Cityscapes
Pittsburgh, like all other cities, has different personalities. Different parts have its own distinctive vibe. I like to think I'm painting a portrait when I'm out working. I want to catch the essence of a particular section of the city just like I would get the likeness of a person's face. Sometimes it is just the way the buildings are placed. Because we have so many hills and narrow streets, I get to play with foreground, middle ground and background. It is all about getting a sense of place. I want the finished painting to feel like I was there.
Occasionally I have been using my digital camera to capture an image. It is especially useful where I can not set up to paint, or where the light is changing too fast. This works well even for a dedicated plein air artist like myself. I've learned that cameras do lie and I must be careful when using photos. They can distort and they also can make things appear to have too much contrast. I always use my own photos because I want to experience a place before attempting to make a painting.
4oth Street Bridge with Ice
11 x 14
Winter Window Flag
42 x 60
Shadow
9 x 12
Rooftops
9 x 12
No Outlet
9 x 12
Millvale Pattern
9 x 12
Herron Hill
9 x 12
Friendship
14 x 18
Frozen Pittsburgh
9 x 12
Gateway Center
36 x 51
End of Smallman
9 x 12
Children’s Hospital
9 x 12
Behind 38th Street
30 x 48