Still Painting

It's been a long time since I've posted but that does not mean I'm not painting.  I'm just a lazy blogger...  I consider this a "plein air" painting even though I was warm and dry inside, as I painted it one January afternoon from out my window.

Still Wet

A great afternoon painting the changing leaves before they all go away.  This is 20x20.

Late Summer Painting at the Oval

This is a little painting: 6x6.  I want to drag a BIG (30x30??) canvas out there and try this again.

New Artist's Statement

  "For me, the act of painting celebrates life. When I slow down enough to really experience what surrounds me, I become aware of myself as part of the 'whole'. My ultimate goal is to have the viewer experience this also."  

I have done art all my life. My grandmother was a watercolorist and fairly good. She got a degree from the Art Institute of Chicago sometime around 1914. The fact that she painted made the pursuit of art a real alternative for me.

I majored in fine art in college because that is what I was best at. I also took many classes in English and Philosophy.

I am primarily a plein air painter because I love being outside and painting connects me to the outdoors. I want to capture the feel of the wind, the sound of beach grass rustling and the smell of the sun that has been absorbed by the sand.

I can't paint from photos, even if I was the person to take them, because they take away the immediate experience that I am trying to capture when I paint. 

I consider myself lucky to have the passion that I have about painting. The act itself is rewarding. If someone feels that passion while looking at my work, then I have succeeded.

Painting at the Oval, Saugatuck, Michigan

http://www.tourwrist.com/tours/20313

Check out this link.  My best painter friend, Angela Saxon, and I were plein air painting when this gentleman photographed us.  There is an app for your phone!

And the River Reminds Us

This is my newest plein air piece, done from my dock as the sun slid behind me to the West. These trees are dark during the day and light right up after 6pm. I was happy to be recording their splendor.

Last Week's Plein Air

                                                       The river continues to inspire me.