Pre Fall preparations....including the bug spray

Hi Folks,
I am just taking a small chance to write on my blog tonight after a couple of wks of painting, a plein air exhibit (plein air 757) and the very next week preparations for my opening reception at Blue Skies Gallery. All this has happened so fast that I have not even had much time to recollect on my paintings that have come across my brush. I try to approach each painting differently from the one before, but still keeping the things I learned from the last painting fresh in my mind. This keeps everything fresh and free aspect about my work. I often look at some of my work and note to myself that one works, one doesn't or it doesnt have feeling with in itself. I do not like to put work out there that doesn't have it's own presence, so it usually get's covered up or painted over. I try to paint daily and even those that do not make the cut, it's still an opportunity to paint and it's still brush mileage. The result might not be up to par, but I usually do notice things to change and the process of change is recognized. Whether that sticks for the next painting? That remains to be seen in every case...

Well, here are a few paintings that have been painted over the past couple of wks. Hope you enjoy!
Tom

Easton follow.....An Update

Hi folks.
This past week has been a change from last wk's crazy paint fest up in a beautiful town of Easton,MD. If you have been a follower of this blog you are aware of my anticipation for this event. I will post some photo's of paintings done and I think I have photo's of 2 that have found new homes. All in all, Easton was a huge success with 2 new homes that my work now reside in! Meeting new collectors is always a joy and coming to a union with someone who doesn't paint is always a special bond. After having a relaxing and well deserved painting break it is time to start to prepare for the next one! Yes, Plein Air 757 is in just a few weeks away. Augest 8-10 with a quick draw over in Cape Charles on Sunday the 11th. So much Fun!!!!
Stay tuned for more updates!

All and all I was able to meet my goals in Easton. 20 paintings in 7 days. Some days I did 2 a day, others I was able to get in 4 in one day. The days were extremely hot! but that never stops a plein air painter! Did I mention the days were HOT!?

Take care folks, hope you enjoy!
Tom

Pre- Easton warm ups...

Hey Folks,
I hope your summer is kicking and is as hot as it is here in Va. I just recently got back from a favorite spot up in Nelson County. This area is truly one of the most beautiful places in the state. All this rain we have had is helping to keep the area green. In just a few days I'm onto my next journey up to Easton, MD for plein air Easton. This event, if you hadn't heard, is the biggest Plein air event on the east cost. Over 200 artist come together for a quick draw painting that last 2 hours. Then all of the paintings go up for auction and awards. This quick draw follows over a week of painting by some of the nations 50 best artist. I am so humbled to be able to participate in such a wonderful event. I just hope I'm ready and have plenty of panels. For more information, please visit www.pleinaireaston.com

Here are a few of my recent paintings from the Hampton area, and my trip to Nelson County...
Hope to see you all at Easton

On and Off the Road....

Hi Folks,
I just want to update all of you about what's been happening since "Fresh Cut Greens" posting.

I've been able to take another road trip. This trip up to Urbana, Va to seek out a possible gallery in this quaint small town. Once upon entering Urbana you immediately feel like you went back into Mayberry. It has so much charm and carisma that it just ooozes out of the local's faces when chatting with them. I did, of course, get a chance to paint there and opened some doors for representation. So I'll keep yall up to date there. After that the Van-Go van has needed some TLC so he's been in the shop. That has resulted in less traveling over the past 2 wks. But it has helped in keeping me in the studio and painting from home. Although not as entertaining as being outside, it has it's benefits, and distractions.

Anyway, here are a few paintings that I've done over the past couple of weeks. Keep painting and using that limited palet!

Happy painting...

Fresh Cut Grass.....

Hi Folks,
Now that we are full on into the summer season here in Virginia countryside I like to say how green everything is. We are getting rain on a nearly daily basis. It's tough for the painter in more ways than one. All this green that is out there reminds me just how important mixing your greens are vs. the boring ole technique of pulling out Varidian and just using green from a tube. I have stood by my color palet system now for almost 8 years and now it is more important than ever when out mixing greens. I found this system from a class I took from Scott Christensen. He teaches a large group of students the fundamentals on color theroy and composition. His goals are to go small, time limit, and mixing accurate color. All are so vital in plein air painting. If you ever want to take a top notch workshop (I think the best in the country) look up Scott. He has a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for all painters. Oh, his palet is unmatched and I think I'll be using this palet for the rest of my life. It's so much fun mixing color and it always get's the juices flowing from the start of any scene!

Here are a few paintings from my limited palet of
Ultramarine Blue
Cadminium Yellow Light
Permanent Red Medium
and Titanium White

Thanks for looking in!
Tom

Rains bring me inside...

Hi folks,
I just wanted to quickly post a blog to keep folks updated and to post some recent paintings here. This week has been rainy here in Smithfield so it's kinda put a damper on Plein air painting. I still struggle to find time and places where I can still paint outside. Here is a few that I've had time to get out in between cloudy skies and days!

Have a great day!
Tom

Sea breezes

Hi folks, as I sit here all cumfy in my sleeping bag along the Outer Banks of North Carolina I am reminded of how soothing to the soul the sea can be.

I constantly wrestle with the daily everyday scenarios that creep up on me, but here, right now, all those thoughts are far from my memory banks. I am reminded just how important it is to get away and recharge. To stop and smell the roses. This is important in everyone's life, but it seems for us qrtist, for me at least, it seems more important. I need to stop life from moving at its ever increasing pace and reflect on why I'm here and what I'm doing as a person. More or less a reality check. Makes me realize I need to do theses more often!

Maybe when I head back into civilization ill have a new frame of mind that'll get me through till the next time I can stop and smell the roses. Ill just have to play more Buffett till that happens!!!

Here's a few recent paintings from the trip... Thanks for looking in!!!! Happy painting!