Linda Mar Waves 1

 In this 12x16” oil painting I focused on rendering the energy of the crashing wave and the tumultuous wavelets in the foreground. I placed a cumulus cloud above the mountain in the background to add more interest and tell a story about how the climate affects the oceans waves. The wisps of black clouds and the atmosphere of the setting sun indicate the time of day and the weather preceding the crashing waves which tend to be larger in the Fall.

Prospect Park

 

In this watercolor I tried to take advantage of the white areas of the paper to showcase the mid-day light illuminating the autumn leaves, the shadows cast by the trees, and the blinding light reflecting off of the lake.

Fountainebleau

 

I loved the cloud shapes above the horizon in the garden of Chateau de Fountainbleau. My rendering of clouds in watercolor needs some work but the more I practice the more confident I get with my skills.

Burgundian Village

 

We visited this quaint village nestled among the vineyards between Dijon and Beaune in the Burgundy region of France. This is the view from a small shop that specialized in jams made from local produce. The day we were there they were making strawberry jam and the whole store smelled like fresh sweet strawberries.

Wild Wonder Nature Journaling Conference 2024

 I want to thank all the teachers and organizers at the Wild Wonder Journaling Conference 2024. It was truly amazing! I learned something new that I can apply to nature journaling in all the sessions I was able to attend. And for the sessions I missed I can view the recordings at my leisure. Nature journaling is an important part of my life because it helps me disconnect from our digital world and reconnect with the natural world. I find myself slowing down, observing more, being present and taking time to appreciate and be thankful for the simple things in life. Here are a few photos from some of the interactive work I did in the sessions.

How to paint flowers quickly in watercolor 

How to quickly paint birds in the field

Using watercolor pencils

Finding math in nature

More watercolor pencils 

Observing the sky on a daily basis

Overlooking Swiss Alps from Gruyere

My wife and I recently enjoyed a trip to France and Switzerland. This was one of many captivating views of the Swiss Alps and verdant countryside from atop a beautiful hillside in Gruyere where we also dined on some delicious cheese fondue.  What struck me the most was the peaceful and varied green hued flowing shapes in the foreground against the dramatic towering yet muted dark and light grey values in the background.  It spoke to me of the coexistence of grandeur and pastoral beauty all wrapped into one mesmerizing experience.

 

Peonies

 My wife, Katya, brought home some beautiful Peonies and asked me to paint them.  How could I refuse :)