Okay. I have set my previous painting aside to rest for a bit. I will return to it in a week or so to consider adjustments. I am returning to the sea for my next piece.
Standing on the rocks with the incoming or rising tide I fall under the spell of the consistent rhythm of the surf. Occasionally that pattern is interrupted by a huge rogue wave crashing into the protruding rocks. In this new painting I will attempt to capture the feeling of "sforzando" (musical term for suddenly very loud). With white foam boiling past my feet and showers of wind blown spray cascading around me I brace myself, relax and fall back into the steady rhythm of the tide. As a landscape painter I have crawled over miles of back country in all seasons looking for inspirational scenes. It is futile to compose a piece if I don't discover a scene with some element of beauty that inspires me. That is not to say that I haven't toiled over many soul-less paintings in an effort to just get something done. Other times I will focus on an intimate motive and I always do learn something about nature when I do make an effort. The real excitement and reward comes when nature provides me with a big dose of seratonin-releasing beauty. I am amazed at the plethora of BEAUTIFUL compositions our Creator has provided for me in this new home of Vancouver Island. One such example is Little Qualicum Falls. I am in awe of the elements of this special place. I will try to do the scene a little justice. My plan is to build up a 48X36" painting beginning with this preliminary sketch. I have to make some design decisions but the frame or armature of the painting is all here through no effort of my own. What an amazing arrangement. I can only thank God and give it my best shot. We will see. stay tuned.
This needed a couple of problems solved. I often create little annoyances that are not apparent to me immediately. Most glaring to me was the main stem of the arbutus that was somehow amputated before it exited the picture plane. Easily solved and makes me happy. I introduced a little more yellow/orange into the reflective tops of the waves as well as within the translucent parts of the waves.
What I'm learning about painting water is that I need to stare at the wave action a long time and get the characteristics implanted in my memory. Then in studio I know what should be there in nature. I think that Ive achieved the mood that I was originally after. I visit the shore for a few hours but these gulls live in and are one with the interface of ocean and sea. Rain, wind or sun they are capable and comfortable. I think I'll save this one for submission into the upcoming Cowichan Valley Art Festival. I am very pleased to announce that my work is now represented by Calla Design and by JD Stevenson Gallery.
Calla Design is a visionary space located in Estevan Village, Victoria, BC. Owner Janice Long has collected and arranged decorative pieces from around the world to excite and inspire home owners looking to personalize their living space. Her Gallery is a visual treat, well worth a visit and I am honored to have my paintings represented in such a beautiful location. I am also pleased to have my work placed in JD Stevenson Gallery in Chemainus, BC. This is a wonderful gallery centrally located in the Town of Murals. A must- see gallery if you are in the area. It is quickly gaining a reputation for representing some very fine art. Again, I am very pleased to be involved with such a quality gallery. |
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July 2017
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