Love The Mountains

Smokey Mountain Wildflowers
Oil & cold wax on panel, 10x8

I love hiking in the mountains, taking pictures with my camera or my cell phone, sketching, and plein air painting.  On this trip to the Great Smokey Mountains, I worked on an art journal using pencil, gouache, ink, and colored pencils.  I also did some collage from postcards and brochures after I came home.  This is a studio painting that I completed after I returned.  I learned about using cold wax as a medium while I was visiting artists in the River Arts District of Asheville, North Carolina.  The cold wax medium made by Gamblin makes a very nice, soft painting medium.  It allowed me to build up an atmospheric effect in the background.  The Smokies have more wildflowers and butterflies than anyplace I have ever visited.

Peaceful Art

Awakening
oil on canvas, 26x18

Boats suggest peace and tranquility to me.  I look for old dories to photograph.  There are a few places where I can usually find one or two.  Back in the studio, painting the light and colors reflecting on the water becomes as interesting as the boat.  Making art that is expressive and poetic is always my goal.

The Egret

Listen
oil on canvas 24x18

This egret waded by while I was doing a plein air painting in the early evening.  I put my brush down, picked up my camera, and took photos.  This one barely paid attention as I photographed it.   I used my reference photo and memory for this one.  Egrets look so graceful as they tiptoe through the shallow water.

Water And Reflections

Love Your Solitude
Oil on panel, 6x6

Cocquina Beach in Bradenton, Florida was flooded after a steady rain.  I could see the clouds reflected in the puddles.  Seagulls were standing quietly in the shallow pools.  It was a quiet morning during the week, and the beach was mostly empty.  Painting can be a solitary activity, but I never feel alone when I am out in nature.

The Peace River

Peace River's Edge
Oil on panel 6x6

I have visited the Peace River in Arcadia, Florida several times.  It is a beautiful, quiet place.  I noticed this clump of branches on a bend of the river.  The light was sparkling on the water, and the colors of the water varied.  During the afternoon, people drifted by on canoes and kayaks.  Rivers are meditative places for me.  I always feel lucky to be able to spend time in nature, looking at it and painting my experience.

A Glorious Sunset

Gathering
Oil on panel, 6x6

Here is a gathering of seabirds at the edge of the water during the sunset.  The water was sparkling with red and orange as the sun went below the horizon.  I could barely see the birds against the bright light, so I painted them as dark silhouettes.  Watching sunsets is a favorite pastime here in Florida.

Painting Without Edges

Stillness
Oil on panel, 7x5

Marshes make a nice painting subject when you live in the very flat Southeast.  I like looking at the sparkling water through tall grasses.  I softened the painting by blending it with a paper towel dipped in medium.  By taking away the edges of objects, I created a feeling of oneness and atmosphere.  I want the air, water, trees, and grasses to seem connected.  That is the way we normally see things before we start focusing more closely on an individual object.

Palm Trees, Water, And Herons

Deep Creek
Oil on panel, 6x6

Deep Creek is a quiet area near Port Charlotte, Florida.  This heron was standing still at the edge of the water when I started the painting.  When I see a bird that I want to paint, I do a quick sketch in my notebook, in case it decides to fly away before I have finished painting it.  Then I use the sketch and my memory as my reference.  This was painted on a cloudy day.  The reflections of the trees in the water were soft and muted.  This is the type of off-the-beaten path scene that makes Florida unique.

Snake Island And Casey Key, Florida

Casey Key, Florida
Oil on panel, 6x6

Here is a view of Snake Island, which is near Casey Key in Florida.  I'm not sure why it is named Snake Island.  I was painting this scene from the North Jetty Park.  As I looked across the water I noticed a boat parked near the beach.  The water was an amazing, warm, tropical blue.  I tried to express the restful, serene quality of the beach and the boat sitting still near the beach.

Wild Horses On My Mind

Triumphant
Gouache on paper, 10x8

Wild horses have been on my mind a lot lately.  So much harm is being done to them.  Many horses have been removed from our public lands by the BLM, under a false pretext.  Here is my vision of wild horses running freely and joyfully.  I hope that those of us who are advocating for the protection of our wild, American horses will be triumphant.

Evening Plein Air Session

Time To Pause
Oil on panel, 10x8

Ken Thompson Park in Sarasota is a great place to paint at any time of day, but my favorite is the evening.  I had to paint quickly as the sun was getting lower, and the shadows longer.  The great blue heron was standing still in the shallow water for a long time.  I painted the calm, stillness of the evening.

Wild Horses Running

Let's Go Fast
Gouache on paper, 7x5

Here are some wild horses running.  I simplified the shapes and added some bright colors.  This painting shows the motion of the horses.  In order to do that I had to let go of some details.  I generally like less detailed, more abstract images.

Painting With Gouache

Free Wheeling
Gouache on paper, 10x8

Gouache is an opaque watercolor.  It is good for painters who aren't very skilled with watercolors, because the opaqueness allows you to make changes and repaint areas.  Gouache has a matte finish that is pleasing.  It works best on heavy, high quality watercolor paper.  This painting was inspired by the Salt River Wild Horses in the Tonto National Forest of Arizona.  I hope to visit that area someday and take photographs and do some plein air paintings of the horses in the water.  Years ago, I tubed down the Salt River in the Phoenix area and it was a great way to see the desert flora while enjoying the cool water.

Ocean Sunsets

Ocean Dreaming
oil on canvas, 24x24

Sunsets over the ocean provide an endless variety of painting material, especially when there are clouds.  As the sun dipped behind the clouds, I saw many reflections and splashes of color on the water.  This is a view of the Gulf of Mexico, which usually has more greenish-blue, but on this evening I saw some purples and greys as the light faded.

Light On The Water

Edge of the Sea
oil on canvas 14x11

Painting, for me, is ultimately about painting the light.  When I paint a scene, I am seeking to express what light symbolizes.  Light can evoke love, truth, peace, and timelessness.  I chase the light with my paintbrushes and camera, ready for those moments when the land, water and living things in front of me are bathed in light.  I prefer painting the romantic light of early morning and evening.  I often focus on scenes with water and reflections, such as sea and sky.  While I watch and study, the ordinary world around me is transformed by light into the sublime.  I seek to share poetic and mysterious moments with my art.  My goal is to transcend literal representation and express the spirit and spark of life in nature and living things.  I see myself not as an imitator of the natural world, but an interpreter of it.  My art is a way to share my inspiration and appreciation with whoever stops to look.

Sailboats in Sarasota Bay

Tranquil Morning
Oil on panel, 11x14

I returned to one of my favorite view of Sarasota Bay - from Island Park near O'Leary's and Marina Jacks.  It was a cloudy morning, and the water looked like a pale greenish-blue.  This study shows the softness of the morning light, and expresses the tranquility of the scene.  Painting at the same location many times has helped me improve my sailboat paintings.

More Dune Paintings

Wandering Paths
Oil, 10x8

Even though I get tired of paintings of sand, dunes and grasses on the beach, I feel like doing one once in a while.  Here is a plein air study from South Lido Beach in Sarasota, Florida.  I captured the reddish glow on the sand, and the dark blue tone in the water.  This is what it looked like early in the morning.  I haven't been to Lido Beach for a while.  There are two beautiful areas of the park - the Intercoastal view and the Gulf view.   It is one of my favorite places to paint but it is a little bit of a drive for me.

Painting a Backlit Scene

Early Morning Glow
Oil on panel, 14x11

Here is a backlit scene painted on site at Ken Thompson Park in Sarasota, Florida.  It was around 8:45 in the morning, and I was facing into the light.  The buildings and boats were surrounded with dazzling light and reflections.  When painting a backlit scene, I use more greys because the objects appear as silhouettes.  Painting white objects backlit by strong light is tricky because the white areas are actually darker than the surrounding light.  In this painting, I used lavender-grey on the whitest boats.  I added a little cadmium yellow to the white paint in the reflections.  This also creates contrast of warm (white & yellow) against cool (white & lavender) areas.  I kept the edges as soft as possible, especially on the buildings in the background.  This helps create the illusion of light surrounding the objects.  My main objective when I began this painting was to create a feeling of unity of light and atmosphere throughout the entire painting.

Venice Beach

Venice Beach Tower
Oil on panel, 8x10

Venice Beach in Venice, Florida has a sea-green life tower.  Sea-green is one of my favorite colors.  This was an early morning view with soft, pinkish light on the sand and grasses.  Venice, Florida is a quiet city close to several beautiful beaches.

Quick Plein Air Paintings

Across The Sand
oil on panel, 7x5

Along The Beach
oil on panel, 7x5

Many of my plein air studies are small, quick, paintings  I like to get an impression down without a lot of detail.  I'm more interested in expressing feelings and a general sense of place and time of day.  If I want more than that, I will work on a larger piece in my studio from studies, drawings, and photos.  In both of these paintings I was drawn to the view of the water behind the patches of grasses and sand.  These paintings were done at Manasota Beach in Englewood, Florida.

Florida's Native Landscapes

Eternal
Oil on panel, 7x5

Eternal is a plein air study of Ollie's Pond, in North Port, Florida.  Ollie's Pond is in a small park that is surrounded by a beautiful, native landscape with sandy paths.  It is in an area that is still lightly developed, and hasn't been replaced by the horrible, artificial monoculture that is swallowing up Florida.  It is sad to see the relentless destruction of our native lands and wildlife corridors as the powerful, well-heeled development industry dismantle the laws that protect our environment.  I feel like I'm painting paradise before it vanishes forever.  Many of the new residents who buy homes here have no idea what the real Florida used to look like, or how unique it once was.

Vacation Scenes

Vacation
oil on panel, 10x8

Here is a typical beach vacation scene from Manasota Beach in Englewood, Florida.  I love the bright colors of beach umbrellas against water.  This is a very quiet, serene beach, even during the high season.  The Gulf Coast waters change colors all day long.  This was a late morning scene that I photographed after I finished some plein air studies.  I look forward to visiting the beach and doing more studies and photos.

Plein Air Painting In Sarasota Bay on a Windy Day

Windy Day
Acrylic on panel, 8x6

This is a plein air painting of sailboats in Sarasota Bay that I did when I was switching back and forth between oils and acrylics.  I used a lot of gloss medium to keep the paint flowing.  This was before I tried the Golden Open Acrylics, which are much better for plein air than the regular acrylics because they dry slowly.  I was very interested in the reflections of the blue water onto the white boats, and the feeling of the wind.  I like painting better than photography because I find it easier to emphasize certain qualities of a scene that I find the most inspiring, instead of making an objective copy.  I find that the biggest challenge of plein air is to make an interpretive, personal, and expressive painting rather than merely copying reality as if I were a photographer.  I realize that many people who don't look at a lot are impressed with the skill of artists who can make it look "just like a photograph."  I think seeing so much photography has made the public expect to see a photographic look rather than a work of art.  Fortunately, some people like a more poetic impression when they see it.

Painting Boats at Fort Myers Beach Paintout

The Sea Beckons
oil on panel, 11x14

I painted this shrimp boat during the "Paint The Beach - Sandcastles to Shrimp Boats" paintout in Fort Myers Beach in November.  This was my first shrimp boat painting, since we don't have any where I live in Sarasota, Florida.  It was an exciting subject to paint, with all the rigging, nets, and ropes.  I simplified it enough to get a clean looking study.  The quality of light was what interested me the most, as is usual when I'm painting from life.  The boat looked like it was just waiting to be manned and taken back out to work.

Plein Air Tree Study

Up High
oil on panel, 5x7

This is a plein air study of a pine tree with dappled, morning light.  The patches of light had a reddish color.  I noticed how the bark of the pines change from red to grey, depending on the time of day.  This is a very tall tree and I was looking up to paint the top section.  Sometimes I use a plein air session to do this type of quiet, simple study instead of painting a larger view.

Painting the Peace River

River's Mystery
oil on panel, 14x11

While I was doing a plein air study of the Peace River in Arcadia, Florida, a great blue heron flew by.  I had to use my memory sketch of the bird.  I finished the painting in my studio.  I like to includ the local wildlife in my paintings whenever possible.

Colors of the Atlantic Ocean

First Light
acrylic on panel, 6x6

The colors of the Atlantic Ocean on the east coast of Florida are a little different from the Gulf waters.  While visiting the Jacksonville area, I noticed how purple the water looked, especially in the morning.  The sand dunes were higher.  I stood behind some dunes and tall grasses and took some photographs as the sun came up.  This is a small study I did.  I sold the larger painting that was inspired by this study.

Sunset Views

Remember This Moment
oil on canvas, 12x12

I look for dramatic skies.  Sometimes when there are clouds in the late afternoon sky, I rush over to the beach to take photos of the sunset.  This painting was from a photo taken at the Venice Dog Beach, while my dog was playing with his friends.  The sailboat was passing across the horizon, as the sun lowered.  I found the right moment when a patch of light was glowing on the white boat.

Bright Beach Colors

Beach Colors
oil on canvas, 4x4x1.5

The colors at the beach can be very bright and vibrant.  In the middle of the day, the Gulf Coast water is a warm, brilliant blue.  I usually don't paint this tiny, but the 4x4 canvas was a gift, so I thought I would try it.  It would look nice on a small, display easel.

Lots of Blue

Morning in Blue
oil on panel, 8x10

As I was driving over the bridge to Manasota Key, I noticed this sailboat illuminated by the morning light.  I parked my car, snapped a few photos, and went on to my plein air painting session at the beach.  This painting shows the brilliant blue of the water and sky, and the delicate reflections of the white sailboat.

Seabirds and a Sunset

Gathering
oil on panel, 6x6

A flock of seagulls were playing at the edge of the water as the sun went down.  They looked like sillhouettes against the bright reflections.  Doing a backlit scene is challenging, but I like it once in a while.

Florida's Amazing Sunsets

Eternal
oil on panel, 6x6

One of the best things about Florida is the amazing sunsets.  Every evening is another spectacular show.  Sunsets remind me of the concept of eternity.  In my paintings, I try to show the timelessness of nature.

Light on the Water

Final Moment
oil on panel, 7x5

The sunlight reflects on the water for one final moment before the sun sinks below the horizon.  I tried to really show the wetness of the water and the softness of the atmosphere.  This is a painting of Siesta Key Beach as you face North.

Seascapes and Clouds

Cloudy Morning
oil on panel, 7x5

Clouds and seascapes make a winning combination for a painting subject.  In this view, there was just enough light shining through the clouds to lighten up the water.  The sand has a pinkish glow early in the morning.  I like to bring my dog down to the boardwalk at the beach and sit with a cup of coffee, sketching and taking photos.

Studying Nature with a Paintbrush

Cypress Study 2
oil on panel, 6x6

I started this on site at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, and finished it in my studio.  The next time I visit the preserve, I will bring gouache and drawing supplies.  Meanwhile, I will be working from my photos.  The wild, scrubby branches make a dynamic composition.  Sometimes I like an overall composition without a strong focal point.  This painting has many patterns that repeat throughout.

Natural Florida

Deep Creek
oil on panel, 6x6

The Peace River runs through Charlotte County and empties into Charlotte Harbor. Yesterday, I visited the Navigator Grill in the Lake Suzy/Deep Creek area with the VAC plein air group.  It rained lightly while we were painting but I was able to finish this one.  A great blue heron stood perfectly still under the palm trees that I was painting.  This was another quiet, mysterious, old Florida place.

Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve

Cypress Study 1
oil on panel, 5x7

Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is in Fort Myers, Florida.  It is a cypress swamp with a boardwalk.  I took a lot of photos of the cypress trees and reflections in the water.  This plein air study was the first painting in a series of studies of cypress trees that I am working on.  The preserve is a haven for wildlife.  This is one of the most amazing places I've been to in Florida.  I'm exploring these unique, old Florida natural places with my paints, camera, and sketchbook.

Another Day in the Marsh

Marsh Rhythm, oil on canvas
10x12

When I visit a marsh, I look for a composition with patches of water shining through the grasses.  Here, I found a view with water behind a beautiful tree.  I simplified the whole scene, and focused on the wide variety of colors I found wherever I looked.  As usual, the sunlight came and went.  Lately, it seems like every time I paint outside there are lots of clouds.  I prefer painting strong lights and darks and fairly strong colors.  If the sun comes out for a little while, I quickly make some dabs of the colors and values on the canvas, and do the rest from memory after it gets grey and cloudy.  Plein air painters need to learn how to deal with a variety of weather conditions.

Sea Oats

Breezy Day
oil on panel, 7x5

The sea oats bend in the direction of the wind.  I like the way they look against the light sand and water.  The sand at Siesta Key Beach is very light, almost white.  On the morning that I shot this photo, the water was pale blue.  Painting and taking photographs is a good way to become more aware of the nature around me.  I am lucky to live in such a beautiful area.

Looking for Patterns in Nature

Marsh Patterns
oil on panel, 7x5

There are a lot of marshes in Florida.  I look for places where I can see the water through the grasses, because it makes interesting patterns.  I also look for patterns of light and shadow, and warm and cool colors.  The grasses had yellow, gold, orange, brown and green areas.  In this painting I brought out the colors and patterns that I found in the scene.

Painting Trees and Patterns of Light and Dark

Tree Patterns
oil on panel, 7x5

Here is another plein air to studio painting.  I started it in a park in Mount Dora, Florida over a year ago.  I liked the slender, curly branches and the colorful foliage in between the trunks.  After I returned from my trip, the painting sat in a pile in my studio, half finished.  Everytime I looked at it, I thought it had potential.  Last night, I jazzed it up with some brighter colors and more contrast.  I used my imagination and memory.  It was no longer a literal representation of what I had seen.  Sometimes it helps to think of a painting as an abstract, and just focus on the shapes, colors, lines, patterns, and contrast.  I think this one will make a good study for a larger painting.

Peace River Study

Around The Bend
oil on panel, 6x6

This scene is from the Peace River as seen at Morgan Park in Arcadia, Florida.  I used one of my photos taken during a plein air session.  This location is an hour drive so I will need to rely on my photos for some of my paintings.  The colors in the water were changing constantly while I was painting and taking photos.  In this view, I liked the curved shape of the river and the skinny branches.  The Peace River is very peaceful except for when obnoxious noisy airboats go by.

Tonal Series

Stillness
oil on panel, 7x5

I've started a series of tonal paintings.  By tonal, I mean scenes with soft, subtle light, preferably early morning or late in the day, and muted colors.  This was a quick, plein air study of a marsh on a grey day.  I am amazed at how the colors in water change as it reflects the sky above.  My last few plein air sessions have been focused on water and trees.  In this painting, I barely suggested the background trees and treated them as a simple shape.  I also used some textural effects instead of a more literal representation, in order to express the quiet mood of the marsh.

Year Of The Tree

Quiet Afternoon
oil on panel, 5x7

This study was done at Twin Lakes Park in Sarasota, Florida.  Everytime I visited the park I noticed how beautiful it was, and I wanted to come back and paint.  I finally found time to spend a whole day painting there.  This was the painting I did in the morning, before the clouds came in.  There was an alligator slowly floating around at the other end of the lake.  I saw egrets, herons, osprey, anhingas, and vultures around the lake. 

I am calling 2015 the year of the tree because I am planning on doing many plein air tree paintings.  The best thing about painting trees in the Southeast is the spanish moss.  It reflects color and changes with the light.  I have seen gray, green, yellow, lavendar, and red tones in the spanish moss.