I’m painting my way around Albia’s square. This pale yellow building on the corner is a landmark and on the historic register. It is interesting sandwiched between the other businesses. The other points of interest are the global lights and parked vehicles along the curb. The building colors are a primary triad of yellow, gray-blue and brick […] more »
I’m doing another storefront composition on the other side of the street. Many of these old buildings have intricate details, which I’ve simplified, of course. Also in evidence is the old blue mailbox — something you don’t see anymore. I did go back recently to see if the box was there, but it has been […] more »
I cannot resist painting small town rural America. The small businesses come & go and I find the old buildings quaint and full of character. I worked from a photo taken a few years ago when I had an errand to run in Albia. This scene is on the east side of the square, which […] more »
I’m back doing a still life with my favorite glassware. I recently purchased the round, ruby vase that I thought would be great in a set-up. The other challenge in this still life was using an abstract acrylic collage in the background behind the glass. The pears added interesting shapes and color changes in the design. A piece of […] more »
I’m continuing my metalscape series with all the interesting ridged cans and circular lids. This is the eighth design, and I used a limited palette of burnt sienna and various blues. It took me about a week to paint. I began by doing a couple thumbnail designs in my sketchbook since I worked from my […] more »
I’m back to using my Chinese brush technique again! Yesterday’s daily painting was not up to my quality standards, and I wanted a playful and spontaneous result. I began by sketching the cat with my left hand – -forcing myself to draw more loosely. The next step was wetting both sides of the 300 pound paper so that the black […] more »
It was fun painting a favorite restaurant on the “largest square in the world!” I worked from my photo, and enjoyed painting the sunlit buildings on the north side of our city square, plus two guys sauntering inside for their lunch. The picturesque buildings have been a favorite subject matter for me. The businesses come […] more »
What could be more simple than a design of brushes? I chose a variety of sizes and drew the shapes directly on the paper. Leaving the background for last, I discovered the interesting triangular patterns between the brushes and used different pigments for each one: naples yellow, violet and sap green. The triangles emphasize the angular pattern […] more »
I couldn’t resist doing my sixth painting of the Burlington Northern caboose. The difference is the hot press paper and the size. I used artistic license to eliminate all the rust spots on it, so it’s beautiful and spiffed up now. Various pigments were used for the main color , as I find it impossible […] more »
Seems like the possibilities are endless in my quest of metal landscapes. Besides noticing all the junk people recycle. The little snips of red break up the gray-striped pattern of the soup and fruit cans. The round lids add interest to the reflected patterns. It is a challenge to mix different shades of gray, warm and cools. […] more »