Fabriano again!

I have decided that I needed to paint an IRIS this spring.

They are one of my FAVORITE flowers... and now in full BLOOM!

The best place to find them is at the Missouri Botanical Garden.

Off I go to photograph them on Friday-- before the big rain storms.

There are dozens of varieties.. and so many to choose from!

It is always exhilarating to see them!

The last two days I've been trying the bloom on the FABRIANO paper.

Here is a painting after two days of work. I have to finish it later-- as there are pressing things for me to accomplish over the next fews days.

I promise to post the final result of this when I finish -- so you can see how it concludes!

Long live IRIS!

Flame Thrower

watercolor

40" h x 30" w

2012

in progress

Iris! on Fabriano! First Stage~~

I am working once again on FABRIANO paper.

It is a challenge-- but good for me to stretch.

FABRIANO is softer and more accepting of watercolor than Arches.

The blooms are more subtle and the colors softer.

The washes seem "easier" to control--- and my painting is more relaxed.

Hopefully-- tomorrow I will get to finish the last of the larger scales washes-- and make a determination as to whether FABRIANO is a good surface.

Iris

watercolor

40" h x 30" w

2012

in progress

FABRIANO EXTRAVAGANZA!!

I have finally gotten back to the studio--- and a few days at Jury Duty.

It was an exciting trial and a wonderful opportunity to be part of the judicial process. Long live jury trials!

Anyway, I am now back to work-- and decided to stretch my wings by

trying a new paper-- FABRIANO.

Kathleen Alexander said she loved it-- so I bought a reem to experiment.

My first attempt was of a landscape from the Everglades. A horizon of scrub pines and receeding sunset was the subject.

The paper is softer than Arches-- and more accepting of paint and wash. The blooms and back washes are also softer and not so pronounced.

I don't know if I like that or not.

On the plus side-- the paper is more 'forgiving' and easier to lift mistakes and correct values.

I like that!

So.. here's the second day of working on the landscape. I'm not done yet-- but will continue to develop the whites to blend in the image.

It is exciting to think that I will be working on a different paper-- from Italy!

Tomorrow-- I am branching out and painting an Iris.

Between Time

watercolor

30" h x 40" w

2012

in progress

Hollys!

These Hollys sold today... and I'm excited.

I will be sending this painting to Los Angeles for it's new home.

I love this painting-- and it's brightness and light have brought the Spring spirit into my studio.

Yay for Spring!

Yay for Hollys!

Hollys

watercolor

30" h x 22" w

2012

Never Trust a Smooth Surface

So... this is the final version of my painting-- NEVER TRUST A SMOOTH SURFACE.

I modified and fleshed our certain darks to soft the harshness and create more mood.

I added more Quin Gold to enrich some of the landscape edges.

All in all -- I like the psychological tension and brooding mood it creates.

There's always something a little questioning about a "perfect landscape".... like a LURKING gator...

No?

Never Trust a Smooth Surface

Watercolor

22" h x 30" w

2012

Rounding the corner of the painting

I have worked and worked on this painting... trying to get it to "lay down" as well as the mangrove to "stand vertical".

I washed in again...some Quinancridone Gold to soften the upper portion of the grove.

I am beginning to enjoy it better-- with the deeper nuances and softer edges.

I am almost done.

I have a few more areas to tweak... and then I will call it "finished".

I was watching a show last night about crocs... and came up with a more delicious title that seems to invigorate and set the scene for the narrative.

Gators and crocs can stay under water for at least 2 hours... to surprise their prey. This is a tactic that has drastic consequences.

Never Trust a Smooth Surface

watercolor

22" h x 30" w

2012

almost complete

I really need to find a venue for the Everglades show. If anybody has some suggestions.. .please don't hestiate to email me!

Happy EASTER!

Watercolor in WISCONSIN!

Please join me for my latest workshop in Whitewater, Wisconsin!

Information available on the flier.

Also posting soon on the website.

If you are anywhere near the area-- please join me for a great opportunity to PAINT!