Reclining Nude sketch

Going to try to use this sketch as reference for a painting or two. Several different options occur to me: 1) keep the emphasis on line but use "wrecked" paper and perhaps some gouache to reclaim some salient lights; 2) redraw it funky onto watercolor paper and try for a fresh, direct application of paint; and 3) consider painting without any drawing at all, maybe in gouache. There are some challenges to be worked out first in the sketchbook, tho. Need to create an environment so the figure doesn't just float. Need to think about how to make the knees come forward without resorting to the usual 3d shading for form -- color and value, perhaps? Stay tuned...

Youth Hockey Cropped

WC 10" 20"

This painting started out a lot bigger, and will probably get smaller still. I cropped out the "Youth Hockey" emblem on her shirt, so now it is really just a girl holding a stick. Not wild about the shadow fold in the left lower corner, , but if I keep cropping up the hand holding the stick starts to sit too low in the picture plane...... maybe I'll just wipe it out. Love this paper.

Back to Nap with New Puppy

WC study, 9" x 18"

As is so often the case, I end up liking the color study better than the final painting. It just seems to have that goofy unfinished quality I like, even if the color or forms are off-putting. In this case, I did start in on a more finished painting, but could tell within 15 minutes that it wasn't going to be quite the thing.

Chubby Puppy X 4

28 x 36" Acrylic

I did all homemade gifts for Christmas this year, and finally finished Pete's present -- a Warhol treatment of his favorite girl, who loves to lie on her back and wiggle to solicit tummy rubs. Now that Pete has his own abode in Boston, he needed a little wall art and a memory of home.

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Pencil Study

Already I can see where I kept trying to tighten up the drawing. Next is to do a color study right over this drawing.

Sar/Cowboy/ Napping Doodles

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I have painted this before, in oil and watercolor realist style. I find it is helpful to use a known and familiar image for trying out something new. This year's painting goals involve more expressive drawing and more loose, understated paint. Less literal replication overall. But still realism; that's just me. Playing with shapes, direction, and value.

Fresh Start

I love a clean page. So many possibilities. I've always wanted to do something with this picture, but never sure just what. So a pencil and some paper and just noodle it about, play with shapes and line. And now, I have some ideas.