Sunset And Shell Hunting

 

Sunsets are probably what Saint Pete Beach is best known for, and from what I’ve observed, shell hunting is a close second. So that’s why the first two paintings I did while staying there this February capture those two topics.

Each evening people are drawn to Florida's west facing coastline to enjoy the show, no two ever the same.  This fiery sunset happened from our closest shoreline, which was the Pass-A-Grille Beach. The high contrails and low horizon clouds were lit up in a full spectrum of orange, peach and yellow. As the sun sunk lower, the sky was more vivid and the sand and vegetation became cooler and bluer.   My canvas was a black board to start with and I was able to carve the shape of the figure with my scrape out tool, essentially leaving the substrate unpainted.   I feel like this is exactly the type of painting that will remind me of my favorite part of this getaway.

 

 

Fiery February Sunset

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The second painting was done at the 1st Ave Beach Access at the southernmost tip of the St Pete Beach barrier island.  A very popular spot for shell hunters, people wade in and out of tidal pools looking for the holy grail of the shell world (sand dollars and spotted junonia).   I'm more of a seaglass gal, but I can certainly understand the theraputic benefit of just wandering through sand and water looking for treasure.

  

Shell Hunting at the Sandbar

As for the painting, I was attracted by contrasting shapes of the barrel shaped palm, slabs of concrete and the humans on the sand. I probably applied 80% of the paint with palette knives leaving thick, barely blended strokes.   I intentionally left much more warmth in the undergrowth and vegetation to convey a tropical feel.

Shimmery Silk

Shimmery Silk

 It was literally 95 degrees and humid when a group of painters gathered in Adams Common in Quincy, MA for a live model paintout.    We had two hours which was enough with that heat.   Our wonderful model wore a pure silk skirt that gathered at the waist and of course only enhanced her perfect physique.

I used sight sizing to capture the drawing and once I switched to color paint I "wiped off" my extra paint repeatedly on the background which started to build up an abstract and harmonious wallpaper.  The added bonus was a multi-cultural concert going on.   It was a happening place!

Best Walk - Shore Walk

Best Walk - Shore Walk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My sister has a keen eye for composition and she often sends me her photo gems that she thinks could make a good painting.   Now anyone who paints knows that you are not supposed to use another person's photos because they technically own the copyrights.    So this little arrangement works out pretty well for me.   This painting was done from a iphone photo she took while scouring Quincy for me as I prepared for the Quincy Arts Festival.    Compositionally it has strong lines and you know I like to paint water.  

The painting did win a special ribbon which was awarded in honor of the late Kelly Cobble (known for her legendary support of all things creative and historical in Quincy, MA).  I was honored to hear that - she went out of her way to make us feel welcome at the Quincy Art Association.

Jamaican Fisherman

Jamaican Fisherman

Where there is water, there is fishing.  On vacation in Jamaica we noticed that just like in New England, the fishermen are out early and most of the fishing we saw looked something like this scene.  There would be a small, crusty boat with one or two fishermen in the shallows working with nets.  

As for the painting, the vivid turquoise of the water was dazzling bright and it seemed to illuminate - even exaggerate the figure.  This painting was done over a bright orange undertone which was meant to compliment the flesh tones. 

Bridge Over the North River

Bridge Over the North River

Old Washington Street parallels route 53 at the Pembroke/Hanover line.  Although chaotic Route 53 is visible from where I was (next bridge over the North River), it was much more serene.    The trees were just starting to bud; some were pale pink and others just a dull gray-green.   It felt great to be outside!

North River Paint Out

 

 

 

 I was surprised at how many boats and kayaks passed under me given that it was only April and quite cool.  This is a tidal river and the flow was against most of the boats I saw.  Motor-less boats really had to battle the current and I confess I got a good chuckle out of hearing one couple's banter (aka - argument) as to who was working harder.    "I AM working hard!"  Followed by a stream of rowing instructions, "left, left, I said LEFT!"  "now RIGHT."  " GRRRRRRR!   Well, they made it through the "narrows" to the other side, and I'm guessing quite heated up!   I did wonder if, upon their return, would they ride this same flo-tide in, or struggle against an equally strong ebb-tide.  I''ll never know!  :)

Yaz - Gate B

Yaz - Gate B

 

Summertime in the city - that usually means baseball, but it is 2020, the year of virus fears.   A Boston Red Sox fan favorite, Carl Yastremski played his entire 23-year Major League Baseball career with the team (1961-1983).   

After Carl's retirement, a beautiful bronze statue was created by Sculptor Toby Mendez.  Carl Yastremski,  fondly known as "Yaz", is depicted saluting his loyal fans on the day of his retirement.  The statue stands at the back entrance of Boston's beloved Fenway Park on Van Ness Street.  When we finally get back to Fenway, Yaz will be there at Gate B waiting!

Dinghies at Town Pier

Dinghies at Town Pier - Phase One

It was a picture-perfect, glorious, early June day at the Town Pier, Brant Rock, Marshfield, MA.  Plein air painting was the goal, which is always plenty of enjoyment, but it was not my only entertainment at the busy dock.   As I was setting up, to my left there was a lobster fisherman loading traps onto his boat.   He was sliding the traps off of his truck trailer, to the retaining wall and onto the boat, which was nearly the same height because of the high tide.     He certainly demonstrated a great way to take advantage of the tide. 

Dinghies at Town Pier - Phase Two

To my right was a Mom who pulled in with her two girls.   The girls wore wet suits and life jackets and without hesitation, jumped into the water which was probably fifty degrees, and swam with glee for an hour.   (They paid me a visit after their swim.)  Right in front of me were two men fishing.   No bites - I don't think, but a fitting addition to the scene.

As for the painting, I framed out the composition with the pier itself, the Green Harbor houses across the water and in the foreground, the dock where several dinghies were tied up.   The blue dinghie sitting on the dock was to be the center of intere

Dinghies at Town Pier - Final

st of the painting, but it got demoted to second place once the white haired guy in the vintage wooden dinghie rowed right toward me.  

Capri Meets Boston

The "Stay-At-Home" challenge was presented to artist members of the Copley Society in Boston recently.   During the long storied history of the Copley Society of Art, there have been dozens of famous artists who were connected to or displayed at this historic Society.   We were challenged to choose a painting by one of the historic artists of the past and pay tribute to their work with a new creation.

John Singer Sargent was born to American parents in Europe, where he trained, travelled and worked.  Though very active in Europe, he frequented the Boston area in the late 1800s.   Many of Sargent's murals are found in the Boston Public Library, the Museum of Fine Arts, and Harvard's Widener Library. Sargent's largest scale works are the mural decorations that grace the Boston Public Library depicting the history of religion and the gods of polytheism. He worked on the cycle for almost thirty years but never completed the final mural. Sargent drew on his extensive travels and museum visits to create a dense art collection.  The murals were restored in 2003–2004.

Rooftop

Perhaps I should have paid homage to a Boston-based work, but his paintings from Italy are my favorites.  They have a flair all their own.   I particularly like this painting by Sargent because of the fun mood and carefree summer feel.  

Little Dolls

Little Dolls

What is sweeter than a little toddler fresh out of the bath in her new pajamas and robe?   The day was a busy one for all the baby dolls and it was time to relax with a big book. 

I purposely subdued the colors and supporting elements (doll and carriage) which gave it a serene, tonalist feel.   Have you ever checked out tonalism?   The restful feel of the tonalist palette is a way of communicating emotion in a two dimensional painting.  

Angelic Statue

Angelic Statue

Cherubs and angels are plentiful in fine art, especially in the Rennaisance era and they always attract my attention.   I remember on one visit to the Boston Museum of Fine Art, I took pictures of as many angels and cherubs (both obvious and obscure) within many paintings that I could find    They were more common than you would imagine.  In addition to 2D paintings, they are often depicted in sculpture, an ethereal addition to gardens and arbors.   My inspiration for this painting began with a photo of a beautiful angel statue in a Florida butterfly garden.

I've been particularly moved recently by the sacrifices made by the many medical professionals who are treating victims of the current pandemic.   Nurses in particular play a special role in healing patients, a role that has always had my greatest admiration.  

I dedicate this painting to the many nurses - pillars of healing - who despite fires all around, remain calm, tend to every basic need, and even convince their patient without a hint of visible doubt that they would be okay.

Tropical Watercolors Jamaica

Beeline to Purple Spikes

I seriously thought about packing my oils for Jamaica, but elected to again bring watercolors.   They are so much cleaner, and lighter for packing, but as I've noted many times before, I'm not a watercolorist.   Watercolor experts are in a league of their own in my view.   I'll share a few amateur tries today. The colors look a little washed out - see?  I can't get good color! :)

Big Old Leaning Tree - Jamaica

Beach Huts at Dusk

View from my Chair

Open Studio Figure Paintings

Night Float

Yoga in Yellow

Sunny Blue Bikini

Black Bandeau Beauty

Last winter, I participated in an open studio night with live models.   There really is no better way to improve figurative captures than with living and breathing humans.  Similar to landscape, the best way to observe and reproduce accurate color is from life.  Photography is useful for structural reminders, but simply can't deliver precise color.  

The other deficiency of working from photos for people is that the model's typical look or signature smile/expression may not come through in a few photos.   Once you spend three hours observing and talking with a person, there is a much better chance of identifying a feature that makes them unique - especially if the goal is to be true to a realistic rendering.

Phone Check

What is not realistic in the paintings is the addition of the bathing suits and some of the beachy backdrops.  The bathing suit theme provides some modesty for the sensitive readers, like my brother.

Mid-January is upon us - not bathing suit weather - I'm ready for it though!

Lounging

Daily Catch - Alicia Out of Boston

Alicia Out of Boston

 This painting depicts a fishing crew docked at the fish pier.   With lockers full of the daily catch all around, there is barely room for the fishermen to maneuver.   They hoisted the containers via wenches up to the massive dockside set up.  Harbor seals were alert to the occasional fish that slipped off the conveyor.   It was a fascinating scene for all of us onlookers.

I liked the top-down angle of this photo and the steel on the boat prompted me to use a new substrate aluminum.  Anything new introduced to the usual process means it is an adjustment.   On the upside, it was immovable, smooth and solid, like a masonite panel.   The downside for me, using oil, was that the surface was slippery and did not absorb any paint.   Hence, it became a multi-step process - sketch, let dry, underpaint, let dry, top painting, let dry.    I also was mindful about letting the aluminum shine come through for various elements - water shimmer, and boat rails. 

If the painting doesn't look free and easy, it's because of all the extra thinking that was going on!! :)

Brant Rock Market

Brant Rock Market

This sweet "little market," is a family owned business in the Brant Rock section of Marshfield, MA.   It is a bakery, a butcher shop, a convenience store, sub shop and lottery outlet - but really so much more.  It has an old fashioned feel, staffed by super nice family and locals who serve and enjoy all of the "regulars."     The aroma of fresh bread hits you at the door, usually resulting in me getting much more than I had planned.   I even get my Thanksgiving turkey there.     The exterior is not exactly beautiful, but those who frequent this place no doubt, have a fondness for this scene. 

The market is only a street way from the open ocean and in the painting, the summer morning sky is moist and tropical looking.   Always there seems to be a steady stream of cars and customers; we love supporting this small local business!

Farmstand

Summer Farmstand

A local farm stand has been supplying me with some spectacular produce this year.   They provide the usual summer specialties: lettuce, corn, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers and eggs.  I've been stopping there at least three times per week all summer.   The fruit (especially the peaches and plums) have been so good that I am lucky if my purchases make it to the destination without being eaten en route.  And never mind my plan to use this fine looking bounty for still life paintings!  

In this scene, Drew, the attendant is helping a customer pick out her treasures.  Their figures are mostly shaded, although there is rim light here and there.  Two other elements that I included were the red wheelbarrow full of corn (half sunny, half shady) and the A-frame street sign. I took liberty with the placement of these rearranged for the sake of balancing the painting.   
Alas, this week the mums and pumpkins made their appearance, which means the farmstand will be closing soon.   Oh, sweet summer, don't go!

Lunch Along Boston Harborwalk

Family Lunch

These lucky folks are enjoying lunch at the Boston Harbor Hotel along the Harborwalk.     The two parents, a son, and a daughter are vacationing in Boston.   The daughter is slated to start school in the Fall.  In anticipation, there are lots of nerves, judging by their faces, but they are enjoying this, the last pre-college family trip.

What attracted me to the scene was the curviness of the bright iron tables and chairs.   The family of four, was encircled with all the lines.   Also the dark red brick really set off the white furniture and dinner napkins on the laps of the diners.   With this many shapes and colors, the painting should keep the viewer interested for more than a few seconds.  At least that is the goal.

The truth is, I painted this from a reference photo taken from five floors up while I was on vacation.   It was a wide angle shot that included a band that was playing, almost panoramic.  This family was incidental to the photo, but I cropped it and zeroed in on this snippet.  Also, I made up the whole first paragraph.  I have no idea who these people are!   :)

Cohasset Cove

Border St Bridge in Spring

Cohasset is a pretty little town nestled along the South Shore of Massachusetts between Hingham and Scituate.   Today we painted along an inlet - a waterway known as "the Gulf".  It passes under the Border Street Bridge, a spot I painted at a couple of years ago in spring.  See first photo...

Border St Bridge Rapids

On this summer day, adventurous kids and a few adults were jumping from the bridge into the water.   Most scrambled to the side and climbed the rocks to the top again.   But some swimmers road the rapids over the falls down to an area where the water slowed down and flattened.   These swimmers navigated to a dock with a ladder where they could climb up and repeat.

Cohasset Cove - In Progress

Cohasset Cove - Nearly Done

Yikes!   I found myself serving as pseudo-lifeguard as well as painter.  Not that I can picture myself jumping in and saving anyone, but I was keeping account of the over-the-rapids swimmers. Those rocks must be nice and smooth!

 

My painting scene includes the rapids entering at the left and flowing to the dock.  It is an 8x8 inch square.

Inspiration from Historical Hassam

Marlborough Street - Childe Hassam

Every Spring, the Copley Society of Art holds an event called "Fresh Paint".   Dozens of painters head out into the streets and waterfronts of Boston to capture the scenes in the open air tradition, better known as "en plein air."

To this year's event there was an added twist.   We were invited to choose a painting from a list of forty famous Boston based paintings and use that painting as inspiration in the creation of our new piece.    I selected painter Childe Hassam's Impressionist painting of Marlborough Street shown here.

Inspired by Hassam Marlborough Street

My version, inspired by Hassam's city-scape, a corner in Boston's Back Bay, is missing the horse and buggies and the long dresses.    The red rooftops, long shadows and stoop-front roses remain very similar.

White Sun Hats

Sunhats

I always loved this photo of my fellow painters in our "Figures in the Landscape" painting class.    It was June and everyone was "top-lit," most especially their hats, all of which looked bright white.    Everyone seemed totally consumed by their creative works-in-progress.    You might think with this many people in close proximity that there would be plenty of conversation, but typically the opposite was true.   Maybe with the (creative) right side of their brain hard at work, the left (verbal controlling) side was on "mute."

The under-painting for this piece was roughed in with five values, all monochromatic shades of pinkish-brown.  The subdued palette for the initial sketch in paint was pretty and I should have taken a picture to show you.  I forgot - and launched straight into colorizing it.    I intentionally kept the colors on the softer side though.  I'm sensing a color trend starting with this more subdued palette - again.

Open Studio Figure Drawings in Charcoal

Open Studio 1

Open Studio 2

Have you ever been curious about open studio painting sessions?  This is how it works.   The organizer of the open studio typically contracts with a professional model to pose for a group of painters.   Painters all contribute to the "sitting" fee.    Sometimes the model is clothed, but more often they pose nude.   The organizer and/or group decides on a pose and adjusts lighting to both accomodate the comfort of the model and create interesting angles for the painters.   Many models ask that no photos be taken, but I've also had models allow it and just ask for a promise of discretion and use only in finishing the painting.    A timer is set for a particular duration and when it goes off, the model puts on her robe and gets a break.  The total session is usually three hours.

Open Studio 3

There isn't a huge market for nude paintings, but these sessions are great practice for painters.  It helps to know how the human figure is constructed when inserting figures (with clothing) into a painting.

I was happy with the likeness and the angles of these sketches, although not so much with the way the charcoal sat on the paper (bumps, lines etc.)   On this evening, whenever the model took a break, I moved my easel to a new spot, thus the different angles.  These aren't meant to be finished works, but for me reinforcement of figure basics for use in landscape and otherwise.