"Shorebirds"

20x20" oil on canvas

Here's a recent experiment that worked out better than I thought it would. The goal was to work really fast and do my best just to think of colors and shapes. It can be overwhelming painting complicated scenes on a larger canvas. I approached this subject without expectations, I just tried to be spontaneous and see what came of it. It may have a few problems but there's something I like about it so I figured I'd post it.

In other news, the John Natsoulas Gallery in Davis, CA hosted their 22nd annual paint out on Saturday. I paid my entrance fee a few weeks in advance but seriously considered sitting this one out since rain was predicted. I wasn't sure I wanted to wake up early and drive 100 miles, paint all day in the rain, and then drive another 100 miles home again at 10pm when the event ended. However, while eating dinner and watching Bob Ross reruns on YouTube the night before, I had a change of heart. I'm glad I decided to go, I met a lot of nice people, saw some great art and ended up winning first place. The rain made it a rough day though, you can check out some pictures here.

"Point Reyes Wave"

20x20" oil on canvas

Here's another from Waterfront, which opens September 4th at the Studio Gallery. The reception will be on Sunday September 8th, 2-6pm. I just dropped off my paintings yesterday and there were already a bunch of really nice paintings in the gallery.

In other news, I started a facebook page, Michael Chamberlain Paintings. I plan to keep it updated with photos and event info. I just uploaded a couple of albums, one for the 50/50 show and another for the Waterfront show. 

"Mori Point"

20x20" oil on canvas

One of the things I like about participating in themed shows is that it encourages me to explore new subject matter. I tend to avoid painting traditional landscapes so this one is bit of a departure for me. This painting is for "Waterfront", a show opening at the Studio Gallery on September 4th. 

I've only recently discovered Mori Point and it's become one of my favorite spots to go for a walk. This view is looking south from the point toward Pacifica. The large mountain in the back is Montara Mountain, another beautiful spot for a hike.

"Victorians"

20x20" oil on canvas

Spirit Gallery, Burlingame, CA

I just finished hanging the show at the Spirit Gallery in Burlingame, the reception is this Sunday. It's been a busy couple of weeks! There's also another show coming up in a few weeks at the Studio Gallery. It's an urban plein air event called "94109". All paintings must be done in one week and the subject matter must be within the 94109 zip code. I'll post more details closer to the event.

I've had some emails asking about my painting process when doing larger pieces so I figured I'd post a few photos below.

First I toned the canvas with a thin wash of burnt sienna and sketched out the buildings.

Next I scrubbed in some approximate colors.

Here I started applying thicker paint with more accurate colors. I continued making adjustments until I arrived at the finished painting seen at the top of this post.

"View from an Alley"

20x20" oil on canvas

"Harrison at Embarcadero"

20x20" oil on canvas

Studio Gallery, San Francisco

"Jackson Street"

20x20" oil on canvas - sold

Studio Gallery, San Francisco

It's been a crazy week of painting and framing! This is the last of the paintings for "City Streets" which opens this week at the Studio Gallery. The reception is Sunday April 28, 2-6pm. 

Next I'll be working on some larger paintings for a solo show which opens mid May. I plan to post paintings and details in the coming weeks.

"Union Street"

20x20" oil on canvas - sold

Studio Gallery, San Francisco

"Crossing the Gate"

20x20" oil on canvas - sold

Studio Gallery, San Francisco

"Outbound" - SOLD

20x20" oil on canvas

"Winter Oak" - SOLD

20x20" oil on canvas

I've been wanting to paint leafless oaks all winter, there's so much character in their twisted, gnarly branches. They've just started to bud so I figured I'd better get to it. This is my first large canvas in a while. I had to alter my brushwork a bit to suit the subject. I experimented with shorter strokes and I didn't thin the paint at all. I think this gives the painting an early California look.

For some reason the early California painters focused primarily on eucalyptus trees. Some critics actually dubbed them the "Eucalyptus School". The oak is a very striking native tree so I'm surprised it wasn't painted more often. It could be due to their complicated structure, or the fact that they look a little spooky.