Studies
Doing the small plein air studies is very important to me. It is like calisthenics. They get the blood going and generally increase my ability to see more intensely. Some are scrapped off immediately after they are finished. The first time I saw a professional potter throw a 16" cylinder he cut it in half to show the wall thickness. The students were so dissapointed that the beautiful pot was destroyed but it showed the process was more important than product. We as artists must realize good works are the result of a lot of work. Some of my best paintings have been the tiny 5 x 7 inch panels. I wasn't trying to make a masterpiece. I was just responding to the subject in a completely honest and open way. Selecting color harmonies and unusual subjects is another good thing for small paintings. That's the fun of working small - it doesn't require a huge committement of time or materials. And often I'm more relaxed and able to concentrate. It can be a time to take more risks and enjoy the act of painting.
Blawnox Mill
9 x 12
Cornpicker Study
9 x 12
Braddock Evening
9 x 12
Garfield Summer
8 x 10
Hatfield Street
9 x 12
Hilltop
8 x 10
Idaho
9 x 12
Last of Snow
9 x 12
Laurel Water
5 x 7
Mist
9 x 12
Parking Lot
9 x 12
Recycle Cans
8 x 10
River Rain
9 x 12
Side Street
8 x 10
Troy Hill
9 x 12
Sun Bank
6 x 8
Yellow Shadow
8 x 10