Where did he go?

(C) 2017 Dale DiMauro

This past summer on vacation, in Maine, my wife and I came upon quite a sight. It was late in the afternoon with the tide largely out leaving open areas of sand with evolving pools of water. This photographer stood in one of the tidal pools as various shore birds circled around with some dive-bombing into the water to catch fish. The precision, skill and movement of these birds was awe-inspiring not to mention dizzying.

In the fall I did a little painting in my watercolor sketchbook(above) as a away to consider how I might develop the composition. I have since decided to invert the position of the figure so that he is facing to the right, yet is positioned off center. I have raised the individual's head above the shoreline thereby increasing his presence and raised the sky so that I can add a bird or two on axis with the direction his camera is oriented.

There is a stillness in the composition of the water, sand and individual which is a stark contrast to the sudden burst of movement provided by the bird activity.

Here in Vermont, we have had snow around for a while. Therefore, I thought it would be desirable to paint a summer scene.

Now I need to start the painting.

Having fun with new sketchbook

(C) 2016 Dale DiMauro

My painting experience has evolved to the point where I am reasonably comfortable painting a large picture which requires larger figures if they happen to be in the composition. To that end I am attempting to improve upon the drawing and painting of my figures. Whether those figures are actively performing some activity out in the landscape or standing while talking on their cell phone, I am trying to capture the posture of these individuals. I have admired Ogden Pleissner's figures, in his watercolors which have a certain degree of authority to them.

I have enjoyed drawing and painting in this new mixed media sketchbook. Fortunately, the pages are thick enough that they do not buckle too much when wet. This way they are easier to work on. In addition, I can paint on the back side too. The idea is to continue to improve upon my figures, automobiles etc., by carrying around this sketchbook and capturing everyday tasks that people normally do and put down a quick wash to record the moment. In this book, in addition, I hope to develop little sketches which may inspire me to paint larger watercolors down the road.