Plein Air 11-29-12

Often times, as I'm walking toward an area I plan on painting, I end up drawn to a non-picturesque scene before I reach the intended scene. This afternoon I was heading to the river and happened on this property at the edge of the river and did this little sketch. 10x8, oil.

Master Studies

I feel like I've been at a sticking point with my painting so I decided to do some loose studies/copies of some old Russian paintings. I'm uncertain of the artist's names as the sources I've found states that they are from the Academy of Kiev. One image (of the girl standing), I found out the artist's name is Ryasnyanskiy. Anyway, these are small, loose, quick, and on paper about 6 to 10 inches. I decided to stick to a limited Zorn palette (titanium white, yellow ochre, cadmium red, and ivory black).

Figure Drawing 11-6-12

Couple figures from last night's figure drawing session.

Figure Drawing 10-30-12

We had a pregnant last night at drawing which was great and challenging at the same time. Really hope she's back.

Plein Air 10-24-12

It was 78 degrees outside today and was perfect to paint. I took a break from my work and went outside to paint. 12x10, oil.

Figure Drawing 10-16-12

Some quick sketches from last night's figure drawing. Usually these are between 10 to 20 minute sketches.

Plein Air 10-12-12

As I was walking down the street this morning to the river to paint, this sun-lit, light green house caught my eye so I painted it. 10x12, oil.

Figure Drawing 9-25-12

Quick sketch from last night's figure drawing.

Plein Air 9-25-12

This one is from this morning....well, late morning. Awesome weather today and hopefully not the last mid-70 day for the year. I had to go out and paint. Actually, I decided I would just step right out the front door and paint looking down the street. 10x8, oil.

A Couple Framed

Well, since I haven't done anything worth posting recently, I thought I'd post up a couple paintings that I recently framed and are off at a show.

Figure Drawing 9-11-12

A couple quick sketches from last night's figure drawing.

'71 Ford

I went up to New Berlin last week and took part in a plein air competition. Thursday morning I headed up and painted a road and farm scene. Then I grabbed some lunch and painted the back side of the barn and silos. I wasn't quite content with the pieces so I debated whether or not to head up there Friday since the forecast called for 80% rain. I decided to go back and did this small 10x8 while the weather held out during that time. I ended up with an award so was pleased that I went back.

New Portrait

"Die Matrone der Gotik" A new one fresh off the easel. 18x14, oil.

3 Hour Figure Painting

This is a 3 hour pose painted this afternoon. 11x14, oil.

Basement Sketch

We live in an old house and I love old houses. They offer so much character and I feel every little corner is paint-able. Tonight I sat down in the basement and did this little sketch. 12x10, oil.

Figure Drawing 8-14-12

Here's a quick sketch from last night's figure drawing. Wow, I haven't posted in awhile. I've been

busy getting ready for Art in the Park in Lake Geneva which was this past weekend. It ended up being a pretty successful show for me.

New Website!!!

www.matthewholtfineart.com Here is a brand new site I created to show my artwork! Stay tuned, it's still in it's infancy so please check back frequently!

Plein Air 7/17/12

This little plein air is from this morning at the river. This bridge has made a small cameo in a couple of my studies but today I wanted to make it more of the focal point. 8x6, oil.

Figure Drawing 7-10-12

Here are a few quick sketches from last night's figure drawing.

Plein Air 7-10-12

From this morning at the river. Plein air. 10x8, oil.