"Clearing" 20 x 30" oil

Skies have always been my nemesis. I envy those that paint them easily. Sometimes I can get them right and sometimes not. As I do more oils, I think that I will enjoy doing skies more. This one was done using transparent earth red- what a delicious color- as underpainting and working wet-in-wet for most of the painting.
I am learning to wait for things to dry. After my years of acrylics that's hard. I want instant gratification and really like to keep going once I start. Patience is the lesson of the day.

Plein Air at Van Dusen Gardens

Here are my brave band of students from the workshop I did on Saturday. We had rain off and on and not one person complained. Thank you, Alfonso for finding us a couple of tents- you saved the day.

Like me, most of the folks are just getting started at plien air. My tips, for them and anyone else that is new to outdoor painting, are to keep it very simple, look for good value above color and start with a thumbnail sketch to plan your composition.

It was very fun to spend the day painting with the group. Van Dusen Gardens put on 4 Saturday workshops each spring, as part of the Cherry Blossom Festival. There's a different instructor each week. Mine was the final one for this year.

Next weekend it's "Rocks, Trees and Water in acrylics" in West Vancouver. Details on my website.

Great Blue

I started this painting at the demo for my show last weekend. It's my first attempt at a heron. It was really fun to do- came together pretty easily. Nice when that happens.

Now I want to do more bird paintings. First nice day, I'm going to head out to the Reifel Bird Sanctuary with my camera.

This painting is slated for the big Painters at Painters event at Campbell River in late May.

"Great Blue" 20 x 30" acrylic

My Vancouver Show

Here's a couple of shots from my show opening yesterday at Granville Fine Arts. I was painting in the gallery and actually got quite a bit of painting done, in between chatting to people. Thanks to everyone that took some time on a beautiful sunny day to come and see the show.

The paintings will hang until next Friday, April 20th.

Last one

Just finished this last piece for my show. "Turning Point" 30 x 40" oil. Now I just have to sign, varnish, frame and deliver everything to the gallery on Thursday. I'm really looking forward to seeing it all hanging on the gallery walls. The show opens Saturday, April 14th at Granville Fine Arts [Broadway & Granville] and I will be painting there in the afternoon, from 1:00 to 4:00. Please drop in and say hi if you have time- would love to see you.

Two new paintings

I finished these two pieces today, although a little tweaking may take place before they leave the studio. They are both for my April 14th show.

Garabaldi Workshop

Last weekend I spent two days teaching this lovely bunch of people. They were gracious, focused and hardworking. Plus fun. I had a great time - thank you everyone for making it such a positive experience.