Plein Air

I actually found the time to get outside yesterday and as a result I discovered a great area from which to paint. The day was beautiful, but just as I got set up the wind picked up. It wreaked havoc the entire time which cut things short and left me with a slightly hurried piece, but it was all worth it if not just for happening upon the location. It's a preserved desert island just down the freeway from me with clear views of the surrounding mountains and plenty of wild. I set up not 30yards from a hawk's nest in fact.

I hope to generate some good work out of the spot. I'm also devising a painting/camping trip soon. I will keep an eye on any paintings this time so they don't end up in the fire again.

Spring exhibitions

Next month, my recent landscape diptych 'Apache' will be on display for the Shemer Art Center's exhibit 'Point of Pride' in Scottsdale, showcasing local work of Arizona artists. http://phoenix.gov/parks/shexhibt.html

Currently showing in the Sundust Gallery's exhibit 'Flights of Fancy' is my piece 'In Your Hands' in Mesa, Arizona through next month. Please drop by this charming and supportive gallery for a taste of local artists toil. http://www.sundustgallery.com/

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Apache Junction, what's your function?

A recent color correction has moved this closer to escaping the easel. I suspect a few minor glazes are in order. I am vowing to get into to the field more often no matter the barriers at home. Field work is so much faster and deliberate.

Some tweaks led to more tweaks which then required some revisions and in turn the corrections that go with that. Unfortunately, the original 'tweak' involved upping the key for the sky dramatically, hence the chain reaction. The result? I am more satisfied with the tonal composition, but have some foreground color issues to address. That said, I am back to where I should be with this. Some glazes and a little knife work and we'll see where we are. Yes, the yellow will be tamed.

Now, to watch paint dry.

Back to work

I have been busy the last couple of days working on this diptych and below is the progress. I am within perhaps a couple more sittings. I need to complete some planned glazes and to address the foreground. Consider the foreground to be in the 'underpainting' stage yet, so please refrain from the harsh critiques just a touch longer.

That said, I am diggin the mood which is close to my original intent. Expect this one to warm up and expect more landscapes to follow.

Painting is freedom. Painting is flying nekkid in warm currents.