Thursday 7th May 2009 - Ray's group

I painted these two about 18 months ago, pictures I liked but, with all I've learned, I felt could be just that bit better. I took them into Ray's group and worked on them some more. Ray, a big fan of bright colour, especially orange, urged me to lay in the bright orange of the adobe buildings behind the truck. I tried it (I can always paint over it!) and I really liked it.



Taos Truck - 12 x 12" - oil on canvas - $575
The Church at Ranchos - 12 x 12" - oil on canvas - $575

Friday 1st May 2009 - Pink Trees

It was great to get back out Plein Aire painting with Shari and Jane - it felt like it had been a long time. We walked around the centre of town looking for pink blossom trees next to adobe buildings, taking photographs and choosing our spots. I picked this spot outside the Bent Street Deli.

It was early and quiet when we set up but became busy and then my 'maestro' Ray Vinella came to eat breakfast at teh Bent Street Del and parked right in the middle of my composition, so I painted around the cars.

The painting looks empty to me, like it needs a stronger focal point, so I plan to paint in a girl walking her dog or something.

Taos Love Letter - 12 x 16" - oil on canvas panel - unfinished

Thursday 30th April 2009

I continued my theme of painting massive scale views onto ever smaller canvasses, this is a gorge scene on an 8 x 10" canvas panel. Good fun!

Trees in the Crack - oil on canvas panel - 8 x 10" - $295

Thursday 16th April 2009 - Ray's group

I painted this one in 3 sessions as well, the same as the gorge painting from last week. I block in the overall composition as a second painting in Ray's group, work on it when I am on duty in the gallery and then bring it to Ray to finish it off. Ray really liked this one and urged me to put a higher price on it.

Now I have learned so much about creating a sense of perspective, I am enjoying getting a sense of the massive on a small canvas. The one I started after I finished this one off is on an even smaller canvas, just to see if I can do it!

Rocky Gorge - 12 x 12" - oil on canvas panel - $575

Wednesday 15th April - Melissa's

I'll post this one later.

Thursday 9th April 2009 - Ray's

I painted this one over about 3 sessions. It's a new size of canvas for me, 10 x 30" which seemed quite extreme when it was blank but as soon as the drawing of the gorge went in it made complete sense.

Wide Gorge - 10 x 30" - oil on canvas - $975

Wednesday 8th April 2009 - Melissa's goup

I'll post this one soon