My Paintings Featuring Architecture

I have heard complimentary comments at times on how I handle architecture in my oil paintings. For 15 years, I owned my own architectural illustration company. I've had years of practice with building percpectives. Some artists who come from a similar background have difficulty with soft edges. This video clip contains some of my oil paintings where architecture is a key element. Enjoy.

Paris 30 x 40 - Brush Choice

This 30 x 40 painting, Paris, is too large of a canvas for plein air work. However, by painting often outside, I understand shadows as well as light and dark variations in photos. This understanding enables me to create a plein air feel in my larger studio pieces.

Another key element to executing a large painting is brush size selection. I used the large 1" brush (size 14 flat) shown in the photo above in 90% of this painting. Using a larger brush forces you to stay loose and create soft edges.

The close up of the boats in this painting highlight how using a large brush creates interest, emphasizes brush strokes which are applied with intention and allows for paint colors to blend together.

It has been several years since my last French painting trip. Luckily, with a quality camera, photos serve as an ongoing reliable inspiration. While studio painting Paris, my mind was transported back to my on location Paris experience. I hope you agree the finished painting transports you to a strole along the Seine.

Evolution of a Painting

Back in April, I wrote on this blog about Apple Orchard Blossoms, a 12 x 24 painting from an outdoor experience I had in Fairfield. I enjoy having my own paintings on a wall in my home. Not only do they add beauty to my home, they also give me the luxury of time to think about changes that need to be made. 

In the second image, you see how the clouds were altered to add greater interest.

In the final painting, the central tree was reshaped with additional sky holes. The plowed field was also altered to add wild flowers. There is a fine line between overworking a painting and taking enough artistist license to create a finished piece that provides the right amount of interest and color.

Napa Valley Art Festival

Vineyard and Hay Bales 20 x 30

This is one of the pieces set aside for the Napa Valley Art Festival scheduled for Sunday, August 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  This is my first year in the show. It is a perfect setting with it being so close to where I live and paint.

American Impressionist Society

Lobster Boat, 12 x 16

The American Impressionist Society, recently announced participants of the 11th Annual National Juried Exhibition. There were so many submissions that and I feel fortunate that Lobster Boat was chosen.

Painting Partner

 

There are many wonderful advantages of being a full-time oil painter. One benefit is enjoying plein air painting with other artists. This week, I painted with Silvio Silvestri. We met at the La Quinta Arts Festival last year and since we live within driving distance, we had the opportunity to paint together. My 8 x 10 called House Shadows is one of two paintings I started that day.

Oyster Still Life

 

Oysters, 8 x 16

They sell oysters at my local farmers market. I've wanted to paint oysters for a long time. With some recent rainy weather, the time was right. I'm pleased with the finished still life. I hope you agree.