Leftovers

Well the title came from the fact that the grass is leftover from summer and the the paint was leftover from my painting today. These small pieces are so fun and if they don't turn out I can wipe them off and start over. They also make good value studies for future paintings. When I first started painting they talked about the value of the color being more important that the color. I understood the term but did not understand the mechanics. The more I paint the more I know when the value is right. 

I love the work of Ramona Youngquist. She considers her paintings a war zone and she battles with them till she feels they are done. She uses sandpaper, palette knife and anything that achieves her goal and adds texture. I used a wooden stick to scratch in the grass, I like the effect and I think Ramona would approve. 

Prairie Clouds

It was fun to paint this small study. I've been working on large pieces and took a break to do this 5x7" oil. Clouds are something I am really learning to study. They are not just white but full of greys and blues. They change as they approach the horizon line and become smaller and have less color. Never boring since everyday the sky and clouds are different and changing even as I paint.  

Salt Cedar on th Rio Grande SOLD

I guess it helpsto rework a painting when you feel you can improve it. This painting sold today. I felt the palette knife work was detracting from the overall feel so just toned it down and it really helped the feel. . 

Snow and Stubble

This 12x24 inch painting was awarded third prize at the 40th Annual Prairie Art Exhibit in Sterling Ks. I was just hoping to get a piece accepted into the show. I am still in shock, so many wonderful artist are represented in this exhibit. Thank you to the judge Elaine Lierly Jones.

Flamingos By the Sea

This was a commissioned piece. Had fun painting these unusual birds. 

Treaster Creek

This is the finished painting. The buyer picked it up so feel it's ok to post now. It was the largest canvas I have ever painted, 2x3 feet. I used ever tool and brush I could find to cover that space. 

The Purple Prairie is SOLD