Point Reyes Deer

I spent the week recovering from the two weekends of the West Austin Studio tour. Our gallery did great with sales on both weekends. On the last day I managed to sell about six pieces. That made me very happy. This little painting is from my most recent trip to the Point Reyes National Seashore. Since the drought was easing, a lot of the animals were out grazing and hanging out.

I made this sketch from the 8th floor of our parking garage downtown.

Good Drain System 2

This is painting number 2 from the low water crossing that I visited when Pam was in town last month. Each painting teaches a lesson. These two taught me to blur everything except what drew me to the scene and let the paint take over.

A page from my Khadi sketchbook.

Seated Red Chair

I made the sketch for this painting during a performance produced by Pair Chairs. I added ink and watercolor to finish it off. I wanted to challenge myself to paint furniture, fabric and of course the model.

Sketchbook page.

Good Drainage System

I am intrigued with how the city of West Lake Hills has designed its drainage system. This little area is part of it. This is one of the many low water crossings around town. When Pam is in town we tend to go for walks. We walked up to this area and she got to explore while I sketched.

A page from my Khadi sketchbook.

Dog Wash

I am going back to old photos for another painting series. Most of the photos are from the nineties. The subject is my stepfather and one of his dogs. He is giving her a bath in our yard. Our backyard was large and great for parties.

A sketch book share.

Outhouse With History

This old outhouse was across the street from our house. I grew up with it. The painting size is 2.5 by 2.5 inches. I love painting small because I am forced to get to the point of the painting. My work has been a bit nostalgic lately because of mother's day. I spent mothers day inside cooking, watching television and painting. The subject of my figurative work was my aunt Michelle. She passed away a little over three months ago. On the following Monday, my sister informed me that her husband had passed too. Sad times for my aunt's kids.

A page from my Khadi sketchbook. Done Friday while waiting on my car to be serviced.

Commerce Country Roads

My mother loved riding around in the country and so did/do I. As and adult I photographed those same roads and used those photos to inspire paintings like this post. I did the initial drawing in ink. I dissolved the ink to create a grey scale under painting. I used Daniel Smith watercolors and a few inks to finish it off. I used to run by this scene a lot as a kid and young adult. The barn is long gone.

Something from my sketchbook.

Look At Me

A painting made at the Richmond marina earlier this year. I was attracted to the tree because it's structure and light said "look at me". This is one of the few oil paintings that I produce a year. A major detractor for me with oil paint is solvents. On occasion, I paint with them because I have always liked the texture of the paint.

A sketch while I waited for my haircut.

Tulip Intimacy

I bought my first batch of tulips a week or two ago. This is a small study of two closed tulips surrounded by leaves. I first treated the paper with clear gesso, which I allowed to dry. The initial sketch was in green pencil which I later covered with pastel.

A page from my Khadi sketchbook.