watercolor, 2017
A portrait of my sister in better times. She's been fighting cancer for three or four years and was this week admitted to Hospice care as there is little more any of us can do for her.
Update: Susan lost her battle early this morning (Friday, Jan. 27).
watercolor, 2016
available, 11"x15"
From a Google Maps Street View image acquired but not used during Virtual Paintout's Napa Valley month.
watercolor, 2016
available, 9"x12"
Another "sporting" still life. Again, quick and easier than I expected. I wasn't sure about some of the color and lighting effects. But, I'm very happy with this one.
watercolor, 2016
available, 11"x15"
This is from a shot taken during our one decent snowfall last year. It happily breaks one of the cardinal rules of composition -- actually, almost two. 1) There's a heavy line running up the center of the painting. 2) the horizon line also is in the center of the space. The second problem is easy; the actual horizon line is mitigated by the curved line of the tree line. The first problem is ignored because of the graphic nature of the image. Not all images conform to rules (and why should art have to?). Besides, everything else about this image follows other rules like leading and unity. There are five leading lines pulling the viewer into the painting. The line the tops of the trees make against the sky mirrors the tree line on the ground. There's also unity of color in that only four colors were used.
So, breaking the rules is OK if you have a good reason and the image calls for it.
watercolor, 2016
nfs, 9"x12"
This is a portrait of my late brother-in-law attempted in the loose, impressionist style I've been chasing. Frankly, I think this is the most successful portrait/figure I've done in this style. It has it's issues, though very minor. But it's right on target and the things I would change are greatly outweighed by those that are just right.
watercolor, 2016
available, 11"x15"
A loose view of the front of the little Baptist church in Danbury, NC. I wasn't sure about the warm light reflected back into the shadow areas of the eaves and under the porch. But it works pretty well. The reference photo was taken very early one June morning, a nice contrast to January's usual chill.
