Billster and Julia the Child

Whoa, a few weeks ago, Margo posted this beautiful family pic to Facebook and I thought it would be fun to paint. It took a while, but here's my take. The photograph still might be better, but I'm calling this version done as it has been on my easel for quite a while.

I took some in-progress shots along the way.


My first session was just establishing some water color and beach color. Then I moved on to the figures.


I finished sketching in the figures and boat without trying to be too tight and detailed for this size painting.


I finished up with darkening the distance after trying it lighter. I think the difference in light reflecting on the water is greater than the atmospheric lightening that I usually think of in landscape painting. The darker water also helped the boat and figures pop out more.


20" x 16" Oil on pumice panel.

A Train at Mt Index

5" x 7" Oil on canvas study.

I am planning a larger painting to hang on the chimney over our wood stove. I have a nice big 30" x 40" canvas, so I am starting the process with some studies. The "client" says she wants a train in the painting. Mt Index is the most striking sight on our way into Seattle. This study is based on a little black and white photo in the recent history of Upper Skykomish Valley book.