Stetson Woods River View

Stetson Woods River View

Less than two miles from home, we found a new set of trails that are "hidden" behind an old cemetery.  Thanks to online maps, we discovered that there are many woodland areas along the North River in Marshfield.  We've walked four trails so far, my favorite an area called the Stetson Woods.   It actually has a riverside beach (tire swing and all) and a large picnic area.   Of course since it was December, we didn't meet another soul, never mind swimmers or picnic people. 

This painting depicts the northernmost edge of the woods where the marsh opened up wide to reveal the North River snaking beyond.   The expansive marsh was bright gold, but the shadiest spots were dark and frozen.    Tall marsh grasses and cattails help the composition by bridging deep shadow and bright winter light.

This painting took a while as it measures 24" x 30".

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