Take It On The Run - watercolor

watercolor, 2017

available, 11"x15"

prints also available

      This is from a reference photo I've had for several years afraid to tackle the detail and the shadows. I finally decided to jump in and I'm glad I did. This worked out better than I expected and pops right off the page/screen.

Well Pressed - watercolor

watercolor, 2016

available, 11"x15"

prints also available

      I've done a few neon signs in the past. Most of them -- the successful ones, anyway -- were done large and as realistic as possible. So, I wasn't sure about doing this one only 11"x15" and allowing some leeway with edges and color and blooms. My biggest problem when I'm in the painting process is not standing back and looking at the "big picture," or considering the painting as a whole. I'm always too close looking at and painting details. Part of impressionism and loosening up in general is taking in the big picture, suggesting instead of showing. Precise detail painting is "showing." Suggesting is about giving the viewer the idea of a thing and letting them fill in the details. That's the place I'm going. It's funny how a realist painting with plenty of what look like details reminded me of this. But, some of those "details" actually are just suggestions, a mark here, a dry-brush stroke there.

88 Queen St. - watercolor

watercolor, 2015

available, 11"x15"

prints and gifts also available

      Another one from this year's trip to Charleston, SC before the flooding in October. I was drawn (no pun intended) by the shadows of the utility lines on the white door.

Watauga - watercolor

watercolor, 2015

available, 11"x15"

prints available

      A quick loose piece. I don't paint a lot of animals, but the contrast of the horses against the dark, shadowed background - along with the tree shadows made this scene pop.

Still Flying - watercolor

watercolor, 2013

original available, 15"x22" $450

prints also available

      I'm really surprised I haven't posted this one from 2013 yet. I'm very happy with this one. As usual, though, I hate the background. I've always had trouble with distant backgrounds. That's one reason I've been concentrating on looser landscapes lately.

Old Salem Tavern - watercolor

watercolor, 2014

original available, 9"x12" $150

prints also available

      From a recent trip to the historic Old Salem, a Moravian settlement/town that eventually became Winston-Salem, NC.