Seeking Shelter

Seeking Shelter. Oil on canvas, 30 by 40 inches.

I have been playing around with this painting on and off for a few years. I was just playing around with it to see where I could go with this scenery.

It started off as a painting from a photo of a clearing up a hill in a bird sanctuary in Delaware. I do not remember the name of this place, but I like to call it Hawk Lookout Hill. This painting went through several changes including scrape-downs until it eventually evolved into a winter scene. On the wall and off the walls, and into storage and out of storage.

I felt it needed to tell a story, but I could not decide on one until now — an animal seeking shelter and human tracks leading to around the back of the shelter. The rest of the story is up to your imagination. Create your own reality.

Jonas blew into town and I was Itching to go outside to paint

Plein air painting is a fun adventure. Usually. I had layers of clothing, and warmers, so it made the experience pleasant and inspiring until my feet started to feel the freeze from the ground, and the wind started to blow. Unfortunately, I did not have any warmers in my shoes so the cold transmitted from the freezing ground to my feet. It became too cold for me, and the paint hardened in the subfreezing temperature! The latter was a battle to move the paint around on the canvas. I was very glad that I brought my stiff bristle brushes. I quickly picked out the important shapes, values, colors and their intensity to describe this scenery. After about 30 minutes of painting, I quickly packed up and rushed back to my friends' home for warmth. Next time I shall be extra prepared. (Famous last words.)

Philadelphia Museum of Art (Schuylkill River Trail). Oil on cotton, 6 by 8 inches.

Up next, 2016 Spring “Pop-Up Show”

My Winter Pop-Up Show closed this Sunday at State & Union. This afternoon, we went in to State & Union to bring my paintings home. Proprietor, Doug Harris, was already encouraging me to do a Spring Pop-Up Show. We have decided on April. 

Here is a peek of what could be installed for my 2016 Spring Pop-Up Show at State & Union. We hope to see you there.

Please go to this link learn more about State & Union.

To Hawk Lookout Hill (Ashland Nature Centre, Delaware). Oil on linen, 16 by 20 inches. $1,600.