Fan Out

Fan Out 30x36 Oil on Linen Framed $2700

This painting can be viewed during my solo show at the Spiral Press Cafe, adjoining the Northshire Bookstore in Manchester, VT from November 18, 2009 through the holiday season. Please stop in if you happen to be in the area, look at the work, purchase your favorites, and leave comments on the blog! If you would like to purchase this before the show, please email me: daleblodget@gmail.com

As you can see I almost covered every bit of the beautiful deep yellow (see October 5th post) with which I had toned this canvas. But still the painting was directed by that tone, as well as the desire to convey the dance of the light - on the boats, on the surface of the water, on the sand and seaweed beneath.

thanks for looking and please comment if you like.

Sailing Class

Sailing Class 12x16 Oil

Okay, this is one I did en plein air in August. Young sailors heading back through the channel to the cove where the boats are kept. Thanks for looking!

Building a series

Moving along on the second painting of the 3 boats. Above is the second progress shot. The first was on Oct 2. On this painting I used photos instead of an oil study. It certainly sent my work in a more detailed direction. Fine. I was ambivalent about key. Darker or lighter, darker or lighter. Sometimes it's tough to stick to my decisions. I'm sort of an I Ching painter. John Cage and Merce Cunningham influenced my choreographer identity. This boat series is drawing from those days. Positioning the shapes in space. All day and night, these boats are moving, changing direction, sustaining tension against their mooring lines, rocking with the passing wakes, responding to wind and tide.
This is the third shot in progress. Thanks for stopping by.

Large Mac

5x7 Oil

I think it's pretty bewildering that I find it more challenging to paint apples and onions now than I did 2 years ago. Maybe it makes perfect sense. I see more.

Onion

5x7 oil

Oops. This turned out in a smaller size than usual on the blog. I was revisiting the stems that so captivated my attention last winter. I used natural light here and, unfortunately, it came from a few directions. I think I'll get my black box out and try another with a little more control of the light.

Ascending Sun, Returning Tide done

Oil on REALLY coarse linen. At first I wondered if the texture was too much as I'm generally not too generous with the paint. But, I like the texture quite a lot. 30x36

These boats turn so much with the tides and the shadows change so much with the hours, I wanted to do another. Below is the first progress shot of Fan Out. More tomorrow.

Progressing on ASRT

This is what's fun about painting. Look at those gorgeous blues! I really missed the cad yellow deep background as I was painting so threw it on wherever I could. I also grabbed a large canvas and toned it CYD for a future effort. I really liked the bulky, lumpy look I had going with the boats on the study (see yesterday's post), so tried to retain that while the funny voice in my head yelled and whined about accuracy. I think this way one gets the feeling of swells. What do you think?

Ascending Sun, Returning Tide

The image on the top is a quick plein air study off the Wharf Lot in Annisquam, 9x12, that I must thank for inspiring many other paintings. I had used a panel previously toned with Cadmium Yellow Deep. Quite blinding out in the sun actually. But the ensuing chroma, hue and value choices intrigued me, so I began a series. The image on the bottom is the first progress shot of my first larger painting "Ascending Sun, Returning Tide" 30x36.
More later.

Garlic

Garlic Bulb and Cloves 5x7 Oil on Canvas panel

I know, I know. It's a bad photo. But it's good enough for a post. And we artists know better than to spend too much time trying to get a good shot of a painting with wet, blackish value.
I've missed my blog community and am glad to be posting again. The Champlain's Lake show is at its final destination of the State House in Montpelier, VT. The Dorset Library show was a really nice venue and some of my favorite paintings have gone to new homes. Thank you to my collectors! Currently, I'm working on some larger pieces for a show running mid-November to New Years. More on that later. Thanks for stopping in after my meager postings of the last few months. Have a beautiful day.

On the point

Tides. After I began painting this sweet group of dories, skiffs, or whatever they are called, I realized it would be smart to photograph them.

The two shots show the difference an hour makes.
I neglected to take a photo of the painting with the wrong-facing boat still all there. This one is of the third boat being sunk by me. What power I wield. It was actually enjoyable - sinking the offending vessel.

Off the Point 12x16 Oil