March Days

Painting #1 “The Future Is Here” – imaginescape – 14.5 x 19.5 inches

I had no idea where this painting was going. I was in an angst while trying to decipher how I was going to paint it. I threw caution to the wind and ended up with a painting that I am proud of. The sky is abstracted and decided to leave it as is.

Painting #2 “Rapids At Shenanigan Flat” – 11 x 14 inches

When I paint a painting based on a real place, I use a photo to jumpstart from but rely on my intuition about 80%. I never thought that I would work this way because I thought that I bankrupt in the imagination department. Ha! What a wonderful surprise to find that I do have it.

Painting #3 “To Catch A Fish” -11 x 14 inches

There is a story to this scene which is based on an area on the North Yuba river just outside Downieville here in Northern California. I was planning for weeks to plein air paint and when I arrived, a fly fisherman had already arrived. I was not going to be deterred from my plan. I was a bit forceful in asking if he was planning on fishing here. Of course that was the plan but I was hoping otherwise. I asked exactly where he planned on standing and in the outset he was reassuring me (and apologically) he wasn’t going to be in my way. Hilarious the fact that he arrived first.

I always think about that experience when I drive by or paint this scene.

Painting #4 “Shenanigan Glory” – 11 x 14 inches

A joy working on hotpress paper painting my favorite scene on the North Yuba river.

Painting #5 “The Calm Within Chaos” – imaginescape – 11 x 14 inches

I decided to rework this one. I often will pull out paintings to reassess them. Fresh eyes always seems to work.

Painting #6 “Beyond Knowledge” – imaginescape – 11 x 14 inches

I worked entirely by intuition with this one. I worked slowly and just enough detail to give it visual grip.

Painting #7 – imaginescape – 11 x 14 inches

Another painting that started out in angst but it seemed to come together magically. I was determined not to be scared off by the uncertainty.

Painting #8 “Mystery” – imaginescape/semi-abstract – 11 x 14 inches

I started this particular painting with no idea whatsoever in mind. Basically using my 2 inch Chinese hake, I brushed on thick paint on wet paper. I “built” my painting as my intuition guided me. I am convinced more and more this is how I paint the best that fits my demeanor.

Until next time!