New Paintings Coming Your Way

I will be updating new painting next week to my blog. There will be paintings from my New Harmony trip, First Brush of Spring.

Each painting will tell a story of my adventure, and people I have met. Along with pictures of this unique Utopian town. The adventure is just days away. See you in a week.

The Ohio River

                                                                   The Ohio River Oil on panel 12 x 16

 

 

The Ohio River

 

This was an exciting trip to Derby Indiana at the end of September 2012. The trees were starting to change their colors, and the days were still warm. I could not ask for better weather. It was just perfect to paint plein air and take photos.

Derby Indiana is along highway 66 and Highway 70 in Southern Indiana. There is not much there in business, but it offers cabins for a getaway along the Ohio river, and beauty all around for sight seeing.

This was a perfect vacation on the weekend and I would love to revisit this place some day soon.

 

Step 3 Crows Bridge Study

                                                                    Crows Bridge Oil on canvas 14 x 18

 

 

Step 3 Crows Bridge Study

This is the final step in this study. I decided that some of the trees behind the bridge needed some variation to make them look more nature. I increased the height of  two of the trees. Then I added the front post of the bridge, and darken the underside of the bridge wall. I added vines going down the wall on the back entrance wall side on the left side of the painting. I went to the front grasses and brought them out more. When that was done, I finished up the road, by adding shadows and high lights. Then I smoothed out the water bringing in the reflections. I am now happy with the painting.

 

Look for more step by step demos on my blog.



Step 2 Crows Bridge Study

 

Step 2 Crows Bridge Study

With this step I painted the road and the boards on the bridge. Then I went and filled in the color of the grass, and added the color for the water. When that was done I went back to the bridge. I painted in the front and back entrance, and back side of the bridge and side rails. I left the front poles out on this step.

 

Look for step 3 soon!

 

 

 

Step 1 Crows Bridge Study

 

Step One

On the first step I sketch in the drawing. Then I started with the sky. When that step was down I laid in the background trees, and the background. I made sure I put in the middle ground trees, and put in the dark shadow under the bridge. I did try to keep in mind to work all over the canvas, adding a little color here and there. I didn't want to get stuck on just one spot.

 

Crows Bridge Study

Oil on canvas 14 x 18

 

The next step will be coming soon!

 

Crows Bridge Study

                                                                   Crows Bridge Oil on Masonite 6 x 8 Plein Air

 

 

Crows Bridge Study

 

I went to Greencastle Indiana to paint something that would be a historical landmark for "Painting Indiana III". I later decided to use another painting for that.

 

I will use this study for a larger painting. I will be showing it here soon with step by step, on how I am doing the painting.

 



 

Palette, Brushes, & Knives

Palette, Brushes, & Knives

 

Colors that I use:

Yellows: Lemon Yellow, Cadmium Yellow Light, Cadmium Yellow medium, and Yellow Ochre

Blues: Cerulean Blue, Cobalt Blue, and Ultramarine

Reds:Alisarin Crimson, and Cadmium Red Light 

White: Titanium White

                                                                Black I use only with the yellows to make a more interesting green.

Brushes: My brushes are the economy brushes, I buy them from Prizm Art Supply. I don't like using expensive brushes because I sometimes forget to clean my brushes. This way it's just easier for me to go out and buy straight from the store, knowing I am not spending a lot of money on brushes.

I use a variety of knives for my paintings. This gives my paintings texture, and allows me to have more control on difficult subjects.

 

 

                                                                 

                                                                                                  Solvents and Medium:

 

          I use Odorless Turpenoid to clean my brushes. I find it better than turpentine. Turpentine has a strong order that has to be ventilated.

                                          I like using Winsor & Newton Liquin Fine Detail.
                                                    It gives me nice control over my paint.
 When the painting is dry I can take a cloth and use it as a varnish to give the painting a shine.
 

These are some of the things that I use to paint. My palette my change from time to time, or when I am out plein air painting.