Wednesday, December 30, 2009

"Sunseekers of Torch Lake" Installed
I love to see my work in installed. It's not always possible, but it certainly closes a visual loop for me. What a great spot for this piece. As you can see, even on a cold winter's day, the Torch Lake blue is amazing here.









Saturday, December 26, 2009

"Sunseekers of Torch Lake" 2' x 6' on Panel - Finished Piece







This piece was a great way to end my painting year! I love the composition, the scale and the feeling of painting on the specially prepped surface (Gesso on recycled panel). All made it fun to paint. Monday it is heading "Up North" as we say in Michigan. There, it will have it's very own view of Torch Lake at the home of a good friend and collector! I have a few smaller pieces in process now, but look to work on this wide horizontal format again.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Sunseekers of Torch Lake 12-14-09








Here is the painting as it has progressed from my 12-6-09 post. This is after 3 - 4 layers of paint. I am really liking the monumental scale of this piece at 6 feet wide and 2 feet tall. These next few layers are where all of the sparkle and fun are added as I play with the surfaces adding more light and shadow.

Sunday, December 06, 2009

Sunflowers for Torch Lake - 2' x 6'

Here is a picture after the first wash-in which is where I cover all of the white with an "underpainting" of pigment. To enhance the depth and luminosity of an oil painting, the old masters worked in layers from dark to light. Light tones and bright highlights being added in the final stages. The one exception that I have found is yellow. Most of the yellows are extremely transparent. So the yellows in the petals are more in the mid-range with shadows and highlights both being added in subsequent layers. This piece will be painted entirely with brushes. I am using M. Grahams oil paint and Walnut oil medium to move the paint. If you are a painter, Graham's products are solvent free and non-toxic as long as you do not eat them ;) It usually takes 3 - 6 layers in various parts of the subject to get the final expression that suits me. Any suggestions for names out there? "Sunseekers of Torch Lake" is rolling around in my head.

Tuesday, December 01, 2009

This past couple of weeks, I have been busy painting my studio and contiguous living spaces in our home. This piece has been on my mind all the while. It is 2' tall by 6' wide and is destined to be hung with a view of Torch Lake. I couldn’t wish a better place for it!