Small Watercolors

Here is a collage of smaller watercolors in the studio.

They are figurative swimmers from a show ---

Each painting measures 12" h x 12" w or some are 11" h x 15" w


I think the juxtaposition of images make a compelling image!

Good idea to work from...


Good Girls
watercolor
12" h x 12" w or 11" h x 15" w
some available for purchase
email for interest

Two Sold watercolors --

These two watercolors were sold the other week to a nice client in NC. They were framed and met my approval.

Today they will be crated and shipped out.

I think they look smashing.... and very sleek.


Rain Tulips
watercolor
20" h x 20" w each panel
30" h x 70" w overall
2009

Jewel Swim
watercolor
35" h x 35" w
2009

LA- City of Angels and Possibilities

\
LA
Los Angeles
I have grown to love this city over the last week.
I hope to make a move here one day.
It's been a great town to get to know... teaming with energy, beauty, and commerce.

The Getty Museum was a particular delight today. The exhibition of Gerome- painter in the 1860-1900--- was stupendous.

Also, two photographic exhibitions - one of them on photojournalism was very hard to take in.

~
~
~

Afterwards, hiking Runyon Canyon and seeing the glowing sunset over Sunset Blvd. and the stars and lights come out over the skyline.

The hidden surprise about Los Angeles , I feel, is that people are happier here than the media presents. There are many many happy, non stressed out people that I've been around.

I think LA has gotten a bad rap in the press.

Danielle Barrier Harmon

Danielle Barrier Harmon -- incredible wife, mother, artist, friend.

May you continue to soar and inspire us all--

You are a light, love, and beacon of courage!

I am blessed to have known you.

Bon Courage!

Oldies but Goodies

I had the opportunity to see some older work in a client's home this weekend. Most of it I hadn't seen for years!

It was gratifying to see the images... and sometimes I think I was a BETTER painter way back when!

So.. here they are.
I will add more images later.

Traveling Swimmer
acrylic
55" h x 75" w
1992

Manatee
watercolor
22" h x 30" w
1995


Underwater
watercolor
40" h x 30" w
1990

Swimmer
watercolor
60" h x 30"w
1989

ITALY-- new painting

This is the 54th painting I've begun for the Italian show. I need about 65 to fill the 3500 sf space.

This show how I begin each piece...there's only a couple of hours work.

It will remain unfinished for a while... but I will resume working on it soon!

Enjoy

Italy 124
acrylic
10" h x 30" w
2010

Italy-- finished the 53 painting- acyrlic

I finished the painting of the stairwell --- it is peculiar... but very Italian.
The color palette is similar to the rest of the show -- but there is also a pastel edge.

The bottom photo is an installation of several of the 20 x 20 paintings. I don't exactly know how they'll be installed at CEDARHURST -- but this is one approach.

Italy 123
acrylic
20" h x 20" w
2010
finished

Italy installation
acrylics
20" h x 20" w
2010

ITALY -- acrylics

I have two days to finish these paintings.

The top one is new-- started yesterday... and being worked on this week.

The bottom one is giving me trouble. I don't know why-- but it isn't grabbing me as it should.

Somewhere along the way -- I lost the spark.
I know I will get it back-- but I have to set it aside.. and let it fade in the background of my desire and consciousness.

Then.. after a while... I will bring it out again... and see it with 'fresh eyes." Immediately -- I will know what to do~ !

It's always easier to solve paintings after you are dispassionate about the conclusion.

Sometimes I think -- we fall in love with what we "paint"..and not with what we "see."

Italy 123
acrylic
21" h x 21" w
2010
unfinished


Italy 120
acrylic
30" h x 40" w
2010
unfinished

Italy

Oh how I am loving to paint!

The Italy show is coming down the pike. I am happy to say -- that most of the last pieces are going fairly smoothly.

I am encouraged by the fact that they have a good home.. and nice presentation at the end of my journey.

I am also excited about the fact that if they find home... they will enable me to travel back to the place and gather more information.

I long to take Evan -- and show him what a cool country it is ... as well as see Siena and the Chianti countryside.

Ahh... perhaps next summer.

I invite ALL my blog viewers to come to the exhibition this winter... and entertain the idea of collecting a piece.

Italy 119
acrylic
21" h x 21" w
2010
second state


Italy 89
acrylic
21" h x 21" w
2010
finished- but being tweaked.

Dusk in Italy

I finished this painting today .... it was a joy to work on.

I like it very much -- it adds a bit of dimension to the rest of the show.

I began another one.... 21 x 21. hopefully -- tomorrow's post will include the status it's in.


The work on Italy is going along as fast as possible. In no time -- I will be beginning the last 3 larger pieces.

italy 114
acrylic
12" h x 12" w
2010
final state

Italy

The paintings number 53 at this point. I am barreling down the final stretch to finish this show and move on to the next.

I am absolutely in love with the way it's turning out --- thrilled with the look and polish of these small paintings.

It will be a joy to share them with others!

That said.. here are two that I worked on today ....


The top one is a small village -- painted to look fresh and a bit awkward.

I finished the second one.. of the trees. I like the final transition of the last tree in the distance. I worked hard on that.

The third painting of the trees and cemetary was just begun today. Its prelimary ... with not much resoultion.

The fourth piece is a larger landscape I am developing slowly. Because it's larger -- it seems to take a bit more time.
I'm working on softening the transitions.. .and making more depth and detail.


Italy 114
acrylic 12" h x 12" w
2010
final state

Italy 97
acrylic
10" h x 30" w
2010
final state

Italy 115
acrylic
12" h x 12" w
2010
first state

Italy 112
acrylic
30" h x 40" w
in progress

Italy series

I finished up two paintings in the Italy series. I hope you don't mind me working so hard on getting this exhibition done.

I have a great venue and deadline now -- to keep me focused.

I was finished with the work last spring... but when the curator saw the work.. and wanted to feature it at CEDARHURST MUSEUM .... I was compelled to continue on.

I didn't have enough paintings to fill 3500 sf. so I needed to paint additional works to flesh out the space.

I've never done a show with so many pieces~! AND...I'm adding more~

It will be a visual feast: a variety -- sizes, shapes, palettes, images.... just like a regular presentation of travel~

however.. I MISS my watercolor.. and I'm looking forward to painting the EVERGLADES and OIL DISASTER.

But first... must finish my Italian Series--- completely.

Two large panels came in the mail yesterday -- and I will be beginning those shortly.

I am having a ball developing this exhibition -- and LOVE showing it. I am however, very guarded with who gets to see it in person .... I want there to be a surprise-element next winter. I am also digging sharing it online.. and having my online-artist friends interject their comments and criticisms. Wonderful to have everyone participate in the process of bringing this show together!

OnWARD~

Italy 112
acrylic
10" h x 30" w
2010
mostly finished


Italy 113
acrylic
10" h x 30" w
2010
mostly finished

Continuing on with Italy

I have more reason than ever to forge ahead with my Italian exhibition. The deadline is mid - February 2011. I want to have the majority of paintings done well before then -- so I can spend some time marketing.

Here are a few that have been completed in the last few weeks.

They are mostly completed --with the exception of the last two-- which are in various stages of finish.

I am working best with starting one -- working it for a while -- then abandoning it for the next.

After a time-- I return to finish off the last details with distance and objectivity.

It's really working for me to be efficient in the studio this way!

I need another 20 pieces... gotta get painting!


Italy 98
acrylic
12" h x 12" w
2010

Italy 99
acrylic
12" h x 12" w
2010

Italy 101
acrylic
30" h x 40" w
2010
unfinished

Italy 103
acrylic
10" h x 30" w
2010
unfinished