JR Hawse

JR Hawse: Finished - Big Kitten - Tiger from Woodland Park Zoo - Seattle, WA

2010-10-21T14:32:00.000-07:00

JR Hawse: Finished - Big Kitten - Tiger from Woodland Park Zoo - Seattle, WA

Finished - Big Kitten - Tiger from Woodland Park Zoo - Seattle, WA

2010-09-11T08:59:00.000-07:00

This is the finished painting...I am not sure really what I will name this painting, but "Big Kitten" seems to work.

Work-In-Progress: No Title Yet

2010-09-10T22:06:00.000-07:00

This is a painting of a tiger that I used in a demo in front of Gallery North in Edmonds. I am finishing him in my studio.

Bison: A Peaceful Day by the River

2010-08-24T09:07:00.000-07:00

This is a painting that I completed based on the Bison at NW Trek. The scenery is definitely Wyoming, however. Both bison are females, but the baby...who knows?

Work-In-Progress: Afternoon Show

2010-08-16T10:26:00.000-07:00

Here is a fun piece based on a friend's story and my life as a small child in the Pacific Northwest.

Work-In-Progress: Empty Nest No Longer

2010-08-16T10:23:00.000-07:00

The painting has now taken on a new element...or should I say elements. I originally planned on having an empty next in the foreground, but something strange happened. These little goslings appeared.

Work-In-Progress: Empty Nest

2010-08-14T19:20:00.000-07:00

Here is another work in progress for my September show. This stars a pair of Canadian Geese from NW Trek.

Work-In-Progress: River Challenge

2010-08-14T18:45:00.000-07:00

This is one of the paintings that will be at my featured artist show in September at Gallery North. The exhibition will run through the month of September.

Painting In Progress - The Gateway

2010-06-27T20:02:00.000-07:00

This is a new painting I am working on...hope you enjoy it.

At A Glance - A Miniature Painting

2010-01-27T17:24:00.000-08:00

Currently I am getting ready for the Miniature Show at Gallery North. I am working on a set of miniature or small paintings with wolves as the subjects. Each wolf has his or her own personality and an incredibly intense stare. So much about the wolf centers on observation and sizing up the situation at a glance. Patience is tempered with reality when the wolf must decide to go forward or retreat.

Hope you enjoy the paintings. I will be posting each one here. They will be on display at Gallery North during the month of March. The artists reception for the show will be March 7th at 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Under Clouds - Hawaii - Now Showing at Gallery North, Edmonds, WA

2010-01-13T08:39:00.000-08:00

Snow Scene

2009-12-19T13:21:00.001-08:00

Ridgeline - Almost Completed

2009-11-03T17:31:00.001-08:00

This is a new painting that I am working on...it is close to being finished. The composition comes from a trip to Steven's Pass. On the eastern side there were some beautiful ridgelines with mist and snow. Hope you enjoy the painting.

Hidden Pasture - Work in Progress

2009-10-08T10:38:00.000-07:00

I am almost finished with this painting. It has been a lot of fun...I hope you enjoy it.

Hidden Pasture - Work in Progress

2009-09-27T08:35:00.001-07:00

Now it is time to block in the horse and steers before working on the grasses and finishing vegetation. This definitely looks peaceful.

Hidden Pasture - Work in Progress

2009-09-26T11:52:00.001-07:00

Adding the vegetation is setting some boundaries for this pasture. I may have to push out the grass a bit and bring in some more neutral colors (grays) to tone down the painting.

Hidden Pasture - Work in Progress

2009-09-25T21:18:00.001-07:00

After blocking in the light and dark areas (not including the horses and steer to come), I have added washes of color, clouds, and some green. Next I will work on some trees in the middle ground and some bushes.

Hidden Pasture - Work in Progress

2009-09-24T17:43:00.001-07:00

It has been more than a month since I last entered anything into my blog. Currently I am working on paintings for the Western and Wildlife Art Show coming up in October. Here is the beginning of a new painting...I have blocked in the light and dark areas...the puzzle begins.

Stargazer Lilies - Work in Progress

2009-08-01T19:12:00.000-07:00

This is a painting that I began recently as part of our celebration of the Edmonds In Bloom Garden Tour. The tour featured some of the most beautiful gardens in Edmonds and each garden hosted several artists who worked plein air to capture each garden's treasures. Unfortunately, I was not among them due to another commitment, but I kept thinking about what I would like to paint if I was there. Here is the answer...a colorful group of stargazer lilies.

Gallery North in Edmonds will be hosting the Edmonds in Bloom Plein Air Collection during the month of August. If you are in the neighborhood (508 Main Street, Edmonds, WA...on the circle next to Starbucks), please drop in.

Mt. Vernon, VA - Washington's View - Work In Progress

2009-06-08T09:01:00.000-07:00

A couple of months ago Dan and I visited Mt. Vernon, VA, the home of George Washington. His expansive property includes a wonderful view of the Potomac River. This painting is my interpretation of what his view may have looked like when he and Martha resided there.

This is still a work in progress, begun while painting outside Gallery North in Edmonds. I had the assistance of a few passersby as I worked up the composition.

What is left to do...a little more work on the grasses, trees, and sheep. Hope you enjoy it.

Oregon Beach Scenes - Dramatic Weather

2009-05-06T14:23:00.000-07:00

Here are two recent paintings with inspiration taken from the Oregon beaches near Cape Mears and Oceanside. Throughout the year the weather can be dramatic and the sky tells the story.

Both of these paintings are on exhibit at Gallery North in Edmonds.

Beachcombers - Maui - Work in Progress

2009-04-30T14:10:00.000-07:00

The painting is progressing...and close to being finished. Just a couple of things left to do...

Beachcombers - Maui - Work in Progress

2009-04-04T10:38:00.000-07:00

The blow-hole and the water in the tidal pools are taking shape. I hope to get the kids more developed by the next photo.

Beachcombers - Maui - Work in Progress

2009-04-03T09:00:00.001-07:00

I decided to add the blow-hole...we shall see.

Beachcombers - Maui - Work in Progress

2009-04-02T09:14:00.000-07:00

The rocks are taking shape. Somewhere in the center is a blow-hole where the water is pushed up in a spray...I am not sure whether I will include that in the painting.

Beachcombers - Maui - Work in Progress

2009-03-29T14:55:00.001-07:00

This painting is based on a photograph given to me by my brother Christopher of his children at the beach in Maui. The ocean seems to have entranced them as they stare out to sea. I think I was the same way when I was a kid...I could spend hours just walking along the shore and watching the waves crashing in.

Virginia Landscapes - Broken Fence

2009-02-02T08:41:00.001-08:00

Behind the Stone House at Manassas is a field that is fenced in part. Some of the fence has broken. This style of fence can be seen in numerous Civil War photos and there are many pieces of it scattered through the countryside.

Virginia Landscapes - Stone House

2009-02-02T08:34:00.001-08:00

This month I am working on Virginia landscapes inspired by several trips to that beautiful state in recent years. This painting is of the Stone House at Manassas where two significant Civil War battles took place. The Stone House was used as a hospital. In the background you can see the Henry House on the hill. It was rebuild after being destroyed by shelling during one of the battles.

Playful - Three Egrets

2009-01-15T08:37:00.000-08:00

Three egrets are playing on the Sarasota coastline...each one taking their turn to show off. The paintings are acrylic on masonite board. Each is 5 inches x 5 inches.

Portrait in Progress - Almost Finished

2008-12-23T22:39:00.001-08:00

Here is the portrait of this beautiful Rottweiler almost finished. She has the beach (one of her favorite places) behind her...it is time for a little fun in the sand.

Portrait in Progress - Adding Detail

2008-12-22T20:30:00.000-08:00

Here is the dog portrait after I have added some detail to the fur. I still have quite a bit of detail work to do to the eyes, mouth, nose, and, yes, fur. As the dog starts coming alive, it actually starts talking to me in a way...telling me what is left to be done.

Portrait in Progress

2008-12-22T08:33:00.000-08:00

I am currently working on a portrait of a Rottweiler...here is the underpainting with color. This is the stage where I block out simple shapes and colors. Next, I will add the details of the eyes, nose, mouth, and fur.

Featured Artist - Gallery North - October 2008

2008-10-14T20:38:00.000-07:00

It has been several weeks since I last posted. I was getting ready for my featured artist's show at Gallery North (Edmonds, Wa) and the Celebration of Western and Wildlife Art at the Puyallup Fair Grounds (Puyallup, WA). It is wonderful to have such challenges ahead of me...I think I get a lot more work done when I have deadlines. Meanwhile, the featured artist's show will be going through the month of October. The next big challenge after that will be the Victorian Country Christmas, December 3-7, also at the Puyallup Fairgrounds.

Irises - Finished

2008-09-21T20:55:00.001-07:00

Here is the finished painting. I am partial to irises...I hope I did these justice. I also added some smaller flowers for fun. Finally, here is the peaceful scene, something to slip into when tensions run high or the day seems bleak. Hope you enjoy it.

Irises - work in progress

2008-09-19T11:05:00.003-07:00

This painting has an upside down feel at the beginning, but it should be a lot of fun to do. Perhaps it is my nod to Monet who was a master at it...where reflections turn the world upside down.

Garden Turtle - finished

2008-09-19T11:05:00.002-07:00

Here is the turtle painting completed. The turtle looks pretty happy about having his portrait done...hope you enjoy the painting.

Garden Turtle - work in progress

2008-09-19T11:05:00.001-07:00

Today the turtle cast off his ghostly appearance and looks like he is ready for a nap. There is vegetation yet to paint and lots of highlighting.

Garden Turtle - work in progress

2008-09-18T09:23:00.000-07:00

The rocks and the lily pads are going in while the turtle remains a ghostly figure. This reveals my habit of working from background to foreground.

Garden Turtle - work in progress

2008-09-17T08:21:00.001-07:00

This is a painting of a turtle just out of the water, sunning himself. In the background water lilies float peacefully. I am currently blocking in shapes and color.

Stone Bridge - finished

2008-09-16T10:31:00.001-07:00

Hope you enjoy the finished painting. My photo is not the best, but it gives you a good idea as to the composition.

Stone Bridge - work in progress

2008-09-15T14:10:00.000-07:00

The vegetation in the background is going in. I am trying to give a sense of warmth and light, although in the real garden the massive planting of vegetation often blocks the light. I guess I am using my artist's license.

Stone Bridge - work in progress

2008-09-14T16:34:00.001-07:00

At the Japanese Garden in Seattle there is a stone bridge that visitors travel over to and from the main areas of interest. The bridge is amazing in its own way recalling structures from long ago when stone was often used to surface roads and bridges. There is a sense of permanence about it. Here in the painting I am trying to make that point...how hard it looks compared to the beautiful greenery that surrounds it.

Azalea - work in progress

2008-09-12T21:09:00.001-07:00

The blossoms are going in...I need to clean up the edges and the background is still lacking. Well, it is late and I can't see anything clearly when I am tired...I will dream about these azaleas tonight.

Azalea - work in progress

2008-09-11T16:56:00.000-07:00

Here is a flower composition, some azalea blooms from the Japanese Garden in Seattle, WA.

I am trying to get a handle on the flowers...they are an interesting shape or combination of shapes. I am using a new set of Golden Open Acrylics. This is as much as an experimentation as it is a painting.

White Heron - Work In Progress

2008-09-09T07:18:00.000-07:00

The heron is coming alive...he is checking out a small garden on the beach.

White Heron - Work In Progress

2008-09-03T08:35:00.000-07:00

I had a lot of fun doing the sand. Now I am putting in the vegetation. What do you think...flowers or just reeds?

White Heron - Work In Progress

2008-09-02T15:14:00.000-07:00

I met this beautiful bird at Pelican Man's Bird Sanctuary in Sarasota, Florida. He was not an inmate, but a visitor perhaps checking on friends who were recovering from injuries. Or perhaps not. The sanctuary guide said he was looking for a free meal. There will be no snacks in this painting...

Wysteria - Finished

2008-08-31T15:14:00.000-07:00

This painting is pretty much finished. I may add a few more highlights, but I don't want to overwork it. Decisions, decisions! Hope you enjoy it.

Wysteria - Work in Progress

2008-08-30T21:24:00.001-07:00

The painting is taking shape. Most of the vegetation is in and I am working one giving it dimension. The top of the wysteria needs work and some highlighting needs to be done.

Wysteria - Work in Progress

2008-08-29T20:44:00.000-07:00

If you are lucky to visity the Japanese Garden at the University of Washington, you may have noticed the awesome wysteria feature that is near the northern part of the garden. The support for the mature wysteria vine was changed several years ago, a feat that was pretty amazing considering the weave of the wysteria. However, to a newcomer's eyes, the wysteria looks quite comfortable. This painting shows the southern side of the feature looking across the pond.

A Tiger in the Garden - (Almost) Finished

2008-08-24T20:38:00.000-07:00

The tiger is now fully in command of the garden. As you round a turn in the pathway, you are greeted by his interested eyes. His whiskers pop to attention as you ask for directions to the exit. Hope you enjoy the adventure.

A Tiger in the Garden - Work in Progress

2008-08-23T19:42:00.000-07:00

The tiger is patiently waiting to be completed, but there is plenty of work left to be done. His coat is looking softer...now it needs dimension.

A Tiger in the Garden - Work in Progress

2008-08-22T21:53:00.000-07:00

A Tiger in the Garden - Work in Progress

2008-08-22T21:48:00.000-07:00

I am now roughing in the tiger. This is an exciting step because the personality of the tiger begins to emerge...and playfully it hides and reveals itself. I can only hope to be alert enough to know when it is exposed.

A Tiger in the Garden - Work in Progress

2008-08-21T21:23:00.000-07:00

Most of the vegetation is now in...it still may need some work, but it is time to bring the tiger to life. Notice that the path to the gate is just visible...no longer a good escape route, but then again, this tiger is friendly.

2008-08-20T22:11:00.001-07:00

It is time to put in some trees and plant...they look somewhat surrealistic with grass or shading, but you can see where I am going.

A Tiger in the Garden - Work in Progress

2008-08-20T10:44:00.000-07:00

The painting is beginning to come to life with the garden wall and gate more distinct. I glazed the tiger with a little color to get an idea as to what I want the background colors to be.

Tiger in the Garden - Work in Progress

2008-08-18T17:25:00.000-07:00

I am now roughing out the background. I have put in some mountains and clouds as well as the garden gate and wall. I wonder if the wall is tall enough to keep the tiger in (or out).

Garden Charm - Finished

2008-08-18T14:55:00.001-07:00

I am just catching up on scanning several small paintings that I have finished. This one is another scene from the Japanese Garden.

A Tiger in the Garden - Work in Progress

2008-08-18T09:31:00.000-07:00

This is indeed a fantasy painting...the viewer is strolling through a beautiful garden and suddenly is met by another stroller...this one has big teeth and claws and a hypnotic stare.

Garden Jewel - Finished

2008-08-14T21:00:00.000-07:00

I needed a little rest, so I hid out in this garden painting...just me and the Koi.

Andy Barker Dreams - Finished

2008-08-08T17:11:00.000-07:00

Well, the painting sure has changed since its beginning. Andy Barker, the dog, has remained pretty much the same, but the sky features have dramatically changed as I tried to find an even balance between fantasy and landscape painting. This painting has a peaceful soft feel about it...I guess you could say it is dreamy. It is late afternoon moving into early evening. Andy has found a resting place on a high ridge and is relaxing before returning home. His thoughts turn to something playful.

The painting idea came from the person who commissioned this painting for a charity event for a wonderful local animal shelter. Hopefully it will sell and benefit many Andy Barkers.

Work In Progress - Andy Barker Dreams

2008-08-03T07:09:00.000-07:00

I am now working on the cloud feature...the dogs are playing with the moon.

Work In Progress - Andy Barker Dreams

2008-08-01T17:18:00.000-07:00

The trees are taking shape along with the low lying clouds. Andy Barker is now more established. The next challenge is the sky.

Work In Progress - Andy Barker Dreams

2008-07-26T19:06:00.000-07:00

As the painting progresses, the composition tightens. Andy Barker (the dog) now has been fully roughed in. The trees and the ridgelines are taking shape.

Work In Progress - Andy Barker Dreams

2008-07-25T21:08:00.001-07:00

This is a new painting that tells a story of a beautiful dog, Andy Barker, enjoying an early evening dream. He is laying on a ridge, taking a few minutes to rest and relax before running off to his next adventure. I am roughing out the elements of the painting...Andy is barely there, while Mt. Rainier is firmly planted in the background. It will be fun to see how this evolves.

Garden Dream - Completed

2008-05-16T19:30:00.001-07:00

Here is the painting pretty much complete. It probably could use a few coats of varnish, but I think it is finished...for now. I will put it aside and look at it in a few days. Hope you enjoy it.

Garden Dream - Work In Progress

2008-05-14T20:52:00.001-07:00

The garden now has water! I am starting to picture myself laying by this beautiful pool and throwing breadcrumbs to the duck.

Garden Dream - Work In Progress

2008-05-12T06:09:00.001-07:00

I am still building the elements of the composition...but it is getting there.

Garden Dream - Work In Progress

2008-05-10T11:20:00.001-07:00

The painting is taking shape, but still needs so much more light brought in. There is also a major tree that is missing on the left and of course the water surrounding the lantern.

Garden Dream - Work In Progress

2008-05-09T05:54:00.000-07:00

This painting is the same size as the previous one, 20 x 16 inches. I started it the same way by loading color on to the canvas and then firming up the composition. This will be a lot of fun...and it will have a dreamy feel.

Garden Ornament - At the Finish Line

2008-05-08T09:15:00.000-07:00

I am pretty much at the finish line for this painting. I will let the painting sit for a few days and then look at it again for corrections/additions. It will be one of a series of garden paintings that I am doing in preparation for the summer and fall shows. Hope you enjoy it.

Garden Ornament In Progress

2008-05-06T21:38:00.001-07:00

The rhody is in along with some small flowers. I need to give more life to the lantern. I don't want it running off, but I want it to be lively.

Garden Ornament In Progress - It's Getting There

2008-05-06T08:09:00.000-07:00

The painting is coming along. I am trying to bring the trees to life and bring some more light into the painting. Behind the lantern will be a rhody bush with light pink blooms...and of course, we need leaves on that naked tree.

Garden Ornament In Progress

2008-05-03T09:23:00.000-07:00

The lantern is beginning to take shape. I need to work on the lantern texture which will be important since it is a major point of interest of this painting.

Garden Ornament In Progress

2008-05-02T08:19:00.001-07:00

The composition is now coming to life on the canvas, but there is a lot of painting ahead. I am trying for a very soft look with some harder edges at the focal point...we shall see. Meanwhile, it is Friday. I hope I don't get distracted.

Beginning A New Painting - Garden Ornament

2008-05-01T11:05:00.001-07:00

Here we are again...starting a new painting. This time I am starting a series of garden paintings. I have quickly added some color to the canvas to help in the composition process. The paint is pretty thin at this time, but many more layers will be added as the composition takes shape.

What's Happening With JR

2008-04-16T20:56:00.000-07:00

Well, a lot has happened in the last few months since I have posted to my blog...just not a lot of painting. However, I am now back on track and working on those things I love best: painting and glass work. Of course, that is after Dan and the kids.

Today was a signature day for me...I was accepted by Seattle Co-Arts as a full member after jurying in with five of my paintings, one of them Pondering a Memory (left).

I am also taking care of some important painting commissions that will be finished soon.

Stay tuned for lots of painting to follow...

Home - Painting Commission In Progress

2007-12-14T10:59:00.001-08:00

Well, it has been a while since I've posted any artwork on my blog. The Christmas shows have kept me busy, but now it is time to settle back into my painting routine. Currently I am working on a painting commission of a home and family. The house is a modern large stone and wood structure that has a feeling of history and warmth despite its young age. The challenge is to capture the character of the home and its family...the house size really makes this a challenge in a medium-large sized painting of 30 x 24 inches.

As you can see, I have the initial composition sketch on the canvas and I am beginning to block in the sky. This is an exciting stage of painting...it is the genesis when anything is possible.

Pondering A Memory - Finished

2007-10-07T16:37:00.001-07:00

Here is another painting for the Western and Wildlife Art Show set for next weekend. This one is titled Pondering A Memory. At first I wanted to call it The Hat, but then decided that the grin captured the painting. Hope you enjoy it.

Bathing Beauty - Lady In Waiting Finished

2007-10-04T21:25:00.000-07:00

Well, here is the finished painting. It's bath day for this beautiful shire, and it looks like the soap and ladder are at the ready. Now we just need a volunteer for the job. Someone better show up soon...the water is running and the sponge may float away. Hope you enjoy the painting.

Work In Progress - Bathing Beauty

2007-09-28T21:34:00.000-07:00

Here is a close-up of her face. I still have to complete her halter...tack...gear.

2007-09-28T21:18:00.001-07:00

This little shire filly is coming along. She still has a short tail, but I think I will add a full one...what do you think?

Work In Progress - Bathing Beauty

2007-09-26T17:26:00.001-07:00

Well, the water has arrived along with the soap. I roughed it in to get a sense of how it would be, then decided it was time to make this shire come alive.

Work In Progress - Bathing Beauty

2007-09-21T19:17:00.000-07:00

A slight head cold has kept me from working more diligently on this painting, but I think the fog is clearing. For a while there I felt that my head was a large balloon...about to pop. In any case, the painting is taking shape. I have pretty much completed the background and will now concentrate on the horse and the other items in the foreground.

Work In Progress - Bathing Beauty

2007-09-15T09:22:00.000-07:00

I have now added a ladder and you can see the possible buckets and sponge that I have quickly sketched in. I will probably have to move the hose. It might be nice to have it winding around the objects...connecting them in a way.

Work In Progress - Bathing Beauty

2007-09-13T19:40:00.001-07:00

Today I worked a little on the background and the horse. You can see that shadows are developing. My horse still looks challenged, but soon she will have personality. I haven't decided on the type of bucket I want for the lower left corner area...wood or blue plastic. Any suggestions?

Work In Progress - Bathing Beauty

2007-09-12T17:05:00.000-07:00

Now that the toucan has been completed, I am starting a series of horse paintings. The first two will be large...depicting Clydesdales getting bathed. I got the idea for this when I visited the fair and watched them bathe these beauties...how patiently they stood for their baths.

I have blocked in the initial composition, attempting to pick out the values. There is little emphasis on color at this point. I fear that the horse's anatomy is slightly wierd...the ears look like those of a mule. Left out is the bucket with soapy water and the brush. I will place them in the lower left corner.

Toucan-Still In Progress

2007-09-02T21:04:00.000-07:00

It is Sunday night and the work continues. I have added more leaves and some flowering jungle plants. The leaves to the right seem to be reaching out for the toucan. I guess that is the way the jungle is...it has an agressive spirit and, as I have been told, so do many of its inhabitants.

Toucan-Still In Progress

2007-08-31T17:52:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been a while since I have added a new post to my blog. I have been working on shows and found myself forgetting to blog my painting progress.

As you can see, I am still working on the toucan. This is a wonderfully colorful bird with lots of energy. I am working to provide that feeling in this painting.

Currently, I am working on the bird's feathers. Since the toucan's black feathers have little color variation, it will be a challenge to make them feel like feathers.

Notice, too, that I have slightly changed the position of the waterfalls. They also need a little work.

Summer is going so quickly. I hope this bird will be flying off the easel soon.

Work In Progress - Toucan

2007-07-15T06:08:00.000-07:00

This weekend I am doing a show so my painting time is limited. However, here is a photo of the toucan painting. I have now started to play with a waterfall in the background. It is still rough, but the idea is interesting. The toucan is still very rough.

When the weekend is over and I have more time, I will dive into this painting and finish. I think the toucan is getting impatient!

Work In Progress - Toucan

2007-07-10T08:27:00.000-07:00

Here is another photo of the painting in progress.

Work In Progress - Toucan

2007-07-10T08:20:00.000-07:00

This weekend was spent at the Mill Creek Arts Fair which was a wonderful event. Our booth was packed with paintings and we had many visitors, some stayed to watch me paint.

I worked on the toucan painting when I wasn't selling stuff or talking about commissions. The painting changed many times...I guess I am still searching for the proper background.

As you can see, the toucan is roughed in...I want to see what background colors will work with this beautiful bird.

Work In Progress - Toucan

2007-07-05T21:13:00.000-07:00

After painting a number of landscapes I have decided I need a little wildlife to spice up my life. This step is the formulation of the composition and still in gray tones. I like to draw with paint and often start with a range of grays looking for value contrasts and interesting shapes. Right now the painting is flat, but will gain dimension as it progresses (I hope).

This little toucan will be very colorful and fun to paint once the composition is established. I am considering having a variety of leaves and fruit in the painting...maybe with a flower or two. What do you thing? Perhaps I should add another toucan to keep him company? This is the fun of painting...so many possibilities.

Blossoms on the Quad - Final

2007-07-04T19:54:00.000-07:00

Here is the final photo for the painting, Blossoms on the Quad. It took some time to get here, but I enjoyed each stroke. It is hard to stop painting this one...but I don't want to overdo it.

If you are ever in Seattle during the cherry blossom season, check out the Quad at the University of Washington. You will think you just passed into some strange wonderful fantasy land...without homework.

Have a great 4th.

Work In Progress - Cherry Blossoms, etc

2007-07-04T10:42:00.001-07:00

Here is the painting with the initial painting of the cherry blossoms on the foreground tree. There is still a lot of shading and highlighting to be done, as well as the grass and walkways.

What do you think...are the blossoms too overwelming?

Work In Progress - Foreground Cherry Tree

2007-07-03T15:13:00.000-07:00

I am now working on the foreground tree. It's darkness will be contrasted by the beautiful cherry blossoms on the tree. I also need to work up the tree highlights to add interest.

Cherry Blossoms In Progress

2007-07-02T09:00:00.000-07:00

I am now adding the cherry blossoms and other trees in the background. I haven't added all the shading yet, but it will be needed to show distance and separate the trees, etc.

I have also worked on the large tree in the foreground. It has a lot of character...hope I can capture that.

Work In Progress - Quad2

2007-07-01T13:38:00.001-07:00

Work on the painting is coming along...I am working on the trees and blocking in certain background colors. I will probably do a series of washes over the background before coming forward. This is a lot of fun!

Work In Progress - Quad

2007-06-30T11:32:00.000-07:00

For years as a student at the University of Washington (and believe me it felt like centuries) I would walk through the Quad area on my way to class. It was like a stress free zone...the beautiful cherry trees with arms stretched would welcome anyone looking for some peace and quiet.

In April they put on an amazing show, their blossoms decorating the area...turning the Quad into a pinkish wonderland.

The painting will hopefully capture that feeling of springtime excitement...only temperary, but so dramatic. Soon the leaves will take over the trees, the blossoms will be sent to the ground, and their pink carpet will be swept away by the wind and the gardeners.