January 30, 2009
Balboa Park view of Cabrillo Bridge and Musuem of Man 8″ x 10″ oil on panel 1/30/2009
Had to take a day off from painting up on the Mountain and give my legs a rest. I hope to do a few paintings of this view as well – and explore the possibilities of this place. This was a quick one sitting painting done in a couple of hours.
January 29, 2009
Mt. Woodson Boulder #1 8″ x 10″ oil on panel 1/27/2009
This is the first little 8 x 10 inch oil on panel done from what I plan to be a large series of work exploring the rock formations of Mount Woodson in Ramona, California in San Diego county about a half-hour’s drive from where I live. This mountain is covered with hundreds or thousands of these huge weathered smooth white granite boulders. To paint these boulders I climb up a very steep mountain road that winds its way up to the summit where there are several cell-towers. I was awe struck by the amazing abstract configurations of form and the play light on these granite boulders. After I first saw these rock formations I knew I had to paint them. I have pushed aside my other work to respond to this amazing array of “found arrangements” of natural forms and to also explore new directions for me in terms of more formal compositional and color issues. I think its time for me to start figuring out new ways to move paint around
As I think about these issues more I will try to document some of my thinking about this process as I am able.
WIP – San Diego Farmer’s Market 36″ x 48″ oil on linen work in progress
I have finally returned to this painting again. I was working on site trying to get back into the space I was in when I worked on it last year. I am really getting pumped on moving this along and into a new level. However, I got a little discouraged when some fool urinated in the trash can that is right next to where I paint! The smell is enough to knock you out. It got to be too much after awhile and I’ve been working on this in the studio from photos. I think it is looking better. I’ve actually done a lot more since this photo. But wanted to post it anyway.
Under the Coronado Bridge – Tugboat Repair and Battleship 30″ x 40″ oil on linen 1/2009
A large painting done over several sittings with some studio work as well, especially in the foreground water area. I was lucky to be able to paint out on a long concrete wharf where I could tie down my easel with bungee cords to a metal fence so I didn’t have to lug around my 30 lb weights to tie them to protect from the wind. Very peaceful spot with hardly anyone bugging me, very respectful folks down there, with the exception of one homeless guy who got a little carried away with his art appreciation!
One problem is I didn’t realize how much tugboats get moved around at tugboat repair shops! But I made do as best I could. My next large painting I want to make sure everything will stay put for awhile!
January 21, 2009
Oak Trees on a hillside 12″ x 14″ oil on panel 1/21/2009
A one sitting venture out by El Capitan Mountain.
January 20, 2009
Yellow House and Autobody shop 10″ x 14″ oil on panel 1/20/2009
Done over a couple of sitting on site. Not sure if I consider this one finished. The painting looks much better in real life than this photo. I’m not sure I want to leave the clouds, might repaint it without the clouds. I love this part of San Diego, the people who lived in this house and worked at the Auto Body shop were very excited I was painting their place. I may return and do another painting, larger and tighter cropping of the scene to focus more on just the yellow house.
January 19, 2009
Foggy Morning at Lake Murray 8″ x 10″ oil on panel 1/19/2009
Quick study of the fog. There hasn’t been as many foggy mornings this winter yet, I would love to do more paintings of the marine layer – I love the way it dissolves form and turns the ordinary into the spectacular, much the same way a big snow storm might do out east. The photo of this painting needs to be redone, there is glare and the colors seem off. I will retake it in the next few days.
January 18, 2009
Lake Murray Evening at the Water Works 8″ x 10″ oil on panel 1/17/2009
A one sitting painting done from life at nearby Lake Murray
January 16, 2009
Lake Murray with Cowles Mountain 8″ x 10″ oil on panel 1/16/2008
another quick study of Lake Murray