(My “On the Easel” posts give you a behind-the-scenes look at what I am working on, what went well, what went wrong, and things I learn.) Below is Caloundra, Shimmering Light. It depicts a high-contrast scene, with the shadowed foreground framing the shimmering Caloundra estuary. Reference Photo Here’s the reference photo I painted from: Feel … Read more
I have been fond of painting high-contrast scenes lately. Below is one I’m currently working on, Minnippi, Green, Contrast. High-contrast paintings are stunning when they work, but garish when they don’t. It’s a careful balance between pushing the contrast without overdoing it and whilst making sure the painting works as a whole. In light of … Read more
Below is Minnippi Parklands, Sunny. It’s a pleasant landscape from a local park I run around. The sun was high, the water crystal clear, and the colors crisp. Reference Photo and Study Here’s the reference photo I painted from: Details Refer to my supplies list for more details on what I use. Notes Progress Shots … Read more
Below is Gold Coast, Path to the Sea. I painted this almost entirely with palette knives. I wanted to capture that day’s cool sea breeze, warm sunlight, and crisp colors. Reference Photo and Study Here’s the reference photo I painted from: Feel free to paint it yourself. I didn’t paint a study for this. Sometimes I … Read more
Let’s take a closer look at Vincent van Gogh’s Grass and Butterflies. I’m always impressed at how well van Gogh was able to inject life into even the most simple subjects. There’s a sense of movement and activity about it. I’ll cover: Vibrating Colors The painting features a vibration of broken color. Van Gogh wove … Read more
Today we have Australian artist Leon Holmes answering a few questions about his work and life. Holmes does a fantastic job capturing the dynamic Australian landscape. It reminds me of Ken Knight and Sir Arthur Streeton. I particularly like his depictions of cattle and turquoise seas. Q: When Did You Start Painting? Drawing and creating … Read more
Here’s another painting based on one of my brother’s photos from his hike across America. It’s a showcase of nature’s light, color, and texture. Reference Photo and Study Here’s the reference photo I painted from (thanks again Tim). Feel free to paint it yourself. Tim doesn’t mind. Just let us know how it turns out. … Read more
Let’s take a look at my recent painting, Maleny, Late Afternoon. It captures the tranquil landscape as the sun’s warmth battles nature’s cool greens. Reference Photo and Study Below is the reference photo. Feel free to try and paint it yourself. I also painted the following small study in preparation. Though it ended up being … Read more
I’ve been in a creative rut until recently, as you may have noticed from my lack of activity. And I don’t just mean painting and drawing. Anything requiring even a sliver of creativity has been a struggle. When this happens, I like to go back to what I know and enjoy-in this case, painting the … Read more
I came across Edward Theodore Compton’s work the other day. I’m surprised he eluded me until now. I’ll keep this one brief. Sometimes, it’s better to just sit back and admire. Here are key points about his life: A man of many titles: landscape painter, illustrator, climber, and art teacher to his children. He studied … Read more