Dissolve

“Dissolve”

Oil on panel, 14x11”

It’s been a while since I worked on a series of any kind. I’m not sure if this second painting, with photo references from Makers Mark in Loretto, KY will evolve into one, but it seems to be leading me in that direction.

Spencer County Farm Lane

"Spencer County Farm Lane"

Oil on canvas, 14x18"

I went out sight seeking a couple of days ago, to seek both inspiration and composition. I didn't end up with a whole lot of material, but I had enough to work with to be able to combine photographs together, to make several potential paintings. This is the first.

Black Mountain, oil on board, 14x11"

I returned yesterday from NC full of inspiration. As a landscape painter, I am always invigorated by change of scenery, large expansive spaces containing small intimate shapes.  I tried to capture the light that took over the area for a few moments. The fields were illuminated and shaded by the swift clouds which made for some nice patchwork.

Michigan Dunes

Michigan Dunes, oil on gessobord, 12x12"

I tried to work on still life for about two hours yesterday, but it wasn't happening and they became swipers. I had found this photo a few weeks ago and saved it for another time, which ended up being yesterday and finished today. I need a vacay. Visions of beaches are seeping into my subconscious.

Fishing Lake, Parklands 2

Fishing Lake, Parklands 2, oil on mounted canvas, 10x8"

I struggled with this painting to the point that the first version was wiped away with mineral spirits and a rag. The funny thing is, unlike gessobord, the image didn't completely go away. It was like a ghost :-) So I went with it, started over with the "ghosted image"and eventually was satisfied with the results. This is another image of the beautiful new Parklands of Floyds Fork park in Louisville.

The one less traveled by

"The One Less Traveled By", oil on hardboard, 20 x 16"

Last weekend my son and I went hiking at a mysterious patch of woods in the middle of the city. It is owned by the Archdiocese of Louisville and it is entered behind a parish church and a wonderful historic building that used to house Passionist Priests.  Way down this very path we found remains of a swimming pool formerly used by the priests, and a gratto that still housed Mother Mary, left behind after close to a century of standing in one spot. 

Hushed October

Hushed October, oil on gessoed board, 20 x16"

Nothing is more freeing to me, then walking on a path, when no one else is around. For just a moment or hopefully more, you can pretend that this one small parcel of earth is there only for you and your thoughts. I worked on this painting for several days, as it is bigger then my normal 10x8.  It made me crave patience which I am normally full of, but in the end it all was found and utilized. 

Wheat, path, sky

Wheat, Path, Sky, oil on gessobord, 8x6"

It feels like forever since I picked up a paint brush. I think it has been over a month, so it might as well have been forever. I've been kept away by the preceding's of, the actual event and the post stuff of surgery.  I have not felt well enough or truly had the endurance to sit at the easel, until today. And I am very rusty both in thought and execution...it's amazing how quickly that happens!!  Today I found an older photo that I thought had a strong composition. Unbeknownst to me I was painting in a semi-dark room for the palette  I was using, and when I went outside to photograph it, I received this surprise. Very bright!! Kind of patchwork-ie but overall not a bad re-start.

Parklands #4

Parklands #4, oil on Arches oil paper, 16x12"

I feel like I am gaining momentum with each new painting in this series.  This painting was done from a photo reference with very little light variations. I painted it that way but added a lot more color. 

On a personal note, today is the last day of my Spring Break, and I am already feeling a bit melancholy. I have gotten into a nice routine of waking up, finishing a painting that I started late the night before, posting it, then deciding where I will hike or bike for the day, to explore and take photos.  In other words, doing exactly what I want to do, which I rarely get an opportunity to experience.  I was very productive this past week, so I will heed a warning now, my painting is about to slow back down, much to my chagrin. Thanks for the support I have received through the evolution of the Parklands series. Any artist will admit that comments and "likes" help to keep us going.  So I'm not sure if this will be the last of the series or not. I still have a few interesting photos I want to explore through paint. We will see what this next week brings :-)

Parklands #1

Parklands #1, oil on Arches oil paper, 16x12"

Yesterday, I went hiking in two different rural parks in the Louisville area. It was a beautiful, uplifting experience that yielded many photos consciously shot to use as references for drawing/painting.  I decided after reviewing them on my computer, that it was time for another series. And since I am attempting to use more abstraction, what better time then now.  Here is the first, which I worked and reworked, wiping and scraping paint on and off.  There were a few moments that I wanted to give up on it, but the photo kept drawing me back in to the actual moment I was there. Plein air painting from memory!!!!  Hopefully, I will be able to begin painting 2 with a bit more spring in my step!