"Farm Pines February"

"Farm Pines February"

10"x8" oil on Raymar panel

The last couple of weeks I've been able to get out a few times to paint en plein air. This is my first of the season, from February 19th. Amazing to be painting relatively comfortably outside this time of year! And so welcome. I tried to remember everything we learned in our fall class with Tina Ingraham, and couldn't resist a little calligraphy in the treetops.

"Apples and Calvados"

"Apples and Calvados"

11"x14" oil on canvas

This painting is one of my favorites for the upcoming French Show at the Yarmouth Frameshop and Gallery. Like this one from Tina Ingraham's class, the calligraphy is the last step, which is really fun. I love drawing, and it's drawing on your painting. In fact, I was kind of frustrated with the painting, especially the mustard jar which I had taken 4 runs at, wondering if the whole thing was going to resolve. So I thought, OK, calligraphy time, let's see what happens. And basically everything happened. You've heard people say "the painting will tell you what it needs". I would say it told me what it liked, as I tried various marks, wiped them off and tried again.

Please join us at the show opening, 4-7PM on Saturday, at the Yarmouth Frameshop and Gallery, 720 US Route One, Yarmouth, ME.