"Quintessential Duvall"

14 x 4"
oil on masonite
sold

I worked and worked and worked on this new painting - constantly making decisions on tightening up or loosening the brush strokes. It's a different experience painting landscapes, where I want the depth, shapes and color to be the most important features - but personally I try hard to not illustrate the scene at the same time. It's been both a challenge and pleasure to switch over to landscape pieces - considering 95% of what I paint is figurative.

This serene farmland is in Duvall, Washington - outside of Seattle.

Please click here for a larger view.

"Quintessential"

6 x 6"
oil on masonite
sold

This painting came as a result of my admiration for a fellow artist, Terry Miura. I have this great desire to paint landscapes - but I tend to only appreciate those done in a more impressionistic style. Sharp, realistic versions just don't do it for me. I can be driving along a quiet road, see a composition that stops me in my tracks - but it's the composition, the color - not the fact that it's a road or a barn or a field of wheat. It's more of a snapshot in my brain made up of areas of color, mostly blurred from the distance. That's what I want to paint. I'm not really concerned whether this looks like a typical painting of mine - I really rather enjoy the freedom of the subject and the use of the oils.

I also thought this new piece would be a perfect Q for my alphabet series. Very Quintessential of the countryside outside of Seattle, specifically Duvall.