Two experiments

The figure is something I did a few years ago and as is often the case when it was "finished" I didn't know what to think of it.  I was just pushing stuff around...maybe a foundation graphite line or two, some charcoal  and as I tried to sort out the marks I'd made I added large and not so large gouache and watercolor brush marks.  I re-discovered it the other day and now see it in a less ambiguous light, meaning that I appreciate enough of what I now see to show it and call it "done". 
The drawing is something I completed the other day.  I'd been looking at a book about Klimt (no surprise, huh?) around the same time I was thumbing through a big sketchbook trying to decide which nascent "work" I should return to and "bam", you have it!
Yesterday I hung pictures at Sawmill River Arts for the first time.  So, my work is on display someplace.  I am most interested to know how this will influence my very next creative effort and the work beyond.

Blue and yellow

Graphite/watercolor on board/8"x8"

Graphite on board/12"x12"

The background colors on these are distorted for some reason...likely when I photographed them the light wasn't adequate and I got what you see here.  Or maybe the editing software did something.  The boards I drew on are white or off-white a bit.  Regardless, they both appeal to me.

Quick charcoal and pastel

Ten minutes of impulse, recorded.  Charcoal, soft pastel and charcoal pencil.

Invitation Accepted!

A group of local painters, photographers and other artists cooperatively operate and manage Sawmill River Arts, a gallery in a small, attractive and well known location beside the waterfall at the Sawmill River in Montague, Massachusetts.  I am delighted to say that I was recently invited to join the group and participate in the fine art and fine craft collaborative, an invitation I was quick to accept! 
The gallery is adjacent to several of my favorite destinations in the area, including the Montague Bookmill and the Lady Killigrew Cafe and Pub.    In addition to being rewarded with the experience of rushing, bubbling water, especially during the summer and fall months, visitors to the Mill can take a leisurely view of the gallery offerings,  search the stacks for used literary treasures and sit at outdoor cafe tables (some with umbrellas) and enjoy a glass of wine, beer, or cup of coffee and a delicious light meal.  The Mill also is home to a music store and beautiful dining facility overlooking the river.
The art and the location are well worth a visit and I'm certain the Mill, while a favorite of many, will continue to attract others just waiting to discover such a place. 
My work will be displayed there beginning next month and I am excited to bring some of my favorite pieces to show.
The illustration with this post is something I did six or seven years ago while sitting outside the door to the Lady Killigrew.

Forward looking

Generally speaking this is what I have on my mind at this time of year.  Thinking about a beach in Gloucester where I hope to spend lots of time and inevitably I don't get enough of it.  Did this charcoal from my imagination and memory several years ago.

24" x 36" landscape in progress

I'm thinking that this will remain essentially the same, at least the "bones" are there, the essential divisions, lines of perspective, etc. but there will be lots (I think!) of highlight adjustments to come.  Pretty much study it every day but am holding back with the brushes.  The more I look the more I see...I hope that doesn't go on forever!
Also, I've done some illustrations for a local community farming organization, Just Roots, which the editor has incorporated in the most recent edition of their monthly newsletter.  Wonderful organization and I'm delighted to have been selected to do the work! 

Charcoal/pastel

18" x 24"/Charcoal+pastel

Something in progress

Conte and charcoal/18" x 24"

I've been working on this off and on for a few weeks.  A few marks here and there while doing other things at the same time.  Distracted work?  Less than full concentration?  More like split concentration, I think.

Better photo

24" x 36"/oil on canvas/new photo

Thanks to my brother Peter, I have this much better photo to show than the one I took and posted in February .  Thanks!