Blurb Books...

{Autumn has arrived}

Hello,

I have been under the weather these past few days, while not feeling like doing much I did spend some time looking at a variety of books on Blurb. Are you familiar with this website? It is a self-publishing company and a lot of the books are available for preview. Here are a few that I came across that allow you to see the entire book...

Sand, Rock, Water, Time

@ Home on the Hill

Jahrbuch 2011

Streaks of Light

My New England Coast

Hopefully the stars will align later this week and I will get to spend some time in the studio or maybe even go outside to do a bit of painting...

Until then, thanks for stopping by.

Potomac River Series at Great Falls National Park

Potomac River Series XXIV
{approx. 8" x 12" (20.3 x 30.4 cm) – oil on gessoed paper}

On Saturday I met up with two friends to do a little painting at Great Falls National Park, the day was crisp and sunny and perfect for painting.

Like most other painting excursions I brought Naomi with me and she seemed to enjoy observing all the visitors that came to the park.

Friday Inspiration: Theodore Rousseau

{Les Chenes d'Apremont by Theodore Rousseau}

"Theodore Rousseau was able, in the painting of a single tree, to impress us with the greatness of nature -- with her very soul, if one my use the expression. In looking at his tree we are not disturbed by wondering whether it is an Oak or an Ash or botanically correct. We are content to look at it and come away, feeling that we have seen something grand and without a wish to analyse it" Rex Vicat Cole from "The Artistic Anatomy of Trees" pg. 29

Plein Air Painting: Potomac River Series at River Farm

Potomac River Series XXVI - River Farm
{approx. 5" x 7" (12.7 x 17.8 cm) – oil on gessoed paper}


Today was a beautiful day! Which meant that Ann, Naomi, and I went out to do a bit of painting, this time we met at River Farm along the Potomac River.

I am having to become a "quick draw" artist because even though I was out there for almost two hours I really only got about 45 minutes total to dedicate towards painting, my "little helper" kept needing attention.


{our setup}

For this painting I blocked in the drawing using perm. alizerin crimson, which is a great foil for all the greens that will end up being in the painting. To create a sense of atmospheric depth I laid in a deep red/purple underpainting for the background trees.


{Naomi all cozy}


{all packed up to head home}

Naomi's stroller also doubles as a pack horse, where I sling some of my plein air supplies on it, so I do not have to physically lug much around, which works out well...

Paint Annapolis Dueling Brushes Paint Out

{Naomi and me standing in front of my entry}

On Saturday (October 1st) I participated in the MAPAPA Paint Annapolis Dueling Brushes paint out. It was the first time I participated in a timed quick-draw plein air event, and all participants had 2-1/2 hours to complete their painting en plein air and then bring their work to the city dock for judging.

{some photos taken at the city dock}