Sunset Along Snowy Boulevard

Sunset Along Snowy Boulevard

This painting is a repeat, although I'd like to think it is better than the first one.   Winter sunsets are so pretty especially when there is a break in the cloud cover at the horizon.   The pink and purple are prevalent because of the lack of yellow light in winter.   People familiar with Day Boulevard in South Boston should recognize the beach, bathhouse and tree lined walkways.

Goldenrod

Goldenrod

Even though I'm pretty sure that I have seen lots of goldenrod in New England, it is the official state flower of Nebraska.   I have an old friend who came to work with me in Massachusetts from Nebraska and fortunately for all who know her, she stayed.

Here is a small depiction of a whole field of this common flower of her birth state.   The yellow reaches far into the distance and disappears into the mist.

New Day

New Day

I used a 12x16 virgin white canvas for this one.   The "wipe out" method is always fun and interesting and yet, somewhat unpredictable.   For a cold day in January, shaking it up would be just the thing!   I moistened the canvas with Gamsol.   This is done so that the initial pigment applied is not absorbed so intensely, still allowing wiping out to the pure white base.    So apply the paint just to turn around and wipe it off you may ask?   Yes.

Transparent colors were used to stain the canvas including  Chromatic Black (Gamblin), Asphaltum (transparent brown), Ultramarine blue.   These colors, when smeared together blended to a mid-range neutral tone.  After twenty to thirty minutes, this underpainting was set enough to start "reverse painting."   I took a smooth Viva paper towel and started wiping out the lightest lights of my reference photo.    This simplified painting process yielded a monochromatic - almost print-like result.  The lack of color gave more impact to the powerful pose itself.  Who is she?   What is the message?  Is is finished?   All good questions that you or I could answer with equal accuracy!

Dapper

Boy in the Tweed Cap (aka.- Dapper)

The light and shadow pattern from this young boy's stylish cap over his face made me think this shot had the makings of an interesting portrait.  It seemed like he was about eight or nine and still had the chubby cheeks of childhood.  No doubt about it, this is a dapper look!

Peacefield III

Peacefield III

Peacefield - Stage 1

The homestead of John and Abigail Adams is located in Quincy, MA and I've painted it several times now.   I just love this rendition which was done for a client with great admiration for John and Abigail Adams, similar to my own.   The formal gardens of the Adams estate reach their glorious peak in August, my favorite time to visit.   The perfectly manicured lawns and short hedgerows counterbalance the riot of flowers clamoring for attention.  Every color is accounted for, and so are the nectar loving creatures - honey bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.

Peacefield - Stage2

To the rear of the property is the presidential library.  It  is relatively small, but has a grand and graceful roof line and chimney, constructed of red bricks mostly covered in ivy.   Each time I visit, I walk to the back gardens to check on the rose bushes stretched out espalier-style on a rose arbor, originally planted by none other than First Lady Abigail Adams.  (Abigail's rose bush can be seen on the left on three black vertical supports.)

Peacefield - Stage 3

I've included photos taken during the painting's development.   I think it is apparent from the first stage that the composition was plain and easy, but strong enough to lead the viewer in, before the eyes return to studying the bright flowers in the foreground....at least I think that is the way most would scan the painting. :)