Saturday, March 24, 2012

Ocean View 8x10 oil


I found this reference painting from about four years ago while I was cleaning out the studio.
This was from a trip to the New Jersey shore. I had my paints with me but because of the constant strong wind I would have ended up chasing my equipment down the beach. I usually bring my video camera and a digital camera with me on these trips so I always have options in case the conditions aren't suitable for setting up an easel.

I was attracted to the glare on the water from the sun trying to get thru the clouds and the ton of highlights from the wind swept waves.  I set up the video camera and let it run but made notes of the values of the scene because I know from experience when you point a camera at something bright the meter wants to compensate and ends up making everything darker than what it really is.

So I painted this while watching the video just like if I was standing there on the shore.  I like the loose treatment I accomplished from hurrying along. I feel like too many of my paintings end up being tight if I spend too much time on them.

Its a wonderful feeling when you can spend a whole day alone wandering from spot to spot picking out the  most significant qualities of a scene and getting a  successful painting out of it.

5 comments:

Jani Lori said...

Love the colors! Nice!Like the idea of painting from the video.

Samantha said...

Wow Pat,
I think this is one of my favorites that you've done. Very calming color choices! Wish i was walking there now!

mary maxam said...

I like the softness of this Pat, and particularly the green that you've used. Very natural.

Jane said...

This is beautifully painted , the colors are so wonderful, very peaceful.

greggart said...

Nice work Pat! Soft and appealing like the ocean itself:)