I started this 21 x 14 piece in a watercolor demonstration for the Prince William Art Society at their monthly meeting in April 2009. On that night, I had thumbnail paintings used to setup the composition (I’ve done this scene many times) but was only able place initial washes and blocks of color to explain value differences. We ran out of time!

I finished the piece at home. A few changes were made. Had to scrub out some rocks, add wildflowers for interest to the foreground. Increased the value of middle distance rocks and move them out into the water to lead the viewer away from the building.

Thank you PWAS for having me at your meeting!

The use of florals as subject matter is always enjoyable. This simple one is a bit of a “hybrid” as it combines features of roses with cherry blossoms! The key to a interesting floral composition is to include stages of growth in flowers, with some full blooms, some partially opened , and a few emerging buds. Branches and leaves add to the interest. Here, the use of hard and soft edges helps to keep the eye moving into different areas of the piece.

The annual “Paint Manassas!” art contest was held in the month of May 2009, where artists can paint or take photographs in Old Town or at the Manassas Battlefield Park. “Plein air” painting was encouraged and enjoyable. This was my watercolor entry in the contest (11 x 14 image) and it was judged “First Place”. I photographed the station from the new parking garage. I started the piece outside, then finished it at home. After getting the main blocks of color nearly complete, I found there was empty white space in the foreground.  I decided to paint the street to appear wet from a recent rain, and used the reflection as a foil to the large,  red, tile-roofed structure. I added a few people for interest. The result satisfied me!

The new show “Historical Memories”, begins May 6, Wednesday, at ArtBeat Gallery, Manassas, VA. I recently walked sections of the Manassas National Battlefield to get some ideas for the new show. I also searched re-enactment photos to find replica uniforms and ideas. I decided to have two paintings represent two armies that fought. I still wonder how such a war took place and the carnage that resulted.

The Chapman Mill, later known as the Beverly Mill, was built in 1742 by Jonathan Chapman and son Nathaniel, on what would become the Prince William and Fauquier County line, which passes through the mill. In 1858, the mill was enlarged to seven stories. According to historic records, the mill ground cornmeal and flour for American troops during seven wars. During the Civil War, the Confederates turned the mill into a meat curing warehouse and distribution center. Confederates destroyed the mill after the First Battle of Manassas to keep it from advancing troops. In 1876, the Beverly family restored the mill. In 1998, fire destroyed the wooden interior and roof and what remains are the stone walls. Efforts have been made to re-build the mill.

This watercolor painting is based on my internet research and a short field trip to see the remains of the structure. I also walked the trails to get a sense of the run/water, land, roads and railroad line that made this such a historical site.

Beginning Wed., April 1 through May 3, 2009 several of my artwork pieces, both watercolor and acrylic, will be featured at the ArtBeat Gallery, 9407 Main Street, Manassas, VA 20110. A reception will be held Friday, April 3, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. The public is welcome. 

This is the second baseball and bubble gum painting. This time I used acrylic, on gallery wrap canvas, with no frame. It represents what I recall, especially this time of year. Does anyone remember their baseball uniform, made of wool, in the days before polyester?? Remember how it felt after a soaking thunderstorm!?!  Ah, who cared! Mouth full of bubble gum, dirt on your glove. Wait, did I get a Willie Horton card?? Heck no, it was probably another Smokey Burgess!

The plan was an impressionist image of the ocean shore. I used a limited color palette, but needed, in my mind, a shot of energy. A bit of cadmium yellow for the sunset/sunrise in the otherwise cloudy sky, and aqua blue/green mixed into the sky, ocean and shore. My tools were brushes from 2″ flat to #10 round and palette knife for rich thick textures. Paint was often mixed on canvas, with small amounts of water as      needed. Some paint came  right from the tube onto the canvas. I had to paint outdoors at first to get my base done. I don’t have enough room indoors for this 24 x 48 canvas….maybe someday, somewhere a studio awaits! I finished indoors with an easel that seemed overwhelmed, but it worked. This happens to be the largest canvas I’ve ever done but it was a commission too.

 Another drummer asked me whether I could paint a portrait of Carter Beauford, drummer with the Dave Matthews Band. So I tried and used a photograph. Instead of my usual medium of watercolor, I tried arcylic on canvas. Coincidently, I saw him perform with the band on cable a few nights after I finished painting. Great sound and talent!