a real quickie - 16x12"

I did this in about 30 minutes in the late afternoon..........I find that using an old, paint-encrusted panel relieves my anxiety about "wasting paint." I have gotten a lot better about this neurotic mental tendency by playing games like this with myself! The glare on the painting illustrates just how much old paint is underneath. I was feeling trapped in the studio the other day, it was beautiful but beginning to be late afternoon and I simply had to get out; so I did. Not perfect but doing this made me totally happy.

edge of the wave - 20x10"

I got interested in doing some figures again! It's actually been pretty cool (temperature-wise) here and the painting outside has been wonderful but the inevitable pull towards variety has pulled me back into the studio. At any rate, this one has flowed and is nearly done.

late day - 12x10" plein air

This is a study that I finished in the studio.......I've been trying to get out to paint later in the day. This is no small feat since I tend to get up pretty early and usually go out in the morning, returning to paint in the studio in the afternoon. Habits are hard to break but this time of year with the sun setting early makes that a lot easier...........I don't have to wait until 8:00 when my eyes are just too tired. 

time flies!

I was pretty shocked when I realized how much time it had been since I posted..........especially since I've actually been painting a lot. It has more to do with the way I have been painting - Instead of concentrating on studio/completed things, I have been working outside and not worrying too much whether I finish something in a day or have to wipe it down. The top, unfinished plein air (16x12") is an example. This spot is about 30 miles from my house and I totally love painting there.....the light and the tides change quite quickly so doing a painting at that size pretty much ensures more than a day's work. I did go back 2 days later and found that the height of the water was reflecting a completely different light pattern. I will keep this one in my car so, it will be available the next time I paint there or the conditions seem worth making the trip.

The bottom picture (also 16x12") is completed.............I returned to the spot for 2 days and then finished it in the studio from memory. I'll try not to let time get away from me again this month!

a couple of things......

I have been out painting plein air nearly every day in the past two weeks......the top photo is 16x12" and not yet completed. I have often been spending 2 days for the larger outdoor paintings (especially if the location is close) so I need to get back to that site again. The bottom painting is 12x10" and was done mostly on site. I was kind of happy with it but then decided I could make it better....and I did. This is the first time I can really say that that has happened so I guess the tons of hours I have been spending is beginning to pay off!