Trying abstract works in acrylic on canvas.

I had a request for a beach scene. While you know it’s the beach, it has more about the sand dunes and grasses. The cast shadow of the fence adds interest and defines the shape of the dune. I used both watercolor and acrylic, particularly in the grasses.

I managed to finish this piece for the new Workhouse Art Center show starting this week. I had a few ideas for a still life in mind, and they fell into place: color scheme, dark background and this olive oil cruet that I wanted in there because of it’s shape. I need to do still life to sharpen my sense of balance and composition. More to do!

I want to begin a daily painting addition to the website. It requires time and a plan, but I’m starting. Hers is thumbnail I did Thursday while at the Workhouse Arts Center. I will use my composition ideas to paint a larger version.

This 16 x 20 acrylic on canvas was a view I liked while watching the annual golf tournament called “The Memorial”, hosted by Jack Nicklaus. The scene reflects morning with streaming sunlight and bright spring foliage. I love golf because it has views like this. Maybe this is why my game is not so great…I get distracted!

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.