LOOK MA!

No trees, no barns, no fence posts, and no barbed wire!! Just another sky, horizon, and foreground.

I have learned a great deal from these small paintings, and plan on working on a larger scale after I've finished preparing for, and celebrating, our 7th anniversary event.


Dawn...watercolor...4x7"

The sky was done with Alizarin Crimson, Cobalt Blue, and Raw Sienna. I like this combo for the sunrise effect it creates.

7 AT 5

In two weeks I will be hosting a reception at Gallery 5 celebrating seven years in Paducah. The theme of the show will be the evolution of my art during those seven years. I am frequently asked why I came to Paducah and if I have any regrets with the decision to move here.

I moved to Paducah to be part of the city's Artist Relocation Program which held for me the hope of a wonderful place to live and work. Regarding a place to live, I cannot imagine a warmer, friendlier neighborhood than Lowertown, and the community of Paducah and its citizens. I have not, for one moment, been disappointed in this move.

Living and working in a community of artists has been more than I imagined it would be. The sharing, nurturing, and encouragement of colleagues has played a critical role in my development as an artist. I do not think my work would be what it is today if I had remained living in relative isolation on our Maryland farm. The artwork being produced in our community is as varied as the personalities and aspirations of the artists themselves. The lessons I have learned are not so much about materials and technique but about attitudes and commitment to art, and the respect for excellence in all of our endeavors. It doesn’t matter if the art is abstract, conceptual, or representational; what matters is the artist’s commitment to the work.

My personal goal has always been to create the best art that I am capable of creating. In Paducah I have learned that this is a goal that will always be just out of reach, for there is always room for growth.

If you are in the neighborhood on Friday, the 13th of November between 5 and 8 PM, join the celebration at Gallery 5 at 803 Madison St.

IT WAS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME

before I painted another barn! I avoided the barn thing for as long as I could, but yesterday my will collapsed and I gave in to the urge, consoling myself that it was only a very small barn.


Forlorn.....watercolor.....6x9"

OIL PASTEL

While clearing & cleaning in preparation for next months show I came across this small oil pastel, probably dating back to 2006 or 2007. It measures 5x6" and therefore qualifies for my "small works" file.


Planetary Oil pastel 5x6"

A NEW DAY,

a new painting appropriately called...A New Day


watercolor 7x9"

THERE IS NOTHING MORE TO SAY,

at least that I can think of, about these small sketches. I suppose that one day I'll simply stop, but until then...I just keep painting. The thrill has not yet dampened. Maybe its because they take up so little room in my already overcrowded studio/gallery.
I think tomorrow I will post some pics to make this point. But, in the meantime, here is a 4x6 watercolor pulled from the files of my imagination.



I read in one of my books that Cobalt blue and Aurealen Yellow can be combined in wet washes on paper, and because of the characteristics of their pigments, they will not become so green.

FRESH PRODUCE

I love these produce markets with all their colorful wares and awnings. This small sketch is from memory/imagination, easy to do after painting as many as I have.


Fresh Produce watercolor 4x7"

Here are 2 paintings from my days in Wilmington Delaware, when King St. was still home to the meat and produce markets. they were painted in the early 80's.