Barn commission???

This weekend I participated in the second annual Paint Van Buren County plein air competition. The weather was great and so were the paintings. The committee put together a nice event with community support in the way of sales. I thoroughly enjoyed the company of the other artists. I would encourage others to participate for a good time and camaraderie. If you are just learning; the more experienced artists are always helpful and supportive  A great group of friendly artists.

I was approached with a offer to paint this barn. I could not get it done in time for the competition so, after dropping off my paintings off, I went back to finish the scene, completely missing the awards ceremony. I did learn a little about the barn. Over a 150 years old built with wrought iron nails and hand sawn lumber. The missing boards were not the result of weather but thieves taking the siding. Next to the barn is a 200 year old burr oak. All very interesting, but was this a commission or just an offer to paint a scenic location? Haven't heard from the owner. This being the Midwest it could easily sell, so I am not worried.

16" x 8" oil on canvas panel.

Peach Rose

We have had a lot of nice days for plein air painting. Last Thursday I went out with Jessica to paint in the Bentonsport rose garden. Two paintings, one a keeper the other not. It is easy to blame the painting panel; this one started with a orange pink ground on a canvas panel. The other was a white gessoed hardboard panel painted with a ground that seemed to soak up the paint. I could not get the value range I wanted or maybe it was me overworking the painting.

9" x 12" oil on canvas panel - sold

This and That

Martin Pond in Shimek Forest. The green stuff I think is slime algae at least according to my internet search. Most of the sites are dedicated to getting rid of it. I kind of like painting it.

Another location in Shimek Forest, this one near Bitternut Lake. I brought my dog along for some exercise with the condition he stays close enough I can see him and if not, comes when I call him. I got halfway through this painting and he did not come when called. I packed up and when he finally came we went home. If he can't behave we are going home maybe next time he will listen to me, then maybe not.

11" x 14" oil on canvas

I stopped along the road to take the reference shot for this pastel. I then combined two photos. The problem with that is getting the scale correct. I had to brush off the cows on the left and redraw. 

Portrait

Portrait commission.

Rough in with ultramarine and burnt sienna.

Working on the flesh tones

I kind of like the unfinished look, but the client wanted more.

Finished portrait.

14" x 11" oil on linen panel

I have heard an artist complain "Why paint a portrait you are not going to sell?" Painting a this was a challenge and a learning experience. I had a hard time with the finer details working with a brush,