"Across the Bay"
Oil, 8" x 16" on museum quality canvas panel.
$650 with display easel.
I am still smiling after my two day painting workshop with Debra Huse. After spending all morning on the second day chasing my "moving target" we moved to another location on Balboa Island to paint in the afternoon. I was a bit tired as I had skipped lunch to finish my painting from the morning but I was determined to paint another complete painting!This time I spent a bit of time finding a subject that would not drive me insane drifting around a buoy. I was tempted to paint a small orange boat parked firmly on the sand but the rumor was it was going to be taken out for a sail in about an hour. So I ended up choosing three boats that were all the way across the bay. They were safely docked and did not appear to be going anywhere soon. (Of course I have permanent wrinkles from squinting all afternoon!)
Debra helped me with some editing and also pushed me to darken my colors. I think that is something I need to remember every time I paint - don't go too light with my values or the painting will look too washed out. Even as I look at the photo of this finished painting I realize I could have gone with some darker values.
At the end of the day I was the last one painting (of course) but I do have to say that there was a moment that afternoon where I took a deep breath and I thought ... this is so cool. I was giddy and felt a rush of excitement that I hadn't felt in a long time while painting! After spending so much time painting in the comfort of my studio I realized that I need to get out more often ... and paint plein air. Painting outside, with hundreds of incredible boats in the bay, is invigorating. I wasn't even annoyed at all of the people who stopped to talk and comment on my efforts. I actually enjoyed all of their input! I know it sees so obvious but I honestly think i was a bit intimidated to paint outside as it had been way too long. So I have turned over a new leaf. I have now committed to paint outside at least once a week, hopefully more.
11 comments:
Very nice painting. Painting on location really improves our ability to see. Glad you had a good workshop.
I can tell you pushed yourself on this piece...looking forward to seeing more of the "push forward". And it sounds like you've gone to a new level...yaye...that's always fun and exciting!
I love it!!! I love the colors and the darker values. Aren't workshops rejuvenating and motivational. Gorgeous!
Leslie--beautiful work. This painting reflects the new inspiration from your surroundings..:) I am amazed at your ability to weild the knife!
I was immediately struck by the horizon line in this one - it's interesting to have a viewpoint that is straight-on. I love your palette knife work!
I really like this one Leslie. I am always impressed by your use of the palette knife. You make it look easy but I know better.
I am inspired by your efforts to get outside and paint plein air. I want to do some too, but I am too shy and bothered by onlookers. I suppose one gets over that the more you do. Your boats turned out fantastic. I know dark values are important, but in your work I would call your pieces refreshing as opposed to washed out. They have a "look" to them that is very "California". So, as you add darker values, make sure they still have that signature Leslie Saeta look to them!
Been thinking about you, my friend!!
One of these days we'll connect... Be well.
Glad your workshop was a good one. They really are inspirational. Love the colors as always.
Another wonderful painting - I love the colors in this one :-)
I've written a post about your artwork, and your Artists Helping Artists, on my new art gallery blog at artalee.com.
You can see the full post here:
http://www.artalee.com/artwork/leslie-saeta-painting-boats-and-helping-artists
beautiful
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