Tree Study, Plein Air 3-31-11

I haven't gone out to paint in awhile but today the sun was shining and it was in the 40s so it was a great opportunity. Here's a tree study, oil on linen panel. 10x8.

Illustration for Pharmaceutical Co.

This is a recently completed anatomical illustration for a pharmaceutical company.

Figure Drawing 3-29-11

Here are some quick sketches from tonight. I broke out the charcoals for a couple of these to loosen up.

Collected Elm

Yesterday I dug up this elm. It's probably either a Siberian Elm or Slippery Elm. I tried last year to unsuccessfully ground layer the tree as it was going to be difficult to remove it on it's current root system being that it emerged from beneath a large privet that I also removed. This process took a couple hours and there weren't many roots on the elm so I'm uncertain of it's survival.

Figure Drawing 3-22-11

Here are some sketches from tonight's figure drawing. A couple 10 minute sketches and a 25 or 30 minute.

Corkbark Elm Bonsai

Here is some work I did on my corkbark elm. I did some chops and wired up a potential new trunk leader. I think this little guy has a lot of potential.

Plein Air Nocturne 3-19-11

I sat at a park bench tonight at the lake waiting for the moon. Waited some more then decided to look northeast and paint the area across the lake. Suddenly the moon popped out half way for about 15 minutes, illuminated edges of the dark clouds and set off a soft glow on the lake. Both 8x6 oil, plein air, 3-19-11.

Plein Air Nocturne 3-17-11

Wonderful night outside tonight so I decided to sit out on the deck under the maple tree and paint the moon with the aid of a book-light clamped to my easel. 8x6, oil.

Plein Air 3-17-11

Here's an 8x10 plein air I did today. It's starting to look and feel like spring is on it's way. I am constantly observing the shapes and designs of the retreating snow before it's gone. The design element consisting of abstract white shapes on a landscape fascinates me.

Moleskine Sketches 3-16-11

I bought a "Moleskine" sketchbook over the weekend and thought I'd give it a try today. Last night I had figure drawing which ended up being an utter failure on my part. Not one image worthy of photographing and posting. Last week was canceled and I'd like to say that I was out of practice but that would mean I'm just making excuses. I decided that I'd do a couple quick copies of artists of the past that I admire, John Singer Sargent and John LaGatta. Copies are great practice and helps one to dissect what the masters were doing or thinking as you analyze every mark. I hope to do more of these.