Water Feature

Water Feature, 20 x 16

commission

This giant urn rests in a back yard outside Georgetown. Thankfully we've had more rain this year and flowers are popping up everywhere after a typically hot summer.

Power In Repose

Power in Repose, 6x8
purchase

This is one of four bengal tigers at the Austin Zoo. When the first two walked out from their shelter, I was amazed at their size. Then this one appeared and it was huge, in comparison. It was obvious by the size difference that this was a male, which was confirmed. He weighs nearly 400 lbs.

Having never painted at a zoo, I wondered from the outset whether it would even be worth trying. I eventually tried quick pencil sketches of a couple goats nearby, but the exercise was less than satisfying.  Then this magnificent cat climbed up on a rock to sun himself after taking a swim. I came over and was able to get a quick sketch of him in this pose, which was very fortunate. I took a couple pictures later but none had as good a head position. With a sketch I liked, I spent the remaining time mapping the composition on my panel and blocking in main color, before heading home. I used the photos back in the studio to reference accurate color and shading.

Overall, I found painting at the zoo a little nerve-racking. But in the end, the one pencil sketch made the trip worthwhile. I managed to get the pose I wanted from probably the most beautiful animal I've ever seen.

More School Work

 

Flowers and Teapot, 20 x 16

SOLD

If this setup looks familiar, you probably saw it on the blog of one of my classmates in Laurel's alla prima class. In fact, Trish Siegel was nice enough to forward me her iphone reference photos, since the angle I had to work from in class didn't offer a very interesting composition. 

The class is exploring different techniques of blocking in a canvas. This one entails using a big brush to apply dark neutrals in very rough and dry form, then using a paper towel to wipe out lighter areas. Repeating these steps as necessary, you end up with a fairly accurate value study and block-in to paint into. I enjoyed this technique because it seems to help me to both loosen up and to work more quickly and spontaneously.