"Two Turtle Doves"

This little urn with birds reminded me of the tune, "Twelve Days of Christmas." Even though it's not yet Thanksgiving, so much of our culture is pushing holiday shopping. I must admit I enjoy the Christmas tunes.

8"x10"

Oil on Linen

www.hong-sammons.com

"Over the Bridge"

Why I thought I could start and finish a 16"x12" painting on a cold November day...

Going to try it again on a smaller canvas so I can finish it in one session.

16"x12"

Oil on Linen

($190. oil sketch)

"Sweet & Tart"

Today was my last teaching day of 2008. I created a set-up for my remain few students with grapes, pomegranates, limes and copper. They were so enthusiastic about the set-up that I was inspired to paint it as well. I haven't much interest in painting still lifes these days but pushing them and myself to focus and compare the various values made this an interesting piece to paint.
8"x10"
Oil on Linen
($350. framed)

charcoal sketch

This is a quick study done on toned charcoal paper and vine charcoal. I loved the pose and wish it had been a long pose so that I could have created a finished charcoal study.
14"x20"
vine charcoal on paper

quick sketch - Liz

"Liz" was painted from life, under very cool and minimal north light. I felt like I was painting in the dark. Although I could see the model clearly I could not see my canvas very well. Under these lighting conditions I like to key-up the shadows and make them as warm as possible to avoid that dead gray look from the north light. Once I got it home I realized I had made the shadow values too warm. Oh well, live and learn. And as always, I'm really trying to pay attention to anatomy.
14"x11"
Oil on Linen

charcoal sketch

I know I really need to spend more time drawing in order to become a better painter so I'm hoping to incorporate

more figure studies in charcoal and pencil.

16"x12"

Charcoal stick on paper

untitled

A fall storm is about to hit. Actually the chill feels like winter is right around the corner. I used only one brush because I was so cold I think I was frozen stiff. Maybe I'm getting to old to plein air paint in the winter.

8"x10"

Oil on Linen

($145.)

"November Chill"

It was wicked cold when I painted this but the lighting was beautiful.

7"x5"

Oil on Linen

($75.)

"Behind the Scenes"

Because it began to rain and the wind was strong, I took shelter under the green bridge (see last week painting of this bridge). Perhaps the smart thing to do would have been to head back home but I still felt like painting. The only thing I could see was the top back of a building(s) and these wires. It may not be the typical "pretty" landscape but I liked trying to capture the fall blustery air. It may be the beginning of a new series called, "Behind the Scenes."

10"x8" Oil on Linen ($145.)

Oil Sketch/Portrait Study

I think I learn the most about painting when working on a portrait study. I used mostly umber and wiped out my lights but towards the end of the session added Cadmium Red, Ochre, and green to my palette.
10"x8"
Oil on Linen

"The Green Bridge"

Painted this during the last bits of our beautiful fall weather. My daughter wrote (& published) a poem about this bridge which is in our town. I've included a few lines,

The Green Bridge isn't any ordinary bridge

It links us from the busy town to the gracious woods

It allows us to be bathed by the sunlight or calmed by the whispering wind

The bridge sways as the breeze whistles

No work, no insults come to mind

The feeling is like none other than love for the nature...

...of the Green Bridge.

12"x9"

Oil on Linen

www.hong-sammons.com

"Fallen Oak"

This is something I've been wanting to paint for over three years. I don't know when this mighty tree fell but I'm glad that "they" have not remove it. Painted once again with my new favorite tool, a #10 round brush.
8"x10"
Oil on Linen
www.hong-sammons.com

"Red Oak"

For several months I've been painting with a palette knife but today I used a large round bristle brush. I have a coffee can container of brand new round brushes which I've never used. They've been sitting in my studio for at least 15 years. I liked how I could load up this brush with a ton of paint, make broad strokes, and also had the flexibility to make very delicate small marks.

8"x10"

Oil on Linen

($165.)

landscape study (sold)

I'm fortunate to be able to step out my door and see several beautiful things to paint. As the fall colors fade, I am enjoying trying to pull out the subtle color notes.

10"x8"

Oil on Linen