Evening On The Marsh

Painted at the end of the day, I worked to finish before the light was gone. A party on a nearby deck kept me company while the marsh grass’ color dared me to paint it. I love the grass patterns through the water and the skyline in the distance.

Maynard Dixon Residency #4

Asked by others how many paintings I produced on my trip, I’d rather know how many total works will be influenced by my work out there. There’s a long lasting value to a residency like this. I see it affecting things in my current work and inspiration for great amounts in the future.

Returning to the site of my original sketch for the wall sculpture “In God’s Paintbox”, I was struck again by the difference lighting can make. Although this location was less exciting this time, the light and amazing rock colors that I remembered were experienced in several other locations during this trip. Back in my studio, I used samples of rocks and sand in the midday Austin sun diffused by plastic to replicate a bit of that great lighting to understand it better.

In Maynard’s cabin, I read in a book that some of his studio floors were painted sky blue with a rust red circle on the ceiling to combat too-cool lighting. Reading that acknowledged what I was seeing from the reflection, diffusion, and powerful UV midday light. With a fuller experience of the area, I am creating more paintings and sculptures in my studio.

“A Trickle of Water” and Plein Air Easel- Classic Julian French

“A Trickle of Water” was painted on a ranch full of pinkish granite crushed by the creek and standing in boulders and mounds. The water at times can pick up almost tropical colors there in the late afternoon. One time at this ranch I was so engrossed in my painting that I neglected to notice a large rattlesnake coiled a few steps away under a bush. Early spring is a forgiving time for people focusing on other things. He was still cold and sleepy, so I finished my last bit of the painting and packed up.

The classic Julian French easel. You ask if anyone still uses these heavy weights synonymous with the artists’ authentic look when on location. I treasured mine till it finally gasped its last breath and became a wobbling, unsteady disaster. Heavy and hanging from the hand while on a long hike, it can create a sore wrist and unsteady strokes when you arrive on location. Painting next to your car, it provides a very sturdy and luxurious painting experience. Large umbrellas can be used. Extra storage and palette surface are available. **Artists beware… not all French easels are created equal.