Old Central California Oil Sketches

[Rebecca]

Greetings sketchers,
I've been packing for my move to the desert, and uncovered a few oil sketches from more than 10 years ago. Each of these took under an hour with no touch-ups after. Even as I painted, the scene transformed and forced me to work from memory. I loved going out to make these sketches, and I bet I'll do a lot more around my new home, getting to know the area's light, color and rhythms. I think I'll try some other application techniques, but I'm not sure what those will be yet. Well, back to packing!

CentralCA_01.jpg (269.5 KiB) Viewed 404 times

CentralCA_02.jpg (165.08 KiB) Viewed 404 times

CentralCA_03.jpg (323.6 KiB) Viewed 404 times

CentralCA_04.jpg (233.78 KiB) Viewed 404 times

CentralCA_05.jpg (249.59 KiB) Viewed 404 times

CentralCA_06.jpg (287.56 KiB) Viewed 404 times

CentralCA_07.jpg (224.9 KiB) Viewed 404 times

[Andre Jute]

Super color schemes, with a definite family resemblance.

[RajeshS]

Wow Rebecca.

These look deceptively "simple". Yet when I studied them - each is such a great composition, each has colors that somehow are so "balanced" and real.

In some there is such a "huge" view captured in the "small" canvas - the one where the mountains are cropped made me feel as I am in a valley - with the large masses sourrounding me. It's that kind of space feeling!

You seem so home with a desert!

Rajesh

[Rebecca]

I really appreciate these comments, guys...

I noticed things have been somewhat quiet around here -- perhaps I should post more findings from my studio, just to keep the pot simmering.

Have the quiet people been sketching? Let's see your latest!

[RajeshS]

Have the quiet people been sketching? Let's see your latest!

Yes - Rebecca - I've been sketching. But been awfully irresponsible - thanks for the push! Posted some sketches.

Rajesh

[Russ]

It's amazing how you sketch in opaque paint with a brush!

[RajeshS]

It's amazing how you sketch in opaque paint with a brush!

- there is such a Van Gogh feel to them!

[mdmattin]

Hey Rebecca,
Beautiful paintings! I especially like number 4 with the backlit trees, number 5 with the river running through it, and number 7 with the precipitous descent and boldly stated trees.
Are these on paper or canvas? How large are they?
Matthew

[Rebecca]

Russ, Hmm, you've got me thinking. You know what's odd? I do think of these as sketches, but I start with a line drawing. The drawing is done as fast as possible, but it doesn't look like a sketch at all. I need it to make the sketch over the top look like an unlabored casual treatment. And yah, the paint is opaque, yet I feel that doesn't disqualify it from being a sketch.

Hmm, again, Rajesh... Van Gogh. I guess I see why you say that. He painted in a century when artists showed more paintings with thicker and more colorful brushwork. I like Van Gogh paintings. He let the paint be thick all over the canvas. I might try more of that.

Thanks, Matthew. These are on resin impregnated paper, 8" X 12"