I was at a Cubs game last week and had the
good fortune to have really good seats.
I used one of the photos I took as a reference for
this painting.
Although the Cubs lost in the 9th,
it was still great fun to see the action up this close.
“Batter Up”, 8x10”, gouache (opaque
watercolor)

A while ago, I saw a Matisse exhibit at the
museum. Though his style is not how I prefer to paint, there was something that
intrigued me. I wanted to try copying one of his masters but in a way that was
still mine. I decided to create my copy in a museum setting.
I was intrigued by how much people were
studying each painting. That was part of the inspiration for this painting.
Also I wanted to try copying the style to see if I could get any better
understanding for his work.
I was proud of myself for thinking of the idea. Then as I sifted thru images of Matisse’s work. I found that he had done it himself! He did a scene of the inside of his studio with one of his own paintings leaning against the wall!
I had to combine several references as photo
taking was not allowed in the exhibit.
And the two painting I wanted to use did not
appear together in the exhibit.
The two paintings "on the wall" are
Bathers by the River & The Dance. The composition took a lot of playing around. It seemed
that for all the busy-ness of the “museum wall” that the “viewer” needed to be
simpler.
I analyzed the reference a lot before painting
each shape. I'm not looking to make an exact duplicate. But I do want it
recognized as a reference to Matisse's painting.
”Museum Series- Matisse”,
Acrylics.
30"x40"

I’m happy with the finished painting. I finished it with 2 days to spare before the show entry cutoff. Yeah!
Fingers crossed that the judge likes my painting and it gets into the show!




We were in Busse Woods near the boat ramp. It was 90+ deg, not the best day for being away from air conditioning!
I did 2 paintings today. The first was a nice tranquil one looking over the lake. Worked on this for about 3 hours.
Lake Study 024, 8x10” oils

The second was after lunch. Challenged myself to do this one in 45 minutes with a palette knife.
This sky study was interesting. Each time I looked up, the clouds were in a different formation!
Sky Study 024, 8x10” oils

This is the corner of a commercial bldg in town. I was standing on the sidewalk of a busy 4-lane road. The straight wide road was often acting as a wind-tunnel so my pochade box was doing a lots of moving!
I was attracted to the way the sun hit the face of this building and the streetlamp in the parking lot while the front flowers were in the shade of a tree.
I’m happy with this painting. I particularly like the loose way the lamp, purple flowers and window turned out.
33 Roselle Rd, 8x10" oils

Day 2 of my local plein air workshop.
Today we wandered thru a very old neighborhood and happened upon a wonderful old cottage garden. Lots of well established old-time flowers like red peonies, purple flocks and orange poppies.
Luck was with us, we got permission to paint in that garden.
What drew me to this subject was the way the peonies seemed to glow in the sunlight.
Here is today’s painting while still in the garden.

After a critique at the end of the day, I went home and did
some touch ups and small additions. Here is the final painting.
Peonies & Iris, 16x20” oil