Of Linseed and Pigment

Waterfall III

2009-07-20T09:01:00.001-05:00

9" x 12" Watercolor on Canson 140lb. CP

Stylized watercolor with lots of color granulation.

Night Life

2009-07-16T09:14:00.001-05:00

9" x 12" Watercolor on 140lb. Canson CP

Outside a local watering-hole on a cold winter night.

Midnight Placemat

2009-07-15T09:55:00.001-05:00

12" x 9" Watercolor on 140lb. Arches CP

A flower and some fruit gathered together for a midnight painting.

Holding a Robin's Egg

2009-07-15T09:50:00.001-05:00

12"x 9" Watercolor on 140lb Arches CP

A stylized view of my hand holding a robin's egg. No birds were harmed in the making of this painting! :^)

Fine Day

2009-06-03T11:17:00.001-05:00

18" x 24" watercolor on 140lb. Canson paper.

Vantage

2009-06-03T11:13:00.001-05:00

18" x 24" Acrylic on poster board.

May Day - 10 A.M.

2009-05-28T08:22:00.001-05:00

9" x 12" Oil on primed panel

This view of a poppy field, taken from several photo refs, was bathed in morning sun. The various color nuances are difficult to photograph. Fun to paint, tho!

Brisk

2009-05-15T11:15:00.001-05:00

"Brisk" 18" x 24" Watercolor on 140lb. Stratmore

Lots of granulation, negative shapes, and texture in this piece.

Thanks for looking!

Ladybug in the Middle

2009-04-20T09:42:00.002-05:00

"Ladybug in the Middle"

7" x 5" Oil on canvas

Small abstract done with palette knife.

(Sorry for the flash - will take better picture of this later)

Field of Red

2009-04-01T14:19:00.001-05:00

5" x 7" oil on canvas board

A road-side view of a red field in the early spring.

Park Side View

2009-03-30T09:43:00.001-05:00

9" x 12" watercolor on 140lb. Canson

A view of the distant mountains from a great park.

Spring II

2009-03-23T09:02:00.001-05:00

22" x 30" watercolor on 140lb. Arches

Another Spring-time abstract to get me in the mood. Lots of fun to do!

Spring Fountain

2009-03-09T09:08:00.001-05:00

"Spring Fountain" 2.5" x 3.5" watercolor on 140lb. Canson

An ACEO of a springtime water fountain in a nearby park.

Golden Gate!

2009-02-11T10:01:00.003-06:00

"Golden Gate!" 16" x 20" oil on canvas

View of "the" bridge done for a colleague at work.

Barb's Bouquet II

2009-01-28T14:23:00.001-06:00

4" x 3" Watercolor on Canson 140lbs

Another floral for my Barbara!

Barb's Bouquet I

2009-01-28T14:20:00.002-06:00

4" x 3" Watercolor on Canson 140lbs

A mini-floral for the One I Love so Dearly!!

I love you, Barbara!

Happy Holidays 2008!

2008-12-19T10:23:00.001-06:00

12" x 9" watercolor on watercolor canvas

Season's Greetings to you and your's!

See-Thru Garden

2008-09-12T11:16:00.001-05:00

9" x 12" Watercolor on 140lb. cold press

A transparent view of a floral garden looking into a landscape.

Collage Party#1

2008-09-11T09:46:00.001-05:00

9" x 12" Gouache on 140lb. cold press

An abstract view of a fun time making collage art. Two of my favorites - abstracting and using gouache!

Bottle and Tomato

2008-09-10T09:45:00.001-05:00

9" x 12" Watercolor on 140lbs. cold press

A late-night still life that just had to get out.

Patio Corner

2008-08-08T10:12:00.001-05:00

22" x 15" Watercolor on Arches 140lb. Rough

A view of my patio corner on a scorching summer day.

An Early Snowfall

2008-07-18T08:43:00.001-05:00

9" x 12" Watercolor on 140lb. Cold Press

Abstract 7/18

2008-07-18T08:41:00.002-05:00

8" x 10" Gouache on board

Abstract of the day 7/18/08

Sea Side Surf

2008-07-17T08:57:00.001-05:00

10" x 8" Gouache on board

Water Works

2008-07-17T08:45:00.001-05:00

9" x 12" Watercolor on Canson 140lb Cold Press

Fractured Tales

2008-06-27T17:30:00.002-05:00

9" x 12" Watercolor on 140lb. Canson Cold Press

Another "color patching" painting using Frank Webb's neat technique. The ability for the color patches to fuse edges without merging too much is accomplished on damp, not fully wet paper. After sponging clean water on both the front and back of the paper's surface, a soft towel is rolled and used to squeeze excess water out. It is much like rolling out a pie crust or cookie dough. After this, patches of color can be applied and butted up to each other. Because the paper is damp (but not soaking wet), the edges merge slightly. A really neat effect. It does take practice to get it down, though.

Antiques & Apples

2008-06-22T15:44:00.001-05:00

9" x 12" Watercolor on Canson 90lb. Cold Press

Table top view of some still life subjects. Lots of color, granulation, negative

painting techniques in this one.

Up on the Roof

2008-06-11T08:41:00.001-05:00

9" x 12" Watercolor and gouache on illustration board

A rooftop cityscape in the setting sun.

Scrubs

2008-06-09T08:45:00.001-05:00

9" x 12" Watercolor on Canson 140lb.

A scrubby, shrubby desert scene. This one was fun to paint and just flowed in about 20 minutes. I love it when designs and shapes just seem to flow from the brush. It feels like sheer magic!

Abstract 6_05_08

2008-06-06T13:28:00.001-05:00

7" x 5" oil on canvas panel

Hadn't done an abstract in a very long time. I miss doing them, so I think I will give them another shot!

Forest Rock

2008-06-05T08:39:00.001-05:00

7" x 5" oil on canvas panel

A rock appears peaking out from the edge of a shadowy forest.

Big Town

2008-06-03T08:39:00.001-05:00

12" x 9" watercolor on 140lb. Arches hot press

An abstracted view of a "Big Town"!

Wilderness

2008-06-02T12:09:00.001-05:00

12" x 9" watercolor on illustration board

Layering of warm and cool colors rule here. Hard, soft and lost edges and interesting shapes are the main ideas here.

In Dry Dock

2008-06-01T20:48:00.001-05:00

9" x 12" watercolor on 140lb. Arches hot press

A made-up harbor scene. Patch against patch sky is a wonderful technique I've learned by following Frank Webb's books and videos.

May Flower Love

2008-05-05T18:07:00.001-05:00

12" x 9" watercolor on 140lb. Canson

Another watercolor floral.

Mother's Day - 2008!

2008-05-04T11:52:00.003-05:00

Happy Mother's Day 2008!

I posted this picture last year of my dear Mom and I. She was a truly genuine, loving, kind woman and I miss her more with each passing year. To all out there who are fortunate to still have their Mothers around, please never take her for granted! When she is gone, it is a very empty feeling in your world. Enjoy every day with her!

Canyon Light

2008-04-08T08:32:00.001-05:00

5" x 7" oil on canvas panel

A colorist-type rendition of an interior canyon scene. Brilliant sunlight bounced off the mountain formations and deep, violet/blue shadows made a nice contrast.

Jungle Bird

2008-04-07T08:20:00.001-05:00

12" x 9" oil on museum board

I started this one off with a warm orange/red underpainting. After the basic structure and values were put in, I followed with thick/impasto applications.

Hawaiin Sunrise

2008-04-06T11:01:00.001-05:00

7" x 5" watercolor on Ampersand aquaboard panel

Was a nice, warm day here in Dallas yesterday, so wanted to do a warm painting. This one is the result. Again, shape and negative 'cut-out' painting rule here.

Texas State Bank Show

2008-04-04T08:10:00.003-05:00

These six pieces were selected to be shown in the local display at Texas State Bank. C/W from top left: 'Companion', 'Different Worlds'. 'Central Park, Lewisville, TX', 'NYC: Foggy View', 'Boats at Dawn', and 'Morning Stroll'.

March Madness II

2008-03-25T09:13:00.001-05:00

7" x 5" watercolor and gouache on Aquaboard

A different interpretation of my March Madness from the other day. once again, going for interesting shapes and negative painting concepts.

Cathedral

2008-03-18T08:24:00.001-05:00

12" x 9" watercolor on 65lb. sketching paper

Another quick study for a (hopefully) larger painting later on.

Right now just working on large shapes and playing with color more than subject matter.

March Madness

2008-03-17T08:46:00.001-05:00

12" x 9" watercolor on 65lb. sketch paper

This is a quick study piece showing a mound of wild flowers and weeds thriving in the warm weather we've been experiencing lately. These quick sketches are used to construct larger, full-scale works later.

Trees!

2008-03-06T08:06:00.001-06:00

9" x 12" watercolor on 140lb. Arches HP

Another example of 'negative' painting where darker shapes are cut in after lighter wash shapes are first put down. A mind's-eye view of a deep forest scene.

Hot Park

2008-03-04T08:20:00.001-06:00

9" x 12" watercolor and gouache on 140lb. Arches hot press

A warm painting for a cold winter day. Warm color is abundant, with just a bit of cools mixed in to give some contrast.

Nurturing a child's artistic talents

2008-02-28T20:53:00.003-06:00

My 'muse' is taking a snooze of late. I have many ideas yet to execute with paint. These ideas keep me awake at night with wheels spinning and not being able to rest. I pay for it the next day, but I'll soon get them out of my system and down on paper or canvas.

I have been thinking about the way children approach art and painting. They just do it - no fear of failure or criticism. Proportion, value, color, and design 'rules' are usually ignored, but that's not necessarily a bad thing! They put their feelings, meanings, thoughts into their work, and don't worry about making others happy. They do it to make themselves happy and to give themselves a creative outlet that's so important.

So, I encourage parents to do this: if you have a child that shows even the slightest inkling of interest in painting, buy them a set of cheap paints, a few inexpensive brushes, and a decent pad of watercolor paper (say, 9" x 12" size). Reeves makes an inexpensive brand of watercolor, acrylic, and oil paints in sets of 12 to 18 colors. Canson makes good, cheap (inexpensive) watercolor paper. These can be found in Micheal's or Hobby Lobby stores, along with inexpensive brushes.
Let your kids experiment and delight in applying paint to paper. Let them dream, create, invent, and expand their world via painting. It doesn't cost much in a monetary sense, yet it can have a profound impact on their sense of self. Be that catalyst to spark the artistic side of their lives, even if you think it might be a waste of time.

Who knows what might turn up?

Island Sunrise

2008-02-19T09:00:00.002-06:00

8" x 10" oil on primed museum board

Another impasto oil done with knives. Lots of fun and enjoy working with color mixtures and textures. I'm ready to try this on a larger scale soon!

Flowers for a Winter Day

2008-02-17T14:12:00.001-06:00

10" x 8" oil on canvas

Hopefully I'm pretty much back on track and can continue to post regularly. This is an impasto floral done entirely with various painting knives.

VACANCY

2008-02-07T12:28:00.000-06:00

Hi.

Nope, I haven't disappeared. I'm making some 'adjustment' in my life at the present time, thus no new posts as of late.

Come back soon (end of February). More new stuff is being kicked around in the old noggin. I'll post it here as soon as it's put on canvas or paper!

Thanks for waiting.

DK 2/7

Harbor Town

2008-01-18T16:45:00.000-06:00

18" x 24" oil on cardboard

A whimsical seaport scene. Thought I'd post some more oil paintings, since

I'd been posting watercolors lately.

Untitled

2008-01-17T12:33:00.000-06:00

18" x 24" watercolor and gouache on 140lb. Canson CP

Here is an impressionist landscape done in the style of Cezanne.

A.M. Delivery

2008-01-16T11:59:00.000-06:00

11" x 15" oil on poster board

A city-wide view of an early morning delivery truck.

Citrus Trio

2008-01-09T09:42:00.000-06:00

9" x 12" watercolor on Arches 140lb. cold pressed

A quick still life done in the 'Charles Reid' style. Splattering is a lot

of fun!!

Foggy Morning

2008-01-08T09:13:00.000-06:00

5" x 7" watercolor on paper in Moleskine sketchbook

I'm continuing on with these small studies while I move my studio to a new location. Here is an impressionistic view of an early morning sunrise through the fog.

Midnight Kitchen

2008-01-02T08:21:00.000-06:00

5" x 7" watercolor on paper in Moleskine sketchbook

First for the new year. A late night visit to the kitchen produced this image in my memory. A happy 2008 to all.

At the Coast

2007-12-31T09:33:00.001-06:00

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

2007-12-28T11:51:00.000-06:00

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

2007-12-27T09:43:00.000-06:00

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

2007-12-21T14:40:00.000-06:00

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

A little doodle for beginning 2008.

HNY everyone!!

Waterworks

2007-12-17T09:50:00.000-06:00

12" x 9" watercolor on Fabriano paper

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

North Rim

2007-12-13T09:22:00.000-06:00

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

2007-12-12T12:21:00.000-06:00

5" x 7" watercolor on paper in Moleskine sketchbook

Merry Christmas Tree

2007-12-11T09:43:00.000-06:00

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

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

3 Christmas Cards

2007-12-10T08:28:00.001-06:00

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

2007-11-24T15:40:00.000-06:00

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

2007-11-17T16:59:00.000-06:00

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

2007-11-05T10:03:00.000-06:00

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

2007-11-04T17:06:00.000-06:00

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

2007-10-29T09:36:00.000-05:00

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

2007-10-25T09:31:00.000-05:00

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

Another quick sketch of a warm beach scene. Enjoy!

Quicky Floral

2007-10-23T09:20:00.000-05:00

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

2007-10-22T09:44:00.000-05:00

5" x 7" watercolor in Moleskine sketch book

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

Office Window View (Las Colinas)

2007-10-16T10:07:00.000-05:00

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

2007-10-10T10:14:00.000-05:00

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

2007-10-04T10:33:00.000-05:00

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

2007-10-03T13:02:00.000-05:00

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

2007-10-02T17:44:00.000-05:00

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

2007-09-19T09:48:00.000-05:00

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

2007-09-18T08:45:00.000-05:00

12" x 16" watercolor on Canson 140lb.

Just more watercolor practice. Keeping the loose style feeling.

Teacher and Student

2007-09-17T09:14:00.001-05:00

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)

2007-09-10T13:16:00.000-05:00

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!

Museum by the River

2007-09-09T12:52:00.000-05:00

12" x 9" watercolor on chipboard (unframed)

$15.95 (free shipping to US)

A nice view of an art museum by a lazy river.

Table Service

2007-09-04T16:03:00.000-05:00

12" x 9" oil on masonite panel (unframed)

$19.95 (free shipping in US)

This one was difficult to photograph. Very dark subject and the room lighting kept picking up the brushmarks in the paint. Too much glare. I'll try to get a better pic soon. To see what I was after with this, try squinting your eys when looking. Shows table (with folds in tablecloth), apples, tea pitcher and creamer in basket, and candles. (New photo added 9/10/07 -- don't know if this one's any better, lol!)

Every Day is Different But Nothing Ever Changes

2007-08-31T08:56:00.000-05:00

22" x 30" oil and acrylic on illustration board (unframed)

$19.95 (free shipping in US)

I came up with the title for this one a while back. Just kind of a state of being my life has been going through lately. This one started out with coating the illustration board with several coats of gesso and acrylic gloss medium. After that was dry, watercolor passages were applied (some can still be seen under all the top lyers of paint). Acrylic was applied for the majority of the piece, then a few highlights and textures of oils were put on here and there. I think it's done, although I may tweak it over the weekend.

Working on a New One!

2007-08-30T09:24:00.000-05:00

I know it's been a week or so since posting a new painting. I'm working on a 22" x 30" oil and acrylic piece right now.

It should be completed this evening. I'll take a picture and post it tomorrow.

Stay tuned and thanks for your patience!

D

Midnight Run

2007-08-21T09:15:00.000-05:00

24" x 18" gouache on 140lb. Canson watercolor paper (unframed)

$15.95 (free shipping)

An abstract nighttime cityscape done in a loose gouache style. Lots of fun!

Companion

2007-08-20T09:01:00.000-05:00

16" x 20" acrylic on canvas board (unframed)

$19.95 (free shipping)

Another "spacescape". This one showing a Jupiter-like gas-giant rising over a moon surface or planet. I hope people like these as much as I enjoy doing them. They are very "freeing".

River Run

2007-08-15T09:00:00.000-05:00

9" x 12" watercolor on 140lb. Arches

A nice spot outdoors with a rushing river/waterway, rocks, and bridges. 105 degrees in Texas is rough when doing watercolor. The paint can dry in seconds!! Sometimes a good thing - sometimes not so good.

Life on Mars?

2007-08-14T09:12:00.000-05:00

8" x 6" acrylic on canvas board

Trying my hand at some real, honest-to-goodness "artist quality" acrylics. I've played around before with student brands, but want to see the difference with the artist quality. As an old boss of mine used to say "I'll report back to you shortly".

Copy of "Acapulco"

2007-08-06T09:54:00.000-05:00

6" x 8" acrylic on canvas board

This is a copy of a watercolor done by Frank Webb, titled "Acapulco". I really like the simple shapes and abstract style of the subject. Frank always does a superb job and I really love his watercolors.

Ice World

2007-08-05T15:07:00.000-05:00

24" x 18 " oil on primed cardboard (unframed)

$19.95 (free shipping)

This one took longer than planned. I did it in layers - space and star field 1st, planet and foreground 2nd. Each layer took a while to dry. I am happy with the way this piece turned

out. The icy blue planet illuminates the orbiting moon (foreground), while a warm

distant sun glows millions of miles away. Thanks for looking. More to

follow soon.

Schmidty Goes Deep

2007-07-23T10:25:00.000-05:00

12" x 12" oil on masonite

Growing up in PA, I was a long-suffering Philadelphia Phillies baseball fan. I really began to follow them closely in the early 1970s. One of the bright spots was a 3rd baseman, Mike Schmidt. The terrific infield of Dave Cash (2nd Base), Larry Bowa (Shortstop), and Schmidt at 3rd provided the team with its nucleus for the mid-70s thru early 80s. They won the World Series over the Kansas City Royals in 1980. Ah, the memories.

Keeping America Beautiful (?)

2007-07-22T11:20:00.000-05:00

12" x 9" watercolor on 140 lb. Arches

Sometimes even the most mundane of objects can be made interesting when painted. This trash container contrasts nicely with the beautiful scenery in a nearby park.

Sky, Rocks & Sea

2007-07-20T08:32:00.000-05:00

20" x 16" gouache and oil on primed cardboard.

Some from reference photos, some from memory. I wanted to do some work with gouache, so this was it. Small accents done in oil when the gouache had dried. Sort of Milton Avery-like. He's one of my favorites. Thanks for looking!

The Farm - Detail

2007-07-15T20:01:00.000-05:00

The Farm - Detail shot

I thought it might be of value for people to see a close up of some detail in these paintings.

I hope it helps to see what's going on.

The Farm

2007-07-15T20:00:00.000-05:00

18" x 24" watercolor on 140lb. Arches (unframed)

$15.95 (free shipping)

Another fun sample of a rather quick watercolor.

Detail - Pumpkin Patrol

2007-07-14T14:41:00.000-05:00

Here is a detail on "Pumpkin Patrol" and an example of what is called negative painting. The light wash is applied first. When this wash is dry, a second darker wash is applied to sort of "carve" out shapes and values to present different shapes. It takes some practice and I'm still learning, but this is what makes watercolor so interesting and challenging!

Give it a try.

Pumpkin Patrol

2007-07-14T14:32:00.000-05:00

9" x 12" watercolor on Fredrix watercolor canvas (unframed)

$15.95 (free shipping)

I've started to experiment with the Fredrix watercolor canvas material. It sure makes

working in watercolor a joy. It's easy to correct and lift paint. This painting is a further demonstration in using negative shapes to "carve" forms and make new shapes. See detail posted in the next frame.

Details - Charles Sovek palette at work

2007-07-08T16:05:00.001-05:00

Here is a detailed shot of Charles' palette after completing another gem. Again messy, but who cares when you can paint like him?! Notice the group of small round containers in the upper right of the picture. This was a little setup he developed for use in his plein air work. The back-most container contains corn oil. Yep, corn oil. He uses this to clean his brushes by swishing them a few times in the oil and wiping thoroughly on rags. Cool. Next, two small containers: one with pure stand oil and another with a 50:50 mixture of turpentine and stand oil. These are used as his medium to mix with the paint to add luster and thin the paint. The last, front-most container contains pure turpentine that he uses in the initial lay in. To the right (almost out of the picture frame) hanging off the easel was his mixture of titanium white and the stand oil/turp mixture. He mixes this up until it has the consistency of mayo or yogurt. He then uses this white when he wants to lighen a value, or add highlights. Further down the right is a razorblade glass scraper he uses to clean the palette of dirty/unwanted color. His palette itself is made of plexiglass to save on weight. In the front is an old Spam can (cute touch!) to keep dirty rags, towels and paint scrapings.

Well, that's it for the ws pictures. It was tons of fun, I learned a lot of great tips and lessons that I have put into use in my work. It is so sad that we lost this great master artist, but I am very happy his work lives on in the many people he taught over the years and through his fine books.

Charles' palette - close up

2007-07-08T16:05:00.000-05:00

I was interested in getting a close up of Charles' palette after he was finished with a work. Here it is - he made no excuses for the messy state and he didn't need to. The results are what counts and he kept his colors clean throughout the demo. Notice he uses round brushes. For this ws he rarely used any flats.