"My Last Painting of 2014", 40x30 Commission in Progress!

As 2014 comes to an end, I find myself working on a 40x30 commissioned piece that is near completion.  It is a nice way to end the year.  It was overall, a pretty good year.  I am looking forward to what 2015 brings.  Each year, for me, is relatively similar with just enough variety to satisfy me personally.  I find that I function best with routine that leaves some flexibility for things, or opportunities that might pop up.

I hope 2015 brings health, happiness and prosperity to each and everyone of you.  Happy New Year!
.....and again thanks for listening to my ramblings. 

Demo/heads from imagination!

Detail

     Head of woman, 11x7, oil, from imagination

20 minute quick study

     Yesterday was the final day of the fall semester for 2014 at Ringling College of Art and Design....final critiques in the morning class, and the afternoon class had already completed their final critiques, so I did three little demos.  Two heads painted from imagination, and one little painting directly from a graphite sketch in one of my sketch books.  It was a fun couple of hours.  I think practicing this type of demo is a useful exercise.....a great way to practice the application of paint and use of the brush without concern with likenesses and things of that nature.  Early on in my illustration career, I used to do a lot of these as warm ups.  I used to throw them away, until an artist friend convinced me that I should save them.  I don't do them that much any more, but I have bags of these left over from those days. I always intend to do more demos in these classes, but the weeks go by so quickly, next thing you know, the semester is coming to an end!

Head of a man, 11x7, oil, from imagination

Quick study

Detail

Third Demo using my sketch book as reference, 12x9 oil on linen panel

Detail

     Semester comes to an end and now it's time recharge the batteries, and do some on location painting and studio work.....along with long neglected projects.  Thanks for listening to my Cajun ramblings.

 

“Horseman/Cowboy”, A Youngster’s fantasy.

     I guess many youngsters from my generation and background dreamed of being a horseman or cowboy of some sort.  I am certainly one that has always ….since I can remember, had a love of horses, riding and all that goes with it.  I had several different horses as a youngster, and always seemed to have a riding horse until I got to be of automobile driving age…..not that I was ever a big fan of cars….and, I’m still not.  It really had more to do with dating girls….I guess.  It is a bit difficult to go on traditional dates on horseback!

     As an artist, I believe one gravitates to subjects that have some kind of connection.  I paint a varied subject, and horses are one that I continually revisit.  As a young man I always thought it would be great to have a place where a couple of horses could be kept.  Careers and life gets in the way of some of these dreams…..not that I’m complaining.  At times, with unbelievable busy schedules/deadlines, it might have been difficult to care for horses properly!  Anyway, here are a few recent paintings/studies of the noble beast….one of my favorite subjects to paint. 

     Maybe I’ll post a few of my horseback stories at some later date!  Again, thanks for listening to my Cajun ramblings!