Sunday, July 15, 2012

Lighthouse studies - Monhegan Island, ME

                                      "Monhegan Island: The Keepers House"  
                                      Acrylic - 8x10
                                      

                                      "Monhegan Island sunset - 9/11"
                                      Acrylic - 9x12
                                      

These are my final pre-workshop studies of this most painted, and certainly one of the most quietly beautiful locations in the country - Monhegan Island, ME.  This 1x2 mile island has welcomed painters since 1867.  Both "The Keepers House" and "Monhegan Sunset - 9/11" will be available for sale through this site after my late summer Monhegan workshop.  [Plein-air gold framed - ready to hang are available at additional cost]. 

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Monheagan Workshop Warm up painting #2



Again, I am limiting myself to two hours and then stop & see where I am.  My first "warm up" painting for Tim Horn's Monhegan workshop [see below] was the same subject, the beautiful lighthouse on the island.  I'd like to think I could get something totally finished in 2.5 hrs - but realistically I think getting close,  then finishing it in a studio is as good as I am going to get unless I loosen up a great deal more. One of the major goals of the workshop is a focus on "values" - that is contrasting the light and darker areas, and seeing what kind of patters are created in the light spaces.  I have a way to go on this one nad will deal with that in the studio.  If you're interested in at how the pros deliver perfect values, try Tim Horn's blog, as well as Kevin Beers.  

Monday, July 9, 2012

Warm-up paintings for Monhegan Island workshop



Started this today and learned a lot about getting faster and light values.  The goal is to deliver 2 a day when you are at a workshop.  That's 2 a day that are worth it and teach you something.  This is my start today.  Tomorrow I plan to work on the "values" on the lawn area, the sea, and pop in the actual lighthouse structure someplace next to the cupola.  The Monhegan Island, ME lighthouse complex is bound to be on Tim Horn's workshop agenda.  It's been the favorite painting location since the late 1800's.  Now it's my turn.  I found lots of photos on-line and decided to paint a few of the most likely spots we will paint during our 5 day stay on this popular painting location. I  plan on at least one more of the same location before I move on to a few of the more popular beach and houses. 

Sunday, July 8, 2012

OK - the vote is in and thanks...!..



The Kiwi Cafe is a popular breakfast/lunch place in Chester, NS, Canada.  Maybe I should do a series of "great breakfast joints" .  The sweeping waitress earned her right to "stay in the painting" with 23 yes votes - and not even close "Nos".  I did change the colors and some of the figure design enough to satisfy my "no" vote objection.  A favorite figure artist who has her own super style is Peggy Kroll-Roberts.  If I wasn't tapped out on painting workshops for the year I would run to her next class for sure.  I am moving on now to paint from photos of Monhegan Island as a warm up to my upcoming 5 week workshop/painting trip.  I have selected photos of the the most popular painting spots on that Maine island that has been a painting hang out since at least 1887. Should be fun.  I'll post what happens.    

Wednesday, July 4, 2012



"Almost Closing" is a bit of a bother still.  I can't decide if the "sweeping server" is a bit too "cutesy" or not.  Darkening up the doorway is what I am wanting to do - but many of my artist pals want me to leave her.  No clue.  What do you think?  Let me know.  The Kiwi Cafe is located in Chester, NS, Canada and is one of the all time great breakfast places.  If you're in town [summers only please] this is the place to have breakfast and lunch for sure.  It is one of the most beautiful towns I have ever painted in for sure.