Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Fog Rolling In


Fog Rolling In
9x12 oil on linen

Just as I was putting my brushes down (after painting the day break) these big, soft, purplish clouds began blowing in swiftly from the southeast. Soon the beach was enveloped in a thick, dense fog. An hour later the sky was bright blue and the sun was shining again! As we say down here in Florida, if you don't like the weather, just wait a few minutes!

Day Break


Day Break
12x12 oil on canvas

Such a peaceful time of day, just before the sun peeks out in the east and lights the western sky a glow with subtle color shifts. The waves, both yesterday and today, have been unusually big, really quite dramatic! 
I'm thinking of doing a much larger studio version of this painting... ideas are percolating! 
Stay tuned.

Moon Set


                                         
Moon Set  SOLD
5x7 oil on panel

A quick wave & sky study from the rooftop yesterday... love starting the day off with a paintbrush in my hand!









Dawn


Dawn SOLD
12x12 oil on canvas

While running along the beach a few mornings ago I was struck by soft shifts of colors in the sky. It was almost as if I could see vibrations of color from the horizon to above my head. And so began the inspiration for this particular morning's painting at dawn (and the next several mornings that followed!)




Just in Time


Just in Time
8x10 oil on canvas

Made it out onto the beach with my easel last night just in the nick of time! I'm having so much fun lately with these fast and lose paintings of fleeting light!



Monday, December 28, 2015

Sunrise on Holmes Beach


Sunrise on Holmes Beach
8x10 oil on canvas

Sunday's sunrise... Same painting spot in the backyard, different view with every sunrise/sunset!


Sunday, December 27, 2015

Christmas Morning on Anna Maria Island




Christmas Morning on Anna Maria Island
9x12 oil on linen panel

After opening the gifts and eating breakfast with the family, I spent Christmas morning out in the backyard doing what I love doing most!



Christmas Eve on Anna Maria Island



Christmas Eve on Anna Maria Island SOLD 
8x10 oil on canvas

There was a lovely soft evening mist creeping in just around sunset on Christmas Eve and the birds were out to watch it roll in... as was I.



This painting was sold "off the easel" to a bird watcher from Oregon who was staying in the resort next door. He said he noticed me as he was snapping pictures of the terns and seagulls below and was kind enough to send me this photo while I was painting.

Father and Son


Father and Son
8x10 gouache on watercolor panel

This painting was a Christmas gift to a friend whose wife had snapped a sweet "father and son moment" of her husband and son on their front stoop earlier last month.

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Winds From the East


Winds From the East
8x10 oil on canvas panel

Painted by the Bridge Street Pier on a cold, windy, but beautiful morning!





Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Little Hay Bale


Little Hay Bale
5x7 oil on canvas panel

I nearly always keep my plein air gear in the back of my car, precisely for moments like today, when I notice a beautiful scene just calling out to be painted and I have to pull my car over to get my fix! Unfortunately, I'd washed my brushes the night before and left them all on my counter at home! 
Good thing I always carry a tiny spare in my purse!



Monday, December 14, 2015

Evening Sparkle



Evening Sparkle
11x14 oil on canvas board

Ah, the ongoing challenge of painting alla prima right around that golden hour of sunset!



Studies for a New Commission


9x12 oil on canvas

8x10 oil on gessobord

Theses are recent studies for a larger commissioned painting I'm working on. The first was down from a photograph I took, the second was painted en plein air- though when I got out to the beach there was actually a wedding ceremony taking place right where I'd planned on setting up my easel, so I had to relocate!

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Flecks of Gold


Flecks of Gold sold
9x12 oil on canvas

I swear... I've got the best office views of just about anybody I know ;)


Today's office, Coquina Beach on Anna Maria Island