simple still life

                                 5x7

                                 5x7

I set up a little still life on the kitchen table and took a few pictures; trying out a couple. Each has things I like and don't like!

I added the orange for the light it would reflect on the cruet, and in the foray one I like that orange blush.

For the second I tried a couple of ways to paint the pattern: dry on wet, dry on dry that I'd then mist, and the one I settled on--drawing with a watercolor pencil on wet paper. Really like the effect!

Started the third, and last I think!, one, below. I like it unfinished! But I think I'll go a little further.

                               9x11

quail and kestrel

Another bird painted in class with Salty Water Art.

Taking the class means I'll get my paints wet at least once a week! But also I end up painting birds I wouldnt necessarily choose on my own, like the California quail, above, or the kestrel, below. 

And it's also great to see other painters' work!

more shorebirds

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                                 7x11

A couple of quick, uncomplicated paintings.

I got the ref photos for these from a Facebook group, Free Reference Photos for Artists. The photograspher is Jenny Ryan. Thank you, Jenny!

plein air: higbee beach and townbank

Sometimes, many times?, the value study is better than the painting.

Eliminating the complication of color, and the doubt and hesitation it can provoke, probably accounts for a lot of it. Value studies too often have an appealing freshness and lack of detail.

Gotta bring that value study energy to the painting!

We've been having unseasonably warm temps here, and sunny skies. Going to keep plein air painting as long as it lasts!