I tried to create a late night cocktail kind of scene with a professional bartender and moody lighting. I really enjoyed this one and actually documented the creation process. I'll follow up with the progression of small thumbnail to sketch on canvas to paint on canvas.
This one was actually painted on a greenish yellow tone and worked pretty well especially against the red vest. I tried to capture a "snooty wine guy" that I'm sure we've all had the pleasure of being served by.
The first in a series of "bar" paintings. I toned the canvas red and let some of that color peek thru in places. Fun technique that actually really helps me stay loose. Hunting down all those little white canvas spots can be tedious and take the joy out of it because at that point you are not really painting anymore. Letting the red bleed thru keeps me painting.
I made an effort to only use a large brush, hold it near the end of the handle and try to stay "loose". Its easy to choke up on a small brush and noodle a painting...I really wanted to avoid that trap on this one. And simplifying the scene helps too.
I've always enjoyed art and design and knew I wanted it make a career out of it at an early age. My passion led me to the College for Creative Studies (CCS) in Detroit MI where I studied transportation design. Today I work for a product development firm where I've had the opportunity to design products in a wide range of industries. While every day requires creativity in designing innovative products, it doesn't always require an "artistic hand". The enjoyment of that artistic outlet is what led me to oil painting. I'm inspired mostly by color and composition and enjoy finding that blend in many different subject matters. I hope you enjoy the work...thanks for looking!
As of March 2009 you can also view my work at The Button Gallery in Douglas MI.