Annadel Path

Watercolor and pencil on paper

Here is a watercolor I did from a photo I took while hiking on a path in Annadel State Park.  This is another one of those studies that I use as a guide for future studio paintings.  I have already started an oil painting of this scene, but decided to do this study to see if I can make some improvements with another version of the painting.  I like the composition of this scene, and think that it is worth while to do more than one version of it.

Scotty Creek

Watercolor and pencil on drawing paper

This is another watercolor from my sketchbook of ideas for future oil paintings.  The sketch is based on a photo I took at a spot on the side of the road (Highway One) where Scotty Creek meets the Pacific ocean.  It was a bright day and there was a lot of reflection from the sand and water.  

Charles Burchfield

Well, I fell behind on posting to my blog last week, so I'm sharing this link to a site that shows some examples of artwork by one of my favorite artist; Charles Burchfield.  I think there is a lot to like about his work and methods.

Charles Burchfield (1893-1967)

Schoolhouse Beach Sketch

Here's another page from a small sketchbook that I carry around. This is a view of cliffs and rocks at Schoolhouse Beach. I drew this while sitting in the truck because it was a windy day.

Clearing Up

Oil on Paper, 8 x 10 inches

This a small painting that I did last spring when the sun finally came out after several dark, rainy days.  I tried to show some of the interesting cloud shapes that were moving around when the cloud cover was clearing up.

Oak Tree Sketches

Here's a set of on-site sketches I did for a painting that I have in mind for the future. An old oak tree would be the central element of the painting.  I did these sketches between late April and early May at about the same time of day to get the same light and shadow effects on the tree trunk and branches.

Woodland Scene

Woodland Scene, Watercolor on sketchbook page, 5x3.5 inches

Something to look at.  A page from one of my sketchbooks.

Studio Tools

In Full Sun

"In Full Sun"

Oil on panel

8x10 inches

This is a plein air study that I did during a walk along the west edge of Annadel State Park.  It shows a mound of brush catching the warm  rays of afternoon sunlight.  I will be glad to see some warmer days like this again.

Picnic Table

Oil on canvas, 8x10 inches

Here is a small painting I did last spring of a picnic table and trees at Spring Lake Regional Park.  In this piece I concentrated on using strong colors and thick paint with minimal detail to show the effect of afternoon light coming through the trees.  (Click on the image to get a closer view of the heavy paint texture).