I’m having a great time painting right now. I feel a break-through is either here or about to come! I’ve always loved the California coast, and so while this week I am forced inside my studio by near constant rain, I have lots of great photographs on my Mac to choose from.
Here are three new studies. In this first, I’m trying to represent the blinding light on the sea as I looked down on a cove in Point Lobos.
Blinding Light – Oil on Linen – 10×8″
In this one, I’m still exploring the color of ice plant juxtaposed against the rocks in shadow and the color of shadows in water.
California Coast (Late Afternoon) – Oil on Linen – 8×10″
I am very happy with this one! It represents the direction I want to go: bold, loose, simply stated. Lately, I’ve been painting over old paintings (after a brief sanding to get rid of the ridges). This has had an interesting effect on my technique. Because there’s a completely different painting below this one, I am forced to use more paint, which in turn I think has allowed me to lay more confident strokes. Not sure. I’m just going to keep it up and see what happens.
Hey Ed!! Good stuff here. I have been eating the rain, too! I dunno if my envy is showing, but you really have a great teacher in Camile. I bet she can really deliver the goods!
Just wanted to ‘stick my nose in the tent’ and wish you and Mike a terrific holiday season. Also, congrats on a great painting year. You must be excited to see what 2008 is going to bring.
Best!
Mike
I think the breakthrough is really showing in your recent seascapes — some of your strongest work yet. Wonderful! Thanks for the inspiration to paint over old paintings. I’ve got a stack of them that would make much more sense to sand and repaint than store or toss in the garbage.