Making the most of the outdoor. Another spontaneous plein air sketch, trying to capture the joy & beauty of a summer garden. I probably cant duplicate the breezy informality of this quick pastel, something about painting outside... 
I like it so much that I spend some discipline time in my studio, brainstorming on the computer.
Without photoshop, I could never add a dainty flower fairy & magical butterfly to this small paste. |
| New Design! |
Trends come & go, & no two project is ever the same. That's why I've painted so many different things professionally. I was definitely getting more mural commissions back in the 90's, when the real estate market was booming. My most recent mural was a dream job. I get to paint a summer garden! Unlike commercial art, there's only one client I need to please. Working on a mural is the closest thing to doing fine art. Still, alot of time was spend on submitting sketches for approval, before the actual painting starts on the job site...have brushes, will travel! |
| sample reference & sketches |
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| more impressionistic for the underpainting |
 this garden calls for more realistic rendering |
Nestle among the Litchfield Hills, CT, White Flower Farm is the top destination for gardeners. This glorious garden center has been making life bloom beautifully for more than half a century.
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| charcoal sketch |
By going to the farm to pick peaches, I can get the best looking reference to paint.
Wave Hill is a quiet oasis overlooking the Hudson River. A most pleasant way to idle away… with my paints.
Watercolor is lovely. Nothing beats pastel to quickly define a shape. |
| the Main Garden |
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| overlooking the Hudson River |
My early roses lasted a week in the vase. Thought I do a quick study before I toss them out. This black & white drawing may be suitable as a sympathy card? |
| bouquet & book cover |
