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.