Monday 10th November 2008 - Fall Colours on the Rio Grande

Another chilly day in Taos, working in the gallery. I painted this one from a photo I took of the Rio Grande, a little south of Pilar.

I had an interesting conversation with a good friend and fellow artist, Rich Nichols. I had noticed that I paint differently when I'm in the gallery. Something to do with being interrupted and strangely I find it easier to focus on smaller details than when I am solely focussed on painting or out painting Plein Aire. I enjoyed painting in details like the rocks in the river and their reflections and the bushes and grasses by the water, whereas when I get into my usual painting flow, it's more about broad strokes. Rich said he paints the same way and usually does 80% of his paintings plein aire and then does the finishing in his studio in the gallery. I find this kind of thing fascinating.

Fall Colours on the Rio Grande - 12 x 16" - oil on canvas panel - sold

Saturday 8th November 2008 - Martha

This week's model at our regular portrait group was Martha, who was a delight to paint!

Martha - oil on canvas panel - 16 x 12" - sold

Thursday 6th November 2008 - more California!

Another California beach painting. I'm really enjoying painting these beach and ocean views, particularly all the greens and blues in the ocean, makes a great change from mountains and sagebrush.

California Coastline - 12 x 16 - oil on canvas - $750

Wednesday 5th November 2008 - Allessandra

A second week with the lovely Allessandra. I was very pleased with the one I did last week and it's already framed and in the gallery. What a great model, or maybe she just inspires me because I was happy with this one too.

Alison - 20 x 16" - oil on canvas - $1,175

Tuesday 4th November 2008 - California

Election Day and the unseasonably warm and sunny weather came to an end and it looked grim and rainy on the Plaza as I was on duty at the gallery, the few visitors coming in to get out of the rain. I really enjoyed painting this sunny beach scene from my trip to California, especially the blues and greens in the sea.

California Coastline - 12 x 16" - oil on canvas - $750

Saturday 1st November 2008 - Portrait of George Chacon

George is a friend and fellow artist and fellow member of the Taos Society of Portrait Artists. When the model didn't show up at Saturday's session he volunteered to sit for us.

It is so interesting to paint or draw someone who's face I know well because you see so much more than usual and there are so many surprises. I thoroughly enjoyed painting George.

Portrait of George Chacon - 16 x 12" - oil on canvas panel - not for sale

Friday 31st October 2008 - Hallowe'en

I spent the day in the gallery and enjoyed doing this little painting from one of my photos of the California coastline from my recent trip. In the afternoon I got dressed up for Hallowe'en and had many many local children come trick or treating to the gallery, it was a lot of fun.

Big Sur Sunset - 8 x 10" - oil on canvas panel - $395