Warm November Wind

 

Warm November Wind, Watermedia, Acrylic w Rice Paper

 21X14 inches (IM) 29 X 22 inches (FR)

This painting was accepted into the Mississippi Watercolor Society Grand National Exhibition at the Mississippi Museum of Art 380 S. Lamar Street, Jackson, MS.  Please join me for the reception on October 12 from 1 - 3:00 PM.



Aspens in Early Light

 

Aspens in Early Light, Oil, 12 X 9 inches

 

Demo Painting for the River Cities Art Association Meeting 9/14/14.

I used 6 color primary process to mix a variety of greens, quickly developed the major shapes and values in the composition, then added refining details.

Art Rocks, Louisiana Art and Travel Auction

 

 

Some People are Like Dragonflies

Water media - Fluid Acrylic, 10 X 14 (IM), 18 X 22 Inches (FR)

Dragonflies are amazing creatures. They are expert fliers that maneuver like hummingbirds, have been studied by the airforce, and are fierce predators that have been around for thousands of years. This painting was donated for the Louisiana Public Broadcasting, Art Rocks, Louisiana Art and Travel Auction which airs live on LBP on October 23, 2014.

Online bidding begins September 19, 2014.

Recurring Cycle - Dragonfly

Section from a new painting.

I like the transparency of the wing veiling the face of the dragonfly and the almost fragile appearance of the legs. I tried to repeat the gracefulness of the wings and the fragile quality of the legs in the grasses. The background alludes to air, water, and time-the recurring cycle that is nature.



Dark Horses

 

Dark Horses (section)

This is an image that I have struggled with.  My current working process involves intuitive image making, letting myself be led by the color and ideas until the image resolves itself. The horses are from a photo that I took of horses hanging out near a windmill one hot arid summer out west.  I wanted to capture some of that feeling in the work. Last summer I did two backgrounds with the horse painting in mind and finally got as far as painting the horses, but did not finish the work. This summer I was working on the painting above not knowing what it would become.  Then I just happened upon the horses that I had painted on rice paper last summer. They became part of this image. I will probably work some more with the idea because it still does not feel fully realized.

Duskywings

Duskywings and Gold leaves, Fluid Acrylic on WC and ricepaper, 14x10 inches

Duskywings and Cloudwings are somewhat unremarkable butterflies except for their evocative name and the beautiful cloud shapes on their wings. I love the earthy browns and the idea of wings with cloudspots. I paint the idea of nature and may not always do it justice, but the love is there.

Winter Moon

Winter Moon, Acrylic on composite board, 24X18 inches

I began this painting late in the winter as a class demo on using modeling paste for texture.  When I began painting, it was clear to me that it would be a night scene with moonlight and tree branches. A few nights earlier I had awakened in the middle of the night. There was a full moon which revealed a cool but brilliant landscape.  I had forgotten about it, but after starting the painting I discovered the picture I had taken from my kitchen window on my cell phone.  My subconscious artistic self remembered.

Obelisk

Obelisk, Fluid Acrylic, 14x10 Inches
I like dragonflies, birds, and butterflies. They are creatures of  the earth, the air and also water.  I have several varieties of dragonflies around my backyard pond. This pose I have learned is called obelisking and  is something dragonflies do to help stay cool by presenting less of their mass to the sun.

Green Dreams

Green Dreams, Fluid Acrylic, 14X10 Inches

I love the colors of early spring.  Some greens are so bright they almost hurt your eyes and some are more brownish.  I began this painting in early spring and finished it recently. The greens seem highly saturated so that the air almost look greenish gold.  

The Gift

I Dreamed I Became the Light
First Wash

I Dreamed I Became the Light
Step 2

I Dreamed I Became the Light
Finished Painting



Great Blue

Great Blue, Watermedia, 29x22 Inches

What I like about this painting is the stillness of the bird contrasted with the energy in the background.  These birds are very patient and still by nature. 

Work in progress 2

Fluid Acrylic on WC and Rice Paper, 21 X 14 inches 

I finished the painting with the addition of dead trees in foreground and a marsh hawk. The painting seemed to suggest a place of quiet and waiting.  I am drawn to contrasts in nature: light and dark, warm and cool. With the contrast between the live trees and dead trees I attempted to imply that nature is constantly in flux.

Work in progress

Untitled (step 2)

I began this painting with a cool blue wash then dropped in some warm browns. I had thought about putting some rich gold in the landscape but liked the contrast of the brown and blue. The initial wash suggested a landscape so in step two I developed the trees.  I was thinking field and trees, but before I went to bed at 11:00 PM, I added the distant treeline.  The process suggested water and marsh.  I saved some of the "accidents" from the first wash and am trying to let them be a part of the finished painting. 

the Gift (2)

The Gift (Step 2)

 

I have added some distant details to give a suggestion of shoreline based on landforms along the Northwest coast. I also a second layer of wash to the water while saving the sky from the beginning wash.

the Gift

The Gift

This is a the beginning wash for a new painting I am working on.

It is inspired by a relaxation visualization. 



Dawn's Promise

 

 

Dawn's Promise, Watermedia, 29 x 22 Inches

 

Rivers are threads connecting communities .  Rivers are always flowing constantly changing.  Dawn is a time of new beginning, symbolic of the promise that every day is an opportunity for growth and change.  As the sun rises, light gradually pushes back darkness.  The painting is symbolic of the battle of dark and light, but the mood evoked is one of peace with the promise of dawn offering hope . 

Miles to Go

 

Miles to Go Before I Sleep, Acrylic, 36 x 21 inches

For Mike, Happy Birthday.

 

 

Water Dragon Landing, Watermedia

 

This painting (sold) recently won Best of Show in the Hoover Watercolor Society's 57th Annual Spring Exhibition in Shreveport, Louisiana.  The exhibition was held in Norsworthy Gallery, 214 Texas St. The Show will travel to Michelson Museum of Art in Marshall, TX, July 8-August 30, 2014.

 

February 6th, 6:45 PM Artist's Talk

Ouachita River Art Gallery, 308 Trenton Street, West Monroe, LA