Monday, February 28, 2011

Jude Alexander




This is my son Jude. The painting started with carefully studied washes along the background, using viridian green and rose madder. Then I put a base wash over the carpet made of warmer colors, cadmium red and aureolin. The face started with rigid strokes with a small brush. After an hour of painting, I started feeling lethargic and hungry. I felt I was working and not having fun, so I took a large brush and started throwing colors fast, splashing reds and blues. The hands disappeared all of a sudden, but I didn't care as the focus needed to be on the face. I think having a good composition and color scheme eventually dominated the angry anxious brush strokes. At some point I wanted to throw the painting away. I took a break, ate some breakfast, then when I came back, I was surprised that I actually did a good painting. It does look like him too!!

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Eastport



This is from a photo one my artist friends took from Eastport. There were some buildings in the background that I have eliminated. I wanted to convey a sense of cold and isolation. Still I wanted to have some color. I think I did a good job with this one.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Another snow interpretation




This is the same house from last post, but I decided to create a whole new painting without limiting myself to the photo. Which one is better? Could you see the snow flakes?

Sunday, February 06, 2011

More snow paintings



These are 2 quick paintings 14X11. Each probably took about 30min to an hour. I am not sure if I would call them paintings or studies.