In The Studio: Some Paintings I Just Finished

(The above painting is a 10 x 12 oil on oil primed panel)  “Mobjack”

I have been teaching myself to paint oils over the last year and I am struggling since I have never had a lesson but I really want to learn this wonderful medium.  I am studying DVD’s and really looking at oil paintings.  I learned to paint watercolors from a terrific painter and teacher Skip Lawrence and really never gave much thought to other mediums but now I am feeling the need for the magical quality of oils.  I paint abstract acrylics and that is a great expressive medium but for me oils are the missing link.  I have started paying really close attention to the fabulous landscape oil painters around today and I am stunned by the quality of their work.  To mention a few of my current favorites to check out there is Douglas Fryer, Scott Christensen, Marc Hansen, and Nancy Bush all of whom I came across in Southwest Artist Magazine.  I must admit that although I am a pretty good painter in the mediums I have spent a lot of time in I am not really comfortable in oils, but I hope to get there soon.

12 x 12 oil on canvas “Foot of the Mountains”

I just finished this painting with a few more dominant cows and some better brush work in the foreground.  I am still not getting great compositions and and strong feeling of light but I think it is just a matter of time.

WARNING THIS IS A CHEAP IMITATION OF A MARC HANSEN MASTERPIECE, I APOLOGIZE TO HIM BUT SOMETIMES COPYING A PAINTING IS THE BEST WAY TO LEARN.

His painting was perfect and stunning.  I wanted to see if I could capture the light and his wonderful brushwork and I am happy with my copy, since it still is only my fifth or sixth oil.  I did change the composition slightly but it is his idea. I promise to never copy a painting and take credit for it but I want to let you know that in the old days it was acceptable to copy paintings to get a feel for the process and medium.  Use whatever it takes to get your skills.  Remember in the world of rock and roll every modern guitar god learned the trade by copying and parroting those wonderful bluesmen from the 30’s 40’s and 50’s.  Clapton would have been just another guitar player if it wasn’t for his insatiable appetite for the classics.  Check out the November 2012 cover of Southwest Magazine to see how the painting should look.  He is really a great painter and if I am going to copy someone’s painting I am shooting for the best.