More river influence..

I've been working on a large (36 x 48) commission this week. Its in many layers of thick paint so in-between layers, while the paint dries, I've been working on some smaller sketches (16 x 20). Here's one. It reminds me of one of our neighbors who clams the river. Think I'll keep it as a rough sketch - seems to fit. I love being on a "working river" - many of my neighbors work the river - for clams or oysters or fish. Their knowledge of the river is amazing. I love it here.

Bounty of the River...

In addition to the wonderful light and views, we have been enjoying the bounty of the Newport River as well... right out our front door are crabs, clams, shrimp, oysters, fish. Amazing how much life is in this nursery area of the river.

Food is one of my art influences - I started out painting large paintings of peppers. The colors and shapes are wonderful... I also did large fish paintings when I started out - perhaps its time to come full circle? The fish we catch are so beautiful when they first come out of the water - their colors are brilliant and translucent. More inspiration!

Splendid Storm

Our parched coast was so happy to see these storm clouds roll in a couple days ago. So beautiful to see the storms roll in over the river. I love my studio here...surrounded by beauty every day.

"Nonchalance"

Finished this painting up in time for this week-end's Bridgeton Riverfest. I especially like the texture in this one...

Ripples...

Exploring new ways of adding pattern and texture to paintings. Here's the latest idea...together with a detail showing the "ripples" of color.

Latest Artist Statement

"What was any art but a mould in which to imprison for a moment the shining elusive element which is life itself - life hurrying past us and running away, too strong to stop, too sweet to lose."

~Willa Cather

The paint is squeezed out of the tube. Mixed with another color or two. Another color is squeezed and mixed. They start to sing next to each other on the palette – imagine what they could do on the canvas… ideas start to snap, crackle and pop… which way to go… no fear, just dive in, can always do the other idea next time…grab a palette knife, swirl some color, make a line, dance with an image. Live it.

Philadelphia

Had a good show at the Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show last week-end. I finished the 6' x 6' in time and she looked good when the light came out, as in this photo.