study in oil, 3x5

This is a bad photo of a little study I did in order to decide if I wanted to make a larger painting of it. It is a good way to work out the problems and composition before committing to a larger painting.

A Load of Aspen, 16x12, oil on board, $425

Well, this painting was done from a photo of this man and his load of wood. I was out getting some good photos with some friends one spring day and we came across this gentleman. He could hardly believe that we actually wanted a photograph of him. He really thought we were a little crazy, but he also seemed a somewhat self-consciously pleased. 

I'm back to landscapes again though. My favorites!

Natural Bridge 2, 12x9, oil on board, $225

So, here is the oil painting of the same scene. Speaking of wanting to paint without caring about the results, I think there is some value in it, in the sense of removing the pressure to produce. The flip side being that its important to always strive for excellence and development of the skills you've acquired. A double edged sword, this painting process. I wouldn't have it any other way!

What do you think of the difference between the two paintings? Do you see any difference worth mentioning?

Natural Bridge, 12x9, pastel, $225

So, here is the pastel, which was done from a photo I took a couple of years ago. It was refreshing to use a lot of broad and energetic strokes. I felt greatly satisfied after the endeavor. Sometimes you just have to paint without caring about the results, which is what I did here. I just wanted to move my hand and make marks and see what happened. I'd like to always paint without caring about the results in some ways. I'll post the oil tomorrow. 

Wow!

Well, so much for almost daily painting! But after the holidays and 3 birthdays and the arrival of a brand new grand daughter on Dec. 29, I am finally back to painting. It was a bit of a struggle to regain my confidence. I have been alternating between pastel and oil in order to get my bearings. I find working in pastel a no brainer for some reason and oil is a great challenge. So, I did one piece in particular in pastel, then a small oil, then a larger oil. It was an effective way to work out the problems.