Pond Reflections

Pond Reflections

Oil on Canvas

8 x 10 inches

2009

Auburn, Alabama

One of my students Sheri has started a Plein Air painting group in Auburn. She has asked me several times to come to“paint out” and something has always come up. Finally I had time this Wednesday.

The site was Town Creek Park in Auburn. The park has a man made pond that has a robust turtle and algae population. I was attracted to the little white flowers growing along the edge of the pond and wished there were lily pads to fill out the composition. Fortunately there were clumps of algae and duck weed. I figured if I kept it loose enough they would have the same effect. There is a lot to paint in this little park and I will be back there soon.

Farm Pond

Farm Pond

$100

Oil on Linen
8x10 inches
Fall of 2006
H & H Horse Quarters, Auburn, Alabama

At the farm where we keep our horse, Remington, and where my wife and daughter ride, is a small fishing pond. It is hidden behind the back pastures and you only see it when you come upon it by accident.

Like many ponds in Alabama, this area is the result of an earthen dam. The remnants of drowned trees still litter the water, becoming perches for a variety of birds.

This landscape was painted late in the day. It was very overcast and still. Light was hitting the trees and the effect wouldn’t last. I worked quickly but had to stop often to throw a stick in the water for my Labrador Retriever, Sully. He still doesn’t understand the whole art thing.

Fallen Flower

Fallen Flower

$100

Oil on Canvas

8 x 10 inches

2009

Auburn, Alabama

These flowers have been blooming in my yard for months now. They are very simple and even when they are wilting have a beautiful color. I thought it would be nice to let just the color of the followers dominate so they were placed in a white on white set up.

One flower lies wilted out of the vase. This was just for design but as I looked at it as I painted I thought of it more as a metaphor or symbol.

Still Life With Pear

Still Life with a Pear

$100

Oil on panel

8 x 10 inches

2009

Auburn, Alabama

It has been a while since I have done a classical still life. It was a good day to stay in the studio as I have not gotten used to the Alabama heat since returning from Canada. I’ll have to brave it and head outside to paint soon.

Sunlit Window

Sunlit Window

$100

Oil on Canvas

5 x7 inches

2009

Auburn, Alabama

Every morning I walk into the mansion’s back door and look into this room and see the light sparkling through the window and say to myself, “I should paint this”. This morning after eights years I finally painted it . I won’t wait so long next time

Log Jump

Log Jump

$100

Oil on Canvas

5 x 7 inches

2009

Auburn, Alabama

My daughter Savannah was attending a horse camp at Auburn University and on the final day the parents were invited to come out and watch. Any horse event involves a lot of waiting so I decided that I could get my daily painting while waiting.

Behind the rings where she was riding there were a series of cross country jumps. Some logs jumps, barrels, and fences. The log jump had an interesting color against the green grass and the large oak in the back framed it out. I haven’t painted a 5”x7” in a while and though it would be quick but as it turns out a painting is a painting “ no matter how small”.

Coosa River

Coosa River

Watercolor on paper

4 x6 inches

2009

Wetumpka, Alabama

All I can fit in my kayak is a small watercolor kit. It is the model of efficiency all folding up to about 3” x6”. It makes for a nice pause on the river to stop and paint. This spot was just to the side of Moccasin Gap. This is a popular spot for kayakers to surf in a large continuous wave.