Sailboat 5 - Tied To The Sea

Tied To The Sea

6x6, oil

Maybe it’s because I grew up along the Mississippi River, but I’m drawn to boats, fishing, any body of water and in particular these types of little buoys. They remind me of fishing bobbers. As a young child fishing I learned early on to pay close attention to them. Once they started bobbing frantically your heart skipped a beat and you were pretty sure you had a fish on the line.

Along The Shoreline

Along The Shoreline

20x16, soft pastel

It's always fun for me to see someone else's work-in-process so I thought I'd post a couple of the  WIPs of the latest, "Along The Shoreline".  I painted this scene before as a 12x9 but decided to go larger this time.  This piece is 20x16 and was just as fun to paint as the first one.  I hope you enjoy!

Payne's Boats

Payne's Boats

6x6, soft pastel

Edgar Payne was born in Washburn, Missouri in 1882 and lived and worked as an artist until his death in 1947.  He is considered one of America's leading Impressionistic landscape artists painting in the plein air fashion (painting outdoors).  

Because I have such a challenge in controlling color, I was drawn to his colorful marine scenes packed full of vibrant colors and a very loose style...so, here is a small marine scene, not a copy but inspired by one of his pieces. I just love painting boats and water...is it because I grew up along the Mississippi River?  I don't know.  I would have to say though, my current passion is centered around boats, water and fishing flies.  Can't get enough!

Lavender Sky - Pastel

Lavender Sky - Pastel

12x12, soft pastel

Day 30 of 30....Lavender Sky is befitting of a final farewell to the 2017 Jan. 30in30!  Whew, I made it!  I'm ready for a short break. I hope you enjoyed them all, the good, the bad and the ugly.  Breaking into oil painting this past month was a lot of fun.  I certainly learned a lot and look forward to doing more of both oils and pastels after I get caught up on everything else that took a backseat these past few weeks (like laundry).   See you soon!

Along The Shoreline

Along The Shoreline

12x16, soft pastel

Along The Shoreline is most likely my favorite painting during the January 30in30.  Unfortunately the photo doesn't really pick up the true blue and green colors in the water...I'm assuming it may be because of the strong red dominating the center.  Being much larger than the typical 6x6 paintings I often do for the Challenge, it took a week or so to paint.  Painting larger is easier for me if I paint each day, not expecting to complete it all in one go.  Of course, I like the variations of red...but I also like the water and all the trees reflecting in it that were along the shoreline....thus, the title.  I will surely hate to part with this one!

Riffles

Riffles

10x8, oil on board

I actually painted this on Jan. 21st during a workshop conducted by Mark Davis of Boise.  Thanks for the reference photo Mark! The workshop was at Edward's Greenhouse which was a great environment for a mid-winter workshop.  We focused on painting water.  And, because I am new to oils, I thought I'd better get "my feet wet" with oils so to speak.

My husband (who is a fly fisherman) says these types of waters are called 'riffles"...thus, the title.  It was great to get out and about after so much snow!   Hope you enjoy it!


WIP:  This little guy below is quickly becoming one of my favorites.  I know, I say that all the time for the paintings I like...but really, this one has been absolutely painting itself!

A Time To Reflect

A Time To Reflect

12x16, soft pastel

Some evenings the softened sunlight gives everything a rosy glow.  As it's doing in this painting.  I love Idaho.  We have some pretty wild waters (perfect for kayaking especially for the pros) but my preference is quietly paddling along the shoreline.  There you can view all kinds of wildlife and just leisurely reflect on life and our many blessings. 

Adrift

Adrift
9x12, soft pastel

This piece is a larger version of Morning Calm which was donated recently for a giveaway on Dailypaintworks.com.  I love this particular scene because it's just so darn peaceful!  I may paint it larger yet again. This piece will be on display at the Meadowlake Art Show on Nov. 10th in Meridian, ID.  The show will actually run for a full 30 days.  If you're in the area stop by and let me know what you think.

Fetch!

Fetch!

8x10, soft pastel

It's time to return to dogs...maybe the whole week...but then, I have a few more walls to paint in the house so we'll see.   In the meantime, I couldn't resist painting this guy, who sees to love both swimming and fetching. 

Lillies On The Rise

Lillies On The Rise

11x14, soft pastel

Did I mention that the summer is flying by?  Well anyway, here's another piece that didn't make it into the blog during the past couple months.  I originally painted this one as a 6x8 study then decided to paint it in a larger format.  I love the lily pads reaching up beneath the water towards the sunlight.  I also love the turquoise colors and movement of the water.  So refreshing!

Have a great week!   -c