Geese

This painting is a composite of different photos I took of geese on some water. I needed to create a design that worked and then play with color choices that were interesting for their cool and warm contrasts. When I was almost done I realized that I needed to "push back" the geese on the left so that there was more of a feeling of depth.

Slightly Tweeked

So, I made some very small changes in order to make this painting more dynamic. Added a light green in the back for a better horizontal and darkened and brightened some areas.

Housepainter

One from a while ago. I was teaching on location and this guy was painting the building. I loved the shapes and shadows. Did most of it on location but put on the finishing touches in the studio

The River

Not yet sure about this one yet. It may need some darker "punches" somewhere.

Winter White

The original image had a lot of white and not a lot of sun light but something drew me to it. I tried to bring more color than was obvious and bring out the hints of light.

Simple Pastel Demonstration

Today is a beginning demo I do for new pastelists. I set up a simple still life and proceed with a process which enables students to learn the technique of pastel.

I start with a simple charcoal drawing of a simple set up. Then I add a light value that is only about 1 or 2 values lighter than the page. Then I put a general color for each element. Now it is ready to have fun adding the color.

Adding Color

From my time in Maine. Sometimes I create more intense colors which are hinted at in reality but which I enhance as I have here in the rocks to create a more expressive sense of light.