Values 

It's so much about values

                  

My first consideration in painting a picture is the pattern of values. 

This is a painting I'm working on for an upcoming exhibit at Lake Tahoe.

Notice how distinct each plane reads as a separate value.

the trees, from the ground, from the water,
 from the distant mountain side, and from the sky.

There are shifts in value within each mass but they maintain a certain inherent value.

Also notice how the trees gradate into the value of the water
and how the water gradates from the value of the mountain side
to a lighter value.
Often the values will connect in someway but are still independent.
Makes for a good relationship!!

"The Overlook" almost finished

I'll post it completed soon.

Expect the Unexpected

     Plein Air Painting offers an array of challenges.  If the shifting sun isn't enough,  cars parking in front of you, onlookers asking questions and showing you their portfolios on iphones, and hungry insects always challenge your focus on painting.
     I was on a recent painting  trip to Charleston, SC.  Spent several days painting the streets around the Gallery.  The days were hot but the breeze kept the humidity from being overwhelming.  I painted this little scene on State Street.  I finished and loaded my easel and bag in the car.  I set the painting on the roof while doing this and was graced with a flyby critique from a bird.  He made his mark on the sidewalk in the painting.  I'm not sure if it was a compliment or not, but it mixed into the paints producing a nice dissolving effect.  I decided to leave it as I thought it added the overall surface quality of the painting.  It's opened my eyes  to a whole new technique.
     When painting out doors things happen you have no control over.  Often, something appears that adds that extra something that helps make the painting.  When taking pictures with a camera for references, you only capture a moment.  A split second in time.  When painting outside you do need to hold onto the original concept of your design and not chase the sun across the sky,  but always be open to the things that come and go.  We have the blessing of time.  Painters need to react to the experience of the subject. To expect and invite the unexpected.

"The Pink House/Look out below"

en plein air study

20x16 $950