FRESH AIR

24x26, oil, sold

Got out and did some hiking over the holidays and it was great to feel the cold fresh air against my skin.  I take lots of photos when I am hiking around in our local mountains and parks.  I am always amazed how the landscape changes throughout the year.  The terrain is very dull, dry and barren right now so it is fun as a painter to change things up.  Draw upon memory or just a change of harmony on my palette can excite a subject.  I had lots of fun with the color on this one.  I really built up layers of color to get to the final.  I love seeing the layers pop through to the surface and show off.  Lots of color.

Morning in the Creek 14x11 oil

I made a few changes based on some suggestions I got. (above) 

I was out in Irvine park on the first real good day in a while.  It was clear and not windy and not too cold.  This is a north facing view.  In an attempt to push myself I decided to work bigger.   I was not able to finish on site and worked on it more at home.  I had trouble with values and then color and in working on it  at home I feel I lost that freshness of working fast on site.  I don't believe that it is finished and I really don't know what to do.  It just does not have the excitement that I felt getting out and painting.