At the Coast

5" x 7" watercolor on paper in Moleskine sketchbook

Here is a scene alone the dunes on an eastern coastline. The storm clouds overhead loomed as the rains began to fall.

Well, this will be my last entry for 2007. Since starting this blog in March, I've had over 2500 viewers. Thanks to all who stopped by. Come back for an even bigger 2008!

Cyclists' Portrait

5" x 7" watercolor on paper in Moleskine sketch book.

A somewhat abstract paining of some bike racers. Man, I need to work on my portrait skills! Ha, ha.

Across Lee's Bridge

5" x 7" watercolor on paper in Moleskine sketchbook

This is a view across a river and bridge to the hills beyond. I'm trying out a new tube of Winsor and Newton manganese blue. You can see this intense color in the tree shapes on the right hand side of the painting. This color has wonderful granulation properties. I'll enjoy experimenting with it!

Happy New Year Abstract

9" x 12" watercolor on 90lb. Acquarello paper

A little doodle for beginning 2008.

HNY everyone!!

Waterworks

12" x 9" watercolor on Fabriano paper

A kind of abstract look at a mountain-side waterfall.

North Rim

12" x 9" watercolor on watercolor canvas

Yet another for the 'Winter 2007' collection. I enjoy working

on this Fredrix watercolor canvas. Corrections are very easy in that even

the staining colors do not absorb into the canvas, so wiping out and painting

over is a snap.

Winter Wonderland

5" x 7" watercolor on paper in Moleskine sketchbook

More in the series of winter paintings.

Merry Christmas Tree

7" x 5" watercolor, gouache, and ink on paper

Season's Greetings and Happy New Year to all!!

3 Christmas Cards

5" x 7" watercolor on paper - Moleskine sketchbook.

A quicky, loose sketch of three cardinals with a "patch on patch" background.

This is something Frank Webb does with many of his fine backgrounds. The secret to pulling

it off successfully is keeping the 'patches' very close in value.

Happy Holidays, everyone!!

Untitled

22" x 30" watercolor on 140# cold pressed Arches

This is a full sheet abstract I've started for a friend. Will tweak as necessary to match the decor and wall color in her home. Stay tuned for the finished work.

11/30/07 - Update: My friend said she likes this one as is, so this is the way it will stay. I'm very happy she likes it!

Tree Study

6" x 6" watercolor on Strathmore paper.

This was a study of negative painting techniques. Notice how the

foliage seems to be 'carved' out of the dark background shape. Likewise,

the white tree trunk seems to pop out of the darker background. Negative

painting is very fun to do in watercolor -- it does take some practice.

Chasing the Sun

9" x 12" watercolor on 90 lb. cold press Fabriano paper

An imaginary flight over the Pacific Ocean following the setting sun.

This one came out darker than I would have liked. I over-worked it. That is the risk that all painters take by continuing after a statement has been made. Learning when to stop "fiddling" is much easier said than done!

Cliffs at Dawn

30" x 22" watercolor on 140lb. Hot Press Arches paper

This actually started out as something else in mind, but the painting evolved kind of on its own. I really enjoy working on smooth, hot press watercolor paper. It really takes washes well and when you work full-size, you can use large flat brushes (2" and better).

Peabody Construction

9" x 12" watercolor and ink on 140lb. Fabriano paper

This was done from an on-site pencil sketch at a local construction site.

The tractor/digger looked rather lonely among the brush, but

made for a nice contrast vs. the natural setting.

Beached

5" x 7" watercolor on 90lb. Fabriano CP

Another quick sketch of a warm beach scene. Enjoy!

Quicky Floral

7" x 5" watercolor on 90lb. Fabriano paper

Just a fast, loose sketch of some flowers in a blue pot/vase.

I'm hoping to make larger paintings from these small studies -

somewhere down the road.

Backlit Trees

5" x 7" watercolor in Moleskine sketch book

A fall painting of some trees backlit by late afternoon sunshine.

Office Window View (Las Colinas)

5" x 8" watercolor in Moleskine watercolor sketchbook

This is the view I see daily when looking out the window at

work. Looking into the sun (East) toward downtown

Las Colinas and Dallas, TX.

Paper Stand

22" x 15" watercolor on 300lb. Arches

A park-side view of a lake with a city in the distance. Please forgive the poor perspective on the foreground newspaper stand. I see I was off by a good bit. Oh well, practice makes perfect (so THEY say!)

Thanks for looking.

Randolph Barn

11" x 17" watercolor on 90lb. sketching paper

Just a quick rendition of a nearby barn on some farm land.

It's still 90+ degrees here in TX - waiting for some Fall type weather!

Aqueduct

20" x 30" oil on Yupo paper

An abstract view of an old Roman aqueduct. Yupo paper is a slick-surfaced paper

that can take all media. I've used it before for watercolor and acrylic, now I wanted to

try it with oils. Most of this was done by applying thin layers of paint via the knife.

Morning Stroll

15" x 22" watercolor on 300lb. Arches

An early morning walk with the trusty canine. This is the

first painting on 300lb. paper in a long time. I'm also getting

a bit more brave and working up to more full-size sheets.

Fall Feeling

5" x 7" watercolor on 140lb Canson paper.

I am personally ready for a bit of autumn. Cooler weather, longer

shadows, warmer colors.

Still Life

12" x 16" watercolor on Canson 140lb.

Just more watercolor practice. Keeping the loose style feeling.

Teacher and Student

10" x 14" watercolor on 140lb. Fabriano

I thought I'd do a rare figure study for a change. The photo is of me and one of my favorite artists -- Charles Sovek. This was taken at a workshop I took in AZ. The painting was done rather quickly, in a loose style that I've been experimenting around with. If nothing else, this just proves that I need to work on my "people" paintings :^)

I need to get more confident with painting facial details without getting too picky and overly detailed. Anybody who has ever worked with watercolor can tell you that this is easier said than done!

Capricorn Cove (aerial view)

12" x 16" oil on masonite panel (unframed)

$20.00 (free shipping to US)

This is a bird's-eye view of a coastal town. I used very fluid oil paint and worked in layers. Each additional layer used 'fatter' paint (more linseed or stand oil mixed with turp). I'm finding I really enjoy working with a more fluid painting style. I'll experiment further and display some more here. As always, thanks for looking and your comments are welcome!