What to do after an art show opening? Paint of course

Paint of course!




I enjoyed the opening of the show at River Arts last evening.  So many differnt artists, styles, and media.  I spent more time studying abstract works than I think I've ever done before.  I don't know if its because some of my latest subjects (winter / ice) have had an abstract quality about them or not.

Had a great dinner with Ari and Julie and when we got home I headed down to the studio and began work on a new watercolor based on earlier studies.   First Pass at compositional study.

First pass at larger watercolor last evening.

Then I referred back to the sketches made on location and took a quick trip back to the location for a few more details.  I went back to the comp study and indicated the foreground river bank and trees.  As well as some other work on hardwoods on the island.

                                

Below is the final painting with those details mentioned above and some ice build up where the current continues to etch away at the ice.  Will not set this one aside for reconsideration later.  

I rarely decide if a painting is complete and ready for framing immediately.  I find some time and distrance from a paitning provides me with a "fresh look" at the subject.  I don't like to pick or fuss over a painting - and usually finish a painting in one or two sessions - but one never knows.

Study Ice Breaking - Androscoggin River parts B and C

This large charcoal (18" by 24") was done to expand upon the small pen and ink sketch done from on location observations.  I added a few elements such as the additonal open water in the foreground.  The next step was the color compositional study below.

                                  

This compositional study (9"x 12") was a double experiment for me - one in terms of subject matter.  Had never attempted an ice dominated subject before - am quite excited about the possibilities.  It's a short season but one that, for me, demands more study.

This was also an experiment in terms of ground for the painting.  I used a watercolor block for this.  I was pleasantly surprised at how even a lighter weight paper (in this case 140 lb paper) didn't buckle.  I'll definately continue to utilize watercolor blocks, particularly for on location paintings.

I decided to leave the foreground as is for now - time will tell.  In some ways I like it better, but I think it creates a weaker composition...  Need to give it time.

After the Storm, Lisbon Falls

After the Storm, Lisbon Falls

Acrylic 12" x 16"

This acrylic was painted the same day I completed an on location sketch - while the composition and colors were fresh in my mind.  This was from a winter or two ago.  Big storm coming in, up to another two feet of snow.  Am looking forward to seeing the results of the storm (but not to shoveling out).

I was struck by the color of the ice and the trees all being weighed down by snow and ice.  The scene changed quite quickly once the sun worked its way through the clouds melting the ice and snow.

Another thing that I enjoy about painting on location is that I observe things that I wouldn't know to make up or to include in a purely studio based painting.  For instance, in the painting the lines of snow (cracks in the ice) help compositionaly, but it also indicates how hard the wind had been blowing (snow off the ice) and also that the ice freezes in different locations at different times.