Daily Studies and Sketches

COLORADO
09/29/08:
I finally have time to upload some recent sketches and color studies. The inspiration here is phenomenal, and I am doing my best to take it all in, and translate as much of that as possible to the paper/canvas.

Some figure study sketches, exploring the figure and various kinds of drapery:


I was fascinated by the smoke patterns of a small candle. This started off a three-day-long exploration of smoke patterns:


Here is the initial block-in for a Work-in-Progress: a full length figure, approx. 18"x24"


Coming home from work one evening, I ran up to the railroad tracks to watch the sun set, and this scene struck me. Looking at the hazy distant mountains, the pale blue, orange and yellow of the sky, the middle-ground trees and hills in dark silhouette, with the glow of the street lights and the headlights and tail lights of the cars, it all came to me. "I know how I'll paint this." So I watched, absorbed the scene, and let it all sink in. I went home and did a quick color study.

This one might turn into a painting, or perhaps spark off a series.
I have made it my new personal mission to find as many cool places for sunsets as possible, and then to take the time to watch the sun set.

Daily sketch of a face, I liked the the expression.

A bird:


Dolphins:



FLORIDA:
06/20/08:
Another figure. Probably going to add a bird to this one, when I can find the right one.
Stock photo by:
http://faestock.deviantart.com/



06/19/08:
After a spirited discussion with a dear friend, I felt inspired to paint a study of a bird. I chose this image of an egret. There are several egrets that perch just a few yards from where I work, I love watching them when they take off, it always gives me a thrill. I can never get enough of them. They are such beautiful creatures.
It is a reminder of how lucky I consider myself to be around so much wonderful wildlife every day.

Great Egret, Acrylic, 5x7"
I was thinking how this would be great if I could find the right figure to combine it with.
The minute I stumbled across this reference, I knew it was the one. The way her arm echoes the wing of the bird, and the white dress just skimming the surface of the water, it was perfect!

Study for "Spirit Takes Flight", Acrylic, 5x9"
I also wanted to play with the colors in the shadows, on the dress, and the highlight colors. I like the result.
I intend to do a large painting of this one. The working title is: "Spirit Takes Flight".
Model: http://rammkitty-stock.deviantart.com/


06/09/08:

Cloud

06/07/08:

Late Afternoon Clouds

06/01/08:

Tulip in Jar

05/31/08:

Smoke

05/31/08:

Calm