Monday, March 20, 2017

American Oystercatcher

American Oystercatcher
12" X 9"
Original Oil

Painting water is such fun. It has so many different moods that it is easy not to repeat oneself.

One of my favorite spots in late May is the barrier beach on the southeast shore of Martha's Vineyard. Nesting birds fill the beach. In one particular place on the inside shore, I can almost always spot oystercatchers. Each year I look forward to seeing them. 

Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Quick Finish

A quick finish is a painting completed within a set period of time. Usually this is in front of a crowd and then the painting is auctioned.
Next week I will be painting a quick finish at the invitation of the C.M. Russell Museum in Great Falls, Montana. This coincides with their main fund-raiser, The Russell Event. The Quick Finish is Friday morning, March 17th, and I will have a another piece, Morning Mist, auctioned at the Friday First Strike Event.

I believe I'll have about 2.5 hours to work on my piece, then put it in the frame. The quick finish auction will take place once the 20 of us have our framed paintings ready to go.
Things I need to prepare for:
the absence of my handy-dandy hand rest on my big easel since I'll be bringing a small free-standing metal easel
chatting during my 2.5 hours with all the wonderful, enthusiastic patrons who attend
unpredictable lighting
 ...and time will pass much faster than I think!

This is the piece I am bringing. It is 20" X 16". The elk's body is not completed and I haven't started on the grass. I'll also add the bull's breath in the night air. An artist can bring a piece which just needs a signature but what is the challenge in that. Wish me luck!


Morning Mist
Original Oil
37" X 23"
Friday Night First Strike Auction, C.M. Russell Museum