Front Yard (progression)

   Recently, I have started documenting some of the larger, more sustained paintings in the studio through photographs. Each photo usually represents a single painting session (sometimes I miss one...) When I photograph the painting, it allows me to see it in another way; in this case, condensed through the photographic 'eye' verses my own eyes. By shrinking it down (and sometimes flipping it around on the computer) I'm able to see the image in a fresh way. Of course, I do this in the studio too, sometimes looking at the painting in a mirror from across the room, or painting some passages with the actual painting upside down on the wall or easel. I guess I find it interesting to see how a painting 'gets built', and I hope you do too. Here's the latest one, "Front Yard":

 

Final state: 22.5" x 27"

Sketching on the road

     Since I've been traveling a lot this summer, I've had some big gaps in my studio time. A few larger paintings still need to be finished up, and some new painting ideas that need to be worked out. My family and I went on a long trip back to the northeast (Philadelphia, Brooklyn, and Long Island), so what I usually do to keep my hand and eye moving is some sustained sketchbook drawing. I usually try to devote at least 30 minutes a day to these, sometimes longer. All are in pencil and the size is about 8" x 11". It's a nice way for me to document a trip and also keeps me engaged with the creation process.