Through Hopper's Lens

The Winsor, Oil on Panel, 24"x16"

Decisions about color and books.  I know that Hopper's works are pared down much more than this.  I don't believe he would have included the books. I'm also sure he would never have an anthurium.  

 

Hopper Light

The Winsor

The Copley Society has issued a call for entry into the juried national show, Through Hopper's Lens.  The artwork should be inspired by Edward Hopper. I'm very excited to try for this show.  Hopper has been an inspiration to and for me.  I love his big blocks of color and light.  Years and years ago I painted a block in Fairhaven, MA which reminded me of Hopper's Early Sunday Morning.  At the time I was living in a small apartment and the painting took almost the entire dining room.  

The day the call came out, I saw the spring light streaming in the window across the Winsor chair.  The shadows, the light, the colors all said, "this is your Hopper Lens".  

 

Wood Ducks, Not in a Row

 

Wood Ducks, 2023, Oil on Panel, 12"x24"

I need a bit of distance from this painting to get a better critical eye.  Currently, I feel it is somewhat dull, lacking in light.  I do know I will wash over the reflections once they are dry to make them less prominent.  I'm also uncertain about the background water and sky.  Should they blend one into the other?, should there be more activity in the water?.  The strongest water is between the 3 ducks on the left.  I may replicate that on the right.  Yes, I definitely will.  But for now, a reprieve and something new on the easel.  

Wood Ducks, Decisions with Modifications.

 

Wood Ducks, Oil on Panel, 12"x23"

I decided the composition would be more dynamic with some diagonal movement.  If the central duck (the boss) was just a bit larger with his head higher it could become the golden ratio. 

Get Your Ducks in a Row

Decisions, Decisions

I generally like my birds all in a row.  It might have to do with the format of the panel.  But, even in square panels I seem to move toward a horizontal format.  I also like the odd number, 5 or 3...not 2, 4, or 6.  There also is generally a 'leader'.  In this case it is not in the least subtle who that will be.  The question is do I want the other 4 to be conversing with the leader.  Or, do I want them just happy little ducks independently swimming along.  I chose the Wood Duck because the feathers are the most beautiful colors.  There is some iridescence which is difficult.  

All of February with an Anticipation of Spring

 

This piece of rhododendrons was done for the juried spring show at Copley Society of Art.  The theme is Refresh.  I'm really not thrilled or even good with thematic calls.  I'm far too literal and also observational in my approach.  Each slide varies in color that was affected by the time of day in the studio when the shot was taken.  The intense magenta is the true representation.  The verdict is yet to be announced.  

The College Seminar, 2023

 

College Seminar, 2023, Oil on Panel, 12"x24"

The Northern Cardinal has several nicknames for groups of them.  College is one such nomenclature.  I feel like the Cardinal sitting on the bowl is Professor.  It could even be the College Bowl.  Today in my yard I heard that familiar Cardinal song that indicates spring and mating.  Then, I witnessed a male gather a seed from the feeder, hop down to the deck railing and feed a female.  Touching.