At water's edge

(C) 2019 Dale DiMauro

Some Vermonters are real independent minded folks. Others are distracted by their devices. 
The times we live in shape our values and the landscape expresses something about our character. 

I hope I captured this individual's strong presence and unique posture. Or at least to some degree. 

This was a rapidly developing watercolor with an equally evolving composition. It was all about the figure even though he was painted last. There is an english quality with the way the vegetation was painted and the heavy use of browns and greens.

Thumbnail (watercolor)sketch

(C) 2019 Dale DiMauro

When I am not sure what to paint, a thumbnail sketch gets the creative juices flowing. It can be done in pencil or watercolor or both as in this example. It makes you think about the composition and even the colors you may consider in your final painting.

One of the best aspects of doing a thumbnail sketch is that you are not tied to any specific outcome. Thus, the drawing and painting is recorded freely with direct brush strokes. It is basically an emotional release. At some later point you can come back and modify your composition when you feel it will strengthen the outcome of your painting.

On the other hand if you are pressed for time it is good to get some painting in on days when you feel stressed out. Just to return to this recored image calms the body. After traveling or when you have more free time you can return to developing this as a painting.

Self Portrait

(C) 2019 Dale DiMauro

Recently, I started a self-portrait from a photograph taken by my wife while on vacation in Maine. It is at an exciting stage. The picture can go in a number of different directions. However, it is a strong composition, nevertheless.

I was eager to try Fabriano Artistico 300 pound soft press which I am not experienced with. In fact, it is my first real painting on this surface. I do like how the paper absorbs the pigment.

At this point I could have a solo show of self-portraits. Regardless, it is always a challenge. It is hard to look at yourself without some sort of bias.

N.C. Wyeth: New Perspectives

This Friday, October 4, 2019 through January 12, 2020 there is a major exhibit of N.C. Wyeth's paintings at the Portland Museum of Art, in Portland, Maine. I have read where Wyeth's work has not been displayed on this scale in over fifty years. This reflects a renewed interest by the general public in his art. This traveling show originated at the Brandywine Museum of Art in Chadd's Ford, Pennsylvania.

N.C. Wyeth is known for his illustrative work. These include the Scribner's Illustrated Classics such as The Last of the Mohicans dating from the early nineteen hundreds. He painted on a large scale, in murals, rugged individuals as well as lovely landscape paintings of Chadd's Ford, PA and along the coast of Maine where he lived. 

Personally, I admired how he captured the postures of the individual's he depicted. Whether they were riding a horse or working the family farm. 

When I was at the Clark Art Museum during the Summer, I purchased the catalog N.C. Wyeth: New Perspectives(published by the Brandywine River Museum of Art and the Portland Museum of Art in association with Yale University Press, New Haven and London).

Along the Maine Coast

(C) 2019 Dale DiMauro

My wife and I stayed one night during our Summer vacation in a lovely inn with a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean. A short drive to where the beach was led us to these lovely wetlands. As it was late in the day, the green heads were out. Green heads are these aggressive, biting insects. I was reassured in a few days they would all be gone.

Since coming down with flu-like symptoms on Monday I was surprised I had any energy to paint this watercolor. It reminds me of some of those lovely British watercolors you might see in the 20th century featuring browns and greens in the landscape. These watercolors are characterized by the use of muted colors, flat light and soft edges.

Fabriano Artistico(soft press)

(C) 2019 Dale DiMauro

Recently, I started painting on Fabriano Artistico paper. In particular, I like their soft press paper which is between a hot and cold press in texture. It does not seem to look all that special in your hand but when you drag the brush across the paper you can get this rich gradation of color. I do not have much experience with this paper but I continue to experiment with it so there is much to be learned.

This is a similar scene from a recent post. Since I have started a self-portrait on a larger scale I want to get more comfortable with this newer paper. So here I was seeing what I could do with this paper. Not bad as far as I am concerned.

As a side note, blue is the color I use the most and therefore have to replace more frequently than any other. Some form of blue was mixed or applied in all the colorings in this picture.

Connecticut River(boat landing)

(C) 2019 Dale DiMauro

With this phenomenal sunny weather we our experiencing, I am trying to get out as much as I can to plein air paint. The tinge of color on the foliage tells me the leaves will be falling soon. In fact, in some places it is already on the ground.

In my mind I try to envision where the sun will be, in determining where I want to paint. Earlier this week I chose an early morning site where I could face west across the Connecticut River. If it had rising mist all the better. Nevertheless, a lovely location.

I started out focusing on the river as the subject until I noticed the sun warming the log in front of all this vibrant growth. The overall light conveyed across the scene I find quite welcoming. I spent a little over an hour on this piece. At that point I did not want to overwork the painting.

Landscape doodle

(C) 2019 Dale DiMauro

It's always fun to play with paint. Any little piece of watercolor paper at hand is all you need. I learn something each time I play with paint, paper and brushes.

This imaginary landscape is the result of having some unplanned time in my schedule prior to an appointment. It's amazing what happens when you let colors blend into each on the paper with a little manipulation. Over time I have learned to appreciate using warm and cool pigments and how affective their placement can be. 

At times when painting I feel like I am in a 'zone'. This is when a picture moves along freely without any hesitations. You can just feel the painting come together after visualizing where you want to go with it. This is an exciting time because it feels like a growth spurt. Since it is recorded on paper you can go back and see where you were at that time and learn from it.

Thoughts on painting trees in the landscape

(C) 2019 Dale DiMauro

These days I usually pre-stain my watercolor sheet. Not always, but more frequently then in the past. This way I can get beyond the white of the paper. Of course, it all depends on your subject matter. 

This is the perfect example. I wanted subdued colors so the grass and green of the trees would stand out. This sky has a touch of pink which is pretty much the complimentary color to green. The cool gray of the drive helps to frame the greenery.

Trees can be hard to paint if you don't have a clear vision of what you want. For me it is important to have the tree in the foreground lighter than the tree in the background. It is also important to depict the foreground tree with greater height and a thicker trunk to suggest that it is closer to the viewer. Also, expressing the foliage distinct from the other tree in your technique can be helpful. Many artists use some sort of masking fluid during the painting of trees but I shy away from this approach.

I'll post the final version of this watercolor when I finish it. I do appreciate the large specimen trees you sometimes find along old residential neighborhoods. It seems like they are becoming harder to find these days. Trees take a commitment to be allowed to grow to a mature height without too much interference.

Summertime by the Water

(C) 2019 Dale DiMauro

For the most part, painting the landscape is a joy in good weather during the Summer season. There is great plant growth, bird activity and interesting cloud patterns to observe endlessly.

I like this watercolor even if there are some obvious flaws to be addressed. The colors are lively and pretty accurate to the scene. There is movement to the unsettled surface of the water which I find fascinating. The granulation from the ultramarine blue in the sky adds a nice feel to the overall painting.

The flaws originate from trying to lift color to suggest multiple tree trunks on the right foreground. Seeing through the foliage makes the tree appear like it is on the distant shoreline when in fact, it is in the foreground. Nevertheless, the burst of transparent green foliage on the lower right is so rich I come back again and again to this corner of the picture.

The distant tree-line I have been studying all summer with it's undergrowth and spit of sand. This is by far my best approach to date. So yes I find this watercolor to be exciting and a yardstick of progress. Also, it was done in a little over an hour. 

Perhaps, a good watercolor is not the result of time spent as much as a clear vision in the steps forward. 

Thumbnail sketch

(C) 2019 Dale DiMauro

A quick thumbnail sketch is the way to go. If you are pressed for time, at least you can put something down on paper and return to it later. This way you can build upon your initial impression.

These value studies get right to the point. If done well you can understand the foreground, middle area and background. This way you can benefit from the feedback of others.

This pencil study was inspired from my recent trip to Maine. I saw the setting sun on several evenings with quite dramatic color reflected across the water with it's long shadows.

All I needed was an HB pencil and a piece of scrap paper. It is a great opportunity to refine your composition so that it is as simple and strong in layout as possible.

Leonardo da Vinci

The Berkshire Museum, located in downtown Pittsfield, MA, has an exhibit titled: Leonardo da Vinci: Machines in Motion. This exhibit features forty model replica's of Leonardo 's inventions. However, the exhibit ends soon, on September 8. I don't know if I have the time to squeeze in a visit but do not want to miss it.

These are some of the magazines and books on Leonardo which I have read recently. Beyond his legendary paintings, I have always been taken by his drawings which are such powerful depictions of his imagination and observations. The fluidity of his pen reflect his mastery of human anatomy like no other.

Over the centuries as we discover(or rediscover) more insights from his papers, his works become more intriguing. Is Leonardo the model for some of his drawings on the human form? Many scholars think so.

Watercolor sketch

(C) 2019 Dale DiMauro

This week I forgot to include my paint brushes when I met with our dedicated art group. That is a first, at least for me. Fortunately, we share not just our experiences but our materials. It gave me an opportunity to practice with some different brushes. In particular, I liked the feel and control of this Holbein brush I used.

This little imaginary watercolor sketch was done with the Holbein brush. Since I was unfamiliar with the brush and how it handled, I figured it was best to do a warm up exercise.

It is always satisfying to complete a watercolor in one sitting, when possible. When you're inspired and you feel a good vibe, the painting progresses well. During this process, I feel the freedom to experiment and drop in pigment to existing washes. I find this freshness hard to duplicate at a later date. It may not be my best painting, but I learn from them all, nevertheless.

Painting techniques

(C) 2019 Dale DiMauro

This is a detail of a painting that I began recently. When I was painting the clapboards as artists often do, I began experimenting with different techniques. 

I really don't want to paint every single clapboard. More than that, I don't want the painting to look over worked and labored. So I began painting the clapboard where it meets the vertical trim on both ends. In from the trim where the paint was still wet, marking where the clapboard is, I blotted the paper with a paper towel. 

I found this technique quite effective. It dried fast and I could move on to the next clapboard without fussing around too much. I became quite inspired by this development in approach.

I'll see where this takes me and let you know my thoughts on a future post.

One if by land, two if by sea...

(C) 2019 Dale DiMauro

In watercolor there is an abstract quality with how the washes dry on the paper. Once you gain a feel for some of the affects you can achieve, one can really use it to your advantage. By no means am I a claiming to be a master of the medium. However, in the above picture, for example, the speckles in the water is where the brush left a few unpainted slivers of paper to the imagination. Also, at the trunk of the tree you have this cloudy area which may suggest the lifting of fog in a different context.

You can strengthen your drawing through your painting. We know that warm colors advance while cool colors recede. This principle is good to keep in mind when painting. 

In addition, you can convince the viewer by painting the horizon dead even with a sureness of hand. This is a great place to build your picture going forward. 

On the other hand it feels good to simply play around with paint. Particularly when you free yourself from expectations. An unconscious element may kick in and the picture develops in a direction you could not foresee. At the end, you can add a little color by dropping in a figure or two as I did in the above watercolor.

ANDERS ZORN: Sweden's Master Painter

Anders Zorn (1860-1920) was quite the artist. Zorn, from Sweden, was a contemporary of John Singer Sargent. He traveled extensively throughout Europe and the United States, achieving international success as one of the most celebrated portrait painters of his era. With his ability to capture the individual characteristics of his sitters, he went on to paint three American presidents: Grover Cleveland, William H. Taft, and Theodore Roosevelt.

Recently, I came upon the book Anders Zorn: Sweden's Master Painter, which is shown above with its front and back covers featuring two of his watercolors. I had not realized Zorn was such an accomplished watercolor painter. 

The watercolor on the back of the book, Summer Vacation, was painted in 1886, one hundred and twenty-three years ago. It is painted on a full sheet, which I thought was uncommon for the time. In addition, I understand it is the priciest Swedish painting ever sold. It sold for 26 million Swedish Krona in 2010 (about 3.7 million U.S. dollars, I believe). And this is for a watercolor, not an oil.

Cederlund, Johan, et al. Anders Zorn, Sweden's Master Painter. Forward by Colin B. Bailey, Rizzoli Electra (with Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco), 2013.

Bar Harbor(Maine) Sunset

(C) 2019 Photograph Dale DiMauro

One evening during my vacation in Maine, I hurried down to catch the sunset. During low tide, if you are lucky enough, to catch the sunset in good weather, the walk along the beach to Bar Island can be spectacular. 

Recently, tourists have become foolish enough to drive out by the edge of the island. Before long the tide moves in and your automobile is under water. In addition, this blatant disrespect for the natural environment ruins the experience for other people, including children playing along the beach.

As you can see this area is home to dramatic sunsets at this time of year with the changing light and ever moving shoreline, lapping at your feet. 

It is not difficult to imagine a watercolor derived from this photograph. With the natural patterns of the waves in the foreground and the vibrant washes of oranges and blues in the sky, the landscape takes on greater meaning.

Summer in Vermont

(C) 2019 Dale DiMauro

There is no other place I have been in this world with the richness of greens in the Summer as in Vermont. When I have left to go visit other states they often have drought-like conditions but once I arrive back in the Connecticut River Valley, the lush, verdant landscape smells of moisture in the air. 

Lately, I have been painting the skies I experience as accurate as I can, which is not easy. When you really look above you there is great diversity in the light and cloud patterns that influences our day. 

How you paint the sky is really important as it is often the first thing I put down in watercolor. It basically, sets the mood for your painting. The other thing about skies it that they are abstract. Or at least you can tweak the colors or exaggerate the values as long as your perspective with the horizon is working in your favor. 

Also, I have learned that the landscape is a couple values darker than the sky which gives it a solid foundation. I keep this in mind while working on a painting. It seems to be a good principle to build upon instead of going back to the ground area and making corrections.

Lake Sebago

(C) 2019 Dale DiMauro

Coastal Maine is a great place to visit, particularly in the Summer. I read somewhere that Bar Harbor had 30,000 people on one particular day when the residential population is in the neighborhood of 5,000. When your town has Acadia National Park on it, you attract crowds. Clearly, we were not the only ones visiting Maine but a change of scenery is alway welcome.

On one of the hotter days when traveling my wife and I visited Lake Sebago, which has the vast openness of a small ocean. However, the beach has smooth sand, free of rocks for the most part, which makes it great for swimming. Set back from the beach, Lake Sebago is distinct in having a transition area between the parking lot and shoreline dotted with mature pine trees. These trees provide a canopy from the sun over the picnic tables and walking trails with dappled light reaching the ground.

This watercolor is a 'memory' sketch from our day at Lake Sebago. My camera was left behind for the day so I painted what I recalled at a specific location along the beach. 

Of my three times visiting Lake Sebago, this was by far, the largest population at the beach. Scores of young children, in matching swimsuits with other day campers, are bussed to the beach in the Summer.  

Landscape Painting

(C) 2019 Dale DiMauro

Summer is a great time to paint watercolors. You don't have to go far for inspiration. Also, the days are long which gives you the opportunity to notice the changing light and capture it one way or another. I try to capture it with my camera. Or with pencil and brush. It makes you see things differently.

These are watercolors I have done in the last year. It is very satisfying to lay several out in a group not unlike a collage. It is also rewarding to try different types of watercolor paper and different sized formats. These paintings were done on Arches, Saunders and Fabriano watercolor paper.

Creating depth in a picture through foliage can be challenging yet rewarding if you come upon the right color combinations. This Summer season I have been eager to see what I can do with Hansa yellow. It is such a clean, transparent color. I like the range of greens it provides when mixed with various blues.