"Contessa"

On this particular August morning, I set up to paint at St. Andrews Marina in the Panhandle of Florida. It was an off and on rain kind of day but that’s okay, because I like what happens to the sky on days like this. The dense water logged clouds create some dark, cool shadows that support the warm pinkish-yellow reflections of light in the upper less dense portions. This often sets the overall tone or mood of my painting. And so, here it was today, a beautiful sky with a sailboat gleaming on the dark reflective waters below. What more could I ask for?

"Contessa" 6" x 8" oil on linen $700 (click image for larger view)

"A Favorite Place"

In the Panhandle of Florida, tucked away in an old part of Panama City, exists a favorite painting location of mine. Massalina Bayou offers some magical opportunities for an artist, like myself. Old buildings at the water’s edge provide a hidden oasis for a multitude of resting sailboats waiting for the weekend, waiting for adventure, waiting to be set free. I set up my pochade box and attempt to capture, with paint and canvas, the story laden charm this little inlet possesses.

"A Favorite Place" 8" x 10" oil on linen $1000 (click image for larger view)

A View at St. Andrews

Today I’ve chosen to set my easel up under a gazebo in St. Andrews, Florida. I’ve painted at this spot several times before. In fact, I’ve painted this sailboat before, but never the front view. When I saw the vessel had been reversed in the slip, it took little time to decide this would be my subject, as I already knew how well this boat, with all its glorious accessories, would translate to canvas. She is an adventure waiting to happen.

"A View at St. Andrews" 6" x 8" oil on linen $700 (click image for larger view)

East Coast Seafood

These are some of the views of the working waterfront on Tilghman Island, Maryland. I found lots of interesting subjects to paint on my recent visit here and at the bottom of the post is one of my choices. I hope you enjoy.

I felt the small seafood processing plant, along with the fishing boats in the foreground, really tells the story of this little area where generations of fishermen have earned their living fishing the Chesapeake Bay. It’s my understanding that this area is destined for some development in the near future. Fishermen will soon be pushed out by fancy condos or something of the sorts. I hope I’m able to paint here again before that happens. The proud white structure in the background had a sign that read “East Coast Seafood,” hence the title.

"East Coast Seafood" 6" x 8" oil on linen. $650 (click image for larger view)

"A Day At The Beach"

Realizing summer is quickly passing and the kids will be back in school, I figured I’d better take my daughter to the beach soon. Fortunately for me, this doesn’t mean taking the day off from work but rather, taking my work with me. When we arrived at the beach, I was pleased to see there was a lot of action with the crashing waves and the quick moving clouds. I think this piece captures the essence of the day, a day at the beach, Panama City Beach, Florida.

"A Day at the Beach" 6" x 8" oil on linen

Plein Air Easton---Post 6 "The End"

"Boats on Tilghman Island"

This is going to be my last post on "Plein air Easton." It was an exciting week and a wonderful event. I got to make some new artist friends, paint in some new places, and sold six paintings. I hope to return next year.

I found these two old boats on Tilghman Island, a small fishing village on Chesapeake Bay. The morning sun was striking as it cast it’s warmth on the hulls of the old friends. I was able to set up my pochade box on the opposing shore, where I painted, observed, and battled the menacing heat. There is a series of docks to the right of the boats where fisherman come to unload their morning catch of crabs. Seeing things like this while I am painting really helps me capture the spirit of the scene.

"Boats on Tilghman Island" 6" x 8" oil on linen.

Plein Air Easton---Post 5

"Afternoon in Oxford"

I painted this little gem at a marina in Oxford, Maryland during “Plein Air Easton,” the premiere painting festival on the Eastern Shore. It was quite hot during my trip here, so, in my attempts to stay cool, I found a great little spot in the shade at this marina, where these two sailboats were resting in the afternoon sun. This was one of my three pieces that didn’t get finished in time to turn in for the sales event at the end of the festival. I just put the finishing touches on it and here it is. I’m glad I didn’t rush this one.

"Afternoon in Oxford" 6" x 8" oil on linen.