The Bass Hole

This is an actual size watercolor study...on Arches paper.

Private collection.

ATSV

My All Terrain Studio Vehicle. I stole this idea from my artist friend, Steve Griffith...after dragging my equipment all over 20 acres of countryside in Arkansas last month. I built the box from Luan Pine and Aspen wood. It will hold half-sheet watercolor blocks and smaller, and provide a nice work surface for my palette and other necessities. I still have to add brackets for my folding umbrella, etc...and my painting easel will strap to the top. I am having way too much fun working on this. I purchased the original jogger buggy from Walmart for $118. That front wheel swivels and turns on a dime. Then, just set the brakes and get to painting!

Other works.

Check out the link (at right) for Fine Art America to see more examples of my work. You can also purchase framed prints and originals.

En Plein Air guy.

Channeling Monet?, Sargent? Homer? Nope. Just the Gar doing his thing at Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Truly an amazing and under-advertised place. If you are into botanical gardens, this is a must see for you, just 4.5 hours from Dallas.

My set-up

My portable studio on the banks of the Koi pond at Garvan Woodland Gardens. When I first got there (quite a walk downhill) the light was early and brilliant. Then the clouds moved in, it started to spit rain and got really cooooold. (see below for field-studies which I did in three days at the gardens.)

AT THE KOI POND - watercolor field study - 9"x12"

BLACK PINE BONSAI - watercolor field study - 9"x12"

There was a beautiful section of Bonsai trees in one area of the garden. I sat on a rock and held my watercolor block on my lap for this one. SOLD.

SERENITY FALLS - watercolor field study - 9"x12"

CANNA - watercolor field study - 9"x12"

THE MORNING PLANTERS - Watercolor field-study, 10"x14"

The next few posts show field-studies which I painted at Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs AR. Some are sold, but if you wish to inquire about availability of these original watercolors, contact:

gardeninfo@garvangardens.org

30% of your purchase may be tax deductible.

Kudos to Cheap Joe's Art Supplies

A follow-up from my last post...Cheap Joe's Art Supplies came through like the true pros they are by getting at least 6 of the 10 frames which I had ordered on my doorstep last evening. There are still 4 to come...and those are probably the ones mis-directed to Denver.

Thanks, Joe and team. You will get more orders from me.

The chaos theory.

In preparation for my Hot Springs gig, I ordered 10 ready-made frames from Cheap Joe's Art Supply. I ordered various sizes and various colors (black and walnut) in order to accommodate a variety of painting sizes. I have already pre-cut mats to fit the different sizes and plan to assemble them in my hotel each night after a day of painting. These frames were scheduled to arrive by today, Sept. 15.
Well....a rep from Cheap Joe's called yesterday to inform me that 'some' of the frames were shipped to the wrong destination and a person in Denver had some nice frames they did not order. However, UPS would pick them up and re-direct them to me. sigh. But wait, there's more. She also said that some of the frames and/or colors were on back order! What? Things happen, right?

Upcoming Event

I will be participating in this paint-out beginning on the 26th of September. Come on out and buy some fresh paintings!

The Lost Huts of Penasco

Watercolor on Arches paper. 8" X 12". Prints available: click link above right.

I am starting to feel good about the passages in this little piece. Loose handling. Some nice lost edges and focused too. It has the Painterly effect that I am after. This framed, original painting may be purchased from Justus Fine Art Gallery, Hot Springs, AR.

Prints now available

A step in the process...

Here is my value study (bottom) and my drawing on the actual Arches paper for: Barn at Colorado. I like for the pencil work, or the 'skeleton' to show through the watercolor. I think it adds a signature feel. You can see the finished piece in a previous post.

A different way of working.

I have been attempting to work on a more vertical surface, standing up...and practicing for more outdoor-on-location-work.
I recently purchased this Pochade box, pallette, etc and spent about a week working upright as opposed to my usual 20-30º angle. Here is my rough pencil sketch and watercolor for Homestead At Picacho. Trying to stay 'painterly' and not as tight as usual.

Alto Creek

Watercolor - 8.5" X 11.5" - on Arches 140 lb Cold Press paper. SOLD

Pile of paintings and drawings

iPhone shot of my desktop.

Watercolor ES1

This is the first little piece I did in Eureka Springs.
8.5" X 12.5" on Arches 140 lb Cold Press paper. $400. U.S.

Value sketch for painting

It is important to study your subject with a value sketch before starting the painting.

Blue Squirrel Mops

My watercolor world has completely changed since I was introduced to these brushes. I used to be a WN Series 7 brush fanatic until I met these mops.

The finest Siberian blue squirrel is unsurpassed in color absorption, making it a superb brush for large watercolor washes. It has a large, delicate point for unique brush strokes and line work.

The genuine goose quill ferrule is hand tied with brass wires onto a natural wood handle. Photo © Cheap Joes Art Stuff.

Barn in Southern Colorado

watercolor on Arches 140 lb Cold Press Paper - 6" X 18" - $450. U.S.

Flowers1

I did this watercolor in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
Watercolor- 8.5" X 12.5" - on Arches 140 lb Cold Press Paper. - $450. U.S.

Homestead at Picacho, New Mexico

Watercolor on Arches 140 lb Cold Pressed Paper. 6" X 18.5" - $450. U.S.