In the Garden

I've been working in the garden almost everyday and love to see the colors change. Every year I plant new things mostly perennials, sometimes I lable them and most times not, so the following year is like christmas because there is always new things popping up that I've forgotten about.

Very Fun!!!

color study

Simplify Simplify Simplify! That is the key to most of my problems. It's hard to describe in words but the idea is to pay close attention to simple form and how the light moves across it. Moving away from fussy little strokes to broad statements of color, value, and form. This applies to all subject matter.

Skagit Valley

I've been reworking this painting since last summer and I am almost there. The barn needs more light on the right side and that should do it.

The clouds rolled in last night so it will be a good day to get through some domestic chores. I'd forgotten what having teens home for the summer does to the house! Their bedrooms are nightmarish. Since it's their space I mostly leave it up to them to decide to clean.

New images

I'm really enjoying the flexibility of summer. My kids are around but have no set schedule so our time is pretty loose.
My goal this summer is to get out as much as possible to photograph inspiring landscapes and do some onsite studies. Winter in the NW can be pretty dismal and have good reference and memories of favorite places is invaluable. So in the summer I live outside!
I am particularly attracted to landscape which shows the influence of humanity without the figure included.
And of course the farmers market is all I need to find inspiration and subject matter for my still life painting.

Summer

A quiet morning to get my thoughts in order and plan the day. It's cloudy and gray so I think I'll paint in the studio.

There is one more class left to teach and my kids are finished with Jr. and High School for the summer. They will be footloose until September. I'm preparing myself for interruptions in the studio and hopefully some day trips to paint outside.

Making progress

I'm always very excited after completing a class or workshop. It never fails that the instructor explains an idea in just the right way that my brain exclaims "Ah Ha! Now I understand!" With a list of new skills and ideas to implement I am in the process of reevaluating my painting process. Terry Miura's workshop has me seriously studying composition. The idea of the artist composing a piece instead of copying what they see is paramount. When I'm out with my sketch book or camera gathering reference and inspiration I will have a new set of eyes to see the world.

Terry Miura Landscape Workshop

This is Terry demonstrating the proces of plein air landscape painting. He's a very knowledgable teacher and generous with his information and experience.

I particularly liked his description of composition, using the idea of a star and supporting cast in a story.

Some other tid bits:

Put a brush stroke down and leave it don't mush it around.

Use big brushes to elimnate the fussy little stuff.

Start simple and build experience.

Do a thumbnail before you paint!

Flowers from the Garden

We've had nothing but rain, rain, and more rain. As a result, the garden is incredibly lush, everything is covered in new growth, buds and blossoms.

Tomorrow I leave for a 3 day plein air workshop in southern Oregon with Terry Miura. I am so jazzed I can hardly stand it.

more works in progress

Mid stage on the bridge scene. It's actuall going well so I'm excited.

the top view of the sailboat is the latest phase on this painting. It still needs work but at least is getting closer to finished.