Getting there, Pumps and Pier #2, a slightly diff view

Slow and steady wins the race. This is the point when painting sometimes feels like work. The pressure to realize your vision and not screw up what you've already struggled to achieve. A lot more looking and a lot less painting.

South River 24x36"

Continuing to refine my South River painting, based on a painting I did in 2008. 

24x36" backlit drawbridge Morehead City

This one is very close to finished. Want to keep an active surface, creating a shimmering, temporary, visual effect- unless you are walking the high rise bridge between Morehead and Radio Island, a person would only see that view for a second. 

Continuing pumps and pier#2

Slowly taking shape, I am beginning to push and pull on the painted space, figuring out proper values and beginning to find edges. I see this painting as being about the light as it slides off of the roof, onto the focus (the pumps), and then around to the boat and to the back, where it will set off the pilings and shape of the fish house. I think I will do a little more planning on my next several paintings! I've started 5 in the non- drawing manner, and have yet to finish one... Lots of gnashing teeth and rending of clothing, but they'll come together- hopefully in time for the next show! Stay tuned. JC

Another 24x36" start

It's taking shape

Another painting in progress- pivers island

I am using a limited earth palette for this piece. I began by just scrubbing in approximate blocks of color- then its all about the battle to refine shapes until the image emerges. The no drawing approach is a nice change from my usual start, which is at least getting general outlines with diluted burnt sienna or blue.

Work in progress- 24x36" Radio Island

This painting continues to be worked up from a watercolor I did last week. The focal point will be the building in the middle ground, with a path of light moving the eye around the composition. Will probably be a painting in the show coming up in October at Adam Cave Fine  Art in Raleigh.

Painting in progress- 24x36" port rail bridge

Thought it would be fun to show how I begin some paintings. This is from a pic I took off of the high bridge between Morehead City and Beaufort. 

Trying out mobile blogging app

Doing a large painting in studio from on site watercolor. Testing out this mobile app for my blog. Hope it'll allow me to post more. More to come soon!

Carteret Contemporary Art Show, Beaufort Home Tour a success- Back to work

Thanks so much to all that came by the studio and went to Carteret Contemporary to see the show with Kevin Aita.  Next event, October- and a solo show at Adam Cave Fine Art, on the horizon.

 I've been back working on my watercolors over the past week, but something just hasn't felt right. I realized paper is very important in creating a watercolor! After completing 5 or 6 paintings that I was unhappy with, using an Arches paper (not the block), I went back and got the Strathmore Windpower pad I am used to. This particular Arches seems to be too absorbent, but is a great weight. It is also rough! Don't get me wrong, I use a block that is tremendous, just can't figure out this one. I guess I prefer what I've grown accustomed to. Hope that solves it, we'll know the next session...

Here are a few... sinky inny ones. 2 site pieces and 2 done while hanging with my new artist son, Ollie.

And here is what he is doing... Scott Wood "sharing" the ball with CJ Leslie(who prob wishes he was still at NCSU)- who is 

dunking over a Tar Heel.  GO STATE!