Plein Air Painting Fun

My husband had one of his rare afternoons off yesterday, so I coerced him into going out and doing some plein air painting. The day was absolutely magnificent! High 70s, light breeze, patchy clouds... gorgeous! My painting does not do it justice. We were facing each other as we painted opposite directions on the Menominee River. I think his painting is much brighter than mine. I'm guessing it has something to do with the fact that the sun was shining directly on my canvas, so my work appeared brighter to me in the process of painting it. I love the depth and airiness he achieved. I love painting en plein air!

And as the sun slowly set in the west...

... their shadows melded as one, and they lived happily ever after. I'm a "wannabe" novelist, I guess. Actually, someone recently brought to my attention that every painting should tell a story. My paintings all tell a story, but I haven't given it strong consideration like I've begun doing recently. The process makes me think harder about what I'm "composing." I'm enjoying it!

Evening Stroll at the Lighthouse, Oil, 11x14

The Red Farm

After taking some time out to attend to family and business issues, it's time to get back on that horse and ride! I thought this would be a good painting to start with... This "red farm" is not too far from where I live. I've enjoyed bicycle rides, long walks and drives past this farm, but only recently did it catch my attention as a thing of beauty.

The Red Farm, Framed Oil Painting, 11x14

A Perfect Pair

This was painted using flat brushes, rather than the filberts (rounded) that I normally use. The result of this effort is a different texture than I would achieve with a rounded brush. I like the still life look of this little gem. It pairs well with my earlier painting done on Day 30 of my Personal Challenge. I'm preparing to show at Artarama in Eagle River, WI on July 18. I hope to see you there!

Simple Pleasures

I started this painting on a rectangular board and was very pleased as it progressed. I considered adding more to the background, but I think it would take away from the simple beauty of this image. Now that it's dry, I've decided to cut the board into a perfect square to draw the eye to the center of the painting. I wouldn't try to attempt that if it had been painted on a canvas, although I've known some artists who have done it. The model I worked with was just wonderful! I look forward to painting her again.

Three Graces

This is another in the dance series that I'm working feverishly on. I wasn't sure about the composition of this one, but there's something gentle and serene about it that I really like.

Flower Girl

This was a quick study on a 9x12 canvas. Another attempt at speed painting. I'm finding that the looser I paint, the easier it comes, and the more I like it. This was painted from a photo taken of one of the models at my workshop with Daniel Gerhartz. I just love his work!

Sailing

This one surprised me. I haven't done a sailboat yet, but I really like the way this one turned out. Of course, I had to make sure there were people on the boat!

A Gentle Touch

Here is another "Doctor and Patient" painting. You may recall my previous "Doctor and Patient" painting (see older post), which mirrors the pose in this one. My friends at Northern Lights Clinic were kind enough to allow me to use photos I had taken of them for these works. I can see the changes in my technique since the first one was finished. I've been painting a lot, and trying to "loosen up." What do you think?

Three Crosses

This was painted from a photograph taken by a friend on one of her recent travels. I thought it was an interesting picture, and a bit different than my usual work. Do you know where this photo was taken?

In honor of moms and grammas everywhere...

This one is titled "Self Portrait with Grandchild." It's another 5x7 quick study. Isn't he adorable? Happy Mother's Day to all you moms and grammas of the world!

Quick Kitty

This is Spooky. He's a very friendly stray who has adopted us. I decided to do a quick study of him on a 5x7 canvas. Sometimes I think I work too hard at trying to create a likeness, so every so often I do a "speed painting" and try to learn something from it. I'm not sure what I learned here, but it was fun to do!

Who was that masked dancer?

This reflection was an interesting study that was painted from another photo taken at Ms. Bunting's First Street Academy. If I didn't know better, I'd say her legs in the "mirror" were not the exact reflection of the actual dancer, but they are. I'm learning so much from these figurative works.

Joyful Little Dancers

This group of tiny dancers at Susan Bunting's First Street Academy was just too adorable... How can you not feel their joy?

In Costume

Here is another dancer, waiting in the wings, and absolutely beautiful. Ms. Bunting at First Street Academy in Menominee, MI was so kind to take time out of her busy class schedule to have the ladies dress in costume for me. This pose was particularly challenging, as most people don't stand (or aren't able to stand) this way. Try it! I did, and almost fell over. Getting the knees right in this painting was extremely important...

I Hope You Dance...

This is another in my "dance series" of paintings. Although I took a number of "staged" photos, some of the candids were fun and relaxed, and I couldn't wait to try my hand at this one. This exercise is giving me a lot of valued experience with difference sizes, shapes, poses, and skin colors of the various dancers. I'm putting together a retrospective from this series called "I Hope You Dance," to be introduced at Art for All in Menominee, MI on June 28.

Friends

This is Linda. She and Julie (see earlier post) drove a fairly long distance recently to visit me at East Ludington Gallery in Escanaba, Michigan. I have wanted to do a painting of Linda, and finally talked her into posing for me recently. She is a beautiful person, and we had a fun time that I will cherish forever.

Keeping Watch

These seagulls keep watch almost year-round along Seagull Bar, and spring brings dreams of warmer days here in the Upper Peninsula... I'm on a roll now, and anxious and excited that I have been accepted to show at Artarama in Riverside Park in Eagle River, WI this summer. My work is cut out for me... I'm told this show is one of the exceptional shows of the summer. I hope to define a stronger direction in my work as I prepare.

Time for Reflection

This is another painting in my "dance" series. As I was wandering around the dance studio, this young lady caught my attention as she enjoyed a quiet moment. I'm told reflections are some of the most difficult images to capture. It wasn't easy, but I really like the "feel" of this painting.

A Foray Into Folk Art

I began painting this Escanaba, MI lighthouse with the thought that I need to expand my portfolio to include more mainstream work. As it materialized, it reminded me of old-fashioned folk art paintings that are whimsical and fun. So I decided to try my hand at this time-honored tradition. What do you think?