Williamsburg Celebrates Plein air painting

This Saturday, Sept 21st, there will be a Quick Draw in Colonial Williamsburg on "Dog Street" (Merchants Square) that will take place from 10am until 5 pm. I am happy to say that I have been invited to this wonderful event. Along with the Quick Draw, over the past couple of weeks, the month of September, the invited artist have been painting the area. Those paintings will hang in the Bruton Parish Church Hall, 331 Duke of Glouchester St, for viewing.
So come on out tomorrow morning and watch an artist doing what he loves to do!
here are my paintings of the area that will be on view at Bruton Parish Church Hall

Season's Change

Hi Folks,
Fall is in the air! My favorite time of year, maybe I said that in the spring, or maybe even in the summer, but fall really is a painters dream. Colors are popping just around the corner. In a couple of wks, I'll be off to painters paradice. That means, I can set up office around any bend in the road, any old barn that I see, and any swamp or lake that I pass by.... Mother nature just begs to be seen and understood. I think painters are the most a-tuned to her power as far as,business people go. What I mean here is, we interpret her. We have to read what she gives us, interpret her givings, and try to make a painting out of it. She is perfect in all that she throws at us. She never rest, and she forces us to keep focused and goal oriented. The time is near, get your gear, rear your head, put the lead down, and get out there!!

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