Abstract - Part 2

I made some progress on my large abstract painting yesterday. I worked on it outside on the patio, using my taboret as a mobile palette holder. The 60" x 80" canvas is supported by a Mabef Studio Easel. 

Using my 11" x 14" study as a guide, I covered the canvas with acrylic paint, letting it drip and be thin in places. I want the final painting to be very loose and casual with a feeling of urban graffiti. I added some splatters with the brush, and some scribbles with white pastel.

The New Studio

Here is my new studio in the den of our 1959 mid-century modern home. The shelves on the left contain my art books, notebooks, bookshelf stereo and art supplies. I designed the worktable and had a friend make it for me. IKEA wooden critique rails line the walls and display both finished and in-progress paintings. The easel is for working on large abstract acrylic paintings. My Joe Columbo taboret sits in the center of the space and can roll around as needed. A skylight illuminates the room by day, and a collection of Artemide work lights does the job by night. I open the sliding glass door as I work, so there is always a nice fresh breeze.

This is a lot different from my original garage studio. There is less room, and I can't smoke a cigar here, but it is now in the house, close to the action, well lit, and very organized.

Hawaii - Part 3

A quick sketch of Honolulu from the summit of Diamond Head, some sketches of our hotel, the entrance to the Dole Plantation, and the flight home.

Hawaii - Part 2

Some sketches on the beach of Waikiki, a fish taco stand, and a deserted stretch of pure white sand, blue water, fluffy clouds and a gentle breeze.

Hawaii - Part 1

We arrived late in the day, and after getting the shuttle to our hotel, checking in and having dinner, the sun had gone down. I only had time to do a few night sketches from our chairs on Waikiki Beach.

Interior Sketch

Here is a quick interior sketch done across two pages of a Canson Montval watercolor book. I used a water soluble pen and watercolor.

Two Quick Sketches from the Deck

These are two sketches done from our deck, while sitting in the lounge chair. This is a nice way to relax on a Saturday afternoon. 

Pasadena Home

Here are three studies and the final painting of a home in Pasadena. The study sketches were done in my Aquabee 6" x 9" Sketchbook. The final 14" x 20" painting was done on 140 lb. Arches hot press paper.

Study for a Large Abstract

I have a commission to a large abstract for a mid-century modern home in Pasadena. The final size for the piece is 60" x 80". In order to accomplish this, I had to come up with a logical work plan. The first step was to do a series of small 5" x 7" studies, of which I selected one to develop further. 

This painting is the 11.5" x 14" detailed study that I will use to guide the final painting. It is done on a piece of 300 lb. Canson cold press watercolor paper. I coated it with gesso and painted it with acrylic, using brushes, a palette knife, and my fingers to get the texture I liked. I added line work with pencil and pastel, and stenciled some copy with a fine point pencil.