One More Sunset, A Work in Progress.

 

Sunsets I Have Seen, Shell Beach Onset

I've decided to paint one more sunset for the Marion Art Center Holiday Small Works.  The MAC will take 4 paintings, and I had only 3 with time to do another.  The House Critic and I had been to Onset for the opening ceremony of the new Boat House.  From there we drove to Shell Beach for the sunset.  It did not disappoint.  

Hydrangeas Redux

 

Hydrangeas in Autumn, A Work in Process, 24"x36"

After almost 3 months of preparing other works for shows, I returned to Hydrangeas in Autumn.  I've adjusted the size and color of the leaves to present a more balanced composition.  Currently, I'm working from the background forward.  I'm about 1/2 way across the panel from the left working only those forms and shapes that sit in back of another shape.  My House Critic today questioned why I would depict dying sections on some leaves.  I just replied the Dutch were speaking to me from the past.  

Christmas Plans Works in Progress

Once again under the theme of Sunsets I Have Seen, I am preparing 3 paintings for the Holiday Works show at the Marion Art Center.  

Somewhere in Virginia, Oil on Panel, 6"x12"

Long Boat Key, Oil on Panel, 8"x13"

Buzzards Bay #6, Oil on Panel, 8"x13"

For the Copley Society's holiday small works, I have prepared 4 bird paintings.  

Ruby Throated Hummingbird, Oil on Panel, 5"x5"

Ruby Throated Hummingbird, Art Class, Oil on Panel, 5"x5", Work in Progress

American Goldfinch, Self-Portrait, Oil on Panel, 8"x8" Work in Progress

Red-winged Blackbird #4, Oil on Panel, 8"x8"

 

Agawam River, 2021 Along the Trails

Agawam River, Oil on Panel, 18"x36"

The Agawam River traverses through Wareham, MA and and is part of the Wareham River estuary watershed. It is named in honor of the peaceful Native Americans that helped the Massachusetts Bay Colony establish its first settlement in Springfield, MA.  (per Wikipedia). This area of the River belongs to the Wareham Land Trust. The view here is from the kayak launch looking up river.  As an artist and also a member of both the Wareham Land Trust and the Marion Art Center, I was delighted to find they will be joining hands in promoting both the arts and land preservation with the show Along the Trails. The works must be inspired by, or depicting identified locations, at area land trust properties in Wareham, Mattapoisett, Rochester and Marion. 

The show opens Thursday, October 14 and runs through Friday, November 12, 2021

Hiatus, New Studio, New Beginnings

Agawam River, Wareham, MA

 I have a newish studio.  After almost a month of installing new vinyl floors, painting the walls and rearranging furniture, I am back to work.  This hiatus threw me a bit behind schedule with upcoming shows.  So, I have put the Fall Hydrangeas aside for now and begun work on Agawam River.  

As an artist and also a member of both the Wareham Land Trust and the Marion Art Center, I was delighted to find they will be joining hands in promoting both the arts and land preservation. The mission of the Marion Art Center is to enrich the SouthCoast community by supporting and promoting a vibrant arts experience for all. This year artists are invited to submit works inspired by the natural landscape for the upcoming fall exhibition entitled Along the Trails.  The works must be inspired by, or depicting identified locations, at area land trust properties in Wareham, Mattapoisett, Rochester and Marion. 

As a Wareham artist I am excited to promote the beauty of nature and the outdoor spaces provided to us all by the Trusts and to showcase the local arts.  I am often inspired by the Trusts’ lands when hiking and photographing.  For this show, the Agawam River Kayak Launch is my inspiration.  When photographing there this week, the river was high and fast from Ida’s rains.  The water was crystal clear and the reflections of the greens and the ochres were exciting to capture.

Hydrangeas in Fall, A Work in Progress

Hydrangeas in Fall, Oil on Panel, 18"x36"

Trying to find a green to represent the drying blossoms that isn't too chromatic yet does not appear so gray that image falls flat.  Is everything to heavy on the right, especially the big green leaf?  We'll see.  I really need to think about balance and movement before too much time is put into the details.  

 

Hydrangeas in the Fall, A Work In Progress

 

Hydrangeas in Fall, Oil on Panel, 18" x 36"

Just some grinding detail work.  I still like the pink that pops up here and there.