New work

Summer days start early. The sun rises at 6:30 or so, and it's twilight by 6:00. Once the sun is up though, it can heat up in a hurry. I like that cool part of the morning - it's quiet, people are still stirring, but the birds are lively, and there is still plenty of wildlife up and around. The hills around here have an abundance of deer, rabbits, roadrunners, raccoons, etc...  it's a perfect time to be up and around. And a perfect time to paint.
With yesterday's temps being over 100°F, it was critical for me to begin early. I was determined to finish a painting before I left, and I was able to do that, as well as a couple of pencil sketches, and start another oil painting. I am practicing painting fast, challenging myself to stay loose and work with my pallet knife, and limited color pallet. So far, I am digging what's coming out.
I am missing one thing though - I want some painting partners. I learn so much seeing what others are doing, how they compose a subject, how they mix colors, how they do different things. If anyone out there reading this would like to join me, please send me a note or give me a call and let me know. I would really appreciate it!
My friend Lora has 4 longhorn cattle, and a nice herd of deer that feed in her pasture. Her husband had put out about 1000 lbs. of carrots in the pasture, and the cows and the deer were happily grazing when I got there. I did this quick painting of Faith, one of the cows. I also took a lot of pictures, and a couple of sketches. Here is the finished painting.

"Faith" Oil on canvas panel, 8" x 8"

I kept it as loose as I could and it took me about 2 hours to finish. I still think I want to work faster. But this is working now...

Pintura Fresca

I love that I live in the Texas Hill Country, and even more so, that I am in Boerne, and one only has to drive a short distance to have a decent place to paint. My favorite place by far is the Cibolo Nature Center. It's always quiet and peaceful, and gives me a great place to go paint. Mornings are especially nice, because even in the summer, one can find a cool, shady place.

I went out to one of my favorite spots, where two branches of the Cibolo Creek converge. There is a steady stream of water over the rocks, and the banks are lined with some very old, very tall cypress trees. Few people make it out there, but occasionally, a wandering couple will come by and spend a moment watching or talking to me. I can spend a few hours out there, and create some pretty nice art.

I just completed this in the studio this morning - the paint is still fresh and wet. I'll have it framed as soon as it's ready.

"Twin Sentinels on the Cibolo" Oil on Canvas Panel, 8" x 10"

Newsletter Mailing list

I've finished another step toward positioning myself to make this a full time occupation down the road... My website is getting closer to reality. I'm meeting with the web designer again today to finalize the new website. Stand by for an announcement to follow in the next couple of weeks when I launch the new website.

In the meantime, some of you have expressed that you would be interested in being on my email list. I now have a link over in the right column to sign up for future mailings. I plan on a periodic (maybe once a month) newsletter that will include what I am working on, what I have sold, what's new, and provide some insight, links to other artists, and events. I may even throw in an occassional short instructional video. At any rate, I promise I wil not bombard anyone with daily emails, or blow up your email box with junk.  just want to have another way to stay in touch other than Facebook.

Please take a moment to sign up for my email list. Again, the link is at the top of the right column... all you have to do is share your email with me.

More to follow soon. Inthe meantime, Nigel will be standing by.