just thought they looked better facing right. The bird is there because I believe it adds a certain refinement and elevation signifying spiritual and bodily freedom. I try to put them in my work any time I can.

So, here it is so far and when I return the finished painting will be unveiled...

Plein air painting festival July 11-13, 2014

Acrylic on 140lb watercolor paper

One of the locations for Gallery North's Wet Paint Festival this year was at Harmony Vineyards in Head of the Harbor, NY. On Saturday I made 5 paintings moving my easel to different locations around this very beautiful vineyard. Here is my entry for the auction next Friday evening. I chose this because it offers 2 paintings for the price of one and shows 2 views from the same standing point.  The weather was perfect with a light breeze coming off the harbor. Plein air painting is truly one of the best things about being a painter.  I go to work in a location that will ultimately become ingrained in my memory because of the intense visual observations made. It is always fun to see how these studies evolve as the spontaneity of the process keeps it all so refreshing.

A Cardinal's Lair

                                               Oil on canvas 38" by 50" 2012-2014

I wanted to give the viewer a glimpse of a very special and rare abode, a place that we would name a secret jewel in nature, yet common in that vast array of wonders the woods will show us. The frame was initially difficult to work with as I had changed it's color and design more times than planned. But I was determined to make it do what I had intended, to enclose a window into an exquisite world.