Oranges

Well after much time I have returned to this blog, and another daily challenge. I have decided that my work needs to have a fresher look. Daily painting is a great way to blow off the cobwebs.  A smaller painting, with a daily commitment, forces one to make many decisions quickly such as subject, color palette, format, etc. So this is my first one.

Hands

16" x 20"
Oil on archival panel

Well I finished another Thursday painting. The model had her back to the light which made it somewhat of a challenge. I was interested in the hands and I wanted to make sure I was able to get the feel of her gesture.

Life drawing

Carbon pencil on paper
25" x 19"

I enjoyed doing this drawing this week. Steve is a model who takes his work seriously and tries to hold the pose carefully. I initially was concerned about the location of his hand and nose but it worked out. As usual when I have a drawing I like I wish I could have had a few more minutes to clean up the drawing.

February painting

20" x 16"
oil on archival panel

Well now that the crazy pace of the 30 day challenge has passed I can think about what I really want to paint. This is from my Thursday evening model session.  I think that I will start setting up models in my own studio in March. I would like to have more subtle lighting on the model. I find this one flat and harsh.
 I am still tinkering with my paints and think that I have found a good solution. I never liked the fast dry mediums which are great for outdoor plein aire painting but not what I like for the studio alla prima. I am making a slow dry medium that stays open for a few days. Much better for my approach to painting.

The collection

Well this is the final, I wanted to include all and as the sizes and shapes were diverse this is the composite. It was a great challenge and I am already thinking about how to incorporate this practice into my working process.
Congratulations to all who participated and thank you to Leslie for hosting the project. I just might be back in the fall.

Day 30: final

20" x 16"
oil on archival paper

In my weekly figure painting group I had two weeks to work on this set up. I did two grey scale studies of this image as part of the 30 paintings series. I can definitely see how this helps me think my way through a painting with more clarity. I feel like the painting can still use some adjustments but overall I am happy with it. I also am also working outside my comfort level in terms of my color palette. I am experimenting with much higher chroma colors, like thalo blue, thalo green and quinacridone red. 

Overall it has been a tremendously rewarding experience and I am very glad I jumped on board. Thanks to Leslie for challenging me to start this year off focused and productive.

Day 29: friday

9" x 12"
oil on archival paper

This is a study from the model that we will be working from for the next 2 weeks. I decided to take this idea and use it from the beginning. This will be my plan for the painting. I have really enjoyed and have a real appreciation for how these studys can inform the paintings.