Monday, January 25, 2010

Large Trout Art

"Big Boy"
36 x 18 Acrylic on Canvas/wrapped sides
$975

This nice, fat rainbow is from a couple of photos that photographer Tim Pask sent me. Crystal clear water and incredible reflections combined with the pebbles in the streambed frame the fish and create lots of interesting things to paint. The fish has lots of spots. Spots are the hardest part of the fish to render. I'm not going for a photographic image, but an impression, so I dab them on, wait a minute and then wipe them off. This seems to give the best indication without getting tight and obsessive.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

High Cascade Creek

"Under"
revise of "Cascade Zen"

Creative block is not a fun thing. It often happens around the holidays. My studio is full of wrapping paper, my head is full of lists and the bank account is dwindling. Not really conducive to spending time at the easel.
But now...it's time. I get my body into my studio and sit on a stool. I get out photos that have inspired me, consider mediums and substrates. I decide "Cascade Zen" really should be painted over because I need the canvas. But, I've always loved one part of that otherwise somewhat problematic painting—the reflection of the trees on the right hand side. All of the sudden the light goes on and I wonder if I can turn it over and let those trees be at the top. I flip the canvas. It could work. My paints came out. It's fun. It's the most fun I've had in a long time. The block has a hole in it and I can see light.