Larry Groff

oil painting

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View of Balboa Park’s Cabrillo Bridge and Musuem of Man

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Balboa Park view of Cabrillo Bridge and Musuem of Man

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.

Mt. Woodson Boulder #1

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Mt. Woodson Boulder #2

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

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San Diego Farmer's Market - WIP

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.

Tugs and Battleship under the Coronado Bridge

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Under the Coronado Bridge

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!