Going Big

Who Jumps Next?

Having a very small studio space presents challenges when creating larger works.  I've sometimes found paint on my clothes from brushing by a work in progress.  Also, there aren't many exhibit opportunities for larger works.  Most juried exhibits set their largest size as 44 inches, including frame.

This painting, "Who Jumps Next,"  is my first 24 inch x 48 inch painting (and working on my second).  I thought the image needed a large format to give the viewer the sense of being there.  It has been 90% done since last fall since I thought I wouldn't have a place to hang it.

But the Art League of Rhode Island decided to have "The BIG Show," so I quickly re-engaged and finished the painting, just in the nick of time. The exhibit will be at the University of Rhode Island - Feinstein Providence campus and the show will run from April 1-30  (80 Washington Street, Providence RI  02903) 
The Artist's Reception will be on Thursday April 16 from 5-9pm

Now to get going on that second 24x48 painting.

Prepping for a Solo Show

Marble Canyon II

Warm Kitty

Katie in the Pool

I'm going back to the wonderful town of Clinton Connecticut for my second annual solo show at the Henry Carter Hull Library.  I found many, many new collectors last year, so I'm trying to create as much new work as possible this year.

This library has wonderful exhibit space for larger paintings, so I've painted two on the largest canvas I've attempted so far.  I'm also trying to have a nice variety of subject matter.  There are six more paintings "on the easel" in various stages of progress.  My goal is to finish them all, but realistically, a few may be left behind.

It's good to have deadlines.

White Anthurium

Lifeguard Chair

Coffee Break

How to feel productive, without really trying?

 Go find paintings you never finished!

Marble Canyon

Nankoweap Canyon

About two years ago I started learning how to paint with oils.  I used watercolors for many years and even then did not spend a lot of time painting.  When I started with oils, I used the paint much like I did watercolor paint; very thin.  I started painting some images from a whitewater rafting trip through the Grand Canyon, but put them aside.  I'm glad I did.  I've learned a lot in the last few years and I think these paintings are better than if I had finished them before.  In a few years, I may look back at these paintings and say "I could do better."  I finished these paintings, and two below, in record time.  It helps if you have 75% of the painting completed.

Blue Beached Boat
SOLD 

Boogie Board

NOTE:  A year later (2/21/12),  I looked at the two canyon paintings and thought about taking them out of the frame to make some improvements.  This is a good thing!  I've developed better painting skills over the past year.