Westmont 5x5 Benefit

My alma mater sent out nearly a 1000 sheets of 5x5 BFK Rives paper to artists all over the country, the returned pieces will be sold at the exhibition (in the gorgeous new Westmont Museum) in December.  

I've never painted with oils on paper before and was a little nervous about how the paint was going to react with it.  I used about 5 coats of clear gesso beforehand just to make sure it was enough.  It turned out to be a great surface to paint on, no complaints at all!  I did a larger version of this cliff previously, and since I like it so much I decided to use it as the subject for this piece. 

Oil on BFK Rives paper, 5x5 inches

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In Between Classes - 6x6

I assume this couple was on a break from classes, judging by the backpack, either that or they were having a DTR (define the relationship) talk.  Whichever one, the light was hitting them perfectly and that's what mattered most to me!

Oil on Ampersand Gessobord panel, 6x6 inches

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View from the Pier - 8x16

I wanted to do at least one painting for my show that was quintessentially Santa Barbara, I think this pretty much sums it up.  Turns out I could have included the Mission too (had no idea you could see it from the pier) but it was just too small and would have looked pretty awkward.  

Oil on cradled panel, 8x16 inches

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Stearns Wharf Sunrise - 5x7

More from the wharf...

Oil on panel, 5x7 inches

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The Harbor Restaurant - 6x6

This one was fun, lots of memories at this place. 

Oil on panel, 6x6 inches

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Three Tangerines - 5x7

I turn in the other half of my paintings to the gallery today, there's 54 in all, crazy! I'm getting excited for the opening next week, it will be part of Santa Barbara's First Thursday festivities.  November 3, 5:00-8:00 pm, hope to see some of you there! :) Click here for more information!

Oil on panel, 5x7 inches

Click here to view in my shop 

Leadbetter Cliff II - 6x6

This one got snatched up before I even had a chance to post it. Sometimes that happens when I have visitors in my studio, which I'm never opposed to by the way :)

Oil on panel, 6x6 inches

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Faux Lighthouse - 9x12

If you can't find a lighthouse to paint, paint the fake one instead? Or maybe it really does work, I have no idea, either way I wanted to paint it.   

Oil on panel, 9x12 inches

Available at the Santa Barbara Tennis Club, July 2012

Early Morning Boats - 6x6

Thinking today that there has got to be a better way to arrange my studio. I feel like I'm always at my tiny desk, and my large drafting table goes almost unused.  That will be my next project after this show goes up :) 

Oil on panel, 6x6 inches

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Leadbetter Beach Cliffs - 8x24

I was on the fence about painting this one, SO glad I decided to do it, it will be the star of my upcoming solo show :) 

Oil on 2" cradled panel, 8x24 inches

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Santa Barbara Early Morning - 8x16

Crazy busy (but fun!) weekend.  It was our 5 year class reunion at Westmont, we had such a good turnout, I almost forgot how much I missed that place.  Although I'm very jealous of their new painting studio,  in the open air, and I'm pretty sure it had an ocean view, I would love to paint there for a day.  

I'm very happy with how today's painting turned out, definitely one of my new favorites, sunrise is such an inspiring time. 

oil on 2" cradled panel, 8x16 inches

Available at the Santa Barbara Tennis Club, July 2012

Sleepy - 6x6

I woke this poor little guy up on the pier the other morning, turns out seagulls are much willing to be photographed when they're half asleep. 

Oil on panel, 6x6 inches 

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Early Light - 6x6

The sun was trying to break through the fog on this particular morning at East Beach.  The light on this little bridge got me excited.  

Oil on panel, 6x6 inches
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The Red Boat - 6x6

Keeping with the same color palette as yesterday.  I think I'm in love. 

Oil on panel, 6x6 inches

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In Step - 8x10

I switched up my color palette for this painting.  I took out certain colors that I deemed as "shortcuts" (Burnt Sienna, Burnt Umber, Yellow Ochre) or ones that I was just using too much of (Sap Green) and I added a few that have been neglected in my paint drawers for months, such as Quinacridone Rose and Cadmium Green Pale.  I also spent more time working the shadows before adding any of the light parts, since it's the shadows that really make the light shine, and I feel like maybe I've been rushing through them.  Overall I'm happy with the piece, but I was also happy while I was painting it.  I sometimes forget how refreshing it is to mix things up a bit. 

Oil on panel, 8x10 

Available at the Santa Barbara Tennis Club, July 2012

Palm Reflections - 12x16

I had to put my posts on hold for a couple days because it was SO windy outside, I definitely couldn't get away with bringing a wet painting out to photograph it.  But now it's sunny and gorgeous! I might just spend some time at the beach today :) 

Oil on panel, 12x16 inches

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Miramar Workers - 9x12

Had to have another go at this Miramar house and coastline.  I love its blue windows and I'm always a sucker for white buildings. 

Oil on 2" cradled panel, 9x12 inches

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Lounging II - 5x7

Getting excited for the Avocado Festival this weekend! I've never been before, can't wait to try some avocado ice cream :) 

Oil on panel, 5x7 inches

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Red Truck Commission - 8x10

This was certainly a new subject for me.  It was a lot more fun than I expected it to be! I should try new things more often. 

Oil on panel, 8x10 inches

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Halfed - 6x6

One more for the festival.  Finally discovered a brown background that I actually like.  

Oil on panel, 6x6 inches
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The deadline for my solo show is rapidly approaching...I'm trying to stay calm while still painting as fast as I can.  My studio is going to be so empty when this show goes up!