"Bougainvillea "

20x20" oil on canvas

I'm feeling inspired to tackle some larger canvases. The challenge is to keep the feel of my smaller paintings while working on a larger scale. It's a tough balance; maintaining control yet not being too careful. I've been working quickly, trying not to hold back. Through recent experimentation I've discovered that if the drawing is out I won't be happy with the end result, so I'm trying to be spontaneous but keep it somewhat accurate.

"Lookout"

12x12" oil on canvas

My usual painting process is to sketch out the main shapes, scrub in color estimations and then, using thicker paint, finish with more accurate color. Very little of the underpainting usually shows. In this painting however, I did the underpainting with the thought of leaving areas uncovered. Yellow ochre on the road, burnt sienna in the trees and dioxozine purple for the shadows on the building. 

"Liquor"

14x11" oil on linen

I did this painting before leaving for Maine. It was an attempt to shake me out of my comfort zone. Since returning, I've been experimenting with being less careful and attempting to instill a feeling of energy and life into my paintings. Most of them haven't worked out, but I plan to post the results when I figure out where I'm going with this.

"24th & Guerrero"

14x11" oil on canvas

Things have been busy! I had a lot of framing to do for the "City Streets" show at the Studio Gallery. The reception is on Sunday August, 14th 2-6pm. I'll be in Maine so unfortunately I'll miss the party. I hope to get back to posting on a more regular basis when I return.