Georgetown Townhouse

Georgetown Townhouse, 16 x 20

commission

(Updated) This is a commission I just completed for a resident of Georgetown, Texas. I worked from a photograph I took, but created the spring feel at the request of the client. The photo was taken in winter, so the foliage was without its, uh, foliage. Happy Easter, everyone.

Driftwood Station

Driftwood Station, 8 x 10

purchase

You may have seen this old gas station depicted in paint before, as it is a favorite subject of Plein Air Austin painters. This was my second attempt at this venue, which we revisited as a group several weeks ago. I haven't been able to paint as much so far this year as last, so I really enjoyed taking the time yesterday to touch this up before posting. 

Summers Past No. 2

Summers Past No. 2, 8 x 8

commission

Here is the second painting, this one of Matthew's younger brother, Jeffrey. The style of this painting came out a bit different from the one posted yesterday, for a few reasons. Among Jeffrey's favorite childhood memories were piñata parties given along Cypress Creek in honor of his and other relatives' birthdays. While I didn't have much in the way of compelling reference photography, I did have enough to give me an accurate sense of the setting, where various trees, paths, the creek, etc. were in relation to each other. Considering how well family members know this place and how much time they've spent here over the years, this was important. 

I also had a sharp photo of one of said colorful piñatas in motion, as well as photos of Jeffrey at prime piñata-busting age, though none showed him whacking, or primed to whack, a piñata. Taking these elements into account, yet painting quite a bit from imagination, I ended up emphasizing the bright colors and movement of the piñata and carrying this through to the rest of the composition. The result was a more whimsical piece than the first. I think this is okay, since the paintings will reside in the respective homes of each brother, both of whom are now young adults living on their own.

Summers Past

Summers Past, 8 x 8
commission

This is one of two small commissions I just finished. A family friend, who is mother to two boys who are now young adults, wanted to give each a painting as Christmas presents. Both commissions depict memories of the boys' favorite summer activities at their grandparents' property along Cypress Creek in Wimberley. This painting is of the older brother, Matthew. I will post Jeffrey's picture tomorrow. Click here to view a plein air study I did along the creek last June.

New Gallery Opening in Georgetown

I'm happy to be among the original group of central Texas painters and sculptors to have work displayed at Through the Looking Glass, a new gallery opening this weekend just off the square in Georgetown. The owner, Barbara Falcone of Austin, will be welcoming visitors with snacks and refreshments Friday, Saturday and Sunday on this, the first weekend of Georgetown Square's extended-hours holiday shopping season.

It will be a great chance to do some holiday shopping away from the mega-malls. Instead, stroll the many shops on historic Georgetown Square, and stop in to see what Barbara has to offer. I will be there later in the day both Friday and Saturday. I hope you can stop by. 

Address: 122 East 8th Street (near the end of the first block east of Main Street)

Opening Hours: Friday 4 pm - 8 pm, Saturday 10 am - 8 pm, Sunday 1 pm - 5 pm.

Directions: 

I-35 Exit 261 (29/University) 

East (right if coming from Austin) on 29/University

North (left) on Austin Avenue

East (right) on 8th Street

Cross Main Street, gallery is 3/4 of a block down on the right side, just past State Farm Insurance.

Thanks to JudsonArt.com

I was flattered to learn from Sarah Judson of Judson's Art Outfitters that they have featured my work on their online journal. You can view it at the link above. Happy painting and Happy Thanksgiving, everybody.

Bell Tower

Bell Tower, 12 x 10

SOLD

This is a study from a visit to New Sweden Church, about twenty miles east of Austin. The church was built in the 1890s. Lots and lots of angles.

Fruit Bowl On Deck

Fruit Bowl On Deck, 16 x 20

purchase

These papayas, apples and lemons were home grown in Tahiti. The painting is from a photo sent to me by a very good friend I met at a workshop last spring. 

Back Yard Wedding

Back Yard Wedding, 8 x 10

NFS

Earlier this summer, my niece, Melissa, was married here in Austin. The words summer and Austin would explain the presence of hand fans among the guests. The three ladies shown here are my mother and two of my five sisters. Angela, at right, is mother of the bride.

Park Bridge

Park Bridge, 8 x 10

This painting was started back in March during a Randall Sexton workshop in southern California. With all the beautiful coastline normally available to paint, we were forced to this city park in Irvine because of the tsunami warning from the Japan earthquake. We had tried a for a spot above the cliffs at Corona del Mar, but there were so many people there waiting to witness their very own tsunami, we packed up and headed inland. 

Drying Up

Drying Up, 8 x 6

SOLD

This belated posting is from a PAA paintout in May along the Blanco River in San Marcos. I initially wasn't sure it was a worthy attempt, but every time I've come across it since, it told me, very quietly at first, that it just needed a few strokes to bump the contrast and add a bit more clean color. There's probably not a drop of water at this spot today, but I'm glad this plein air moment refused to let me ignore it. You can view the start below.

Georgetown Square II

Georgetown Square II, 20 x 16

SOLD

Here is the final result of the pallet knife start. I do like the freedom pallet knife painting practically imposes on you. Like plein air painting, you end up focusing on the main shapes, values and color. The better you do that, the less relevant fine detail seems to become.

In Progress

blocking-in

I wanted show the block-in stage of this painting. I sometimes like to use a pallet knife for blocking in larger paintings (this panel is 20 x 16) for a couple reasons. It allows me to cover the canvas quickly, focus on the main shapes and to keep from getting overly tight. I'll post the final result in the next day or two.

Waiting for a Ride

Waiting for a Ride, 12 x 12

SOLD

This was painted from a friend's photo reference taken on Balboa Island this spring. A typically beautiful morning at the marina, I'm guessing.

Cypress Creek

Cypress Creek, 8 x 10

SOLD

Thursday morning, Plein Air Austin members painted along Cypress Creek in Wimberley, about forty-five minutes southwest of Austin. With beautiful scenery, plenty of shade and a cool, clear, spring-fed creek to cool off in, it was the perfect venue for a summer paintout in Texas.

Big. Fat. Donuts.

Big. Fat. Donuts. 6 x 8

SOLD

Hello world! I'm glad to finally have something to post after way too long a layoff. Work has put a crimp in my free hours to paint, but I'm hoping that is going to change. This picture was a commission by a gentleman named Robert Flowers who helped his daughter move to Austin from Atlanta a few months ago. Robert and his wife like to collect paintings from cities they visit and they were intrigued by all the snack trailers to be found around Austin. This is Gourdough's, whose tagline is, you guessed it, "Big. Fat. Donuts." Thank you for the referral, Laurel.

Thank You

The month-long "On Site" exhibition at Davis Gallery closed on Sunday. While speaking to owner Bill Davis this morning, he mentioned the traffic had been tremendous throughout the entire month, saying that it was one of the most successful shows he's had. This was reflected in numerous sales by each of us displaying — Laurel Daniel, Julie Davis, and myself. Thanks to everyone who made it to the show, and to you who have taken an interest in our work. It is very much appreciated.

Magnolia

Magnolia, 16 x 12 oil on panel

purchase here

I started today's still life thinking I would paint it with a pallet knife to help me stay loose. But because I've been wanting to try using round brushes more often (after having seen both Randall Sexton and Jill Carver use them extensively in workshops), I decided to experiment with that instead. I must say, I experienced a few "aha" moments today using the rounds and will continue playing with them.

Left Spot

Left Spot, 5 x 7

SOLD

Third of three small panels for Arthouse Austin's upcoming, annual 5 x 7 show.

Right Spot

Right Spot, 5 x 7

Second in a series of three for Arthouse's 5x7 Show.