Looking for Prey

Another painting inspired by my trip to Fulton, Texas with Plein Air Austin.

SXSW Street Scene

I was on my way home after taking in the SXSW day scene in Austin. These two musicians were on the sidewalk in front of the Whole Foods at 6th and Lamar.

Corner View

I saw this man on my way to work one morning. He was at time holding up a sign. Usually that sign is a request for money or help.

Recent Rains

I worked outside one day in between storms. I loved how the clouds were heavy with rain. My palette was on the bright side.

Sky Changing

I like painting just before the sun starts to set. I will work in multiple mediums to get the most out of it. This was one of the three oil sketches completed during my visit to northern California last month.

Lucas Wharf Bodega Bay

This was the first painting of our trip to Bodega Bay. It may be Lucas Wharf as opposed to harbor. Pam thought that this building was a restaurant. While I was painting this couple with two boys walked up to chat. The father was teaching the boys to fish for crab. His youngest had just caught a crab. The oldest focused on me painting. I sat on a bench to avoid the chilly wind. Once finished we dined at the Lucas Wharf Restaurant.

Cropped View

In the afternoon I had to take advantage of the shade. I just focused on sections of the buildings. Another image created at China Camp State Park in California.

True Scrutiny

When I have trouble focusing on what to paint, I randomly choose an old family photo. The image has to be painted before it goes back into the file.

At Night

I revisited some Chicago images this past weekend. I tried to simplify the shapes and to minimize detail.

Annie's Bartender

Another painting inspired by my lunch with my friend Aaron a week or so ago. She was busy preparing celery for bloody marys.

Wired Cross

Painted from Pam's back yard.

RV Harbor

Another plein air painting from our visit to Bodega Bay, California. We went all the way up to Jenner, California. Years ago we were in Jenner; it was a beautiful little place. I was working with my large format Crown Graphic camera then. I remember Pam telling me that I was on my own setting up my tripod and camera because it was way too cold.

Richmond Nocturne 2

I have been playing lawyer this week and haven't yet had a chance to post. This is from my recent trip to Northern California.

Light Change

On my way to work sitting at 12th and Lamar waiting for the light to change, I saw this homeless man waiting for the walks signal with his shopping cart of possessions. I liked the way the light struck his shirt and skin. Later on that week coming from a dental appointment I saw him walking down North Lamar.

Watching You Watching Me

Another longhorn from my time spent at Walnut Creek Preserve. This one was a beautiful color. Unlike one, this one stayed away from the painters and just watched up from a distance.

Bloody Marys At Annies

Last weekend I met up with my friend Aaron for lunch at Annie's on Congress. While we were waiting for our food I noticed these three bloody marys sitting at the bar waiting for the waitress.

Abandoned For Now

A few days ago I posted the watercolor version of this scene. With the pastel which was completed after the watercolor, I focused in more on the boat and the different values in the hillside.

Richmond Nocturne 1

After a long day of painting outside in Pam's garden, I painted this nighttime picture from her kitchen. I would cut the lights out, memorize and then paint. I had a few copper panels in my paint box so that was my surface. I hadn't worked in oils for a while. I should do more plein air oil painting. I work quicker outside using watercolor and pastel. Plus the cleanup is much simpler in my opinion.

China Camp Pier

I really squashed the perspective on this one. The boat should have been half its size. It was fun anyway.