Kittiwake on the Beach

Kittiwake on the Beach

16" x 12"
Oil on sandeply panel
[click on the image to enlarge]

Black-legged Kittiwake are fairly common in Alaska, almost always seen over or near the ocean. They are often in groups.

This is a small gull with long wings and a small bill. The bird in the painting is seen in winter [non-breeding] plumage.

The model for this kittiwake was a photograph taken by Jeff Poklen,
www.pbase.com/jpkln
I appreciate his permission to use this model

This painting was done with Torrit Grey, Ivory Black and Titanium White on a gessoed panel. I thought that I would glaze this with a Cerulean Blue after the shades, edges and values were done however I like it the way it is.

Jeff Poklen also photographed a wonderful Heermann's Gull:
www.pbase.com/image/34533413

Winter on the Thompson

Winter on the Thompson

15" x 20"
Oil paint on sandeply panel
[click on the image to enlarge]

This painting continues my present series of paintings with water. This time the water is snow and also the mountain stream.

I was interested in the chroma and values of the snow in several conditions - it is changed by the shade, the nearby foliage, what it is setting upon and whether it is smooth or broken.

The left portion is mostly painted in the shade. Light coming over that ridge then highlights a portion of the right side of the stream.

I like the stillness of the scene and the peaceful repose. None of the snow fall has been broken by tracks and the air is calm.

The water is very cold, flowing gently and then it is almost imperceptibly broken by some warmer hues.

The emphasis here is on the two small conifers and then to a lesser extent the nearby boulder.

I'm again trying to resist my tendency to 'overwork' the painting. Instead put a planned brush stroke down and leave it, rather than smoothing it several times.

Ouray Falls

Ouray Falls

12" x 16"
oil on canvas
[click on the image to enlarge]

I like this one a lot. A study in darks, lights and scenery accents and the tumbling water from a mountain waterfall. The palette is focused and well balanced. The warm and cool portions complement each other nicely.

I was pleased with the rock work on this painting and the creation of depth.

The painting is a bit more saturated than it appears here.

The next two paintings that I am working on also have water as a major feature. So I'm experimenting a bit with various moods and treatments.

Gleason Falls in Autumn

Gleason Falls in Autumn

12" x 16"

oil paint on canvas

[click on the image to enlarge]

The autumn scene was also inspired by a John Leavitt photograph from New England.

The intense yellows and fiery reds of the hardwoods contrast to the cool foliage, the shadows and the tumbling water.

It's also an intimate scene - no sky is visible, the upstream view is closed in, and even the water is blocked and contained on the left side. It is a personal experience.

I also enjoyed working out of the shade and shadows on both the right and the left sides.

This painting is more intense than most of my work. The chroma or color saturation is more pronounced. Yet there are also a good deal of muted, grey or halftones in the painting. It's somewhat in the tradition of a Currier & Ives print.

I also tried to paint what I actually see rather than what I think I should see in this view.

Hillsboro Church at Autumn

Hillsboro Church at Autumn

12" x 16"

oil on canvas

[click on image to enlarge]

Autumn season in New England is always something special. The extra crispness of the fresh air and the wonderful hardwoods do their best to refresh our spirit.

 

Deep reds, variable orange and brilliant yellows all come forward  as the green chlorophyll fades from the growing season foliage. 

 

This painting scene shares the solid, substantial hardwoods with the local congregation's chapel where one may worship the faith of his fathers. Even the deeper granite witnesses the handiwork of deity.

 

This painting was inspired by a John O. Leavitt photograph:  http://www.joleavitt.com

I appreciate his permission to share this. He also enjoys the Maine coast and New England.