On the Road

My annual trek to Maine has found me in the Poconos of Pennsylvania....Hawley, to be specific.  The Ledges Inn is poised over a wonderful waterfall which is the whole reason I came here: to paint it!  It lived up to its billing.  This morning I was up early to climb to the top deck on a ledge overlooking the upper falls.  It was mighty hot because I forgot my hat.  But for the first painting of the season, it's not a bad effort.  Next, the Berkshires.

Warm Colors

I've done quite a few watercolors lately that have predominantly cool colors, so I decided to do one on the warm side.  This is a scene from Disney World in Florida, so it only makes sense to limit cool colors when painting the Sunshine State. 

In the photo reference I used, there were quite a few colors present, but I stuck to a limited warm palette for the sake of unity.  Making a decision about temperature before you begin can help focus your attention on other elements such as value, contrast, shapes and direction.  You don't have to keep wondering which colors you will reach for.  Choosing two or three colors and alternating their percentage in the mixtures will give you enough variety while maintaining unity.

Happy Memorial Day!

Harbor Time

After not painting for three weeks due to bronchitis and asthma problems, I got the urge to paint the harbor that has been home for the past 33 summers.  I wanted the warmth of the sails to contrast with the cool neutrals of the background. 
 I'm a little rusty, but I wanted to let you know I'm alive and kickin'!

Test Time

Here's your chance to critique one of my paintings.  I deliberately chose this one for its imperfections.
There are strong and weak qualities present. Feel free to comment on both.

Scroll down through my past entries and leave some comments about values, composition, color choice, shapes, or any other subjects I've covered in the last 450+  posts.

Can't wait for your commentaries!

P.S.  Sorry for my absence.  I haven't been painting due to asthma problems.