A new original oil painting in progress

Sunday, January 4th, 2009 | Posted in: demonstrations, paintings of beautiful places

Pink Lady Lilies by the Sea 16x20 Original Oil Painting

A day spent in the coastal village of Westport, California was the inspiration for my original oil painting Pink Lady Lilies by the Sea. Look closely at the photo below to see the pink lilies in front of the old fence. Those lilies and the Pacific view were enough for me to visualize a new painting.  A painting was born in my minds eye and I knew that I wanted to share it.

I always do a sketch to record my initial impression, and establish composition and value. I paint a small study to become more personal with the scene and to satisfy myself that I’ll be able to convey what it is I want to say. To begin the painting I first tone the canvas, quickly sketch the scene and brush in values with thinned Burnt Umber and Burnt Sienna. I color code all areas with thinned paint straight from the tube, no white added yet. These under colors which will add life and interest when they sparkle through the final layers of thick paint. I hope I’ve achieved my goals and you can also feel the warmth of the sun and smell the salt air as I did that day. Visit my 2008 Blog to read more about my travel down the Pacific Coast Highway.

Westport by the Sea Sketch

Pink Lady Lilies by the Sea demo

Pink Lady Lilies by the Sea demo

Pink Lady Lilies by the Sea demo

My inspiration!