Spring and Autumn woods

This pair of painting is basically the same technique but using different colors to change the seasons. The background trees and dark hints of foliage were done in acrylics. Then a clear glaze medium was brushed on (no masking anything). From there, I just used colors that I felt represented each season. The sun beams were added for depth and to give more life to the paintings.

I did mask around the perimeter to give a matted look to the paintings. I could have easily painted right to and around the canvas edge. I do like the contrast the bright white border gives the paintings.

Lighthouse at Night

Something a little different. Aiming for a night scene with this one. Dark sky made from ivory black and dioxazine purple. The beam of light didn’t turn out quite how I wanted. Gained some ideas for next time.

Adirondack Vista

A rainy morning provided me a chance to complete another painting. This one is an Adirondack vista of distant rolling hills fading into the mist of one of the many small lakes here in upstate New York. The “mountains”of the Adirondacks are more rounded than the jagged Rockies. Erosion has softened the peaks. While there are still rugged areas, many appear like camel humps. There are as many of these soft mountains as there are lakes in the Adirondacks. 

This painting is about depth. Hills upon hills. Trees upon trees. Each element getting closer and a bit more detailed. The little lake below is for the most part calm. The painting was all about layering each mass as it approaches the viewer. As with any experimental painting, there are things I would do differently the next time. 

Overall, I’m happy with the result. It looks the way my mind remembers the many hikes I’ve done around Old Forge. It’s quiet and serene. 

Sunset Loon

It was a rainy morning with no place to go for a couple hours. So I painted a loon floating peacefully on a lake. I did a vibrant sunset as the sky and reflected many of the colors into the water. 11x14 stretched canvas.

Flying High

This 16x20 painting is an eagle in flight. An alpine lake and snow capped mountains set the background. The lake is calm, giving attention to the landscape reflection.

Autumn Buck

As autumn comes into season, so do the bucks around our area. The velvet from their antlers comes off to leave behind the bare antler. Bow hunting season has already started up here. Muzzle loader will follow and then the regular rifle season. It's a time to stay out of the woods. If I do venture on a hike, I'll make sure to wear bright orange. I'm not a hunter myself. I certainly like to see deer in the woods and fields though. It's always a thrill to come upon one while out hiking.

My painting for today is a buck drinking from a small lake. I added a slight ripple from where the buck is drinking, to give a little sense of movement. The trees are full and blazing the fall colors. This was done on an 11x14 stretched canvas.