Crosbys Life Paintings

Expression 1

2012-02-20T10:14:00.000-08:00

I recently finished a book on sketching fast. The author suggested sketching while the dvr or recording device was on pause. I did that yesterday while watching a little telly. My pause button works for about 10 minutes before I lose the still image. I worked small (3.5 by 5 inches) to get in a full image. I will call this series my expression series.

$40.00 plus shipping and taxes

Sing It

2012-02-18T17:40:00.000-08:00

This young lady is part of the duo called Justif. They play frequently at our gallery openings. The crowd tends to stay around longer when we have music. The initial study was in ink. The first painting was a 5 by 7 watercolor. This is the first pastel version.

Can I Hide Behind You

2012-02-17T17:07:00.001-08:00

This is a still life from 2000. I worked with oil pastels which in my opinion deserves a bit more respect. I worked from life a lot back then so the angles can be a bit distorted as I didn't always paint from the exact same position at my easel after taking breaks.

125.00 plus taxes and shipping

Exploration Sketch

2012-02-15T17:14:00.001-08:00

The first painting of the outing last weekend. The first painting for me is usually timid and unsure. At this stage I'm thinking about the scene more than feeling it.

2012-02-14T18:46:00.000-08:00

I spent a little time waiting in the 167th District Court last week. I got this little sketch of the judge.

Distant Tree Stand

2012-02-13T17:14:00.000-08:00

This was the second painting of the morning. I noticed the color on the trees and the nice consistent shadow line below them. My eyes have a macro way of drilling into a larger scene to pick out what moves me.

Part of The Landscape

2012-02-12T17:40:00.000-08:00

A fellow painter engaging in the same struggle as me. This was the last painting of the day. It's fellow painter Ann Seago. Beautiful day of painting even if my hands were cold.

Food Not For Thought

2012-02-11T18:21:00.000-08:00

I'm going through old paintings and getting them into storage. I reworked this one a little. The original final version was too fractured for me so I went back into it to unify some shapes. I like this version better. The scene is in Boston, MA downtown near Government Center. I love my time in New England. It was a good time.

Pre Trial Motion 3

2012-02-08T17:07:00.000-08:00

Another painting from my long day in court the other day.

Gentle Flowers

2012-02-06T16:58:00.000-08:00

I am in the process of organizing and storing off site some pastel paintings. I finished this one in 2009. Yes I have them from that long ago sitting on tables and every other surface I can find in my living space. The goal this year is no more clutter.

Pre Trial Motion 2

2012-02-05T18:34:00.000-08:00

Another sketch from my long day in court last week.

Twilight Highway

2012-02-04T17:37:00.000-08:00

On Monday evening I went for a little walk around my neighborhood. As I was walking back I saw this scene. I quickly sketched it using Copic Markers along the side of the road. Today at the gallery I worked from that sketch to produce this little painting.

8 by 8 inches
135.00 plus taxes and shipping

Rock Reflected Pastel

2012-02-03T17:47:00.000-08:00

This painting is smaller than the plein air sketch that I worked from which is 12 by 16 inches. We were back at our rediscovered beach for this painting. I've noticed that very few people interrupt me when I'm painting on site. I wonder why that is. It's nice not to have to divide my attention when painting however it's good to have people engaged with your work.

8 by 8 inches
150.00 plus taxes and shipping

Shoal Creek 2

2012-02-01T19:39:00.001-08:00

A sketch completed on site inspired this painting. I worked on it during gallery duty last weekend. I showed it to Marilyn and told her I wasn't satisfied with it. She said add branches. Thanks Marilyn.

Pre Trial Motion 1

2012-01-31T17:01:00.000-08:00

I had to wait around in court for a number of hours yesterday. While waiting I sketched. The vantage point for most of my court room art is usually from behind the bar. Since this wasn't a jury trial, I sat in the jury box along with the other lawyers. These lawyers had filed a motions to suppress evidence (drugs and money)and they were listening to the primary officer testimony. I like this vantage point because it offers the opportunity to see the subjects better.

8 by 8 inches 125.00 plus shipping and taxes

Shoal Creek 1

2012-01-30T18:37:00.000-08:00

Years ago when I didn't drive I walked or caught cabs everywhere. I would walk around Shoal Creek frequently during my lunch break. I got out of that habit. Last Friday I walked down and did a little sketching. This is the first painting from my lunch time visit.

Marching Orders

2012-01-29T07:10:00.000-08:00

Whenever I look at this set of rocks, especially the one on the right, I think of marching out to sea.
Pastel 12 by 16 inches 200.00 plus taxes and shipping unframed.

The Ocean Color

2012-01-27T17:06:00.000-08:00

The plein air sketch posted last week was the inspiration for this painting. I liked the colors used in the sketch so I tried to match them with the pastels I have available here in Texas. I keep a separate set of pastels at Pam's so the colors here aren't the ones I use in California.

Reflection

2012-01-26T18:10:00.000-08:00

I worked from a plein air sketch for this one. The first painting is 9 by 12 inches. I think it would read better as a larger painting. I used about 15 percent of the image I completed on site to get to this work.

$150.00 plus shipping and taxes

Seascape Study Foggy

2012-01-25T17:36:00.000-08:00

I'm currently working with the composition of a future painting. I worked with graphite and pastel pencil on this study.

Wave Colors

2012-01-23T16:54:00.000-08:00

The inspiration for this painting is 2012 Wave Study 1. I tried to stay true to the colors and overall feel of the original plein air painting. I couldn't get the last quarter inch into this one but I will work with the sketch again. The original had some cresting waves very light in value which I think makes the image read better.

Rock Reflected

2012-01-22T07:53:00.000-08:00

Rather that focus on the surf for this painting, I focused on this rock and the reflections from the cliffs above. I worked on a 12 by 16 piece of watercolor paper which is large for me when working in the field. It's amazing what the camera doesn't pick up like the small ripples in the water from the breeze.

Sunlit Highway (watercolor study)

2012-01-19T17:51:00.000-08:00

I painted this study in prep for the larger version posted a few days ago.

2009 Plein Air Wave Study

2012-01-18T17:49:00.000-08:00

I painted this in Northern California a few years ago. One goal this year for me is to get rid of clutter and organize my art better. I have about four years worth of work to contend with on just one table in my home. I found this little painting about five layers down. This would look good in watercolor and oil.

2012-01-17T17:54:00.000-08:00

The first sketch completed during my outing on Town Lake this past weekend. I have a policy that I don't touch them after I leave. I really had to resist further clarifying the larger tree. I do like the water.

Second Sketch Town Lake

2012-01-16T17:42:00.000-08:00

The second study completed on Town Lake in Austin, Texas. I wasn't as tight in this one. I was sitting on a bench as opposed to the ground.

Ocean Rocks

2012-01-15T17:14:00.000-08:00

I'm still playing with this image. This is a gouache study of a few rocks that appear in the overall image.

Point Reyes Bay 2

2012-01-14T17:32:00.000-08:00

This is the second painting competed during our trip to Point Reyes Bay over the holidays. We saw these yellow flowers growing on the bay and reflecting in the water. Pam pulled over. It was starting to rain so this took about 3 minuets

2012 Wave Study 1

2012-01-13T16:51:00.000-08:00

Wave study exercise. I squint and let the paint flow.

Rocks, Waves and Fog

2012-01-12T17:35:00.000-08:00

I love the fog and how it gives everything mystery.

January 7 2012

2012-01-11T16:48:00.000-08:00

This is the moon I was talking about. I was driving home from the gallery and couldn't wait to get home to paint it. This day was the anniversary of my mom's passing.

The First Of 2012

2012-01-10T17:17:00.000-08:00

This was the first painting of 2012. Before packing up to leave I stood on our balcony and painted this piece. I was emotionally at peace. It was meditation. It flowed from a good place and that was how my year began.

On Our Way

2012-01-09T15:30:00.001-08:00

I did this sketch from the passenger seat of the car as we drove to Fort Bragg, California. I think the key is to assume that one picture can be built using multiple scenes. This image is a composite of about 10 miles worth of landscape and highway.

Point Reyes Bay 1

2012-01-08T16:45:00.000-08:00

We were back on the Point Reyes National Seashore for this visit also. I drew this from the picnic tables near the wrecked boat behind the deli. We explored the bay for this visit.

To My Left

2012-01-06T16:34:00.000-08:00

This was the second painting outing of the day. We traveled back to Mackerricher State Park to paint the lake. When we got there the light was wrong and the lake waters had risen to the area I normally paint from. So on to the ocean side. I painted this onsite with Inktense pencils. Pam was hunting for rocks and shells.

Partial Tree Stand

2012-01-03T16:48:00.000-08:00

I have been looking at this tree stand for years. This is the first attempt at painting it. Its outside the beachcomber inn. Its a main stay.

Sunlit Highway

2012-01-02T17:48:00.000-08:00

I'm playing around with gouache for a while. I'm doing some plein air work while on vacation and it translates well in the field on black paper. This is a color study for a larger piece.

From The Captain's Deck

2012-01-01T17:41:00.000-08:00

explored during this visit
Happy New Year everyone. Lets pray for a prosperous and spiritual 2012. This is my first post of the year. The subject matter was to the left in front of me from the Captains Deck at the Beachcomber Motel in Fort Bragg, CA. Many different viewpoints were explored during this trip.

Beachcomber Inn Foggy View

2011-12-29T17:18:00.000-08:00

I tend to paint in any weather when my life is not threatened. It was foggy but the light in the foreground was very clear.

Hotel Still Life

2011-12-27T15:29:00.000-08:00

This is the lamp in the room from my most recent hotel stay. A few more adjustments and I will call her done.

Muir Beach 3 Revisited

2011-12-22T15:55:00.000-08:00

I worked from the plein air sketch I posted a few days ago. Pam was a trooper that day because it was windy and cold. She sat with me while I got in three little paintings.

Pond Reflections 2

2011-12-20T17:16:00.000-08:00

I worked from a plein air study to get this one. No photos just the sketch and my memory. I plan to go back to this little pond in the botanical gardens here in Austin as soon as we get out of this drought. We are getting rain every week and that helps a lot.

Anderson Valley Vineyard Study

2011-12-19T15:49:00.000-08:00

This is a color study for a much larger painting. I think its near the winery that makes a nice champagne.

Botanical Garden Path 2

2011-12-18T17:04:00.000-08:00

I used the plein air sketch completed on site for this one. I skipped the photo and just used the study. Working from sketches completed onsite is far better than working from a photo. Its easier to recall the scenery, light, sounds etc.

Muir Beach 3

2011-12-16T16:56:00.000-08:00

A plein air study completed at Muir Beach on a cold, windy and foggy day. It was a beautiful thing.

California Swimming Hole 3

2011-12-15T18:58:00.000-08:00

Still exploring this image.

Water Sports

2011-12-13T18:28:00.000-08:00

Fourth of July at the Berkeley Marina.

Mist From The Water

2011-12-12T17:40:00.000-08:00

This lake in the morning has this beautiful mist that floats up. When I sat painting this scene I actually focused on some water weeds. I took a few pictures to capture more scenery. This painting was from a phone photo.

California Swimming Hole 2

2011-12-11T16:28:00.000-08:00

I worked on this one yesterday during my gallery sitting. I worked with oil on copper for this version. The light is always better in my studio/gallery.

Morning Commute Review 2

2011-12-10T17:41:00.000-08:00

He has gotten up from the fire hydrant to hold his cup out. Another downtown San Francisco street corner. An observation: I paint corners a lot.

From The Pier 10

2011-12-09T16:02:00.000-08:00

A revisit to this series. I'm adding more greens and still trying to stay loose with the paint application.

Ocean Tunnel

2011-12-08T17:17:00.000-08:00

Another seascape for you enjoyment. This scene screams to be painted again.

Surf Puddles

2011-12-07T15:49:00.000-08:00

My depiction of what the beach looks like after the waves go back out. When the beach is rocky water tends to settle into openings or the tops of rocks. This is a portion of the larger picture. I find it good to work on sections of a painting before committing to a larger version.

Shadows and Surf (study)

2011-12-06T17:04:00.000-08:00

This a a preparatory color sketch for a larger pastel. Of course its Northern California and more than likely this is Glass Beach (one of Pamela's favorite places to go). She normally looks for shells and glass for her collection. I take pictures and sketch.

California Swimming Hole Study

2011-12-05T16:16:00.000-08:00

On our way up to Leggett, California to drive through a tree (thanks to Pamela) we crossed over this body of water. People were in their canoes and swimming. We stopped to check out the bridge and well as the body of water. I liked the blue green of the water and the contrast of the white rock formations and the water reflections. I want to work larger on this image in pastel and watercolor.

Drive By Extension 3

2011-12-04T17:52:00.000-08:00

Another painting inspired by my drive by sketches. The hillside values are what drove me to paint this one.

Drive By Extension 4

2011-12-03T18:37:00.000-08:00

This is from one of my car sketches. The coastal highways in California are hilly and curvy. Two things that freak me out while driving as well as riding. It seems as if the road disappears.

Heavy But Unyielding

2011-12-02T16:21:00.000-08:00

I painted this one on one of those many days were we expected rain but didn't get it. This was the last one done on my most recent trip to the botanical gardens here in Austin. I won a nice set of pastels and finally opened them. My sense is fresh.

Lunch Hour

2011-12-01T18:35:00.000-08:00

Another interior painting of Little Joe's. Pictured in the background is the second cook and in the foreground is a patron. I just got in from our annual 12 buy 12 show. The gallery was packed with people and the featured art was very strong. In my opinion our best 12 buy 12. Its up until January 7, 2012 at Austin Art Space go check it out.

Stepping In

2011-11-30T17:19:00.000-08:00

Another Blanton patron looking at one of my paintings. Its a good usage of a study for a larger piece.

Scrutiny

2011-11-28T16:11:00.000-08:00

The Blanton Museum is a great place to sketch people scrutinizing and appreciating art. If you go they only allow for pencils that they provide. The painting within the painting is a San Francisco city scene not a part of the Blanton collection.

Orders Up

2011-11-27T07:04:00.000-08:00

This is one of the cooks at Little Joe's Restaurant. He was preparing more pasta dishes after orders had been put up for delivery to hungry patrons.

Berkeley Marina Sail

2011-11-25T16:04:00.000-08:00

I used my value sketches completed on site for this one. I worked again with Copic markers of three values. I did the sketch during the July 4the weekend.

Ellison Trial 4

2011-11-22T17:33:00.000-08:00

Yesterday the defendant was sentenced to another life term in prison. Another 20 or so years added to his stay in prison. In this painting is Bryan Case the lead prosecutor. He was questioning the ballistics expert. Next to him is the court reporter documenting the proceedings.

Botanical Pond Reflections

2011-11-21T18:01:00.000-08:00

I really need to spend more time painting water reflections. I was sitting on the edge of the pond in an uncomfortable position while painting this one. As a result this one isn't as rich as the scene was. Note to self get comfortable before I settle on a scene to paint.

2011-11-20T07:25:00.000-08:00

Below is the value sketch from the car done with Copic markers. Above is the painting inspired by the sketch.

Drive By Extension 1

2011-11-18T16:13:00.000-08:00

This one is from a drive by sketch I completed on the way back from Fort Bragg. I worked primarily with Copic Markers in three separate values.

Morning Commute Review

2011-11-17T17:09:00.000-08:00

The man seated on the fire hydrant was watching people pass by on their various ways. I watched him for a while. At times he would get up and hold his cup out to ask for money. I liked the fact that he was wearing a tie and suit under his hoodie.

Botanical Garden Path

2011-11-16T17:25:00.000-08:00

On Monday Pam and I went over to the Austin Botanical Gardens for me to paint and for her to explore the gardens and nap. This was my second painting made during the outing. The koi pond and waterfall were closed due to stage two water restrictions. It made me sad. The light was beautiful on this path that leads down to the dinosaur garden.

Anderson Valley Impression 1

2011-11-15T16:29:00.000-08:00

During our recent birthday trip to and from Fort Bragg, California I divided a sketch book page into fourths and did sketches of the scenery as Pam drove. This weekend I took a few and painted from them. Here is the first effort. We were in the wine country when I caught the sketch which is posted below the painting.

Rythm Sweat

2011-11-14T15:50:00.000-08:00

My philosophy is that if it isn't framed it can be reworked. I was getting ready to frame this one and saw the need to clarify the female musician. Its still unframed so stay tuned. I spotted this musician at the Pecan Street Festival.

Annie's 1

2011-11-13T20:04:00.000-08:00

This is the sketch I did last weekend sitting across from Annie's on Congress Ave.. I used Inktense watercolor pens on Arches watercolor paper. The light was a lot cooler than conveyed in the sketch.

Ancestry Half

2011-11-12T07:29:00.000-08:00

This is my first pastel of this set of rocks and surf. I'm working with Uart paper and Rembrandt pastels.

Ellison Trial 3

2011-11-10T15:53:00.000-08:00

The defendant from the side. He was probably enjoying the fact that he is spending time outside the prison walls.

Ellison Trial 2

2011-11-09T18:00:00.000-08:00

The major challenge in this case was that it happened in the eighties. Many of the witnesses had passed away or moved on. It was a trial for wizards of the rules of evidence. The lawyer in the forefront actually has hair that red. The witness was from the crime lab. CSI is so not true to life. In real cases the crime scene guys do not interview witnesses or defendants. They gather the evidence (without house music) analyze and testify if needed. In the best of situations they are not invested in the case or the law enforcement officer tied to the case.

Onion 3

2011-11-08T18:41:00.000-08:00

I used Terry Ludwig and Rembrandt pastels on black Canson cover paper. This onion needed painting. I'm trying hard to use more bold and aggressive color. So be warned.

Ellison Trial 1

2011-11-06T06:34:00.000-08:00

This is the lead prosecutor Bryan Case in the Ricky Ellison murder trial that occurred last week. The jury found him guilty on Friday. The crime was committed in 1981. I was two years out of high school then. He apparently went on a crime spree that left two civilians dead and a police officer paralyzed. The police officer later died. The defendant has been in prison but he has been up for parole. To prevent him from getting out we tried him on this cold case that was still pending.

Onion 1

2011-11-03T17:23:00.000-07:00

I finally got to painting this vegetable. Its been screaming to be painted/explored. I worked with Shizen professional grade watercolor paper and Pelikan watercolor paints. Working method wet on wet to try and keep it fresh...excuse the unintended pun.

Trial Day One 5

2011-11-01T17:12:00.000-07:00

The defendant and one of his guards. This trial did make the Sunday papers. He was sentenced to 40 years for murder.

A Patch of Blue

2011-10-31T16:17:00.001-07:00

Yet another group of storms that passed us by. The clouds were great though.

Fierce Break 2

2011-10-30T13:50:00.000-07:00

This is the second version of the wave I saw in Half Moon Bay. I'm still working with the panoramic format and in watercolor.

Ancestry 2

2011-10-28T16:03:00.000-07:00

Yep I'm still playing with this image. My latest challenge to myself with regard to watercolor is to use the brush to draw the image. I think the graphite lines are good for tight paintings. I'm trying to loosen up.

Fierce Break 1

2011-10-26T16:39:00.000-07:00

We were on the beach in Half Moon Bay, California. This area I think had a huge rock formation just below the surface. The waves were explosive and you could actually hear the break of the wave. I have yet to get the entire length that I captured in the photo into a painting. This scene would translate well into a pastel or oil on copper...I will keep you posted.

New 147th Judge

2011-10-25T17:06:00.000-07:00

I don't have many cases in the 147th Judicial District Court these days. As such, I really haven't had a chance to get some drawings of Judge Cliff Brown. Last Friday I spent most of my morning in his court working a case out. In between negotiations I penned this one. I used Inktense pencils on the new Canson watercolor boards.

Inner Aspens

2011-10-24T14:30:00.000-07:00

This is the pastel version of the aspens that I have been working with. I worked on Canson pastel paper...the smooth side. As to pastels, I used Rembrandt and Terry Ludwig darks. I also called these birches in my earlier posts. Please forgive my ignorance of trees. Trees are important and right now here in Texas they are dying from lack of water. Hopefully we will get relief soon.

Impending Down Pour

2011-10-23T07:28:00.000-07:00

I worked on another piece from my friend Judy's trip to West Texas. I drew it out with Inktense pencils and later added water. I want to do another in pastel. I like the drama with the watercolor but I think it will translate well in pastel.

Trial Day One 4

2011-10-21T16:31:00.000-07:00

Two of the defendant's three lawyers. All three lawyers are ex prosecutors. They were listening to the 14 year old witness testify. The first day of trial is filled with lots of nervous tension and posturing. Day two is the job part of it as you get comfortable in front of the judge and jury.

Trial Day One 3

2011-10-19T17:54:00.000-07:00

Two of the defense lawyers and the defendant. He was found guilty and will be sentenced by Judge Jon Wisser on Friday. I also found out that both the victim and defendant were homeless vets. The term homeless vets makes me sad because these people gave themselves in service of this country and we threat them like discarded chips in a game of checkers. But off my soap box. The defendant is the guy in blue.

Scattered Showers

2011-10-18T17:01:00.000-07:00

I try and take advantage of painting clouds when we have them around. I was painting in my studio and walked up to the front and saw these beautiful clouds rushing by. I had to set up another painting station.

Trial Day One 2

2011-10-17T16:19:00.000-07:00

In this image we have a defense lawyer, part of the defendant's head and a courtroom guard. I don't know the outcome but I will find out what happened. I was only able to catch a few minutes . This case like a majority of the cases that get pled out or tried in our courts go unnoticed by the press.

Trial Day One 1

2011-10-14T16:36:00.000-07:00

A sketch from the murder trial that I sat in on briefly. This trial involved two homeless men. The allegation was that the defendant stabbed and killed the victim over his begging spot. The witness was 13 at the time of the offense. Its a pity that a person so young has to watch someone die right in front of them. The prosecutor was going over a map of the area.

The Neighbors House

2011-10-13T18:50:00.000-07:00

The house (or part of it) across the street from Pam's. I painted this from the comfort of the living room so not really totally en plein air. Something about her neighborhood makes me want to paint it. I just created another project for myself. We just had a nice reception at the gallery. Nice crowd for a school night. A respected art instructor from the University of Texas complimented me on my work and may become a collector that always makes me feel good.

Drive by 32

2011-10-12T16:25:00.000-07:00

One of the drive by sketches completed in the car on the way back from Fort Bragg.

Ancestry One

2011-10-11T17:20:00.000-07:00

The first watercolor after a number of studies. Today I got to sit in on a murder trial for about 40 minutes. I took over a few sheets of watercolor pap[er, my sketch pad and Inktense pencils. I was able to get five 8 by 6 inch sketches in. I will post them once completed. Funny the defense team knows that I sketch when I'm watching a trial. They were all giving their best side and sitting still enough for me to get them down. Its always good to draw from life I think. This painting above was from sketches and photos completed on site. Maybe a pastel version is next as I have completed another watercolor in this series

Street Music 2

2011-10-10T15:04:00.001-07:00

For this version I used Pan Pastels. One of the many musicians in and around the Pecan Street Festival. Its fun to go down with my camera and sketch pad. Plenty of colorful people that get even more colorful after dark.

Ancestry Study 1

2011-10-09T07:19:00.000-07:00

Another study in the ancestry series. As to my prior posts of the 'birch trees", a friend informed me that they are actually aspen trees. For a country girl like me that's not good. Live and learn. I worked with the Pan Pastels on this one.

Ancestry 2 study

2011-10-08T07:13:00.000-07:00

The rock formations on this beach reminded me of our ancestors. I thought that perhaps they were around when the dinosaurs roamed the world. They were certainly large enough. I worked with Pan Pastels.

Birch Trees

2011-10-06T17:13:00.000-07:00

Another image of the birch trees surrounded by tall redwoods. If I have given the wrong name for the trees let me know. What drew me to this scene was the light hitting the trees. Pam and I frequently stop during our trips to allow me to sketch, paint or make pictures with my camera. She likes to make pictures herself and has a better eye than I.

Wave Formations

2011-10-05T16:11:00.000-07:00

A wave study done with Pan Pastels. Pam commented "your impression" when she saw me working on this piece. I felt trance like while painting that day. Cool air, fog and the ocean will do that to you.

Sunset

2011-10-04T17:08:00.000-07:00

Sunset in Fort Bragg, California. I have painted its various stages many times. On this particular day the fog bank had receded to give us a nice view of the sunset. As the sun set the fog bank was coming back in. That scene inspired this piece.