Driscoll Villa 16x12 Oil

Revisited this painting which I had done of the Driscoll Villa architecture at Laguna Gloria.

Cool Inlet:Field Study (5x7)

Sometimes I'll pack up my travel easel and explore a new area, not knowing what to expect, and when I find something pleasing I'll do one of these field studies. Now, I have a bit more info and possibilities of going back to the scene when the sun is where I want it or going indoors(hopefully in the future) to work on a larger piece from these "notes".

click here to bid

"Balanced Rocks" 12x9" Oil

A little something from last year, out west.

"Castolon and Cactus" 14x11" Oil

Here is one from when I took a trip out to Big Bend last year. I had hiked up by this huge canyon called Santa Elena and explored around to see this view and gave it a shot. The main focus is on the foreground cactus but I did a gesture of Castolon peak in the distance.

"Pace Bend Cactus" 14x11" Oil

I had waited till the late afternoon light bathed the main cactus in a warm glow.

"Lakeside Trees" 14x11" Oil

Went out to Pace Bend park for an afternoon:

"Stairway to Solitude" 14x11" Oil

I was frustrated this morning because I felt as if I'm dependent on the changing colors outdoors. While I"m often motivated by the colors seen outside, I want to also tell a story. Tried to do both:

in the field

"Oak 14x11" Oil

I know one of my weaknesses is in drawing while I think my strength is in color. Perhaps this is because I've mostly painted outside, trying to get the big picture down and chase the fading light. Outside has always been a more pleasing environment for me. Maybe one day I'll have my own studio so I can focus inside on my drawing for a change.

 I've been studying trees lately, trying to learn about their qualities. What sets apart this tree from that? While my past efforts were unsatisfying, I think I'm getting closer to recreating more pleasing forms:

I had started in the morning during a bright, overcast sky in with the sun behind the tree, shining into the clouds the sky was bouncing light around like ground glass and the oak cast its huge canopy onto the ground. Among other things, these huge oak trees are known for their shade.

My instagram photos