Studio Paintings

In the studio I strive to tell an elaborate story with my art. If the plein air painting is the short story, the studio painting is the novel. It is not detail that makes the difference, but rather I spend more time improving the structural components of a successful painting. Elements like design, color, focal point, unity, value change, may be improved to extend the viewer's interest. There will at times be more sub-dividing of the first washes, etc. In the studio I will look at various plein air paintings to rekindle the experience or to envision the "simplicity" that I wish to include. It is a fine line and balancing act between the plein air and the studio. On some occasions they look similar, but more often I strive for more of a "WOW" reaction with my studio paintings.

Click to enlarge any of the artwork