Evening Silhouettes and Process Shots!

Evening Silhouettes Study, 8x8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2023

SOLD

Wishing you all the happiest Easter. He is Risen! He is risen indeed! 

Here are process shots of this piece. It's always fun to see how they come together, and this one had a little bit different start. 

Paper towel wipe out to establish shapes and get rid of the white canvas.

Outlined the silhouette before going in heavy. 

Painted silhouette and orange base for sky.

Pulled dying sky color down into the orange base, defined shapes.

Modified sky and added distant horizon. Popped the lights in attempt to capture the glory of the sky. Always trying... 

_____________________________

Just for fun... here is a large one I did from the "study". The darks gave me fits with photographing, but I thought you might be interested in changes from small to large. I took out the side tree and moved the sun (it felt trapped in the branches on the small one.) And I kept more of the orange. I kind of love this one, and am keeping it... sometimes a girl wants one for herself! ;)  

Evening Silhouettes, 24x24, oil on canvas, L. Daniel ©2023

Painted from the small study above - SOLD. 

Out Beyond the Shore - Fix it Friday #7

Out Beyond the Shore, Oil on Canvas, 30 x 30, L. Daniel © 2020

SOLD

Today's "fix it" subject is a large piece that I first painted in 2009... 11 years ago!! At the time, I liked it well enough, but as it never sold, it began the art storage shuffle. It went from one closet to another, under a bed, back to a closet, etc. (You artist friends know what I am talking about! And hey, 11 years goes fast!!) Eventually it ended up in the "to be gessoed over" stack in my garage. After all, I thought, it's a large canvas and I can use it again. Ever the frugal one, am I. 

Well, at the last minute, I decided to try and resurrect it. Here are the results. You can still "find" the original in there, but it became a new painting and... it's going in my upcoming show!

BEFORE (painted 11 years ago in 2009)

AFTER (edited in 2020)

CHANGES:

Problem 1 - Color palette was too intense.

Fix 1 - Covered up almost ALL of that intense orange.

Fix 2 - Saved intense orange for pop at sun (focal point) and foreground reflections.

Problem 2 - Painting lacked depth (especially in sky).

Fix 1 - Muted down the color at the horizon to push that into the distance.

Fix 2 - Added a cloud pattern to establish space with overlapping layers and values. 

Fix 3 - Made sun smaller and lower to make it look farther away. 

Problem 3 - Brushwork was amateurish.

Fix 1 - Replaced overlarge mark-making with passages of painterly strokes. 

Fix 2 - Replaced too-broad single strokes with accurately sized highlights.

Problem 4 - Rocks looked flat, like cutouts.

Fix 1 - Reworked masses for a more defining profile.

Fix 2 - Added highlights reflected from the sun to give volume. 

OBSERVATIONS:

Biggest takeaway??? Color loses its power when used everywhere in a painting. Reducing the overall orange-ness and bringing in lots of neutrals, made the remaining color much more effective. Those pops of orange now direct the eye right to the focal point of this piece, which is always the goal. It's all about restraint... knowing when to hold back!

And now I digress, but... isn't this true of many things? We tend toward overdoing. If we like it, well, more, more, more! I'm reminded of something a dear friend shared at a particularly over-committed time of my life, "you can choke on good food too, you know." She was right. 

Click Here to see Fix It Friday #1

Click Here to see Fix it Friday #2 

Click Here to see Fix it Friday #3

Click Here to see Fix it Friday #4

Click Here to see Fix it Friday #5

Click Here to see Fix it Friday #6

Golden Memories - The Progression of a Commission

Golden Memories, 30 x 40, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2016

SOLD

Toward the end of last year, I was commissioned to do a very large painting as a Christmas gift. Commissions are not my favorite thing to do, but I am a hopeless romantic and my client's request was too compelling to pass up! He wanted a painting of the spot where he proposed to his wife at sunset - overlooking Lake Austin - while they were students at UT in the late 80's. After graduation, they moved away, had a family, and their own children are now in college. All these years later, he wanted to surprise her with that scene. Well... how could I say no? 

To make things more interesting, the scene itself is now completely overgrown with trees and shrubbery. The view is gone, and my client didn't have a photograph! Remember the days when we were not obsessively snapping photos on our phones, documenting every activity? Here's the great part - he remembered the colors and the angles, EVERYTHING really... including where the sun went down on the horizon!!! 

As most commissions go, there was a lot of collaboration back and forth, all by computer (since we were working long distance). Between the two of us - using his incredible memory and my research of other spots on that same hillside - we came up with "Golden Memories". Many thanks, MZ, and may the golden memories be always with you!

Here are a few outtakes from our process...

Composition Study, 8 x 10, graphite on paper

This was the final pencil sketch for the design and composition of the painting. I did 7-8 versions before we settled on this one.

Color Study, 9 x 12, oil on panel

As with the composition, the color study underwent several corrections and adjustments. (We even tried adding some bluebonnets, but decided to leave them out in the final.)

Underpainting, 30 x 40, acrylic on canvas

This acrylic underpainting allowed me to get approval for placement and shapes before diving in with oils. I don't usually include this step when painting large work on my own, but it was very helpful for staying on the same page with my client.

Golden Memories, 30 x 40, oil on canvas, L.Daniel © 2016

I had quite a lot of fun working on this, and was very glad I took it on. Receiving the "well done, brushes down" confirmation from my client brought me great joy!

The framed piece. 

H A P P Y   N E W   Y E A R !

Marsh Sunset - Georgia Coast

Marsh Sunset, 6 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

SOLD

Everyone was exhausted as Day Two of my workshop ended. But like I said before, these students were ready for adventure. We all dug down deep, found a little more energy, and went out for a sunset painting. Set up in a line along the marsh, we painted fast and furiously in anticipation of that last bit of light. Painting the sunset is a challenge. In the last minutes, each second offers a new and delicious combination of colors. Anticipating the changes and knowing when to stop is always the trick. 

Luminous Sky - Davis Gallery Holiday Show

Luminous Sky, 24 x 30, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2014

SOLD

This painting of the low country sky at dusk is one of several that will be on display in Davis Gallery's 16th Annual Holiday Show. The show opens this Saturday and features many of the gallery's talented artists. It will be a great one and I hope to see you there!!

Collective Chemistry - 16th Annual Holiday Show

Davis Gallery - Austin, Texas

December 13, 2014 - January 10, 2015

Reception December 13, 7-9pm

Luminous Sky Study

Luminous Sky Study, 6 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2014

SOLD

This was one of those awe-inspiring skies that needed to be seen up close and unobstructed. Can you believe my sweet husband actually drove me out to the edge of the marsh, and let me jump out about 10 times to photograph it? It's true! Thankfully I was able to capture the moment with my trusty iPhone till I could get home and paint it. :)

See more Small Works.

Red Sky at NIght - Anderson Gallery Exhibit

Red Sky at Night, 24 x 24, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2014

The title of this painting comes from the old saying, "Red sky at night, sailor's delight, red sky at morning, sailor's warning; ." It seems to be true. In my experience, a red sky at night usually portends that a fabulous day will follow. Plus, what is not to love about a red sunset?? :)

Headed to my solo show… 

"Marshside to Seaside"

Anderson Fine Art Gallery, St. Simons Island, GA 

 April 25 - May 24 | Reception April 25, 6-8 pm

Click HERE to view entire show on my website. 

Bea's Place - Door County Plein Air Festival

Bea's Place, 12x16, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

Day Three of the plein air festival was a full one... I painted on the bay in the morning, in the countryside in the afternoon, and back at the lake for the evening sunset. I'll admit that I was exhausted at the end of the day, but it was SO much fun. It's nice when my only task from sun-up to sun-down is to paint, paint, and paint again. 

Rocky Shore, 12 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

NFS

Sister Islands Sunset, 9 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

OH!! And my parents came up to Door County for part of the week, and they were there to root me on during the sunset paintout. (Did I mention that all forty of the festival artists were painting for a crowd in Sister Bay that night??) It was so much fun to have them there!

Day's End - Door County Plein Air

Day's End, 9 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2012

Available at the Peninsula School of Art, Guenzel Gallery

On Wednesday night of the Door County Plein Air Festival, all of the 40 featured artists gathered at the waterfront in Sister Bay to paint the sunset. This was one of the highly publicized events of the week, and crowds of people came out to watch us in action. All were very respectful and encouraging but it was intimidating nonetheless! :) After a full day of rain and drizzle, the sun came out on cue and gave us a beautiful display. 


At the VERY end of this day, a few of us went bowling at the local bowling alley. It was great to pull away mid-week and do something completely different... to just hang out a bit together and socialize. :)

Front l-r: Me, Scott Lloyd Anderson, Aaron Schuerr, Mark Horton, Shelby Keefe, Richard Lindenberg

Back l-r: Tom Maakestad, Chuck Marshall, Frank Gardner, Stuart Fullerton (Golden Pin winner), Marc Hanson

Blue Dusk Reflection - Salon International 2012!!!

Blue Dusk Reflection, L. Daniel, 18 x 18

SOLD

I am so excited to announce that this painting was juried into the Salon International 2012 show at the Greenhouse Gallery in San Antonio, Texas. It is a great privilege to be able to participate in this exhibit alongside a host of incredible artists whose work I adore. The show opens April 14 and runs through May 4. If you are anywhere nearby, please plan to come! WOO HOO!! 

Evening Pause (study)

Evening Pause (study), L. Daniel, 8 x 6

End of day. I love the feeling, smells and light. I love it in real time and I love painting it. :) This small study was done in preparation for a larger canvas I will post later in the spring (in conjunction with a show it will be in). As I have shared before, these small works are a great place for me to work out color relationships and composition challenges of an image before diving into a big one.

Click to purchase "Evening Pause (study)" $120 + $10 s/h

See more Small Works 

PS - I had a number of readers request that I post my Woodland Series altogether. Here they are, in sequence... Further In, Farther Up and Circle Back...

Woodland Series, L. Daniel, 8 x 18

This series is SOLD

Help Japan - painting for auction

Hillside Wonder (study), L. Daniel, 6 x 8, SOLD 

My gallery buddies at Daily Paintworks are hosting an online art auction to raise funds for relief efforts in Japan, and this piece is on the auction block.


Please visit our site and click the Help Japan Challenge link to see wonderful paintings by participating artists and have some fun with the auction! Remember all the money will go to helping the people of Japan.


A little bit of background on the auction theme: Artists are invited to submit/donate a piece that represents "home" to them (it's not too late, artist friends). I chose this big sky of Texas because, for me, it represents both a sense of power and a feeling peace. This is my greatest wish for the people of Japan right now... power to rebuild and peace on the way. 

Proceeds of my sale will go to the Japanese Red Cross Society. 

Hillside Wonder (study)

Hillside Wonder (study), L. Daniel, 6 x 8 

I have a "thing" for silhouettes against big skies... they always bring out the wonder in me. This sky was almost swirling with the color and movement of the clouds. 


Donated to Help Japan Auction - click here for info.
See more Small Works

Sundown on the Lake

Sundown on the Lake, L. Daniel, 9 x 12

November skies in Austin are so incredible... last night Plein Air Austin met to paint the sunset over Lake Travis. This has become an annual event for us and last night was no disappointment. The sky was extra dramatic because of a large cloud coverage. In the last 20 minutes before the sun disappeared the sky changed about 5 times, and each new color was more stunning than the last. It was like watching fireworks, audible "oohs" and "ahs" rang out as we painted fast and furiously!

Sea Oats at Dusk (enlarged)

Sea Oats at Dusk (enlarged), L. Daniel, 12 x 16

This larger version of "Sea Oats" is from awhile back, but I am behind in photographing and posting my work. I have been a little distracted - our daughter got engaged two weeks ago! She and her fiance are not getting married until next summer, but some things (like dates and venue) require immediate attention. Suddenly I am in Wedding Planner mode! :) It's such a wonderful time and we are having lots of fun! We couldn't be happier.

This painting will be available soon at the Anderson Fine Art Gallery in St. Simons Island, GA.

Sea Oats At Dusk

Sea Oats At Dusk (study), L. Daniel, 6 x 8, SOLD

This is another study for a larger painting that I will post at another time. (I have been working in the studio all week and am a bit behind in photographing.) I love the way colors and shadows shift as the sun goes down. The beach is particularly dramatic in this respect.

Happy Independence Day to All!!

.

See More Small Works

Lake Travis at Sunset

Lake Travis at Sunset, 8 x 6, SOLD

Last Thursday night Plein Air Austin gathered at the home of Lynn Cohagan to paint the sunset over Lake Travis. We all had to paint fast and furiously as the sun slipped down on the horizon; and believe me, it moves really fast. It was a beautiful evening and when the light was gone we ordered up some pizza. How great is that???

See more Small Works

Good Day, Bad Day

Dying Sun, 30 x 30

I set aside Tuesday and Wednesday of this week to paint large versions of last week's studies. Tuesday was a good day... everything seemed to click and I was pretty pleased with this larger piece. The large ones are so different to execute and have a completely different presence than the small studies, so when it worked out, I thought I was on a roll! But...

Bruised Sky, 30 x 30, WIPEDOWN!

This is all that is left of yesterday's effort. After painting all day, my garbage can is full of scraped paint and oily paper towels, and only a ghost image of the stained paint remains on the canvas. Some days are just like this! Sigh.

A messy clash

Bruised Sky, 6 x 6, SOLD

When I painted another sunset awhile back, a dear friend of mine commented on how the "dying light is a messy clash... a battle between light and shadow." Isn't it so true? This sky reminds me of that - a battle ended, with lingering bruises.

Feeling empowered!

Dying Sun, 6 x 6, SOLD

This study is one of several I worked on today. I am thinking about my next large piece and trying to work out some color and composition decisions.

My really big achievement of the day was learning how to change out my own website pictures!! Thanks to my web magician friend, West Romberger, at Wildwood Interactive I completed my first update! Please visit my website and check out my recent larger work (the text is "in process" but most pictures are new.)

See more Small Works