Farm in Late Fall

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About an hour into this painting, I got a visit from one of the farm's residents. A very spunky Jack Russell Terrier raced out to see what I was doing and he was not too thrilled! He barked and barked and barked and barked. For a little guy, he made quite a big commotion and it went on for what seemed like forever.  I was actually thinking I might have to pack it in when fortunately, he was called back into the farmhouse.

Red Farmhouse

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I was back outside with my easel this week. When driving around the back roads of Bridgehampton scanning for a scene to paint, I spied this old red farmhouse. Alongside it was an open field, glowing bright green in the morning sun. The juxtaposition of these complimentary colors drew me in and sealed the deal. It was a glorious painting session, complete with an occasional "cock-a-doodle-do," from the resident rooster!

Large Ceramic Pot with Sunflowers

I have been attempting to create two paintings from the same still life setup. I usually start with a smaller panel, 6"x6" and then go a bit bigger for the second painting, 8"x8". Here is the second, larger painting from the kitchen setup I did yesterday. You would think that because I worked out the colors and light and values in the smaller version, this one would almost paint itself. Not so much!  ;)

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Sunflowers in Ceramic Pot

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I find painting still life in natural light to be so challenging. A setup on my kitchen table is especially difficult as there are two sources of light. One window lets in warm sunlight while the the other lets in cool north light. As the day progresses, and the sun moves around the house, that north light window eventually is warm with sunlight. Add in that the sun is basically down by 4 pm and I am literally racing with the clock. Ultimately, as I chase the sun, putting cool light down over an underlayment of warm, a wonderful vibration of color starts to happen. That is what I love the most and while challenging, painting still life in natural light is oh so worth it!

Bridgehampton Pumpkin Farm

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I wanted to participate in the art fundraiser for Hurricane Sandy victims offered through Daily Paintworks. So I set out with my easel and headed to this farm in Bridgehampton which is located on the south shore of eastern Long Island. The farm touches on Mecox Bay and had clearly been flooded during the storm. Here it was a week later, and the grounds were still very wet and puddled. Two farmers happened to walk out across the field while I was painting, and I overheard them talking about how high up into the farmland the bay waters had come during the storm. They remarked that it was like nothing they had ever seen before.

Copper Pot of Sunflowers with Pears

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Since sunflowers last a long time, I decided to create a large painting of this still life.  It is 11"x14" - way bigger than my usual 6"x 6" -  and took two sessions to complete. The sunflowers held up nicely. Overall, they are a very forgiving flower to paint, unlike roses where one false stroke, and you might end up with a tulip on your hands... or canvas! Think I might be off to buy another bunch of these beauties tomorrow. Available as a note card.

Sunflowers and Pears

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There is a wonderful little farm stand just down the road from my house. The other day in the pouring rain, I pulled over, ran in and grabbed up this bouquet of sunflowers. "Oh, won't these brighten up your house on such a gloomy day," said the owner as she wrapped them up. Little did she know what I was really going to do with them when I got home!