Another Experiment . . .

Water based oil experiment

on gessoed masonite . . 10" x 10"

Just before departing for Europe in a week, I am toying with the idea of carrying water mixable oil paints with me. I had never used or tried those that I purchased for the same reason last year . . . and left in a drawer. I obtained a sample of the fast drying medium made by WN "Artisan" water mixable oils and went to work.

In less than 40 minutes I laid down a grisaille in ultramarine blue and white, then overpainted with color, using just a warm and cool of each primary (and white). Also, I tried two new brushes . . .mongoose bristle . . .which is sort of an inbetween bristle between sable and hog bristle. I like what the brushes leave behind and their softer feel. More play and experiments are called for, but so far I like what I see.

I found the paints to be fun to use, but it took a little getting used to a somewhat gummy feel at times . . . .I would expect this without the lovely buttery feel of oil saturated paint.

This is, by no means, a good painting . . . .but it was an effort for the day and a revealing exercise about a variation on a medium. For international travel, I think these paints will be just fine! And I won't have to hassle buying materials on the other end (where every place and art supplie are unfamiliar) that are prohibited on airplanes. I may even take them out here to see what they'll do under real circumstances.

Back At Last

"Elkhorn Wetlands"

oil on canvas panel, 8" x 10"

As you may know, I have been busy preparing and teaching a color workshop in San Jose, California. The energy and preparation for such an enterprise is no quickie deal. So, I have not been posting . . .and with a family wedding and guests here, also.

At last, I am back at it . . . into the great outdoors and painting.

Yesterday, I spent a wonderful afternoon with a friend wandering all over the county looking for a painting site out of the coastal fog and wind. What we ended up doing was painting the wetlands of Elkhorn Slough. This is another location where one could spend a lifetime painting for all the light changes, scenery, color, wildlife etc. But, we spent so much time talking we barely had enough time to paint.

I put my trusty EASYL, by Artwork Essentials, and an 8” x 10” canvas panel to the task in a slight breeze and went to work! As we began to paint, the sun came out of the fog and the colors began to dance. It was a great day!

What’s an EASYL, you ask? Look at the link. It is a terrific pochade box that every oil painter should own . . . .even watercolorists would like this guy!

I spent a good part of the painting forcing myself to consider temperature as a device for showing volume and depth. From a bad experience a few weeks ago, I learned a tough lesson . . . . color temperature is much more exciting than extreme value contrasts. I tend toward the latter aspect of color and must force myself to think in the terms of warm and cool. It just doesn’t come naturally to me. My wonderful wife, Diana, loves the painting . . . . . .which is a testament to my efforts. (She is surprisingly perceptive!)

AN AMAZING BARGAIN !!

UNUSUAL BARGAIN !! . . . READ THIS !

As you may already know, I am hosting a group of painters (and non painters) in France at the end of this month August 27 through September 7.

Until last week, we had a full complement of people signed up, paid for and ready to go. One couple, however, sustained sudden health issues and will not be able to take their place on this wonderful trip to Southern France. Their cost was $7000. Unfortunately, that cost cannot be refunded due to their late cancellation.

They are offering their place for half price, $3500, not including airfare. This price includes all breakfasts and dinners, comfortable, quaint French Country (impeccably decorated) quarters for 13 nights and all your ground transportation, all at half price.

If you would be interested in exploring this great bargain, please email me directly at h2opaint@comcast.net. Time is of the essence!!

More can be learned at the following link; Petit Rousset


Browse through the above website and discover the fabulous accommodations and some of our itinerary / adventure. The Perigord is wonderfully picturesque region with tons of history dating back to cave dwelling painters, the hundred years war, the impressionist and more. We will be in the heart of wine country and will be doing some wine exploring, also.

If your mate is not a painter . . . or, even if you are not, don’t hesitate. Non painters have a ball on this trip as there are day trips almost daily. The food, too, is absolutely wonderful . . . . not to mention the great companionship and fun.

First come first served. Don’t delay. This is a once in a decade bargain !

National Award

"MOMA's Veertigo"

watercolor 22" x 30"

This painting, posted a few weeks ago, was accepted into the National Watercolor Society's (NWS) annual national show. Nice! :-)

I was just informed that it has been honored, also, with nice cash award.

This means my wife and I will be attending the NWS show and awards luncheon in Southern California in September. Not only will it be fun, but seeing the show up close and personal always opens new possibilities in my mind for future work.

Am still busy prepping for the color workshop one week from today. I am actually enjoying some of the prepartation work as I paint a still life in several different color schemes for examples. I get a kick out of testing something several different ways. It really is an eye opener . . . . and it forces me to attempt things I might not otherwise do.

Big weekend here at the house: THE wedding is happening! busy, busy bizzzy !!! :-)