Undercolor studies

green flower study on red- 12x12 oil on paper

    I recall when I was experimenting with watercolor paint how I would do apple after apple study in front of a north facing window. I must have done 25-30 different apples before being able to teach myself a way to make them work. Unsatisfied with the results, I moved on to oil studies again with the apples but this time paying specific attention to the color and shape that made a deep crimson short round "macintosh" differ from a cad red, taller "red delicious" type of apple. The most fun to all these silly studies was not only could I name that apple on site but the challenge to find an apple I never met before.
    Much like the apples, I did flower studies on opposite and textured colored backgrounds for practice on how undercolors work in oil painting. I did a dozen studies last spring in a "share project" and enjoyed the practice of this series so much that I thought to consider picking it up again next winter. Then I found some flowers I never met before!!!  They were the elusive green flowers so difficult to find when you are practicing all colors of flowers on all opposite colors of background. Hence I got inspired to return to the series despite plein air season where the the majority of my production is outdoor ...'scapes. At least I am using natural light source instead of the studio lighting from last spring. I doubt that I will be as productive as 2 a week (like last spring) but if the unusual flowers keep sneaking in town... who knows?

New work exhibiting at the History Harbor Museum

The 15th Annual Juried Maritime Art Exhibition is held at the beautiful Harbor History Museum located on the historical Gig Harbor waterfront. The Harbor History Museum is honored to host an exciting venue for artists to showcase their maritime-themed works of art. This will be the fourth year the exhibition will be held at this location. The 15th annual Maritime show has accepted  a one of my paintings for the exhibition that displays from July 27 - September 14, 2014.